The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is the latest iteration in Samsung’s popular foldable series, combining a compact, stylish design with powerful features and the latest technology. As a successor to the Galaxy Z Flip4, the Z Flip5 brings improvements in display, performance, and usability, making it one of the most compelling foldable smartphones on the market. Whether you’re drawn to its unique form factor, the ability to fold it into a pocket-sized device, or its cutting-edge features, the Galaxy Z Flip5 aims to offer a premium experience in a compact package. In this review, we’ll explore the design, features, performance, and overall value of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 to help you decide if it’s the right smartphone.
In this Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Review, we’ll take a look at:
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 continues to build on the stylish and functional design that has made the Z Flip series a hit among consumers.
Sleek and Compact Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Flip5 maintains its signature clamshell design, allowing it to fold in half and fit easily into pockets or small bags. This compact design is practical and exudes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of flip phones from the early 2000s. Samsung has refined the hinge mechanism on the Z Flip5, making it more durable and smooth, with less noticeable creasing on the inner display when unfolded.
Enhanced Durability
The Galaxy Z Flip5 is constructed with Samsung’s Armor Aluminum frame and features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the outer display, enhancing durability against drops and scratches. The hinge mechanism has been further reinforced, promising a longer lifespan with smoother folding and unfolding action. Additionally, the Z Flip5 is rated IPX8 for water resistance, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
New and Improved Cover Screen
One of the most notable design changes in the Galaxy Z Flip5 is the significantly larger cover screen, which now measures 3.4 inches diagonally. This Super AMOLED display offers a 720 x 748 pixels resolution, making it more functional than ever before. The expanded cover screen allows users to access notifications, control music, take selfies, and even run apps without opening the phone, enhancing overall convenience and usability.
Display and Multimedia Experience
Samsung’s expertise in display technology shines through in the Galaxy Z Flip5, offering an immersive and visually stunning experience.
Main Foldable Display
The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2640 x 1080 pixels resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the brightness is sufficient for outdoor use. The display provides an excellent viewing experience for everything from watching videos to browsing social media, and the adaptive refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations.
Flex Mode and Multitasking
The Galaxy Z Flip5 is designed to utilize its foldable form factor fully with Flex Mode. When partially folded, the device can split the screen, with content displayed on the top and controls on the bottom. This feature is particularly useful for video calls, taking hands-free photos, or multitasking with two apps simultaneously. The larger cover screen enhances the multitasking experience, allowing users to manage tasks more efficiently.
Performance and Software
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 offers top-tier performance thanks to its upgraded hardware and software optimizations.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor
The Galaxy Z Flip5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the latest and most powerful chipset from Qualcomm. This processor delivers significantly improved speed, efficiency, and graphics performance compared to its predecessor. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the Z Flip5 easily handles demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
One UI 5.1 and Android 13
Running on Samsung’s One UI 5.1, based on Android 13, the Galaxy Z Flip5 offers a user-friendly interface with a host of customization options. Samsung has optimized One UI to take full advantage of the foldable design, with features like enhanced Flex Mode, customizable cover screen widgets, and improved app continuity. The software is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making the Z Flip5 a joy to use in both folded and unfolded states.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Z Flip5 is available in two storage configurations: 256GB and 512GB. Both options use UFS 4.0 storage, which provides fast read and write speeds for improved performance. However, the device does not include a microSD card slot, so users must choose their storage option based on their needs.
Battery Life and Charging
Despite its compact size, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 offers reliable battery life and fast charging capabilities.
3,700mAh Battery
The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a 3,700mAh battery, a slight improvement over its predecessor. While this battery capacity may seem modest compared to larger smartphones, the energy-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and adaptive refresh rate help the device deliver a full day of use under typical conditions.
Fast Charging and Wireless Charging
The Z Flip5 supports 25W wired fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge accessories like wireless earbuds or other Qi-compatible devices on the go.
Camera System
Despite its compact form, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 offers a versatile camera system that delivers impressive photo and video quality.
Dual Rear Cameras
The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide sensor. While the camera system may not have as many lenses as some flagship models, it delivers sharp, vibrant images with accurate colors and excellent dynamic range. The improved image processing and AI enhancements ensure that photos taken in various lighting conditions are clear and detailed.
Front Camera
The Z Flip5 also includes a 10MP front-facing camera located on the main display. This camera is perfect for selfies, video calls, and face unlock, offering good quality even in low-light conditions. The larger cover screen also allows you to use the rear cameras for high-quality selfies, with a live preview on the cover screen.
Video Capabilities
The Galaxy Z Flip5 can record 4K video at up to 60fps, with excellent stabilization and HDR support. The Flex Mode allows for hands-free video recording, making capturing content from unique angles easy without additional equipment.
Value for Money
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 offers a premium experience with its unique design and advanced features, making it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate cutting-edge technology.
Competitive Pricing for a Foldable Device
While the Galaxy Z Flip5 is priced higher than traditional smartphones, it offers a unique foldable experience that justifies the cost. The combination of innovative design, powerful performance, and enhanced durability makes the Z Flip5 a compelling option for users looking to stand out.
Longevity and Software Support
Samsung’s commitment to providing regular software updates ensures that the Galaxy Z Flip5 will receive the latest Android features and security patches for several years. This long-term support and the device’s robust build quality make the Z Flip5 a smart investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and stylish design with a larger, more functional cover screen.
- Durable build with enhanced hinge and IPX8 water resistance.
- Powerful performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
- Versatile camera system with Flex Mode and hands-free capabilities.
- Improved battery life and fast charging options.
Cons
- No telephoto lens for zoom photography.
- Limited battery capacity compared to larger smartphones.
- No microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a remarkable device that combines the convenience of a compact, foldable design with the power and features of a flagship smartphone. With its larger cover screen, improved durability, and top-tier performance, the Z Flip5 offers a premium experience for users who value style and functionality. Whether you’re drawn to its unique form factor, powerful camera system, or the ability to customize your experience, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is a versatile and future-proof device that will impress. If you’re in the market for a foldable smartphone that doesn’t compromise performance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is an excellent choice that delivers on all fronts.
Summary of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Features
Feature | Description |
Main Display | 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate |
Cover Display | 3.4-inch Super AMOLED, more functional with expanded capabilities |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with 8GB RAM |
Camera System | Dual 12MP rear cameras, 10MP front camera, 4K video recording |
Best For | Fashion-forward users, multitasking, and hands-free photography |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 FAQ
What are the key differences between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and the Galaxy Z Flip4?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 introduces several key improvements over its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip4. The most notable change is the larger 3.4-inch cover screen, which offers more functionality, including access to widgets, notifications, and even certain apps without altering the device. Additionally, the Z Flip5 features an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for better performance, a refined hinge mechanism that reduces the crease on the main display, and improved durability with IPX8 water resistance. These enhancements make the Z Flip5 a more versatile and powerful foldable smartphone.
How durable is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, and does it have water resistance?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is built with durability in mind, featuring an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the outer display. The hinge mechanism has also been reinforced for improved longevity, with Samsung claiming it can withstand over 200,000 folds. The device is rated IPX8 for water resistance, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes. While the Z Flip5 is not fully dustproof, the water resistance protects against everyday accidents and environmental exposure.
Can the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 run apps on the cover screen, and how functional is it?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5’s larger 3.4-inch cover screen is significantly more functional than previous models. You can access notifications, control music, take selfies using the rear cameras, and run select apps directly from the cover screen. The expanded capabilities of the cover screen make it easier to perform quick tasks without unfolding the device, enhancing convenience and usability. The cover screen also supports widgets, allowing for further customization and quick access to essential information.