The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 represents the pinnacle of Samsung’s foldable smartphone innovation, delivering cutting-edge technology, enhanced durability, and a seamless user experience. As the successor to the Galaxy Z Fold4, this device refines the foldable design, offering improvements in performance, display quality, and multitasking capabilities. With the Galaxy Z Fold5, Samsung aims to solidify its dominance in the foldable market, providing users with a smartphone that doubles as a tablet, all within a compact and stylish form factor. This review will explore the design, features, performance, and overall value of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 to help you determine if it’s the right device.
In this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Review, we’ll take a look at:
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 continues the sleek and sophisticated design language that has become synonymous with Samsung’s foldable series while making key improvements to enhance durability and usability.
Sleeker and More Durable Design
The Galaxy Z Fold5 boasts a refined design with slimmer bezels and a more compact hinge, making it sleeker and easier to handle than its predecessors. The device’s body is constructed from Samsung’s Armor Aluminum, which is both lightweight and incredibly durable, ensuring it can withstand daily use’s rigors. The foldable screen is protected by Samsung’s latest Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG), improved for better scratch resistance and durability.
Water and Dust Resistance
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Z Fold5 is its IPX8 water resistance rating, which means the device can survive being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. While it doesn’t offer full dust resistance, the water resistance significantly improves. It provides peace of mind for users who want a foldable device that can handle everyday spills and splashes.
Improved Hinge Mechanism
The Galaxy Z Fold5 features an upgraded hinge mechanism, which is now more compact and durable. This new hinge design reduces the gap between the two halves of the device when folded, giving it a more seamless look and feel. The hinge is also more robust, with Samsung claiming it can withstand up to 200,000 folds, ensuring long-term durability.
Display and Multimedia Experience
Samsung has always been known for its exceptional displays, and the Galaxy Z Fold5 is no exception. The device offers a stunning visual experience, whether you use it as a smartphone or a tablet.
Main Foldable Display
The Galaxy Z Fold5 features a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 2208 x 1768 pixels resolution. The display supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the brightness levels are more than adequate for outdoor use. The foldable screen offers an immersive viewing experience, making it ideal for watching videos, playing games, or multitasking with multiple apps.
Cover Display
The outer cover display is a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 2268 x 832 pixels resolution. Like the main display, it also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and responsive experience even when using the device in its folded state. The cover display is perfect for quick tasks, such as checking notifications, sending messages, or making calls, without unfolding the device.
Flex Mode and Multitasking
One of the unique features of the Galaxy Z Fold5 is its Flex Mode, which allows the device to be partially folded and used in a laptop-like position. This is particularly useful for video calls, watching content, or taking notes with the S Pen. The enhanced multitasking capabilities allow users to run up to three apps simultaneously on the main display, making it easier to work, browse, and communicate.
Performance and Software
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is powered by the latest hardware and optimized software, ensuring top-tier performance across all tasks.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold5 has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, significantly improving speed, efficiency, and graphics performance over previous generations. Paired with 12GB of RAM, the device easily handles demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming. The Adreno 740 GPU delivers smooth graphics rendering, making the Fold5 an excellent choice for mobile gaming.
One UI 5.1 and Android 13
The Galaxy Z Fold5 runs on Samsung’s One UI 5.1, based on Android 13. The software is optimized for foldable devices, offering features like enhanced multitasking, improved app continuity between the cover and main displays, and customizable Flex Mode options. Samsung’s software also includes various productivity tools, such as Samsung DeX, and integration with Microsoft Office apps, making the Fold5 a powerful tool for work and play.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Z Fold5 is available in three storage configurations: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. With no microSD card slot, users must choose their storage option wisely based on their needs. The UFS 4.0 storage ensures fast read and write speeds, contributing to the overall snappy performance of the device.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy Z Fold5 is equipped with a 4,400mAh battery, split between the device’s two halves. While this may not sound like a large battery, the energy-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and adaptive refresh rate help the device deliver a full day of use on a single charge.
Fast Charging and Wireless Charging
The Galaxy Z Fold5 supports 25W wired fast charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes. The device also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge accessories like the Galaxy Buds or other Qi-compatible devices.
Camera System
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 features a versatile triple-camera setup, providing excellent photo and video quality across various scenarios.
Rear Camera Setup
The rear camera system comprises a 50MP wide-angle primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. The camera setup delivers sharp, vibrant images with accurate color reproduction and good dynamic range. The improved image processing and AI-powered features ensure that photos taken in low light are clear and detailed, with minimal noise.
Front Cameras
The Galaxy Z Fold5 also includes two front-facing cameras: a 10MP camera on the cover display and a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen. While the under-display camera is a significant technological achievement, it’s primarily intended for video calls and basic selfies, as the quality is not as high as the primary camera or the cover camera.
Video Capabilities
The Galaxy Z Fold5 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 needing a tripod.
Value for Money
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is a premium device with a price tag to match, but it offers unparalleled versatility and cutting-edge technology.
Premium Pricing
With its high price point, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is aimed at tech enthusiasts and professionals who want the latest and greatest in mobile technology. The device’s foldable design, high-end specs, and productivity features make it a unique offering in the smartphone market, justifying its premium cost.
Longevity and Software Support
Samsung’s commitment to software updates ensures that the Galaxy Z Fold5 will receive regular Android updates and security patches for several years. This, combined with its durable build and advanced features, makes the Fold5 a future-proof investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Innovative foldable design with improved durability and water resistance.
- Stunning 7.6-inch main display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Powerful performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 12GB RAM.
- Enhanced multitasking and productivity features.
- Versatile camera system with excellent photo and video quality.
Cons
- High price may be prohibitive for some users.
- No microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- Under-display camera quality could be improved.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is a remarkable device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. With its foldable design, top-tier performance, and enhanced multitasking capabilities, the Fold5 is perfect for power users, content creators, and anyone looking to combine the functionality of a smartphone and tablet in one device. While it comes with a premium price tag, the Galaxy Z Fold5 delivers exceptional value for those who want the best mobile technology. If you’re in the market for a cutting-edge device that offers a unique and versatile experience, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is an excellent choice that will not disappoint.
Summary of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Features
Feature | Description |
Main Display | 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with 12GB RAM |
Camera System | Triple rear cameras (50MP + 12MP + 10MP) with 4K video recording |
Battery Life | 4,400mAh with 25W fast charging and 15W wireless charging |
Best For | Multitasking, productivity, and immersive multimedia experiences |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 FAQ
What improvements does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 offer over the Galaxy Z Fold4?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 introduces several key improvements over its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold4. These include a more compact and durable hinge design that reduces the gap when the device is folded, an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for faster performance, and an improved Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) that enhances screen durability. The Galaxy Z Fold5 also offers better multitasking capabilities, a brighter main display, and a slimmer overall design, making it more portable and user-friendly.
How durable is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, and does it have any water resistance?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is built with durability in mind. It features Armor Aluminum construction and an upgraded Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) that improves scratch resistance. The device is also rated IPX8 for water resistance, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. However, it does not offer full dust resistance, so users should be cautious in dusty environments.
Can the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 be used with an S Pen, and is it included with the device?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is compatible with the S Pen, allowing for precise input and enhanced productivity, particularly in Flex Mode or when using the device as a tablet. However, the S Pen is not included with the device and must be purchased separately. Samsung offers a specific S Pen for the foldable screen, which can be stored in an optional case designed for the Galaxy Z Fold5.