Smartphones & Tablets | November 21, 2023
Although Samsung has been consistent in 2023 with its foldable phones, the details make all the difference. In the case of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, it’s worth taking a closer look to discover the improvements inside and out. Samsung’s book-type foldable phone aims to overcome the thickness and extra weight issues of the previous generation, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, and updates its hinge to allow for a complete, gap-free closure. There are also noteworthy software changes to discuss.
When you examine the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 from the outside, you’ll find a phone that’s quite recognizable. The design lines remain largely the same, with rounded corners and smooth surfaces. Perhaps the camera module hints at a generational leap, but the most significant change is the relocation of the flash, rather than any major alterations to the lenses.
However, what’s most remarkable is the work that’s not immediately visible but can be felt. Samsung has managed to reduce its weight by 10 grams and its thickness by 2.4 mm. These changes make the phone more comfortable to hold and carry in your pocket, without causing fatigue.
Additionally, the redesigned hinge enables a complete fold. There is no longer a tight gap or space for dust or dirt to sneak through when it’s in your pocket. Everything is securely closed, resulting in a more balanced design.
The main purpose of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is to transform from a phone to a tablet with a simple unfolding motion. The interior screen features a flexible 7.6-inch panel with a somewhat square-ish format. It’s a QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution that offers 374 pixels per inch (ppi) and a 120Hz refresh rate. These are high-end specs for a display that can be very useful due to its size and additional capabilities. For instance, it’s compatible with the S Pen stylus. Its most attractive feature is its ability to reach peak brightness levels of 1,750 nits, making it possible to enjoy content in any environment, even under direct sunlight. However, the screen’s coating is somewhat glossy, which may result in reflections that disrupt the viewing experience.
On the other hand, the external screen, which is used more frequently, is a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with HD+ resolution. This gives it a pixel density of 402 ppi and a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a slightly elongated aspect ratio of 23.1:9, allowing it to function as a regular smartphone screen until you want or need to unfold it to reveal a tablet within.
The most visible changes to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 are found within its software. Samsung has updated the software to include features, capabilities, and user experiences that enhance the use of the device’s large flexible screen. A notable example is that, when in tablet mode, there is now an extended toolbar and recent apps. This helps users quickly switch between recently opened apps and facilitates multi-window and multitasking by allowing resizable app windows to display information simultaneously. This leads us to the next improvement.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 now includes a gesture that allows elements from one app to be dragged and dropped into another. For example, you can drag an image from a webpage into a note in the note-taking app by using two fingers to select and a third finger to move it. This capability allows the phone to serve certain work needs and may reduce the need to carry a laptop at all times.
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | |
| Indoor screen | 7.6 inches, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Infinity Flex Display with QXGA+ resolution, 374 dpi and support for S Pen and 120Hz refresh rate. 1,750 nits of brightness. |
| Outdoor screen | 6.2 inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X with HD+ resolution, 402 dpi and 120Hz refresh rate. 23.1:9 format |
| Cameras | – Main: 50 megapixel Dual Pixel and f/1.8 aperture with OIS and AF – Secondary: 12mp ultra wide angle with f/2.2 aperture – Third: 10mp with 3X Zoom telephoto lens and OIS and f/2.4 aperture, up to 30X digital zoom |
| Secondary cameras | – Cover camera: 10mp with f/2.2 aperture – Under-screen camera: 4mp and f/1.8 aperture |
| Internal memory | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 3.1 type |
| Processor and RAM memory | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 For Galaxy processor 12 GB RAM |
| Battery | Double 4,400 mAh battery and 25W fast charging (50% mobile charge in half an hour with 25W adapter or 3A USB-C cable, charger sold separately) Fast wireless charging 2.0 PowerShare wireless charging |
| OS | Android 13 One UI 5.1.1 |
| Connections | 5G WiFi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 USB C 3.1 NFC GPS |
| SIM | Dual nano SIM or an eSIM |
| Design | Ice Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Grey, Blue. Armor Aluminum frames and hinge. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass surfaces. |
| Dimensions | – Folded: 67.1 x 154.9 x 13.4mm – Unfolded: 129.9x 154.9 x 6.1mm – Weight: 253 grams |
| Featured Features | IPX8 resistance, flow functions between screens, toolbars and more extensive actions, support for new S Pen, fingerprint sensor on the side button, guaranteed resistance of 200,000 folds (100 folds a day for 5 years), Flex Hinge (shape of drop that folds almost completely). Compatibility with new cases that include a new S Pen (sold separately). New Flex mode with more functions and settings at the bottom of the screen. Function of dragging files between apps. |
| Release date | Available from August 11 |
| Price | 256GB model: €1,909 512GB model: €2,029 1TB model: €2,269 |
Moreover, when the phone is partially folded into laptop mode, the Flex mode has been updated. In addition to splitting the screen and using the bottom half for navigation and typing, new tools allow for control of playback, volume, and brightness without having to touch other parts of the phone.
All of these functions, particularly multitasking, are made possible by a powerful processor adapted to this foldable phone. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, ensuring smooth performance. Of course, having 12GB of RAM also contributes to the fluid operation. Storage options range from 250GB to 1TB.
To power this device, Samsung has included two batteries with a total capacity of 4,400 mAh. It supports 25W fast charging, which can charge half of the battery in just 30 minutes. However, in line with Samsung’s eco-friendly policies, the charger is not included with the device.
Samsung remains consistent in the camera department as well. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is equipped with a 50MP Dual Pixel main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens. This camera setup should sound familiar, as it’s the same as what’s found in the Samsung Galaxy S23. This is a high-end camera configuration with all the features needed for tripod-free shooting, taking advantage of the flexible phone body in Flex mode, activating the external screen to allow the subject to see themselves in real-time, or even viewing recent shots on the same screen when taking pictures with the phone unfolded.
