Smartphones & Tablets | September 30, 2023
Changes in consumer electronics don’t happen instantaneously but rather progressively. WhatsApp didn’t become the go-to communication app overnight; it took several years for everyone to start using it. The same gradual adoption is happening with foldable phones – initially targeting tech enthusiasts, they are gradually becoming a mainstream choice when upgrading smartphones.
we traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to attend Samsung’s product launch event, giving us a firsthand look at the evolution of such devices. We’ve already shared our initial impressions of tablets, watches, and phones, and now it’s time for the first review – the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, starting at a price of 1,209 euros.
During part of that trip and since returning, we’ve been using this new smartphone as a daily device for work, gaming, making calls, and video calls. In this review, we’ll focus on the changes it brings compared to its predecessor, which aren’t numerous. However, there’s one key change – the external screen, which finally occupies almost the entire front. It’s clear that the moves by rivals like Motorola have prompted Samsung to start changing certain strategies.
Samsung’s foldables can be divided into two types: clamshell and book-like. The latter has always had a large enough external screen to make opening the phone not always necessary. Clamshell phones didn’t have this option, although over generations, they gained more functionality on the small external screen they offered.
In the latest generation of Flip phones, Samsung has made a significant leap by using a 3.4-inch external screen, which represents a paradigm shift in how the device is used. Suddenly, clamshell phones can also be comfortably used closed, even if not all installed apps can be used.
This is one of the major differences from the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, which allows running any installed app externally at the cost of perhaps not displaying the interface properly. Samsung has chosen to limit the number of apps we can use externally and force developers to use their own API to adapt their apps. It’s not complex or difficult, but it’s up to these developers whether they want to adapt their programs to a specific phone.
Out of the box, we have access to some Google and Samsung apps, like YouTube or Google Maps, as well as two third-party apps, Netflix and WhatsApp. The former doesn’t seem like the best option for viewing on a small screen, but it might work if you prop up the phone in tent mode and listen to a previously-watched series episode in the background.
On the other hand, WhatsApp works well on this screen, allowing us to read messages, listen to audio messages, and even play videos. Additionally, on the left side of all available screens, we have access to notifications, just like when we open the phone, and WhatsApp notifications can be directly opened on this screen.
In addition to using apps, Samsung has designed a wide range of widgets. These widgets display the time, calendar, number of steps taken, and more. They also allow us to interact with the voice recorder, alarms, stopwatch, stock values, weather, call log, and even camera controls. Taking selfies becomes very convenient and high-quality using this external screen.
The interface is easy to navigate, swiping from right to left (the elements can be rearranged in the phone’s settings) and swiping up from the bottom to go home. If swiped down from the top, connectivity controls such as Bluetooth, airplane mode, etc., appear. Lastly, pinching the external screen provides an overview of all elements and direct access to the desired item.
This single feature alone could be enough to choose this foldable over others in the limited alternatives available in the market. It’s worth noting that Samsung’s biggest value in these kinds of phones lies not in the hardware, but in the software. It’s evident that the Korean company has invested time and resources into determining how an external screen should function on this type of device.
Let’s move on to the second major change in the Z Flip 5: the hinge. Similar to what we’ve seen in the Z Fold 5, this year’s Flip uses a new type of hinge with fewer moving parts. It also allows the terminal to close completely, eliminating the need for a gap between the two parts of the panel when folded. Despite this change, the IPX8 water resistance is maintained, something we haven’t seen in any other foldable on the market.
This new hinge also makes using the phone when closed more comfortable due to its reduced thickness. Additionally, it can be positioned at any angle, making it suitable for Flex Mode. In this mode, we can use the top part of the internal screen to display apps and the bottom part for interface control, including a touchpad, quick screenshot access, notifications, and split-screen mode to display two apps simultaneously.
The entire perimeter frame and hinge area are constructed from metal, tinted slightly to match the color of the phone’s rear, where wireless charging is located. Unlike previous occasions, all Z Flip 5 models have a black upper rear section where the cameras are located. This is done to prevent the screen from standing out too much due to an odd notch that appears when trying to avoid the cameras. In this aspect, it’s reminiscent of the solution Samsung employed in the original Samsung Galaxy Z Fold for the interior camera cutout, before moving it to a hole-punch design, and later, under the screen.
The last major change in this model compared to the Z Flip 4 is its processor. Samsung has chosen to use the best processor available at the moment, at least within the Android ecosystem – the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This processor is well-known for its power and, even better, its efficiency. In this version called “For Galaxy,” the company has slightly increased the clock frequency to provide more power, although it’s not something noticeable in day-to-day use.
In our usage, we’ve seen that it performs perfectly, offering good performance in various games and effectively managing power consumption. However, this phone’s battery life isn’t the best on the market. We haven’t encountered issues with Wi-Fi connectivity (category 7), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC usage, etc.
Another change, minor but important considering the price increase of this phone, is the internal memory. The Flip now starts with 256 GB, without a 128 GB or lower version. There’s also a 512 GB version available, both equipped with 8 GB of RAM. This RAM difference is one of the significant performance distinctions from the Z Fold 5, which boasts 12 GB of RAM.
High-end phones differ from mid-range phones in many ways, with the camera system being one of the most relevant distinctions. Interestingly, Samsung’s approach with its foldables seems to deviate from this, perhaps considering the folding nature as a substantial difference. Therefore, the Z Flip 5 uses the same camera setup as its predecessor, with tweaks from the new ISP in the processor responsible for turning photos into data. Despite this change, we must acknowledge that there isn’t a significant difference between the photos taken by this phone and those taken by the Z Flip 4.
At the rear, there’s a 12 MP wide-angle camera with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS. The image quality is quite good during the day, with a much better dynamic range compared to the secondary camera, which we’ll discuss shortly. Skin tones, blurring, and overall photo quality are as expected.
There’s also a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera at the back with an f/2.2 aperture. This wide-angle lens is of lower quality, not due to edge distortion (typical for such lenses), but due to image quality, which is better than that of the main sensor. This difference is more pronounced at night, where the primary camera manages reasonably well, but the ultra-wide-angle one struggles.
Regarding video, there’s a significant difference between using the rear and front cameras. The two rear sensors provide fairly good quality, although not reaching the heights seen in other high-end models. The optical stabilization of the main sensor prevents image jitter.
At the front, there’s a 10 MP camera for selfies. The result is very good during the day, producing realistic photos with accurate skin tones and high detail without over-sharpening. However, the video quality isn’t what you’d expect from a phone of this price, especially in low-light conditions, as seen in the video review at the beginning of this article.
One great thing about this phone is that we can take both photo and video selfies using the external, rear camera, with the external screen acting as a viewfinder. This significantly enhances image quality, making this one of the best phones for selfies on the market.
Last year, Samsung increased the Flip 4’s battery compared to its predecessor. However, this time, we haven’t seen the same increase, and the battery remains at 3700 mAh, the same as the 2022 model. The Z Flip 5 isn’t known for its battery life, although we must admit that it hasn’t caused us any issues during normal usage.
However, during a busy day, it’s likely that we’ll need to resort to the charger, which, by the way, isn’t included in the box, along with its 25W charging capacity. Samsung still hasn’t increased the charging speed, although wireless charging is retained.
During one day of the trip in Seoul, we left the hotel at 7 AM and returned at 1 AM. It was before the Unpacked event, and we hadn’t yet received the review units of this phone, so I had the S23 Ultra that Samsung had lent me for this trip. With its 5000 mAh battery, that phone had 7% battery left upon returning to the hotel. In the same circumstances, the Flip would have needed a recharge at some point.
However, upon returning, I found that the phone provides me with 4 to 5 hours of screen time with over 30 hours of total usage, primarily indoors or with minimal photography and video recording. It’s clear that battery life isn’t a problem with foldables, but it’s still far from what their manufacturers promise in more conventional models.
Whenever we review foldable phones, software requires special attention. While software is essential for any smartphone – it’s what makes it smart – it’s especially crucial for foldables because it determines how well the hardware is utilized. Samsung is aware of this and offers the best experience in foldables.
Beyond the version of Android (version 12) and One UI (version 5.1), the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 stands out in terms of software due to the use of the external screen, as discussed at the beginning of this review. It also offers features like Flex Mode, allowing any app to be opened on the top part of the internal screen while keeping interface control on the bottom. This control area includes elements like a touchpad, quick screenshot access, notifications, and the ability to split the screen to show two apps simultaneously.
Naturally, all the functions we had in previous Samsung Galaxy devices remain, such as high customization, integration with Samsung Knox, using Smart Switch to transfer data from an old phone to a new one, and the option to configure a double tap on the power button to open the camera or the desired app. For example, it’s convenient to configure Samsung Pay for quick access while the phone is closed.
Nevertheless, some aspects need improvement, such as screen utilization in certain games, which don’t occupy the entire front, or the fingerprint sensor’s placement, which isn’t optimal. We mention these points because facial recognition attempts to compensate for this, but it’s also not the best we’ve seen on a phone, even a Samsung one.
I can’t recall the last time I recommended someone to buy a newer model when they had the previous year’s model. The changes between generations are no longer substantial enough for that recommendation, and the Z Flip 5 is a good example of this. However, we’ve seen significant changes in some aspects, such as construction or the external screen, making this model more interesting than last year’s.
Samsung has allowed Motorola to be the first brand to offer a clamshell foldable phone with a large external screen, but it’s only given them a few weeks of a head start. Of course, price is a factor to consider. We don’t say this because the Motorola is significantly cheaper (there’s a 10-euro difference), but because phone costs have risen this year, and the Z Flip 5 has followed suit.
The 256 GB model is priced at 1,209 euros on Samsung website. However, the promotional offer is for its larger sibling, the 512 GB version, priced at 1,329 euros but discounted to 1,209 euros due to the phone’s launch. In other words, for the price of the lower model, you get the higher-end one. Additionally, both versions come with a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro as a gift, making the launch offer even more enticing.
Is this the best clamshell foldable Samsung has made? Undoubtedly, by a significant margin. Does that mean it’s recommended for everyone? No, of course not, due to its form factor and price. Not too long ago, we anticipated seeing mid-range foldables in the medium term, but that now seems quite unlikely.
