With a lighter, smoother design and seamless folding, this folder boasts excellent multitasking features and swift performance. However, it comes with a notably steep price
Samsung’s latest folding phone-tablet establishes unprecedented benchmarks for cutting-edge technology, albeit accompanied by a notably high price point.
Amidst formidable competition from Google’s Pixel line, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 stands as a significant update for Samsung. The fresh foldable device comes with a price tag of £1,749 ($1,799.99/A$2,599), marking a £100 increase compared to last year’s outstanding Fold 4 and aligning with the equally premium cost of Google’s Fold.
These avant-garde gadgets transcend mere phone functionality. Samsung presents the Fold 5 as a comprehensive PC, tablet, and phone that can be neatly folded and placed within your pocket. Undoubtedly, it stands as the most versatile Android device available.
Refinements have been made to the design compared to last year’s model. The wedge shape has been discarded, and the device now folds completely flat when closed, thanks to the introduction of the same new hinge design as seen in the Z Flip 5 – a substantial enhancement. This version is slimmer and 10 grams lighter than its predecessor, with the crease along the screen fold being less pronounced.
While still somewhat thicker than a standard phone, it’s just 13 grams heavier than an iPhone 14 Pro Max. Carrying it in your pocket feels less cumbersome, and it notably outweighs its primary competitor.
The external 6.2-inch display is slightly narrow, which results in a somewhat compact keyboard. However, its aesthetics are pleasing, and it functions sufficiently well for tasks like messaging, music, and quick interactions. For all other purposes, the 7.6-inch internal display remains a marvel when unfolded.
Specifications
Primary Display: 7.6-inch QXGA+ 120Hz AMOLED Flexible Screen
Secondary Display (Cover Screen): 6.2-inch HD+ 120Hz AMOLED
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Memory (RAM): 12GB
Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
Operating System: One UI 5.1 based on Android 13
Camera System: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto; 10MP and 4MP front cameras
Connectivity: 5G, Dual SIM, eSIM, USB-C, WiFi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS
Water Resistance: IPX8 (Up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes)
Folded Dimensions: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm
Unfolded Dimensions: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm
Weight: 253g
Rapid and long-lasting
Equipped with Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor sourced from the Galaxy S23 Ultra and coupled with 12GB of RAM, the Fold 5 stands as one of the most potent Android devices available for purchase. Unlike many other phones, you might genuinely tap into its full potential – multitasking with eight apps simultaneously demands the entirety of its capabilities.
The battery endures for approximately 48 hours before needing a recharge, engaging a combination of the outer and inner screens for roughly six hours. This performance surpasses last year’s iteration, outperforms most primary competitors, and aligns with the battery life of top-tier conventional smartphones.
Sustainability
Samsung does not specify the exact battery lifespan, but it’s anticipated to exceed 500 complete charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity.
This phone is generally designed for repairability. Inner screen repairs are priced at £514, and authorized service centers can replace the battery. Samsung provides a self-repair initiative in the UK and US, along with Care+ accidental damage coverage that lowers repair costs to £115.
Crafted using recycled aluminum, glass, and plastic, the Fold 5 emphasizes sustainable materials. Samsung offers trade-in and recycling programs for older devices. While the company publishes annual sustainability reports, detailed impact assessments for individual products are not currently provided.
Powerful software
In the face of significant competition, particularly from Google’s Pixel Fold, Samsung distinguishes itself through its powerful software. Utilizing Samsung’s One UI 5.1, built on Android 13, you can effortlessly employ a split-screen layout for three applications simultaneously. Additionally, you have the option to employ floating windows atop these apps, which is a notable advantage for those who require high levels of productivity.
The taskbar situated at the screen’s bottom simplifies the process of placing multiple apps side by side. While the Fold 5 offers support for Samsung’s impressive S Pen stylus, it does not come included, setting it apart from other foldable devices.
Furthermore, apps can be coerced to occupy the full screen, removing the necessity for black-letterboxed margins on either side, a demand observed with certain competitors. Yet, some apps like Gmail or Kindle still require the Fold 5 to be rotated into landscape mode to enable their dual-pane view.
In contrast to the Pixel Fold, the Fold 5 offers an array of customization options, allowing you to establish distinct home screen layouts for the exterior and interior displays. This way, you can assign phone-related apps to the compact screen and tablet-oriented apps to the larger one. You can also specify which apps remain open on the small screen after closing them on the main display, particularly useful for on-the-go navigation via maps.
Camera
In total, the Fold 5 features a set of five cameras that remain largely unchanged from its predecessor. This camera arrangement is practical, featuring three capable cameras on the rear, a primary front-facing camera on the outer screen, and a discrete 4MP camera situated beneath the folding screen, primarily suitable for video calls.
The primary cameras, including the 3x telephoto lens, deliver commendable image quality under various lighting circumstances. The night mode exhibits improved speed compared to previous iterations, and the resulting images possess a slightly enhanced level of sharpness. The Fold 5 retains an assortment of features, including the capability to use the main cameras for selfies and the convenience of propping the device for capturing hands-free photos and videos.
Price
The initial price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is £1,749 ($1,799.99/A$2,599).
To provide context, the Z Flip 5 is priced at £1,049, the S23 Ultra at £1,249, the Google Pixel Fold at £1,749, and the Honor Magic Vs at £1,399.99.
Conclusion
In its fifth iteration, Samsung’s folding phone-tablet has emerged lighter, sleeker, exhibiting superior build quality, and stands as a more refined device than ever before.
The Z Fold 5 retains its notably high price point, reflective of the advanced technology that enables the folding screen to function. However, it necessitates handling with greater care than a conventional phone.
Nonetheless, it ranks among the swiftest and most versatile pocket-sized devices, offering extended battery life and hosting the market’s premier folding display. A distinguishing factor is Samsung’s robust software, enhancing productivity and optimally utilizing the folding design, even when apps lack tailored support.
