Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review: When I first got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, it felt remarkably similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, right down to the hinge and camera system.
The shared features between the two models initially led to disappointment, but I quickly discovered that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 has much more to offer, including a slimmer design and enhanced performance.
Lets take a closer look at this new foldable smartphone in our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review and specifications.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Design
I’ve always found Fold phones to be big and bulky. It's like carrying two devices in your pocket at once, and you never really forget it's there. Sadly, it seems Samsung might not be shifting away from this chunky design anytime soon, especially since they offer the more portable Galaxy Z Flip as well.
But here's the good news: the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Fold 5 features a sleeker and slimmer design. Measuring 13.4 mm folded and 6.1 mm unfolded, it's a pleasant step down from the Fold 4's dimensions.
Complementing the thinner design is a weight decrease, from 9.28 ounces to 8.92 ounces, making it 10 grams lighter. I immediately noticed the difference as the Fold 5 felt more ergonomic and comfortable to hold in my hand.
This reduced footprint was largely achieved by Samsung's new Flex Hinge, which not only cuts down the phones overall size but also lets it close without a gap, so there is less chance of debris sneaking in-between them.
Durability is further enhanced thanks to the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on both the front and back, while an IPX8 rating provides that extra peace of mind against water, and its construction from high-quality Armor Aluminium is a testament to its premium quality.
When it comes to colour choices, Samsung has opted for more muted tones often associated with premium phones. These include Phantom Black, Cream, and this Icy Blue variant that we've been sent.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Displays
The displays on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 remain unchanged with a 7.6-inch main screen and a 6.2-inch cover screen. Both are beautiful AMOLED panels that look really punchy and offer adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz.
However, the main display is now even brighter at 1750 nits, a significant bump up from the Fold 4's 1000 nits of peak brightness. This increase notably improves outdoor visibility, effectively reducing reflections and ensuring that the display is usable in any lighting condition.
You'll still find a crease down the centre of the folding display and you can feel it when your fingers glide over it, but that's the nature of a folding phone. For me, the crease has never been an issue and it really is a small compromise in the grand scheme of things.
Crease or not, the appeal of a large tablet-like screen isn't lost on me. Faced with the decision between enjoying a film on a standard six-inch smartphone or indulging in the expansive view offered by the 7.6-inch display, I find myself drawn to the latter without hesitation.
I only wish I could extend the same admiration to its much narrower outer companion. At 23.1:9, it's very long and not wide enough. It works fine for certain activities, such as scrolling your social feed, yet I find it falls short when it comes to typing.
I would have preferred an aspect ratio similar to the one found on the Oppo Find N. However, it seems Samsung has firmly embraced this distinctive, elongated aesthetic, for reasons best known to them. It's a minor disappointment in the context of such an innovative device, but one I can't help but notice each time I use it.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 specifications, at least from the hardware perspective, is the integration of the new custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. This enhanced version of the chipset boasts a higher clock speed, granting it a tad bit more power compared to other flagship devices utilizing the same platform.
It's the identical chip found in the Galaxy S23 models and is complemented by 12GB RAM, with storage options stretching up to an expansive 1TB.
In my own experience with this phone, it's nothing short of a smooth and rapid performer. Whether I'm multitasking across various apps to make the most of the larger display or indulging in high-end gaming, the Fold 5 never fails to impress.
Gaming, in particular, is fantastic, and the device manages to stay cool, even with demanding titles. This efficient temperature control is thanks to a larger vapour cooling chamber, making the device more efficient at self-cooling than before.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Battery Life
Speaking of efficiency, the 8 Gen 2 processor also plays an important role in enhancing battery life. While the 4400mAh battery is still the same, the improved hardware ensures that I can extract more life from it. Now, I'm not suggesting that it will consistently last for two full days, but it should get you through a full day, depending on how you use it.
As for charging, Samsung doesn't include a brick in the box, which I find very frustrating on a phone that's priced well above 1,50,000 Rupees. You will either have to buy the compatible 25W charger or use a third party one.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 specs continues with the superb triple camera system I've admired in its predecessor, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
The excellence of Qualcomm's hardware shines through once again, especially in its formidable image signal processing. I found that the Fold 5’s rear cameras can take some great photos. Daylight shots were strikingly sharp and filled with colour, while even low light images managed to capture an impressive level of detail.
The telephoto camera deserves a big shout out as well. It takes some amazing portraits at 3X zoom with very clean edge detection and natural depth of field. I was also genuinely pleased with the phone's video recording capabilities.
Ultimately, I'm not at all bothered that Samsung didn't introduce an upgraded camera system. The existing configuration is still incredibly effective, and perhaps even improved, thanks to enhanced image processing.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Software
With the integration of Android 13 and One UI 5.1.1, Samsung's Fold 5 continues to evolve and enhance the software experience. The biggest update comes to Taskbar, which now displays up to four recent apps instead of just two.
This feature is handy for maximizing the Fold 5's multitasking capabilities, allowing you to easily drag apps onto the main screen. In fact, the phone can accommodate three apps and an additional floating window simultaneously.
There's also a new drag-and-drop function that enables you to move a photo from the Gallery directly into a new Samsung Notes file. Flex mode remains a prominent feature, offering dynamic adjustments to app layouts such as Camera and YouTube when the phone is in a half-folded position.
More importantly, Samsung promised four major OS upgrades on the Fold 5, a reassuring fact when making such a significant investment.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Price
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 price in India starts at Rs. 1,54,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. The mid-range option, featuring 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, is set at Rs. 1,64,999, while the high-end variant, equipped with 12GB RAM and an expansive 1TB storage, is priced at Rs. 1,84,999. Customers who pre-book the Galaxy Z Fold 5 can enjoy appealing incentives, with benefits valued at Rs. 23,000.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 sale date in India is set for August 18, 2023, after opening pre-bookings on July 27, 2023. Samsung also offers early deliveries for those who pre-book, and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 can be reserved at all major online and offline retail stores throughout India.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 pros and cons have been clearly highlighted in this article, so you can make an informed decision. The phone may not boast an extensive list of updates, but the improvements it does offer are genuinely useful.
The snappier processor, slightly improved cameras, and a sleeker design, make this phone more enjoyable to use over all previous iterations.
Yes, the price tag is steep, as it always has been the case for Samsung flagships, but if you've been eyeing a foldable phone, then it’s absolutely worth every penny.
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