Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, released on August 11, is the latest version of Samsung’s foldable smartphone lineup, offering a blend of innovation, design enhancements, and powerful performance. 

It was released on August 11 with a starting price of $1,799 for 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. You can also upgrade to 512GB for $1,919 and 1TB for $2,159.

In this review, we will explore the specifications, pros, and cons of the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Specifications:

• Unfolded Dimensions: 129.9 x 154.9 x 6.1mm
• Folded Dimensions: 67.1 x 154.9 x 13.4mm
• Weight: 253g
• Cover Display: 6.2-inch 120Hz AMOLED (2316 x 904) with Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Main Display: 7.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED (2208 x 1768) with Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0
• Rear Cameras: 50MP main f/1.8, 10MP f/2.4 3x telephoto, 12MP f/2.2 123-degree ultra-wide
• Under-Display Camera: 4MP f/1.8
• Cover Camera: 10MP f/2.2
• Battery: 4,400mAh with 25W charging
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G, NFC
• Available Colors: Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Grey, Blue

Pros:

1. Design and Hinge Improvements: The Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a new teardrop hinge mechanism that lets the device close completely flat, offering a cleaner and more premium look.
2. Enhanced Multitasking Abilities: The improved multitasking features, including the Taskbar and two-handed drag and drop, offer a more efficient way to work across multiple apps and screens.
3. Better Battery Life: Despite a similar battery size to its predecessor, the Z Fold 5 offers longer endurance thanks to optimization and the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.
4. Strong Photography: The camera setup, though similar to the previous model, offers improved image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
5. Thinner and Lighter Design: The Z Fold 5 is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, making it more portable and comfortable.

Cons:

1. Narrow Cover Screen: The narrow cover display might not provide the most comfortable experience for certain tasks, especially compared to wider competitors.
2. Sluggish Charging: While offering 25W charging, the charging speed could be seen as slower compared to other premium smartphones.

Review Summary: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 builds upon its predecessor’s foundation with notable improvements. The new Flex hinge and improved design make it feel more refined, while the upgraded multitasking features and better battery life enhance productivity. The photography experience is commendable, though not drastically different from the previous model. The inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip ensures smooth performance and improved graphics capabilities.

However, limitations persist, such as the narrow cover display and relatively slow charging speed. Despite these drawbacks, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 remains at the forefront of foldable technology, offering a unique blend of smartphone and tablet functionality.

For existing Galaxy Z Fold 4 owners, the upgrade might not be essential due to the similarities between the two models. However, for those new to foldable devices or seeking an all-in-one solution for both work and leisure, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a compelling choice that offers powerful performance and a versatile design.