The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking design changes compared to its predecessors. If you already own a previous model, there’s little reason to upgrade. However, if you’ve been undecided about investing in a book-style foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is the top choice. Allow me to explain further.
- Form Factor: The review is about a particular form factor, which is likely a foldable smartphone.
- Use Cases: The use cases for this form factor are well-known and will not be discussed in detail.
- Functionality: These foldable smartphones act as regular handsets when folded and provide a larger screen, similar to a mini tablet when unfolded.
- Benefits: Unfolding the device allows you to watch videos, play games, work on documents/spreadsheets, etc., taking advantage of the larger screen.
- Drawbacks: These devices can be bulkier compared to conventional phones, which may be problematic in certain situations, such as outdoor activities.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 retains a familiar design, but it has significant improvements in core features. It boasts better build quality, an improved hinge, a brighter screen, S Pen support for enhanced productivity, and smooth performance. While the cameras and charging speeds could be better, the overall package is appealing, especially for those interested in a book-style foldable.
Design and displays
The Galaxy Z Fold5 maintains a similar design to its predecessor, the Z Fold4, with a thick build, a tall outer display when folded, and a mini tablet-like form when unfolded. Key features include a Type-C port in the middle of the bottom half, volume rocker and power key on the right, speaker vents at the top corners when folded, a Samsung-branded hinge on the left, three camera rings with a flash on the back, and a more subtle crease on the main screen. The Z Fold5 and Z Fold4 are visually similar, but the Z Fold5 offers improvements such as a less noticeable crease and a more seamless folding experience.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 features a familiar design with noticeable refinements aimed at enhancing build quality. Notably, it incorporates the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2, an improvement over the Victus+ used in the Fold4. The Z Fold5 is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, with Samsung is managing to shave off a few millimeters and reduce weight. As a result, it is being touted as the thinnest and the lightest foldable device in the Galaxy Z Fold series.
The Z Fold5 retains a 6.2-inch, 120Hz AMOLED cover display and a 7.6-inch, 120Hz AMOLED main screen with HDR10+ support. The main screen now offers higher peak brightness at 1,750 nits compared to the Z Fold4’s 1,200 nits, enhancing readability in bright sunlight. The device’s screens are vibrant and continue Samsung’s display excellence.
The enhanced S Pen support in a device, likely the Samsung Z Fold5. The S Pen experience has been improved for better writing. However, it is important to note that the device does not include S Pen, and there is no built-in storage for it. Samsung offers an official case with a slim S Pen attached for an extra cost, providing protection and convenience. The S Pen proves useful for various tasks like note-taking, doodling, annotating documents, screen sharing, translating, and converting handwriting to text. Although the cover screen does not support the S Pen, the device’s main display, due to its large size, offers an excellent canvas for maximizing the S Pen’s capabilities.
Cameras
The Z Flip5 boasts impressive camera capabilities with a 50MP primary sensor (f/1.8) featuring OIS, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP selfie camera in the cover display’s punch hole, and a 4MP in-display camera on the main screen’s top right corner. While these specs remain consistent with the previous model, the new chipset incorporates an improved ISP, expected to enhance both speed and image quality.
The Samsung camera app is packed with a wide range of features, including an AI-based scene optimizer, HDR10+ video shooting, tracking autofocus, various AR features, voice command and palm gesture shooting, and more. In addition to common modes like portrait and night, it offers advanced options such as pro video, food mode, super slow-mo, portrait video, Director’s View, and Single Take.
Regarding image quality, the Z Fold5 can capture exceptionally high-quality photos and movies under practically all lighting circumstances. Images taken in daylight are sharp and with Samsung’s renowned color saturation levels, which make the hues stand out. Edge recognition for portrait pictures is also excellent, and the specialized night mode helps improve low-light images. Simply said, the image quality and dynamic range don’t seem appropriate for a phone with this high of a price tag, especially in low-light situations. Don’t misunderstand me; the Z Fold5 cameras aren’t subpar. not in any way. However, they fall short of the high standards and adaptability provided by Samsung’s own Galaxy S23 Ultra. Let’s just say that if camera quality is your major concern.
The capabilities of a foldable device, highlight its various options for capturing photos. The camera app allows you to use the primary cameras for selfies by using the cover display as a viewfinder. Additionally, you can partially open the device like a laptop to take photos without requiring a separate mount or stand.
Performance and battery life
The Samsung Z Fold5, positioned as the flagship in Samsung’s smartphone lineup, boasts the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC from Qualcomm, accompanied by 12GB of RAM and storage options reaching up to 1 terabyte. These specifications translate into a seamless and fluid user experience across various applications, tasks, and games. Although the phone experiences a slight warming when under stress, it doesn’t reach uncomfortable levels for holding.
The 4,400mAh battery, combined with the 4nm SoC, provides good power for a full day with moderate use. However, using the phone unfolded for extended periods or for battery-intensive tasks may require a top-up charge by the evening. It’s noteworthy that a charger isn’t included in the box. The 25W wired charging is relatively slow, taking over an hour and a half for a full charge. The PCMark battery test lasted 13 hours and 35 minutes, which is respectable. The phone supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The fingerprint sensor and face unlock work well. Stereo speakers enhance media consumption, and call quality is fine. The device supports 5G, and a 5G speed test was conducted on Airtel in South Delhi.
Final verdict
In 2023, Samsung has been dominating the foldable market in India, especially with their Galaxy Z Flip5. However, they are facing increasing competition from brands like OPPO and Motorola in the clamshell category. Additionally, in the book-style foldable segment, Samsung is set to face strong competition for the first time, with OnePlus, possibly Honor, and other contenders entering the market. In this competitive landscape, Samsung needs to enhance its offerings and maintain its leading position to stay in the spotlight.
