The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the latest iteration in Samsung’s foldable lineup, refining the concept of a compact, pocketable smartphone with premium features. The Z Flip series has always been about blending cutting-edge technology with a nostalgic clamshell design, and the Z Flip 5 takes this formula even further. With improved durability, a larger external display, and enhanced performance, it positions itself as one of the most advanced foldable devices on the market. Here’s a detailed review of the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Design and Display
The Z Flip 5’s design is a refined version of its predecessors, maintaining the same clamshell folding form factor. When folded, it’s compact, fitting easily into pockets or small bags, which is a key selling point for those looking for portability. The significant upgrade here is the external display, which has grown from 1.9 inches to 3.4 inches. This larger cover screen, dubbed the “Flex Window,” offers more functionality than before. It allows for quick access to notifications, controls for music, and even the ability to respond to messages without needing to unfold the device.
Unfolded, the Z Flip 5 reveals a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the overall viewing experience is smooth. While the crease in the middle of the screen is still noticeable, it’s less pronounced compared to earlier models, and the display feels sturdier. Samsung continues to improve its foldable technology, making the Z Flip 5 more durable and visually appealing.
Build Quality and Durability
Durability is always a concern with foldable phones, and the Z Flip 5 addresses this with strengthened materials. It boasts an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and rear, making it more resistant to scratches and drops. Samsung has also upgraded the hinge mechanism, making it more robust and less prone to dust accumulation. The phone has an IPX8 rating for water resistance, which means it can withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters—an important feature for a foldable device.
Performance
Under the hood, the Z Flip 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM. This combination ensures that the phone delivers excellent performance across a wide range of tasks, from multitasking to running demanding apps and games. The phone operates smoothly, with little to no lag, even when switching between apps or using multiple apps in split-screen mode. Storage options include 256GB and 512GB, but there’s no microSD card slot for expansion.
Battery life is another area where the Z Flip 5 performs well, thanks to its 3,700mAh battery. While not as large as some non-foldable phones, it provides a full day of use for most users with moderate screen time. Fast charging is limited to 25W wired charging, which is acceptable but falls behind some of its competitors.
Camera Performance
The Z Flip 5 features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. While the camera system isn’t quite on the level of flagship devices like the Galaxy S series, it delivers solid results. Photos are sharp and vibrant in good lighting, and the ultrawide lens offers flexibility for capturing wide-angle shots. The front-facing 10MP camera performs well for selfies and video calls, and the foldable design allows for unique angles when using the Flex Mode, which is a fun and useful feature.
Software and Features
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 runs Samsung’s One UI, based on Android 13, and offers a smooth and intuitive experience. The software is optimized for the foldable form factor, with Flex Mode allowing apps to adjust to the folded position of the phone, giving you a hands-free experience for things like watching videos or video calls. The larger external display is another major addition, improving the usability of the phone when folded.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is an impressive foldable phone that continues to push the envelope in terms of design, performance, and functionality. The larger external display, enhanced durability, and improved performance make it a more refined product than its predecessors. While it’s not a perfect phone—particularly in areas like fast charging and camera performance—it remains one of the most innovative smartphones on the market. For those looking for a compact, foldable device that doesn’t compromise on power, the Z Flip 5 is a standout choice.
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