Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review: The Ultimate Foldable Experience

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 marks a significant evolution in Samsung’s foldable smartphone lineup, refining the foldable concept with improved design, performance, and functionality. As a flagship device, it combines cutting-edge technology with an innovative form factor, offering users a tablet experience in a phone-sized package. With a sleeker design, better performance, and more durability, the Z Fold 5 builds on its predecessors to deliver an even more polished foldable experience. Here’s a full review of the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Design and Display

The design of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a refined version of its predecessors, featuring a thinner, more compact form when folded. At just 13.4mm thick when closed, it’s more portable than previous iterations, making it easier to slide into pockets or bags. The front display is a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, offering vibrant colors, sharp text, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It’s wide enough for everyday use, though the real magic happens when you unfold the device.

Unfolded, the Z Fold 5 reveals a massive 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This primary display offers an immersive, tablet-like experience, perfect for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity. The crease that runs down the center is still visible but less noticeable compared to earlier models, thanks to improved foldable display technology. The display is incredibly bright, with rich colors and deep contrast, making it one of the best screens available on a foldable phone.

Build Quality and Durability

Samsung has significantly improved the build quality of the Z Fold 5. The device features a sturdy aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back for added durability. The hinge mechanism has been redesigned to be slimmer and more robust, ensuring the phone folds smoothly and can withstand daily use. The Z Fold 5 also boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can survive being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes—ideal for accidental splashes or brief immersion.

One area of improvement is the overall rigidity of the device when unfolded. The screen feels more solid, and the hinge no longer feels as fragile as in previous versions, making the device more confidence-inspiring for long-term use.

Performance

The Z Fold 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. This combination delivers top-tier performance, handling multitasking, gaming, and productivity apps with ease. The phone’s multitasking capabilities are enhanced by the large folding display, which allows users to run multiple apps simultaneously, split-screen, or use the new Taskbar feature for faster app switching.

Battery life is solid, with a 4,400mAh battery providing a full day of use under moderate to heavy use. Samsung has optimized power consumption on the foldable display, so while the battery isn’t the largest, it strikes a balance between portability and longevity. The Z Fold 5 also supports 25W fast charging, though it’s not the fastest on the market.

Camera Performance

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is equipped with a triple-camera system, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The camera setup is capable of producing excellent photos in various lighting conditions, with vibrant colors, good dynamic range, and impressive low-light performance. The telephoto lens adds versatility, and the ultrawide lens is great for group shots or landscape photos.

The foldable design also adds a unique aspect to photography, allowing for hands-free shooting with Flex Mode, or using the large unfolded display for a more comfortable preview. The front-facing camera (4MP) is sufficient for selfies and video calls, though it’s not as sharp as the rear sensors.

Software and Features

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1, optimized for foldable devices. One of the standout features is Multi-Active Window, which allows users to run up to three apps simultaneously, enhancing productivity. The Taskbar makes app navigation faster and more intuitive, mimicking a desktop-like experience. Samsung also includes support for DeX, allowing the phone to function as a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the ultimate foldable device for those looking for a combination of premium design, powerful performance, and innovative features. With its sleek design, improved durability, and stunning displays, the Z Fold 5 sets a new benchmark for foldable smartphones. While it’s not without its flaws—such as the high price tag and average front camera—the Z Fold 5 offers a truly unique and futuristic experience that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. If you’re after a device that can replace both your phone and tablet, the Z Fold 5 is the one to beat.