Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Review

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• Design and Build
• Display
• Performance
• Battery Life
• Camera
• Software
• Connectivity and Extras
• Price
• Conclusion
• Pros and Cons
• User Reviews
• Images and Videos
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In the ever-growing smartphone industry, one of the most important things that attract customers is creating an innovative and cutting-edge design. The idea of foldable phones used to sound like something unreal, but nowadays, it has been implemented as a standard design for many smartphones on the market. One of the firsts companies to introduce the foldable design to its smartphone products was Samsung, a company synonymous with creativity and quality. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the newest edition of smartphones offered by the tech company, with the device promising to bring the best of the nostalgic look of flip phones and also incorporate the best features that contemporary smartphones can offer

Editor’s Rating

4.60
out of 5

Design

Display

Battery

Camera

Performance

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Key Features Overview
Display:	6.7 inches Dynamic AMOLED, 2640 x 1080 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support. Front cover display: 3.4 inches Super AMOLED.
Hardware & Performance:	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, Octa-core CPU, Adreno 740 GPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage. Runs on Android 13.
Battery:	3700 mAh with fast charging, Qi wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Wired: 25.0W; Wireless: 10.0W.
Camera System:	Rear Cameras: Dual setup with 12 MP main (OIS, PDAF) and 12 MP ultra-wide. Supports video recording. Front Camera: 10 MP.
Design & Build:	Dimensions: 6.50 x 2.83 x 0.27 inches; Weight: 187.0 g. Glass back (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2), Aluminum frame. IPX8 resistance.
Connectivity:	5G ready, LTE-A, Nano SIM, eSIM, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E, Type-C USB, NFC.
Multimedia:	No 3.5mm jack, earpiece, loudspeaker, wireless screen share. Additional noise cancellation microphone.
Advanced Features:	GPS, A-GPS, Glonass, Galileo, BeiDou, various sensors including Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and Barometer.
Availability:	Announced on Jul 26, 2023.
Website	www.samsung.com

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 ranks as one of the flagship smartphones of the market, with the device demonstrating the best performance in categories like design, technology, and overall user experience. The product was officially released to the market on July 26, 2023, with the smartphone indicating Samsung’s immense progress since the launch of their first foldable phone back in 2018. While the realm of foldable phones has seen increasing competition, with brands like Motorola introducing their contenders, Samsung has continually strived to stay ahead of the curve. Thanks to the vast variety of features and upgrades in its design, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 strives to establish Samsung’s position in this unique sector. It isn’t just another smartphone; it’s an emblem of where the future of smartphones is headed.

To introduce a better experience, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 builds on the functionalities and design laid by its predecessor, with the newest edition of the foldable smartphone offering an improved design, faster processor, and more external screen features. But does it have what it takes to outshine its competition and enthrall consumers? Since it is our intention to make a detailed review of the device, we will reveal some outstanding features of the products as well as some points that need a little improvement. Given the surprise show of strength from the Motorola Razr+ recently, Samsung’s new entrant not only has to match expectations but exceed them.

1. Design and Build

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In an environment where most smartphones look almost identical and offer similar experiences, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 stands out from its competitors. Drawing lineage from its Z Flip series, the Z Flip 5 continues the trend of Samsung’s commitment to excellence and innovation in clamshell foldable design.

One of the first things that caught our attention was the return of the Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This not only adds a layer of protection but reinforces the phone’s premium stature in the market. And in a move that is greatly appreciated by users who may be prone to occasional accidents, Samsung continues with the IPX8-certified water resistance, a feature that most of its rivals struggle to integrate into their foldable designs.

While many clamshell foldables have graced the market, the Galaxy Z Flip series carries a unique aesthetic. The Z Flip 5’s design is reminiscent of the patterns Samsung established with the Z Flip 3 and 4. One can see the polished color-matched Armor Aluminum frame, tight radii at its corners, and a back that’s only interrupted by the dual circular camera lenses.

An interesting design choice here is the shift of the camera orientation. Unlike the last two models where the cameras were aligned vertically, the Z Flip 5 opts for a horizontal alignment to make room for the expanded cover display. This improvement also had a direct effect on the two-tone finish of the phone, with the new glossy black cover display section giving the Z Flip 5 a distinctive look.

However, there is so much more to the new Z Flip 5 device than simply its new exterior. Delving deeper, one notes that the Z Flip 5 is 2mm thinner when closed compared to the Z Flip 4. Although this change may seem insignificant, those who hold the device or place it in their pockets will most definitely notice the difference. It demonstrates Samsung’s dedication to refining even the smallest details, ensuring the user experience is optimized at every touchpoint.

One key feature that requires our attention is the improved water-drop hinge, which makes sure that the two halves of the foldable phone are seamlessly aligned when the phone is closed. It’s not just a cosmetic upgrade but also impacts the ergonomics, making the Z Flip 5 feel noticeably slimmer. The hinge retains the robustness found in its predecessors, allowing the device to be unfolded between 75 to 115 degrees, enabling the nifty Flex Mode.

However, there’s a slight drawback. Samsung has reverted to the reflective glass last witnessed on the Flip 3. While this design choice may resonate with some, it doesn’t have the same premium tactile feel as the Flip 4. What is more, it is more susceptible to micro-abrasions, which requires the integration of stronger protective cases.

We commend the Z Flip 5, which showed better durability results than what it claimed to offer. Independent testing suggests it can endure well beyond Samsung’s quoted 200,000 folds. This robustness, paired with its resilience to water and dust, makes it a formidable contender in the foldable market.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5’s design and build are not mere incremental upgrades but a testament to Samsung’s commitment to pushing boundaries and offering users a blend of style, function, and durability. This device is so much more than a foldable smartphone, it is a product that offers a solid performance

2. Display and Visual Experience

In the foldable realm, the display plays a critical role. It’s not just about vibrant colors or sharp resolutions but also about functionality, durability, and user experience. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 doesn’t disappoint in this department, bringing in a host of upgrades and refinements.

• Cover Display Expansion: The Z Flip 5’s cover display has grown significantly, now at 3.4 inches with a 720 x 748 AMOLED screen, offering 80% more space than the Z Flip 4.
• Enhanced Functionality: This larger cover display enables expanded ‘Flex Window’ use, supporting a full QWERTY keyboard and more versatile app interaction including third-party apps like Spotify.
• Unique Cover Display Features: Samsung has introduced the ability to run unsupported apps in Flex Window, similar to Motorola’s Razr series, but differs in aesthetic design around the camera bezels.
• Main Screen Improvements: The 6.7-inch main screen features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display with an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz and improved peak brightness of 1750 nits.
• Crease Visibility: Despite improvements, the visible and tactile fold line (or crease) in the display remains a minor drawback.
• Software Enhancements: The Z Flip 5 includes various display-centric features like dark mode, adaptive brightness, eye comfort shield, and always-on display, aiming to enhance user experience.
• Overall Display Excellence: Both the cover and main displays of the Z Flip 5 have seen notable upgrades, emphasizing both form and function in Samsung’s latest foldable phone.

Starting with the cover display, Samsung has made significant strides. Historically, Samsung’s cover displays on its clamshells, like the Z Flip 4, had stagnated at 1.9 inches. But with the Z Flip 5, Samsung has taken a bold leap. Covering almost the entire upper half of the phone’s rear, the new 3.4-inch 720 x 748 60Hz AMOLED cover display is a whopping 80% larger than its predecessor. This enhancement doesn’t just translate to a bigger screen but also facilitates an expanded ‘Flex Window’ functionality. Whether it’s accessing various clocks, calendars, timers, or even third-party apps like Spotify and Google Stocks, the cover display offers a richer and more versatile experience. The considerable size now supports a full QWERTY keyboard, a significant relief for those who’ve found quick replies cumbersome on smaller screens.

An interesting feature under the Samsung Labs menu is the option to run unsupported apps on this Flex Window. This added functionality matches capabilities seen in Motorola’s Razr series, allowing users to indulge in games, music, and more without flipping open the phone. However, a point of differentiation arises when comparing the Z Flip 5’s cover display aesthetics with Motorola’s Razr Plus / Razr 40 Ultra. The latter seamlessly integrates pixels around its camera system, while the Z Flip 5 opts for a more conservative approach, leaving noticeable bezel around the cameras. It’s a minute detail, but when aesthetics play such a pivotal role in buying decisions, it’s an element worth noting.

Moving on to the primary screen, the Z Flip 5 boasts a 6.7-inch Full HD+ (2640 x 1080) ‘Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display’ – a mouthful, but an impressive one. This display, though reminiscent of the previous Z Flip’s main screen, offers an adaptive refresh rate scaling from a power-saving 1Hz to a buttery-smooth 120Hz, ensuring an optimal viewing experience. Sheltered under UTG (ultra-thin glass), this Full HD+ panel delivers vivid colors, deep contrasts, and generous viewing angles. An added bonus is its peak brightness, clocking in at 1750 nits, a notable jump from the Flip 4’s 1200 nits, enhancing legibility even under bright outdoor conditions.

However, there’s still the matter of the crease. Even though the revamped Flex Hinge has improved in other areas, the fold line is still visible. It’s perceptible both by touch and sight, especially when the phone is viewed at certain angles. While this crease is not something one cannot get used to, the tech giant should strive to completely eradicate this imperfection for future iterations of the foldable smartphone.

To conclude this part, we can say that the display of the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has improved in many aspects, bringing form and functionality together. While most of the updates have been introduced to the cover display of the device, the main screen still manages to offer a top-notch viewing experience. The future looks bright (and foldable) with Samsung leading the charge.

3. Performance and Efficiency

The newest addition to Samsung’s series of foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Flip 5, demonstrates the brand’s determination to always improve its performance in this category by providing efficiency and power that is unbeatable.

The driving force of the Flip 5 performance is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is the core processing unit of the device. Along with this powerhouse, the smartphone also features 8GB LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage of either 256GB or 512GB. By axing the 128GB storage option this year, Samsung marks the start of a new strategy for its products. While it does essentially push the entry barrier higher for the Z Flip series, consumers are compensated with at least double the base storage for similar price points in certain markets.

Comparatively, the Z Fold 5 boasts a higher 12GB RAM, reflecting its orientation towards heavy multitasking and productivity. However, the Flip 5 does not fall short. The incorporation of the latest LPDDR5X RAM, combined with the UFS 4.0 storage and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, ensures a significant boost in performance, along with enhanced power efficiency. These upgrades are especially crucial considering the Flip 5’s modest battery size.

Thanks to the benchmark tests that have been carried out, the Flip 5 model further establishes its high-quality performance. When compared to its predecessors on the Geekbench 6 platform, the Flip 5 model outperformed the Z Flip 4 by 11% in different categories. The newest Galaxy foldable smartphone also showed better performance than the Oppo Find N2 Flip and the Razr 40 Ultra, beating their overall scores by 11% and 26%, respectively. When the device was compared to traditional smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, OnePlus 11, and Xiaomi 13, also powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Flip 5 still outdid the rest.

Even when tested on games with intense graphics, the Flip 5 showed great gaming performance. That said, potential buyers should keep in mind that during longer gaming sessions, the device tends to heat up, which may lead to some throttling in the performance of the smartphone. It’s crucial to strike a balance between the sleek design and optimal thermal management.

In summary, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 champions performance and efficiency in the foldable domain. With top-of-the-line internals and a robust chipset, it stands as one of the most formidable contenders in both the foldable and traditional smartphone arenas.

4. Battery Life

The battery life of a smartphone is crucial for its daily use, and the Galaxy Flip Z 5 shows a great performance in this field as well, although this model uses the same battery capacity as the previously launched phone from the Flip series.

Battery Capacity: At the helm is the unchanged 3,700mAh battery from the Galaxy Z Flip 4. Although this may seem like a redundancy on paper, it’s worth highlighting that Samsung achieved a slimmer design with the Flip 5 without compromising on battery capacity. A feat in itself, given that manufacturers often reduce battery sizes when refining device profiles.

Performance and Efficiency: The impressive enhancements in battery longevity are due to the more power-efficient chipset, RAM, and storage. The screen-on time that was offered by the Z Flip 4 was four hours per single charge. Meanwhile, the new Flip 5 model, which boasts a larger cover display, improved internal functions, and optimized software, offers a screen-on time of 5.5 hours per single charge, which marks a 35% improvement.

Let’s take a look at the table, which provides a comparison between similar devices on the market:

According to Tom’s Guide’s battery benchmark test, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 comfortably outlasted its predecessor by almost an hour, marking 9 hours and 53 minutes. Despite this being a bit lower than the Razr+ battery specifications, the Z Flip 5 still provides a full day of proper use.

Charging: Even though the battery performance has improved significantly, there has been no change in the charging time of the device, which is a bit disappointing. The Flip 5 supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, which may not sound too impressive to those used to faster charging with other flagship smartphones on the market.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip shows significant improvement in battery life, which is especially impressive when we take into account the device’s sleeker design. While the unchanged charging speeds leave room for enhancement, the overall performance certainly makes it a worthy contender in its category. By combining innovative design with an efficient user experience, the device gives potential buyers a great reason to decide to switch to foldable smartphones.

5. Camera

The camera is often a make-or-break component of modern smartphones. With the Z Flip 5, Samsung demonstrates its determination to keep providing a better photographic experience, despite the latest foldable device having seemingly the same camera specifications as previous models.

FlexCam selfies

Hands-free selfies

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Hardware Upgrades: At first glance, the camera specs between the Z Flip 5 and its predecessor, the Z Flip 4, appear identical. However, it’s essential to look beyond mere numbers. The new ‘Super Clear Lens’ on the main 12MP camera minimizes the lens flare, which also improves the overall quality of photos. This is a feature that many would appreciate, especially if they had a bad experience with washed-out pictures due to certain light sources interfering with the image.

Software and Processing Improvements: While the hardware might seem unchanged, the real magic lies in the software. The Z Flip 5 capitalizes on the improvements brought by Qualcomm’s new chipset, particularly the AI Object Aware Engine, which is said to significantly enhance multi-frame processing. This advancement translates to more natural depth and bokeh, better detail—even in digitally zoomed shots—and enhanced skin tones, color reproduction, and white balance. Notably, low-light photography also benefits, with the Z Flip 5 capturing more detail and more accurate white balance than its predecessor.

FlexCam & Cover Display: One of the Z Flip 5 camera features that stand out is the FlexCam. When combined with the larger cover display, this component allows users easier image snap as they will not be constrained by the smaller viewfinder of the Z Flip 4. As the larger screen enables more space for camera options, capturing a photo is simpler and much easier.

Third-Party Integration: It seems that Samsung has improved the third-party camera experience thanks to the introduction of FlexCam. Users will find it very convenient that they will be able to easily capture and upload content directly to platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok. Even though this feature was not available for tests while writing the review, it is still an exciting feature, which will be appreciated by both content creators and casual social media users.

Even though it seems to feature similar camera hardware to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has introduced noticeable changes to image processing and the functionalities of the camera. Thanks to these improvements, no matter how big or small they are, the Z Flip 5 ranks as a top-performing smartphone when it comes to camera quality.

6. Software

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 doesn’t just bring hardware innovations; it’s also packed with a comprehensive software experience that enhances the device’s unique form factor and expands its utility. Here’s a breakdown of the software features and capabilities of the Z Flip 5:

Software Specifications and Features:

Familiar Yet Enhanced User Interface: Users upgrading from previous Samsung devices will find the One UI 5.1.1, built on Android 13, familiar. It continues the company’s tradition of a distinct aesthetic divergent from stock Android, characterized by unique iconography and color usage. While it offers the same access to the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store, the UI is geared towards offering more than just a new visual experience.

Longevity Through Updates: One of the Z Flip 5’s strengths is its promise of extended software support, ensuring device longevity. With a commitment to four years of OS updates and an additional year of security patches, Samsung leads the Android pack in long-term support, thereby increasing the device’s value and lifespan for consumers.

Expanded Flex Mode and Flex Window Capabilities: One thing that makes the Z Flip 5 a unique smartphone device is its software innovations like Flex Mode, which ensures a better user experience when the device is folded in half, and Flex Window, which is responsible for the great experience provided by the larger cover display. These functionalities are especially useful while multitasking, giving users a great reason to choose the Z Flip 5 over traditional smartphones or other foldable models.

Samsung Labs and Good Lock: Those who enjoy experimenting can head to the Samsung Labs section in the settings menu, with this function allowing users to explore various features that are still in the process of being fully developed. One standout feature is the ability to run complete apps on the cover screen, extending the phone’s functionality when closed. Users who wish to further customize their experience can check the Good Lock app, which includes more enhancements like the Multistar plugin. It allows easy access to almost any app, which is used on the cover screen. However, users must keep in mind that there are still some areas that need improvement when it comes to optimizations of the app.

Multitasking Efficiency: Productivity is also considered, with the Z Flip 5 allowing users to run up to three apps simultaneously. This model may not be on par with the multitasking experience that Z Fold 5 offers, but it still shows a strong performance, enabling users to stack two apps and have the third one floating on the screen. Such a multitasking app experience is unmatchable with the features that traditional smartphones can offer.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 shines in more areas rather than simply focusing on hardware improvements. Its software experience is both a continuation of Samsung’s established ecosystem and a leap forward, acknowledging the device’s unique form factor and user needs. From extended support to experimental apps and exquisite multitasking, the Z Flip 5 incorporates software that contributes to the modern and unique design and functionality of the device.

7. Connectivity and Extras

The connectivity of the Galaxy Z Flip 5, like other features of the device, does not disappoint. No matter the channel of connection, the device makes sure that users are always connected. This includes Wi-Fi connections, Bluetooth pairings, as well as easy location connectivity. Let’s break down the Z Flip 5’s connectivity features:

Connectivity Specifications:

Connectivity Highlights:

• Advanced Wi-Fi Standards: With support for Wi-Fi 6e, the device ensures faster speeds, lower latencies, and more efficient connection in congested areas. The tri-band capability ensures that the phone can efficiently switch between different bands for optimum connection stability and speed.
• Universal Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 ensures faster, more reliable connections with a range of devices. Whether it’s audio peripherals, wearables, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices, the Z Flip 5 aims for seamless communication.
• Precise Positioning Systems: By supporting a plethora of global positioning systems such as GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, the Z Flip 5 ensures accurate and fast location tracking no matter where you are in the world.
• NFC for Seamless Transactions: NFC capability ensures that users can make contactless payments, pair devices, or read NFC tags effortlessly.
• Universal USB Type-C: In addition to charging, the USB Type-C 3.2 port also supports OTG, allowing users to connect their device to a wide range of peripherals.
• 5G for Ultra-fast Browsing and Download Speeds: As part of its network capabilities, the inclusion of 5G ensures that users can experience ultra-fast internet speeds, lower latencies, and a more responsive browsing experience.

The Z Flip 5 proves its modernity not just through its unique design but also by adopting the latest and most efficient connectivity standards. Whether a user is at home, traveling abroad, or in a congested area, the device ensures the best possible connection at all times. The broad range of supported features, from advanced Wi-Fi standards to precise positioning systems, makes the device versatile and future-proof.

8. Price and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, despite being one of the premium foldable phones in the market, offers a variety of price points based on storage options. Alongside its pricing, Samsung provided enticing pre-order bonuses, making the deal even sweeter for early adopters.

Important Dates:

• Pre-order: Started on July 26
• On Sale: August 11

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Pricing:

Pre-order Perks:

• US Buyers: $50 of Samsung Credit and savings of up to $540 when bundling with other Samsung products.
• UK Buyers: Credit deals, which may ensure savings of up to £150 as well as a free upgrade to the 512GB variant of the device.
• Australia Buyers: AU$100 off or a 10,000mAh battery pack valued at AU$59.

Regional Pricing Insights:

• In the US, the Z Flip 5’s pricing is equivalent to the 128GB Z Flip 4 at launch.
• UK consumers save £10 compared to the 256GB Z Flip 4, making the 512GB upgrade a great value.
• Prices in Australia remain consistent in terms of storage across both Z Flip generations.

Comparison with Rivals:

• Motorola Razr Plus/Razr 40 Ultra: Priced similarly at $999.99 / £1,049.99 / AU$1,499 for the 8GB RAM / 256GB storage option. The Razr may have an edge in design and fast charging, but the Z Flip 5 surpasses it in performance, camera quality, and software support.
• Oppo Find N2 Flip: This device, available outside the US, initially undercut the Z Flip 4’s price. At the time of writing this review, the device is even more affordable, with Amazon UK offering the smartphone at the price of £575 (~$730 / ~AU$1,125).

While Samsung’s Z Flip series used to have little to no competition in the expanding foldable smartphone market, nowadays the Z Flip 5 shines as an outstanding but also pricier model. While the pricing may seem steep, the capabilities and perks offered by the Z Flip 5 underscore its premium positioning. Potential buyers should weigh these benefits against their budget and compare with rivals to make an informed purchase decision.

9. Conclusion

We have provided a table showing Samsung’s foldable series evolution, with our summary being based on capability tests run on the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as well as the comparison of the device with its predecessor.

This review was prompted by my initial experience at the pre-launch event hosted in London. With the Z Flip 4 by my side, the evolution of the Z Flip series was apparent. The allure of the Z Flip 5 was visible not only in the tech advancements but also in the new features like the larger cover screen, bringing more convenience to the user. The ability to run a different range of apps on the cover screen thanks to the Good Lock app also piqued my interest. The fun of testing which apps have been optimized to work properly combined with the convenience brought by the Flex View app, made it clear that this was far from just another foldable smartphone.

Taking into consideration the absence of a charger in the box, I ensured the Z Flip 5 was tested with its optimal charging capabilities using Samsung’s 65W charger. This not only reflected its charging prowess but gave a peek into the real-world implications of the ‘no charger’ trend.

Based on my experience of reviewing devices for more than a decade, I am aware of the importance of highlighting both significant features and smaller details that may be easily overlooked. With the Z Flip 5, it was important to keep both of these factors in mind when reviewing the device.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a significant leap in the foldable domain. It’s not just about aesthetics or raw power; it’s about reshaping user experience. With a larger and more functional cover screen, innovative features, and substantial improvements over its predecessor, it stands out. Yes, there are areas of improvement, but the Z Flip 5 is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to pushing boundaries in the foldable market. It’s more than just a phone; it’s a statement of what the future holds.

10. Pros and Cons

When comparing the device’s pros and cons, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 ranks as a promising model in the foldable smartphone sector. While it comes with its set of challenges, the advancements and user-centric innovations make it a contender for those looking to dive into the future of smartphones.

11. User Reviews and Feedback

12. Images and Videos

Front Image of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Cover Screen in Action

Flex Mode

Camera Array

Size Comparison: Z Flip 5 vs Z Flip 4