Reviews
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review.
The Samsung galaxy z flip 5 came out on the 11th of August 2023. It is the latest edition of the flip series and it’s one of the most remarkable foldable phones you could find right now on the market. I purchased the phone in September and have been using it for about 3 months now and it has delivered beyond my expectations. The reason I got the z flip 5 early is because I know that until you use a device for an extended amount of time that when I could really understand the capabilities. It was during this I discovered some hidden feature that unlocks the Flex Window outer screen to run full apps.
Even though the z flip 5 isn’t the best in terms of foldable phone it still beats a lot of rivals. In this review I will discuss what I loved about the z flip 5 and what I think needs improvement.
Firstly I’ll discuss the design
The most significant alteration to the Flip 5’s design is its ability to close with no-gap, yet from a distance, its size and general form are so similar to the models from the previous generation and it may easily be confused for one. This no-gap design is the result of Samsung modifying the hinge to a new teardrop style that other manufacturers have been using for some time. Nevertheless, the Flip 5 manages to feel tough and solid, which is a great thing, while other flip phones from rivals like Motorola and oppo do not feel particularly sturdy and feel a bit shaky.
In addition, the Flip 5 is only slightly slimmer than the Flip 4, which is visibly no longer wedge-shaped. Samsung claims that the crease in the centre of the main screen has been shrunk, however we could not really spot the difference in real life, so the difference must be really minute.
Similar to its predecessor, the Flip 5 has an IPX8 water resistance rating. Also, Dusty conditions are the traditional enemy of all folding phones, the rating for the dust resistance is “X”, this rating indicates that there is no extra dust proofing, thus you still need to exercise extra caution when using it.
In terms of the material, Samsung uses Armour Aluminium for the phone’s frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the front and rear. Additionally, the Flip has flat sides, which has advantages and disadvantages.
Secondly Display
The Flip 5’s front “Flex Screen” has undergone a complete transformation and increased significantly, occupying most of the front of the device aside from a camera cutout, but the phone’s main screen stays unchanged. The front screen measures 3.4 inches, which is considerably bigger than the previous 1.9-inch display Samsung used before but smaller than the 3.6-inch screen of the Motorola Razr Plus. It is noteworthy that it operates at 60Hz, which is a bit strange considering the rival Razr’s monitor allows a higher refresh rate.
The screen has a lot of additional features, but not exactly everything. A variety of widgets have been built by Samsung just for it, and there is an additional option that lets you run some basic messaging apps and Google Maps, YouTube, Netflix, and other necessary programmes. However, at the moment, the selection is rather small.
The Camera
If you are like me and was expecting some big camera modification in the Galaxy Z Flip 5, FORGET IT but it still take exceptional pictures. The phone has the same dual main camera setup as before, with an ultra-wide and a wide angle shooter with identical sensor sizes. Due to space constraints, the majority of contemporary flip phones have two cameras; yet, we had hoped for at least a minor upgrade. Samsung claims that the image processing has improved, despite the hardware being unchanged.
Although there are very small colour processing adjustments and somewhat better photographs when looking at the main camera, the majority of the photos still have the same appearance. Again, the modifications are rather moderate from the previous generation, but in low light you can see the differences a bit clearer and get a similar boost in sharpness.
Similar slight changes will be seen in the ultra-wide camera, which are more noticeable at night but hardly noticeable during the day. Better digital zoom is something we did not anticipate, but Samsung has made some processing adjustments that actually display more detail.
Battery
Although Samsung did not increase the battery capacity of the Galaxy Z Flip 5, it managed to outlast its predecessor by almost an hour, lasting 9 hours and 53 minutes in my test for web surfing. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip powering the phone is mostly responsible for that. But I had hoped for it to be much longer. You can use it for a single day.
I think Samsung should include a telephoto lens and allow users to run programmes on the outer screen without using a third-party app. All things considered, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is among the best foldable phones available, and I like its sturdy build, larger cover display, and good cameras.
Design & Build Quality
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: With its sleek 7.9mm thickness and weight of 193g, the Find X8 Ultra strikes a balance between form and function. The aluminum alloy body with Gorilla Glass 7i provides durability while maintaining a premium look. Its IP68 rating ensures it is both dustproof and waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Vivo X200 Ultra: A slightly bulkier device at 8.0mm and 197g, it features a glass body that is also protected by Gorilla Glass, offering good resistance to scratches and drops. The X200 Ultra shares the IP68 rating, making it equally resistant to dust and water. Both phones use high-end materials, though the Vivo feels a bit more substantial.
Verdict: Both devices offer premium designs, but the Oppo has a slight edge with a more compact form factor and similar build quality.
Display
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: It sports a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with an impressive 1256 x 2760 pixel resolution, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios. The display supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making it great for high-quality video streaming. It also features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness.
Vivo X200 Ultra: The Vivo features a slightly larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1260 x 2800 pixels, also supporting HDR10+ but without Dolby Vision. Its 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth interaction, though the absence of Dolby Vision means it may not offer the same cinematic experience as the Find X8 Ultra.
Verdict: The Oppo Find X8 Ultra edges out slightly in display quality with Dolby Vision support, ideal for media consumption. The Vivo X200 Ultra, while excellent, lacks this feature.
Performance
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, it offers an octa-core CPU with a 3nm architecture. Coupled with 12GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the Find X8 Ultra provides fast and smooth performance for everyday tasks and intensive applications.
Vivo X200 Ultra: The Vivo X200 Ultra is equally equipped with the Dimensity 9400 chipset and offers the same RAM and storage configurations. Both phones are highly efficient in handling multitasking and heavy apps. However, Vivo’s optimizations in the OriginOS contribute to smooth performance, with slightly better thermal management reported.
Verdict: Both phones are very similar in performance, offering top-tier processing power. The Vivo may have a slight advantage in thermal efficiency due to its software optimizations.
Software & OS
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Runs on ColorOS 15, which offers a refined, feature-rich interface with customization options. It comes with extensive privacy controls, performance optimizations, and a user-friendly experience.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Utilizes OriginOS 15, which has a similar feature set but with a more pronounced focus on efficiency, streamlined multitasking, and system fluidity. Both OS versions are based on Android 15, providing users with a clean, modern experience.
Verdict: Both operating systems are excellent, with ColorOS offering more customization options, while OriginOS is lauded for its efficiency and smoothness.
RAM Management and Virtual RAM
Effective RAM management ensures smoother multitasking.
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Offers 12GB/16GB of physical RAM with an option for up to 8GB virtual RAM expansion.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Provides similar physical RAM configurations but supports up to 12GB virtual RAM, allowing greater flexibility for resource-intensive applications.
Verdict: Vivo provides slightly more headroom for heavy multitasking with additional virtual RAM.
Camera Systems
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP primary wide-angle lens (f/1.8), a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens (f/2.6). It offers superb photo and video quality with features like Dolby Vision support for videos.
Vivo X200 Ultra: The Vivo X200 Ultra also boasts a triple 50MP camera array, including similar wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, but with slightly different apertures (f/1.57 for the wide lens). It supports advanced Zeiss optics for superior image processing, particularly in low light.
Verdict: Both cameras are top-tier, with the Vivo offering slightly better low-light performance and optical processing, while Oppo’s Dolby Vision support offers a richer video experience.
Battery Life & Charging
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Comes with a 5630mAh battery, offering decent endurance. It supports 80W SuperVOOC fast charging but lacks wireless charging.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Features a larger 5800mAh battery, providing a bit more longevity. It supports 90W fast charging and 50W wireless charging, plus reverse wireless charging for added convenience.
Verdict: The Vivo X200 Ultra offers better overall battery performance, with faster wired and wireless charging options, as well as reverse charging.
Connectivity
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB Type-C 3.0, ensuring high-speed connectivity and future-proof networking.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Similarly equipped with 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.4, but with a USB Type-C 3.0 port. Both devices offer the latest in connectivity.
Verdict: Both phones excel in connectivity, offering similar features and future-proof technologies.
Speakers & Audio
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Features stereo speakers with enhanced Dolby Atmos support for an immersive audio experience.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Also equipped with stereo speakers, offering a comparable audio experience, though it lacks Dolby Atmos.
Verdict: Oppo’s Dolby Atmos support gives it a slight edge in sound quality.
Security & Biometrics
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Offers an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock for security.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Similarly equipped with an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition.
Verdict: Both offer comparable security features, with in-display fingerprint sensors being a standard for both.
Price & Value
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Priced around €550-560, offering a premium experience with Dolby Vision and excellent camera features.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Priced similarly, but with the added benefit of reverse wireless charging and slightly better camera optics, providing excellent value.
Verdict: Both phones provide excellent value at their price points, with the Vivo slightly edging out in battery and camera features.
Final Verdict
Oppo Find X8 Ultra: Best for users prioritizing display quality, video features, and overall design.
Vivo X200 Ultra: Best for users who value better battery life, reverse wireless charging, and superior camera performance.
Build and Design
Materials: Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus front and back
Dimensions: 163.2 x 75.9 x 8.8 mm
Weight: 210 g
IP Rating: IP69 dust and water-resistant
Display
Type: 6.78-inch AMOLED
Resolution: 1.5K (approx. 3040 x 1440 pixels)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
Peak Brightness: 6000 nits
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Processor and Software
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
GPU: Adreno 830
OS: Realme UI 6 based on Android 15
Storage and Memory
Configurations:
-256GB with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM
-512GB with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
Storage Type: UFS 4.1 Pro
Camera System
Rear Cameras:
-Main: 50 MP wide with OIS
-Ultra-Wide: 8 MP
-Telephoto: 50 MP periscope with 3x optical zoom
Front Camera: 32 MP under-display camera
Battery and Charging
Battery Capacity: 6500 mAh silicon-nitride
Charging: 120W wired fast charging
Audio and Connectivity
Audio: Stereo speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack
Connectivity:
-5G, Wi-Fi 7
-Bluetooth 5.4
-USB-C 3.2
-Dual GPS, NFC
Build and Design
Materials: Aluminum body
Dimensions: 254 x 165.3 x 6.8 mm
Weight: 515 g
Color Options: Gray, Blue
Display
Type: 11.2-inch LCD
Resolution: 3.2K (3072 x 1920 pixels), 3:2 aspect ratio
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Brightness: Peak brightness of 800 nits
Processor and Software
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
OS: Android 15 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2.0
Storage and Memory
Configurations:
-8GB RAM with 128GB storage
-12GB RAM with 256GB storage
-16GB RAM with 512GB storage
Camera System
Rear Camera:
-Main: 50 MP primary
-Depth Sensor: 2 MP for bokeh effects
Front Camera: 32 MP
Battery and Charging
Battery Capacity: 8,850 mAh
Charging Speed: 67W wired charging
Audio and Connectivity
Audio: Quad stereo speakers
Connectivity:
-Wi-Fi 7
-Bluetooth 5.4
-USB-C
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Christy
December 9, 2023 at 4:56 pm
Better things no the last forever o people if you blink your eyes you miss.
Exactly as seen thanks.
Ibe
May 12, 2024 at 8:09 pm
thank you for your feedback