Reviews
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the fifth iteration of the foldable tech, and it continues to be a leader among gadgets for those seeking the latest and greatest in terms of power. The Fold 5 from Samsung is no ordinary phone; it’s a device that can be thought of as a PC, tablet and phone all in one, conveniently able to be folded up and carried in your pocket. It is by far the most feature-packed android device available on the market.
Since the last year’s version, the design has been improved. It now folds flat when closed due to the same hinge design as the Z Flip 5, which is a major enhancement. The Galaxy is thinner and lighter by 10g than the previous edition, and the crease along the display fold is less noticeable. It is bulkier than a standard phone, yet weighs only 13g more than an iPhone 14 Pro Max. It is less of a burden in the pocket as compared to its competitor and is notably lighter.
The external display measuring 6.2 inches is a bit narrow resulting in a restricted keyboard area, however, its appearance is pleasing and it suffices for activities like texting, listening to music, and other minor tasks. When unfolded, the 7.6 inch internal display is a sight to behold when tackling more laborious tasks.
Samsung states that this year’s model is brighter, making it easier to combat glare. They also mention that its new design increases its strength by 25% compared to the prior version, yet it is still more delicate than typical tablet glass, so it must be handled with care.
Features of Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Display: 6.2in HD+ Amoled with a 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8th Generation Processor
- Memory: 12GB of memory
- Storage Capacity: Offered in 256, 512GB, and 1TB
- Software System: The OS is based on Android 13 and features the One UI 5.1 interface.
- Cameras: 50MP wide-angle, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto; 10MP and 4MP front-facing
- Connectivity: 5G, dual SIM, eSIM, USB-C, WiFi 6E, Near Field Communication, Bluetooth 5.3, and Global Navigation Satellite System.
- Resistance to water: IPX8 (1.5m for a half hour)
- Measurement when folded: 13.4mm thick, 67.1mm wide, and 154.9mm long.
- Measurements when unfolded: 6.1mm thick, with a width and length of 154.9mm and 129.9mm respectively.
- The Weight: 253 grams
Long-Running
The Fold 5 has a USB-C port which can be used to connect to external displays and other equipment. Using a power adaptor of 25W or higher (not included), the phone can be recharged in around 72 minutes. The battery life of this model is a vast improvement upon the previous year’s, with a runtime of around 48 hours when both the interior and exterior displays are used for a period of six hours. This is much longer than its primary competitors and on par with the top-tier regular phones.
Software of Strength
At any given time, the Z Fold 5 can simultaneously display up to three different applications, however more than four can be a bit challenging to handle.
Samsung’s One UI 5.1 is the major factor that set it apart. This software, built on the Android 13 platform, enables users to simultaneously utilise three apps in a split-screen layout with the option of floating windows on top for those who require a higher degree of productivity.
The Fold 5 is equipped to handle Samsung’s S Pen stylus, a feature that none of the other foldable devices can compete with. The taskbar situated on the bottom of the screen makes it easy to use multiple applications simultaneously.
The Pixel Fold provides much more selection when it comes to deciding how it works. For instance, you can customize a different home screen layout for the external and internal displays. This enables you to put phone applications on the small display and tablet applications on the large one. Furthermore, you can also select which applications stay open and appear on the small screen when you close them on the main screen, which is especially useful for having maps ready on the go.
Display Types
The hinge is designed to keep the screen open in a range of different angles, making it useful for consuming media in various different positions.
The latest “Flex Mode” panel offers an upgrade by permitting an app to be pushed to the top half of the display when it is folded in an L-shape. In the case of most video apps, this presents playback controls, including a progress bar and skip buttons, on the bottom half, with the video playing on top. With other types of apps, it can turn into a trackpad for a mouse cursor – a bit like a miniature laptop.
The Fold 5 from Samsung has a long-existing feature, called Dex mode, which allows it to be hooked up to a monitor, keyboard and mouse to generate an Android desktop computer. This could be all the computing power some people require.
Photographic Equipment
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5’s camera app is usually more straightforward to use with the device closed. However, the phone’s interior display can be utilized in a folded or fully opened position for various creative shooting opportunities.
The Fold 5 has five cameras in total, similar to what was seen with its predecessor. This combination of cameras is useful, with three on the back, one standard one on the outside screen, and a 4MP one housed under the folding screen, which is only suitable for video calling.
In a variety of lighting conditions, the primary cameras, including the 3x telephoto, take good shots. The night mode is much faster than the prior models and the images are crisper. The Fold 5 still has numerous functions, such as taking selfies with the primary cameras and the option of propping it up and taking hands-free photos and videos.
Advantages of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Combines a phone and tablet into one, offers strong multitasking abilities, displays a phone-like screen on the outside, boasts a great tablet screen, offers high performance, provides excellent battery life, is water resistant, has no gap when closed, and is lightweight.
Disadvantages Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Incredibly expensive, more delicate than a typical device, and expensive to repair, lacks dust resistance, thicker than the average phone, and not a huge improvement over the previous model.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a fantastic device to take on the go. When partially folded, the Flex Mode feature allows for a video on YouTube to be easily watched, similar to a mini laptop.
Design
Dimensions (Unfolded): 161.2 x 144.7 x 6.9 mm
Dimensions (Folded): 161.2 x 72.6 x 13.5 mm
Weight: 299 grams
Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) when folded and unfolded, aluminum frame
Colors: Black, White
Display
Type: AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits (peak brightness)
Main Display (Unfolded): 7.85 inches, 2296 x 2000 pixels, ~388 ppi density
Cover Display (Folded): 6.42 inches, 1080 x 2520 pixels, ~431 ppi density
Screen-to-Body Ratio: ~88% (main display), ~90% (cover display)
Touch Sampling Rate: 240Hz
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Performance
Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ (4nm)
CPU: Octa-core (1×3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU: Mali-G710 MC10
Operating System: Android 13, HiOS Fold
Memory
RAM: 12GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage: 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Expandable Storage: No (no microSD card slot)
Cameras
Rear Camera Setup:
- 50 MP (wide), f/1.8, 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
- 50 MP (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom
- 13 MP (ultrawide), f/2.2
Camera Features: Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video Recording:
- 4K@30/60fps (main camera)
- 1080p@30/60fps
- Gyro-EIS (electronic image stabilization)
Front Cameras:
- Cover Display: 32 MP, f/2.5
- Main Display (Unfolded): 16 MP, f/2.0
Front Video: 1080p@30fps
Battery
Type: Li-Po, non-removable
Capacity: 5000mAh
Fast Charging: 45W wired fast charging
Reverse Charging: 10W
Network & Connectivity
SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Network:
- 5G: Supported
- 4G LTE: Yes
- 3G: Yes
- 2G: Yes
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band)
Bluetooth: 5.3, A2DP, LE
GPS: GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
NFC: Yes
USB: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG support
Audio: Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm headphone jack
Sensors
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Proximity sensor
- Compass
Audio
Speakers: Stereo speakers
Audio Features: 24-bit/192kHz audio
No 3.5mm Jack: USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter may be required
Software & Features
Operating System: Android 13 with Tecno HiOS Fold UI
Special Features:
- Multi-tasking with split-screen mode
- Flex Mode support (optimizes apps for the foldable screen)
- AI-enhanced photography and videography features
- HiOS customizations for foldable displays
Battery Life
- Talk Time: Up to 30 hours on 4G
- Standby: Up to 400 hours
- Music Playback: Up to 90 hours
Charging Time
- Wired Charging: 0 to 100% in about 55 minutes
Price Range (Expected)
- 256GB Storage Model: $1,200
- 512GB Storage Model: $1,400
Availability: Expected release in selected markets by Q4 2024
Design and Build
Dimensions:
Luxe Marble: 163.72 x 75.00 x 7.49 mm
Flamboyant Orange: 163.72 x 75.00 x 7.99 mm
Weight:
Luxe Marble: 185 g
Flamboyant Orange: 190 g
Back Material: Vegan Leather (Flamboyant Orange)
Colors Available: Luxe Marble, Flamboyant Orange
Build: Glass front, plastic frame, glass back (Luxe Marble), or vegan leather back (Flamboyant Orange)
SIM Type: Dual Nano-SIM (Dual Standby)
Display
Type: AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+
Size: 6.77 inches (~90.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution: 2392 x 1080 pixels (~388 ppi density)
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Brightness: 4500 nits (peak)
Protection: Schott Xensation glass
Touch Screen: Capacitive multi-touch
Performance
Chipset: Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU: Octa-core (1×2.63 GHz Cortex-A715, 3×2.4 GHz Cortex-A715, 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU: Adreno 720
Operating System: Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14 (Up to 2 major Android upgrades)
Memory and Storage
RAM Options: 8GB, 12GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB UFS 3.1 (non-expandable)
Battery
Capacity: 5500 mAh (typical) / 5390 mAh (minimum)
Type: Li-Ion, non-removable
Charging: 80W wired fast charging (50% in 21 minutes), 7.5W reverse wired charging
Camera System
Rear Cameras:
Main: 50 MP Sony IMX883, f/1.79, OIS
Ultra Wide: 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ field of view
Features: LED flash, panorama, HDR
Video Recording: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p, gyro-EIS, OIS
Front Camera:
Single: 16 MP, f/2.45
Video Recording: 1080p@30fps
Photography Modes:
Rear: Photo, Portrait, Night, Video, 50 MP, Panorama, Ultra HD Document, Slo-mo, Time-lapse, Supermoon, Pro, Dual-view, Live Photo
Front: Photo, Portrait, Video, Dual-view, Live Photo
Connectivity
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth: 5.4, A2DP, LE
USB: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG supported
GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
Network Support
2G GSM: 850/900/1800 MHz
3G WCDMA: B1/B5/B8
4G LTE (FDD): B1/B3/B5/B8/B28B
4G LTE (TDD): B38/B40/B41
5G: n1/n3/n5/n8/n28B/n40/n77/n78
Sensors
In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Optical
Accelerometer: Yes
Gyroscope: Yes
Proximity Sensor: Yes
Ambient Light Sensor: Yes
E-Compass: Yes
Audio
Speakers: Stereo speakers
Audio Jack: No 3.5mm jack (USB Type-C audio)
Additional Information
Build Quality: IP54 rating for dust and water resistance
Country of Origin: India
Design and Build
Dimensions: 164.31 x 74.47 x 7.9 mm
Colors: Rock Black, Moving Titanium, Violet Garden
Build: Curved-edge design with Gorilla Glass 5 protection (front and back)
Water and Dust Resistance: IP54 (Splash and Dust resistant)
Display
Type: Curved AMOLED, 1B colors
Size: 6.78 inches
Resolution: 1080 x 2436 pixels, (~388 ppi density)
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
Brightness: 1300 nits (peak)
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Performance
Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultra (6 nm)
CPU: Octa-core (1×3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3×3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU: Mali-G610 MC6
RAM: 12GB LPDDR5 + 12GB virtual RAM
Internal Storage: 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Expandable Storage: No
Operating System: Android 14, XOS 14.5
Camera
Rear Camera:
Primary Sensor: 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), OIS
Secondary Sensor: 50 MP, f/2.0, 120˚ (ultrawide)
Tertiary Sensor: 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
Features: Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama, GoPro mode
Video Recording: 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/120fps
Front Camera:
Sensor: 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Features: Dual-LED flash, HDR
Video Recording: 4K@60fps
Battery
Capacity: 5000mAh
Type: Li-Po, non-removable
Charging:
Wired: 45W fast charging
Wireless: 20W wireless charging
Reverse Wireless Charging: 10W
Connectivity
Network: 5G, 4G LTE, 3G, 2G
SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6E, dual-band
Bluetooth: 5.2, A2DP, LE
GPS: Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
NFC: Yes
Infrared Port: Yes
USB: USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
Audio Jack: No
Other Features: JBL-tuned stereo speakers
Sensors
Fingerprint Sensor: In-display, optical
Other Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass
Additional Features
Software Features:
- GoPro Mode with Quik App integration
- XOS features like Smart Panel, Peek Proof, and more
IR Blaster: Yes
