Samsung continues to lead the foldable smartphone market, and with the Galaxy Z Flip5, they have refined the clamshell foldable experience further. Boasting a larger cover screen, improved hinge design, and better battery efficiency, the Flip5 aims to be the most stylish and functional compact foldable device yet. Let’s explore whether this smartphone is worth the upgrade or a new purchase.
Design and Build: A More Compact and Durable Foldable
The Galaxy Z Flip5 has undergone a subtle yet impactful transformation. The new Flex Hinge design allows the device to fold completely flat, eliminating the gap seen in previous generations. This not only makes it more compact but also enhances its durability.
Samsung uses Armor Aluminum for the frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the cover, ensuring resilience against drops and scratches. The device retains its IPX8 water resistance, meaning it can survive submersion in water for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
The color options—Mint, Graphite, Lavender, and Cream—add to the phone’s stylish appeal, making it an excellent choice for users who value aesthetics as much as performance.
Display: Bigger Cover Screen for Better Usability
One of the biggest improvements in the Galaxy Z Flip5 is the 3.4-inch Flex Window cover display, a major upgrade from its predecessor. This AMOLED panel is now more useful, allowing users to:
- Access full-sized widgets without opening the phone.
- Use a full QWERTY keyboard for replying to messages.
- Run select apps like Google Maps and YouTube.
The main display remains a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth animations, making it great for media consumption and gaming.
Performance: Snapdragon Power in a Compact Form
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, ensuring flagship-level performance. Combined with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0, the Flip5 handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps effortlessly.
Gaming and Daily Usage
The Adreno 740 GPU provides solid gaming performance, while Samsung’s One UI optimizations ensure a smooth daily experience. The larger cover screen also enables quick interactions without constantly unfolding the device.
Camera System: Small But Mighty
The Galaxy Z Flip5 retains a dual-camera setup:
- 12MP main sensor (f/1.8, OIS) – Captures sharp, detailed images in various lighting conditions.
- 12MP ultra-wide lens (f/2.2, 123° FoV) – Ideal for landscape and group shots.
- 10MP front camera (f/2.4) – Housed inside the main display’s punch-hole cutout.
While the cameras don’t match Samsung’s S Ultra series, the Flex Mode enables unique photography angles, hands-free selfies, and stable video recording.
AI Camera Features
- Nightography mode enhances low-light shots.
- Super HDR improves color accuracy.
- Auto-framing adjusts framing for group photos.
Battery Life and Charging: Improved Efficiency
The 3700mAh battery might seem small by flagship standards, but Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s efficiency helps extend battery life. Expect 5-6 hours of screen-on time, depending on usage.
Charging speeds include:
- 25W wired fast charging (50% in ~30 minutes)
- 15W wireless charging
- 4.5W reverse wireless charging for accessories
Software and Features: One UI 5.1 with Flex Mode Enhancements
Running on One UI 5.1 (Android 13), the Flip5 introduces several foldable-specific optimizations:
- Flex Mode Panel turns the bottom half of the screen into a trackpad for better control.
- Multi-window support allows effortless multitasking.
- Samsung DeX is absent, but wireless connectivity with Galaxy devices is seamless.
Samsung promises 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security patches, ensuring longevity.
Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy Z Flip5?
Pros:
Larger, more functional cover display. Refined hinge design with a gapless fold. Premium build with IPX8 water resistance. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers flagship performance. Optimized battery efficiency for better longevity
Cons:
No telephoto camera. Battery capacity still on the lower side. Slower charging compared to competitors.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is the best version of Samsung’s clamshell foldable yet. If you love compact phones with unique functionality, this device is an easy recommendation. However, if you already own the Z Flip4, the upgrade may not be significant enough unless you crave the larger cover screen and improved hinge design.
For first-time foldable users, the Flip5 is an excellent starting point, offering a balance of style, performance, and practicality.
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