Galaxy Z Fold5: A class of its own
The Galaxy Z Fold5 is Samsung's latest creation in the field of foldable smartphones. Unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event in Seoul (South Korea), the device is a further development of its predecessor. Samsung wants to further optimize the user experience with targeted improvements.
One of the most striking new features is the revised Flex hinge, which means the Fold5 now closes completely flat. It is now more difficult for dust and dirt to get to the inner display, which further improves the service life. With this, Samsung addresses a frequently criticized problem of the previous models.
In addition, the new hinge improves handling of the device, which weighs 253 grams and is 13,4 millimeters thick when folded, making it lighter and slimmer than its predecessor.
In terms of performance, Samsung has equipped the Z Fold5 with the current top chip from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 'for Galaxy'. In combination with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and fast UFS 4.0 storage (256GB, 512GB or 1TB), this ensures smooth performance and fast response times.
Despite the increased performance, the battery capacity remains unchanged at 4400mAh. However, the energy-efficient Snapdragon chip promises improved battery life. The charging speed remains at the level of the predecessor with 25W for wired charging and 15W for wireless charging.
The connectivity of the Galaxy Z Fold5 has also been improved. The device now supports the newer Bluetooth 5.3 standard and enables faster 5G connections. It also offers Wi-Fi 6E, dual SIM connectivity with eSIM support, USB Type-C 3.2 and NFC.
On the software side, the Z Fold5 runs Android 13 and Samsung's own One UI 5.1.1, which includes specific improvements for foldable devices. New features like a two-handed drag-and-drop gesture mode and improved app previews in the recent apps screen streamline the user experience.
We can only expect a few innovations in the camera technology, as it remains largely unchanged compared to the previous model. The Galaxy Z Fold5 uses a 50 MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilizer (OIS), a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera and a 10 MP telephoto camera. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 'for Galaxy' chip's more powerful image signal processor (ISP) should result in improved image quality in some scenarios.
Galaxy Z Fold5: pocket-sized innovation
The Galaxy Z Flip5, also launched at the Galaxy Unpacked event, represents Samsung's latest model in the flip phone market. With a number of improvements compared to the previous model, the Z Flip5 represents an interesting choice for lovers of the flip design.
One of the most outstanding improvements is the larger 3,4-inch external display, which is now called "Flex Window". Compared to the Z Flip4, the external display has grown almost four times, which promises significant added value in use. This makes it possible to quickly access widgets and notifications and control music playback without having to open the device. A pinch gesture on the cover screen brings up the Multi Widget view, from which you can navigate through the list of available apps and widgets.
The Z Flip5 also features more powerful components and software improvements. Like the Glaxy Z Fold5, it is powered by the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 'for Galaxy' chip, which, together with 8GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage, ensures smooth performance.
Power is supplied by a 3.700mAh battery, the capacity of which has remained unchanged compared to the previous model. However, thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon chip, battery life should be improved. Similar to the Galaxy Z Fold5, the charging capacities are identical to the previous model at 25W for wired charging and 15W for wireless charging.
In terms of connectivity, the Z Flip5 is well equipped, offering Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Dual SIM 5G, eSIM support, NFC and USB Type-C.
The camera setup of the Z Flip5 remains unchanged compared to the previous model, with two 12MP rear cameras. The main camera features an f/1.8 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), while the ultra-wide camera offers an f/2.2 lens and a 123-degree field of view. However, the selfie camera has been improved with a faster f/2.2 aperture that offers a wider 85-degree field of view.
Price and availability
The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 will be available for pre-order on July 26, 2023 and will be available in stores on August 11, 2023. For the first 72 hours after the start of the pre-order, customers will receive Samsung Care+ insurance cover free of charge.
The prices of the different models are as follows:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 with 256 GB memory: EUR 1.199,00 (RRP)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 with 512 GB memory: EUR 1.319,00 (RRP)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 with 256 GB memory: EUR 1.899,00 (RRP)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 with 512 GB memory: EUR 2.019,00 (RRP)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 with 1 TB storage: EUR 2.259,00 (RRP)
Source: Press Release
Olaf
27. July 2023 10 to: 10
I'm eyeing the Razr 40 Ultra and the Fold 5 now and just can't decide. Which one would you lean towards?
Schmiddi
29. July 2023 16 to: 08
You mean the Flip5, right? The flip is the clamshell phone, the fold is the big one for folding. For the updates alone, I would go with Samsung. Software and hardware simply fit together. The Razr is certainly not bad either, but Samsung still has the edge when it comes to foldable and clamshell phones.
– Schmiddi