The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the latest in Samsung’s foldable phone series, hitting the market.
Galaxy Z Fold 5 – Purchasing Guide
It’s been catching the eye of tech enthusiasts and foldable phone fans alike. With significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Z Fold 5 is looking like the top pick in the world of foldable phones.
While Samsung might have to keep an eye on the competition, like the Google Pixel Fold, it will take some time before we see who comes out on top. Samsung claims the Fold 5 can effortlessly switch between a PC, tablet, and phone, all while fitting in your pocket. But why should you consider buying the Z Fold 5? Let’s dive in and find out.
3 Reasons To Use Z Fold 5
1. Amazing Multitasking Abilities
Thanks to its innovative features and Samsung’s One UI 5.1 based on Android 13, the Z Fold 5 takes multitasking to a whole new level. The Taskbar, a user-friendly addition, allows for quick access to favorite apps and effortlessly switches between up to four recently opened apps. You can reduce this to two or three apps to reduce clutter, or even disable the Taskbar entirely. Pop-up windows can be conveniently moved off-screen and easily brought back when needed.
Also, the Z fold 5 can run three apps simultaneously in split-screen mode, with the option for floating windows on top. The Z Fold 5 also makes apps fit perfectly on its screen. And the best part is, you can truly make it your own by customizing your home screens on both the inside and outside displays. It also has a cool “Flex Mode” feature that makes using different apps easier.
Plus you can use a stylus with the Z Fold 5, which makes it more useful. And when you hook it up to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, it becomes a full Android desktop computer thanks to Samsung’s Dex mode.
2. Fast & Long-Lasting Performance
With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 ‘for Galaxy’ chip, the Z Fold 5 inherits the same great performance as the Galaxy S23 series. This means it runs smoothly even when you’re doing a lot, like using many apps at once or playing graphic-heavy games. Also the Z fold 5 doesn’t get hot, even when you’re working hard. So whether you’re taking videos for a long time or running multiple apps at once, you don’t have to worry.
Plus, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is super efficient, and with 12GB of RAM and storage up to 1TB, the Z Fold 5 becomes a powerful yet energy-saving gadget. With its 4400mAh battery, it easily lasts all day depending on how much you use it of course
3. Phone and a tablet in One
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 brilliantly combines the features of a phone and a tablet into a thinner, slimmer design compared to the previous model. Unlike the earlier version, the Z Fold 5 introduces a hinge redesign that allows both halves to fold perfectly flat, removing the gap seen in older models. Samsung got this quite right cause this not only makes it look better but also gives it a more compact and comfortable feel.
Also, the Z Fold 5 is noticeably lighter and a bit smaller than its predecessor. It’s significantly thinner at the hinge end, measuring just 13.4mm. Plus being only 14g heavier than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, makes it an impressively lightweight choice for a device that functions as both a phone and a tablet.
Design
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display which measures a generous 7.6 inches. With this display, you can enjoy an immersive visual experience with a refresh rate of 120Hz and HDR10+ support. This expansive screen also occupies an impressive 91.1% of the front surface, ensuring an almost bezel-less display.
For convenience on the go, there is a secondary screen that offers quick access to essential information. It’s cover display is a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with the same 120Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
If you are a photography enthusiast, you will appreciate the Z fold 5 triple-camera setup which has a 50 MP wide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. And these capture stunning photos and videos at up to 8K@30fps.
Also, the under-display 4 MP selfie camera and the 10 MP cover camera cater to your selfie needs. So you can snap great shots from any angle. With stereo speakers, 32-bit/384kHz audio tuned by AKG, the Z Fold 5 certainly combines premium design with top-notch multimedia capabilities.
Build & Feel
When unfolded, it measures a slim 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use. However, even in its folded state, at 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm, it remains impressively compact compared to its predecessors and the Google pixel fold.
In terms of materials, the device features a sturdy glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) when folded, ensuring durability and protection. When unfolded, a plastic front provides flexibility without compromising on quality. The Gorilla Glass at the back also gives it an extra layer of protection, and the metal frame makes it strong. Although The Samsung Galaxy Z fold 5 is not dust resistant, it offers protection against water with an IPX8 rating. So if you accidentally spill something on it or it gets wet, it should be okay.
Color Options
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is available in various colors, including Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Gray, and Blue.
New Features
The Z Fold 5 has a new hinge that’s like the one on the Z Flip 5. This hinge makes the fold smoother, and you can’t see a big line in the middle when it’s folded. The screen is also brighter, so you can see your screen better even in bright lighting. Plus, the Z Fold 5 is lighter than the Z Fold 4, which makes it easier to carry around.
Under the hood, it packs a more powerful Snapdragon chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, delivering enhanced performance. Over the next 4-5 years, users can also expect ongoing Android and One UI upgrades.
Price
Similar to the Z Fold 4, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 starts at $1,799 for the 256GB storage option. However, as the Z Fold 5 takes the spotlight, the Z Fold 4’s price is likely to go down.
Tech Specs
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and various sensors like accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer. You can expect SMS, MMS, email, and IM messaging options, along with Bixby voice commands and Samsung DeX support. It also supports Samsung Pay with Visa and MasterCard certification, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology.
In terms of communication, it offers Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e with tri-band and Wi-Fi Direct capabilities, Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP and aptX HD support, and various positioning systems including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS. NFC is onboard, while radio functionality is absent. For connectivity, it utilizes a USB Type-C 3.2 port with OTG support.
In terms of network, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G technologies. 2G bands are available for both GSM and CDMA (in dual-SIM models), 3G bands cover various frequencies, and 4G LTE is supported. Furthermore, it’s equipped for both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G, as well as Sub6 and mmWave spectrums, ensuring high-speed connectivity.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Z Fold 5 is certainly an upgrade to its predecessors. It’s lighter, thinner, and has a better build. Also, it comes at the same price as the Z fold 4 for now. So upgrading to the Z fold 5 wouldn’t cost much.
And in return, you get an exceptionally fast, adaptable, and pocket-sized device with a better folding display. If you’re a fan of the foldables, opting for the Z Fold 5 is a wise decision.
