The smartphone world is constantly evolving, and Samsung is at the forefront of this innovation with its Galaxy Z Fold series. The latest addition, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, promises to redefine what a smartphone can do. But is it worth the hefty price tag? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into every aspect of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 to help you decide if this is the right device for you.
Design and Build Quality: A Marvel of Modern Engineering
The first thing that strikes you about the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is its design. Samsung has managed to improve the hinge mechanism, making it sturdier and smoother than its predecessor, the Fold 4. This is crucial for a foldable device because the hinge is the most vulnerable part of the phone. The Fold 5 feels more robust in hand, thanks to the reinforced materials and the new "Armor Aluminum" frame.
When folded, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is compact, similar in size to a regular smartphone but noticeably thicker. When unfolded, it reveals a large 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display that’s perfect for multitasking, gaming, and watching videos. The display’s 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and an overall responsive experience, making it feel like you're interacting with a high-end tablet.
The Fold 5 also features an IPX8 water resistance rating, which is a significant improvement for a foldable phone. It can withstand splashes and even accidental drops in water, making it more durable for everyday use. However, it’s still not dust-resistant, so you’ll need to be cautious about using it in dusty environments.
Display: Double the Screen, Double the Fun
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 comes with two displays: a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED cover screen and a 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED main screen. The cover screen is practical for quick tasks like checking notifications, sending messages, or making calls. It’s bright, vibrant, and supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth performance even on the smaller screen.
However, the magic happens when you unfold the device. The 7.6-inch display is a sight to behold, offering an immersive experience that's perfect for productivity and entertainment. Whether you're editing documents, watching Netflix, or playing games, the main screen provides a level of versatility that you won’t find in a traditional smartphone.
One of the standout features is the improved crease. While previous Fold models had a noticeable crease down the middle of the display, the Fold 5’s crease is much less visible, especially when viewed head-on. This enhancement makes a significant difference in daily use, as it allows for a more seamless viewing experience.
Performance: Powering Through Tasks with Ease
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, coupled with 12GB of RAM. This combination delivers exceptional performance, whether you're multitasking, gaming, or using demanding applications. The phone handles everything with ease, from editing videos to running multiple apps side-by-side on the expansive display.
The Fold 5 also comes with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of internal storage options, ensuring you have plenty of space for all your apps, photos, and files. Unfortunately, there’s no microSD card slot, so you’ll need to choose your storage option wisely.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Fold 5’s performance is its ability to maintain a high level of responsiveness, even when running multiple apps simultaneously. This is partly thanks to Samsung's One UI, which is optimized for multitasking and offers features like App Continuity and Multi-Active Window, making the most of the foldable form factor.
Battery Life: Improved Efficiency with Some Trade-offs
Battery life is always a concern with foldable phones due to the larger screens, but Samsung has done a commendable job with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The device is equipped with a 4,400mAh dual battery, which may not seem massive given the size of the device, but the improved efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip makes a noticeable difference.
In real-world usage, the Fold 5 comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use, including web browsing, social media, and some video streaming. If you’re a heavy user who spends a lot of time gaming or watching videos on the main display, you may need to top up the battery by the evening.
The device supports 25W fast charging, which isn’t the fastest on the market but is sufficient for most users. It also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices like wireless earbuds or smartwatches on the go.
Camera System: Versatile and Reliable
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. This configuration offers a good balance of versatility and quality, allowing you to capture a wide range of shots, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups.
In daylight conditions, the Fold 5’s camera system performs admirably, delivering sharp, vibrant images with plenty of detail. The main sensor captures excellent dynamic range, while the ultra-wide lens is perfect for group shots or capturing more of the scene. The telephoto lens provides decent zoom capabilities, but it’s not as powerful as the periscope zoom lenses found on some other flagship phones.
Low-light performance is also solid, thanks to Samsung’s advanced image processing. The Night mode does a great job of brightening up dark scenes without introducing too much noise, and the larger sensor size helps capture more light in challenging conditions.
On the front, there are two selfie cameras: a 10MP camera on the cover display and a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen. The under-display camera is a clever solution that allows for a full-screen experience without a notch or hole punch, but the image quality isn’t as sharp as the dedicated selfie camera on the cover display. It’s sufficient for video calls and quick selfies but won’t replace a dedicated front-facing camera for high-quality selfies.
Software Experience: Optimized for Productivity
Samsung's One UI is one of the best Android skins for foldable devices, and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 benefits from several software enhancements that make it a productivity powerhouse. Features like Multi-Active Window allow you to run three apps simultaneously on the main screen, and App Continuity ensures that apps transition smoothly between the cover display and the main display.
The Fold 5 also supports Samsung DeX, which allows you to connect the phone to a monitor and use it as a desktop computer. This feature, combined with the large foldable screen, makes the Fold 5 an excellent device for professionals who need to work on the go.
Samsung has also improved the software experience with better multitasking gestures and more customizable options. You can now create app pairs that open together, making it easier to launch your favorite apps side by side. This level of customization ensures that you can tailor the device to your specific needs, whether you’re using it for work, entertainment, or both.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is an impressive piece of technology that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. It offers a unique blend of productivity, versatility, and entertainment that you won’t find in a traditional smartphone. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The high price tag, lack of dust resistance, and the relatively fragile nature of foldable devices may deter some users.
If you’re someone who values cutting-edge technology and is willing to invest in a device that offers a different kind of smartphone experience, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is definitely worth considering. It’s perfect for multitaskers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to be on the forefront of mobile innovation.
However, if you’re more budget-conscious or prefer a more conventional smartphone experience, you might be better off sticking with a flagship device like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the iPhone 15 Pro Max. These phones offer excellent performance, cameras, and build quality at a lower price point.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a game-changer for those who are ready to embrace the future of smartphones. It’s a device that challenges the status quo and offers a glimpse into what’s possible when you think outside the box. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, the Fold 5 might just be the perfect phone for you.
