In the realm of sought-after enhancements, this foldable device emerges as the prime choice for the majority, notwithstanding its absence from the pinnacle of overall phone excellence.
Pos:
- A capacious external display now boasts heightened practicality.
- The seamless hinge signifies enhanced resistance to dust infiltration.
- The reliability quotient soars with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
- The foundational 256GB storage might find itself not fully recognized for its merits.
Cons:
– Flex Window is relatively limited, even after you download Good Lock
– Lack of telephoto lens is felt.
– Battery life is just acceptable.
An integral aspect of the enjoyment and thrill in assessing a foldable phone revolves around the initial responses from family, friends, and those in my proximity. Those unfiltered, confounded reactions are an element I’ve longed for in the landscape of contemporary consumer technology. Recently, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 can be acknowledged for breathing new life into these personal moments.
The Z Flip 5 rectifies the majority of its previous-generation shortcomings and retains its status as the premier flip-style phone available for purchase in the current market.
The recently introduced Z Flip 5 doesn’t exactly move the needle, as the saying goes. However, unless Samsung reveals some variation of an XR headset later this year, it undeniably stands as the company’s most ambitious product of 2023.
A more expansive, daring, and vivid external display takes center stage as the Z Flip 5’s standout upgrade. Yet, it’s the meticulous refinements rather than groundbreaking redefinitions in certain aspects that solidify Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 as the top choice among foldable phones for the majority, even with Motorola and Google closely observing its progress.
Specifications
| Display | External: 3.4-inch AMOLED at 60Hz, Internal: 6.7-inch AMOLED at 120Hz |
| Weight | 187g |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB with 256GB/512GB |
| Battery | 3,700mAh with 25W charging |
| Camera | 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP front |
| Durability | IPX8 water resistance |
| Price | Starting at $999 |
What’s new with this model
Concerning this model’s innovations, at first glance, the Z Flip 5 seems to be an incremental advancement from its predecessor, the Z Flip 4. However, take my word for it; the three most prominent alterations in this revised model significantly impact how you utilize and perceive the foldable device.
1- The focal point revolves around the Flex Window.
The pivotal inquiry looming over the Unpacked event this summer was Samsung’s strategy in response to Motorola’s recent Razr Plus and the surge of novel contenders in the foldable phone arena. I assessed the Moto back in June, rightfully bestowing upon it the title of “the best flipping foldable right now.” During that period, no other device boasted both a sizable, fully functional outer display and a compact, highly portable form factor.
Enter the Z Flip 5, and Samsung addresses this challenge by replacing last year’s inadequate 1.9-inch screen with a more luminous, aesthetically superior 3.4-inch square. (Technically not a perfect square, but I’m overlooking the slight indent on the bottom left corner, as it contributes minimally to the phone’s functionality.) On this revamped panel, you can indulge in watching YouTube videos, gain a clearer perspective of subjects in flex mode selfies, and, finally, attend to notifications with clarity, eliminating the need to squint or unfold the phone for typing.
Achieving similar functionalities on the Motorola Razr Plus was well within reach, but the Z Flip 5 distinguishes itself with a more sophisticated, sleek framing, providing a sensation of a premium pocket companion rather than a collapsible plaything.
However, my conviction in Samsung’s larger 3.4-inch Flex Window surpassing Motorola’s interpretation of the pocketable display remains tentative. It’s an admirable effort, but the interaction with the Flex Window mirrors the experience on a Samsung Galaxy Watch. Depending on the swipe direction from the home screen, you encounter a notification panel, quick toggles, and slides of widgets—albeit not all of them are interactive.
One drawback I encountered with the Z Flip’s outer display is a sense of limitation. Tapping on various weather elements or calendar dates doesn’t lead to expanded views, nor does it prompt you to unfold the phone for a more detailed look. While tapping on a sequence of LinkedIn message notifications unveils the entire conversation, the same action fails to expand Facebook Messenger chats.
Similarly, the count of “optimized apps” for the Flex Window is so scant that I can enumerate them on my fingers alone. To truly harness the potential of the outer screen, one must download Good Lock from the Galaxy Store and coerce apps to open in the 3.4-inch dimension via MultiStar.
Before delving further, it’s only fair to commend Samsung for the thoughtful integration of the flashlight when the phone is folded. Given that the cameras and flash face the user in this orientation, the Z Flip 5 ingeniously prompts you to flip the device over and utilize the volume rocker to toggle the flashlight on and off before it illuminates.
-
A hinge without gaps, for better or worse.
The Z Flip 5 of this year showcases a hinge design devoid of gaps, signifying that the upper and lower sides of the inner display fold together seamlessly, leaving minimal to no space in between. Beyond the elevated visual appeal, the absence of a central gap serves as a protective measure, reducing the likelihood of dust and debris infiltrating the delicate inner display and causing physical harm.
Samsung asserts that despite the Z Flip 5 maintaining its IPX8 rating, without an official dust resistance certification akin to the Razr Plus, it exhibits enhanced durability. It is purported to withstand excursions to the beach and other dusty environments more effectively than its predecessor.
My sole qualm with the novel gapless hinge design lies in its less-than-friendly disposition toward single-handed flipping. The diminished space between the two sections of the inner display leaves scant room for inserting your finger and executing a flick to open the phone. While acknowledging the first-world nature of this predicament, as someone accustomed to the era of flip phones opened with wrist strength and an air of attitude, this proved to be a somewhat underwhelming experience.
3. Ultra-level performance
The Z Flip 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, initially introduced with Samsung’s top-tier Galaxy S23 Ultra. Consequently, the phone effortlessly handles the customary deluge of apps and games, ensuring swift and seamless performance. Whether you lean towards split-screen multitasking or prefer the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) approach, the experience is devoid of any undue burdens.
Given the distinctive nature of dual-screen flip phones, my usage has inclined towards frequent utilization of the camera app and the flex mode media player. Throughout my week-long interaction with the Z Flip 5, I have yet to encounter any significant glitches or app crashes. Even during an afternoon of juggling between emailing, Slack, and maintaining an open security camera feed in PiP mode, the phone exhibited remarkable stability.
Will the average user discern the disparity between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and last year’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1? Likely not. Nevertheless, it’s reassuring to acknowledge that despite not being Samsung’s premier foldable offering, the Z Flip exhibits comparable performance to its $1,799 counterpart.
Regrettably, my anticipation for the more efficient chipset to enhance the Z Flip 5’s battery life was met with disappointment, as the figures appeared to align relatively closely with those of the Z Flip 4. While the phone manages to navigate a workday with approximately 15% power remaining, I wouldn’t feel at ease relying on it during extended trips or occasions demanding more extensive usage of photo and video features.
Anticipating the next iteration, here are the aspects I’d like to witness in the upcoming model.
While I intend to conduct further testing on the Z Flip 5 and reserve judgment on assigning a review score until then, it is evident to me (and hopefully, to you) that the phone is not without its imperfections. Here are the areas where I believe enhancements would be particularly welcomed, especially if Samsung aims to maintain its position at the pinnacle of the foldable phone power rankings.
- Enhanced cameras, for the sake of advancing foldable technology.
In catering to content creators and trendsetting consumers, the Z Flip 5’s dual camera system, featuring the same 12MP sensors as its predecessor, doesn’t quite evoke excitement. It’s not that the cameras are subpar—they adeptly capture vivid, color-rich visuals in photos and videos, requiring minimal to no post-editing. However, a longing exists for Samsung to incorporate, at the very least, the telephoto sensor from the Galaxy S23 series.
Given the likelihood of capturing portrait-style content with the flex-hinge form factor, having hardware capable of effectively isolating distant subjects would undoubtedly be a game-changer.
Setting wishful thinking aside, my primary concern with the Z Flip 5’s camera lies in oversaturation. The photo samples below were captured in the default auto mode, with no adjustments made to exposure or white balance. Aside from the unnaturally vibrant green patches of grass and tree leaves, the sky in the background appears warmer than its actual appearance. I must acknowledge that everything is in focus, and the HDR functionality proves reliable—I’ll credit Samsung for that.
I also appreciate the Z Flip 5’s notably consistent color reproduction, as both the main and ultrawide sensors capture subjects in a manner that avoids excessive contrast. Particularly with the ultrawide lens, I’m pleased to observe that the corners of shots don’t exhibit excessive distortion or blurring.
2. An adaptive Flex Window
I previously mentioned the primary drawback of the new Flex Window, but if there’s another aspect I’d wish to see handled differently (or introduced additionally), it would be the implementation of more intelligent, adaptive widget screens. Apple’s WatchOS 10, specifically its Smart Stack feature, has spoiled me by rearranging the column of widgets based on the time of day and/or upcoming events. For instance, in the morning, Smart Stack populates relevant widgets like weather and calendar, while during a run, Apple Music and Podcasts widgets take precedence at the top.
Implementing a comparable behavior on the Z Flip 5’s Flex Window would enhance its convenience and purpose, providing more significance to the outer display rather than it merely serving as a scaled-down version of the interface underneath.
Is Flip 4 or 5 better?
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 might appear akin to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 4, at first glance, but it denotes a substantial advancement in Samsung’s “clamshell” foldable phone series, surpassing the routine trajectory of a standard annual refresh.
Beyond the customary enhancements such as an upgraded processor, the Z Flip 5 distinguishes itself with a more expansive cover display compared to its predecessor, the Z Flip 4. While this augmentation may not significantly diminish the frequency of unfolding the phone for usage, its heightened utility becomes evident due to the ability to accommodate a plethora of information.
Samsung has also made notable advancements in the hinge design of the Z Flip 5, allowing it to fold entirely flat. This results in a sleeker profile compared to the Z Flip 4, which had a noticeable gap. Moreover, this improvement serves the dual purpose of mitigating the risk of pocket debris causing harm to the main display. Although the camera system remains ostensibly unchanged in both models, the Z Flip 5 captures appreciably superior photos.
Despite the commendable improvements in the Z Flip 5, particularly in its design and features, there is an ongoing anticipation for substantial enhancements in battery life. In this regard, the current state falls short when compared to the longevity offered by traditional flat phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4:
Samsung extends an enticing offer with a trade-in option for eligible mobile phones, tablets, or watches, allowing customers to avail themselves of a discount of up to $725 on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. While this model still delivers robust performance, it does bear the brunt of an antiquated hinge design and a comparatively diminutive cover display, which lacks the enhanced functionality found in its successor, the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 presents substantial upgrades, quite literally. The inclusion of a 3.4-inch cover screen provides a more expansive canvas for apps, information, and camera previews. Additionally, it incorporates the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and boasts a sturdier, reimagined hinge for heightened durability and performance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Z Flip 5: Specs
|
Specs |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 |
|
Starting price |
$900 |
$1,000 |
|
Main display |
6.7-inch OLED FHD+ (2,640 x 1,080), 120Hz |
6.7-inch OLED FHD+ (2,640 x 1,080), 120Hz |
|
Cover display |
1.9-inch OLED (512 x 260), 60Hz |
3.4-inch OLED (720 x 748), 60Hz |
|
Processor |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
|
Storage |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
256GB, 512GB |
|
Battery and charging |
3,700mAh, 25W charging, 15W wireless charging |
3,700mAh, 25W charging, 15W wireless charging |
|
Rear cameras |
12MP main, 12MP ultrawide |
12MP main, 12MP ultrawide |
|
Selfie camera |
10MP |
10MP |
|
Dimensions and weight |
Folded: 2.83 x 3.34 x 0.67 inches Unfolded: 2.83 x 6.5 x 0.27 inches 7 ounces |
Folded: 2.83 x 3.35 x 0.59 inches Unfolded: 2.83 x 6.5 x 0.27 inches 7 ounces |
Design: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Z Flip 5
In contrast to the Galaxy Z Flip 4 (on the left) with a discernible gap at the hinge, the Z Flip 5 (on the right) boasts the capability to fold completely flat, showcasing a more seamless and streamlined design
At initial inspection, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5 may share a semblance, but a significant design evolution distinguishes the Z Flip 5. The introduction of a novel “Flex Hinge” facilitates the complete flat folding of both halves of the phone. Consequently, the Z Flip 5 presents a more refined appearance when folded, in stark contrast to the Z Flip 4, which exhibits a slight gap at the hinge in its folded state.
From a functional standpoint, the Z Flip 5’s flatter folding mechanism plays a pivotal role in significantly mitigating the risk of scratches or damage to the main display. This is particularly noteworthy in comparison to the Z Flip 4, where dust and debris could potentially infiltrate through the gap. While both phones boast IPX8 water resistance, it’s important to note the absence of dust resistance in their specifications.
While the Galaxy Z Flip 4 (on the left) and Z Flip 5 (on the right) share an overall resemblance, the distinctions between them hold substantive significance.
Apart from the introduction of the flat-folding hinge, Samsung has unveiled eight new color options for the glass back on the Z Flip 5. Among these, four showcase a frosted texture, while the remaining four feature a clear glass texture. In contrast, the Z Flip 4 was available in only four colors, all characterized by a frosted glass texture.
Displays: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Z Flip 5
The interior displays of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 (on the left) and Z Flip 5 (on the right) exhibit a striking similarity, with the latter distinguishing itself primarily through enhanced brightness.
The primary, unfolded displays on both the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5 are remarkably similar, offering the exquisite trifecta of brightness, color saturation, and contrast characteristic of Samsung displays. Notably, both devices operate at a seamlessly smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
The notable distinction lies in the heightened brightness of the Z Flip 5’s display, rendering it more adept at maintaining visibility under direct sunlight compared to its counterpart, the Z Flip 4.
The crease along the screen fold is equally conspicuous on both the Z Flip 5 and the Z Flip 4. However, it proves to be a non-issue over time, as it gradually fades into the background of your awareness.
The external cover displays are the focal point of intrigue in this comparison.
The most notable disparity between the Galaxy Z Flip 4 (on the left) and Z Flip 5 (on the right) lies in the latter’s more extensive cover display. This augmentation allows for the presentation of additional information and diminishes the necessity to unfold the phone frequently.
The Z Flip 5 boasts a more sizable and functional 3.4-inch cover display, aptly named the “Flex Window,” rendering the Z Flip 4’s diminutive 1.9-inch cover display seemingly antiquated in comparison.
The expanded dimensions of the Z Flip 5’s larger cover display facilitate the presentation of considerably more information through user-friendly widgets. Notifications, weather updates, music controls, calendar events, clock details, and more are not only easier to read but also more efficiently managed. Notably, the cover display enables users to respond to texts using a full-size keyboard, and the camera’s viewfinder and controls are markedly more accessible. While certain third-party applications, such as YouTube and Netflix, can be configured to operate on the Z Flip 5’s cover display, it’s imperative to acknowledge that the current extent of support for such applications remains somewhat limited.
Consequently, the Z Flip 5’s expansive cover display obviates the need to unfold the device for accessing additional information through basic widgets or swiftly responding to a text. In contrast, the Z Flip 4’s more modest cover display proved less utilitarian, necessitating more frequent unfolding of the phone for various tasks.
Performance and storage: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Z Flip 5
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 operates on a tailored iteration of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which, from a technical standpoint, surpasses the capabilities of the Z Flip 4’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
The Z Flip 5 is powered by a variant of the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, explicitly tailored for Samsung Galaxy phones. This stands in contrast to the Z Flip 4, released in 2022, which houses the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor without a specific phone in mind during its development.
The Z Flip 5, propelled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, exhibits superior performance in benchmarks, although the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the Z Flip 4 stands as a commendable contender. In terms of practical application, especially during the Z Flip 5’s initial launch phase, there is minimal perceived disparity when it comes to opening and running apps, if any. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the Z Flip 4 may begin to manifest signs of aging approximately a year or so before its successor, the Z Flip 5.
Notably, the Z Flip 5 presents a noteworthy improvement with its base storage starting at 256GB for the $1,000 price point, as opposed to the Z Flip 4’s 128GB base storage at the same launch price. This constitutes a substantial upgrade, particularly beneficial for users requiring an extensive 256GB of storage. However, it would have been preferable to see a 128GB variant of the Z Flip 5 at a sub-$1,000 price point, catering to those with lesser storage needs.
Cameras: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Z Flip 5
The photo captured by the Galaxy Z Flip 4 appears brighter than that of the Z Flip 5, but regrettably, not in a favorable manner. The image reveals distracting bright spots, and objects with increased brightness exhibit a reduction in detail.
No significant disparities are evident in the camera setups of the Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5. Both models are equipped with 12-megapixel (MP) main and ultrawide cameras, along with 10MP front (selfie) cameras. Enthusiasts of the Samsung brand will recognize the Z Flip 5’s characteristic photo quality, often presenting images with enhanced brightness and saturated colors, resembling an edited aesthetic.
Yet, users of the Z Flip 5 are poised to relish certain enhancements. While both devices boast 10x digital zoom capabilities, Samsung has elevated the quality of 10x optical zoom in the Z Flip 5. This constitutes a significant improvement for a phone devoid of a dedicated zoom lens. Additionally, there’s an observed swiftness in the Z Flip 5’s photo capture process when the shutter button is pressed, in contrast to the Z Flip 4, which exhibits a slight lag.
Both models share identical capabilities for 4K and 1080p video recording, supporting frame rates of either 30 or 60 frames per second. A notable improvement in the Z Flip 5 lies in its enhanced night video quality, characterized by augmented detail and colors, along with a reduction in visual noise.
Battery life: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Z Flip 5
The Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5 are equipped with identical 3,700mAh batteries and demonstrated similar performance in our battery test.
In our battery test, both the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the year-old Z Flip 4 concluded with a remaining charge of 56%. These outcomes, while adequate, might be deemed uninspiring for high-end phones boasting 6.7-inch displays. It’s worth noting that foldable phones typically exhibit a shorter battery life compared to their flat phone counterparts.
Either phone is poised to last you through the day; however, should you subject either to particularly intensive usage, a midday top-up may be necessary.
Both phones provide 25W charging, a feature that may be considered relatively unremarkable given the size and price range of these devices. Particularly when contrasted with Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Plus, sporting a 6.6-inch display and a $1,000 starting price, which boasts 45W charging, the offering on the Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5 seems comparatively modest.
Both the Z Flip 5 and Z Flip 4 come equipped with a standard and adequate 15W wireless charging capability.
Price: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Z Flip 5
Substantial trade-in discounts are available for both the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5.
At their respective launches, both models carried a price tag of $1,000. However, it is advisable not to acquire the Z Flip 4 at its original launch price, given its status as an older model. Presently, the Z Flip 4 is available starting at $900 directly from Samsung, featuring 128GB of storage. In contrast, the Z Flip 5 commences at $1,000, offering an expanded storage capacity of 256GB.
|
|
Galaxy Z Flip 4 |
Galaxy Z Flip 5 |
|
128GB |
$899.99 |
N/A |
|
256GB |
$1059.99 |
$999.99 |
|
512GB |
$1,179.99 |
$1,119.99 |
The most favorable recent price observed for the Z Flip 4 entails a trade-in arrangement with Samsung, allowing for a substantial discount of $725 upon exchanging your old phone. This brings the Z Flip 4’s price down to a mere $175. It’s important to note that the specific trade-in amount is contingent on the phone you wish to trade in and its prevailing condition.
Samsung consistently presents attractive trade-in incentives for its latest devices. The current promotion extends up to $600 off the Z Flip 5, contingent upon the particular phone you intend to trade in and its overall condition.
Which should you buy: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Z Flip 5?
Coupled with its advanced processor, the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s augmented features, including the larger cover display, refined hinge design, and improved cameras, render it a compelling choice. This proposition becomes even more compelling when considering the option to leverage a trade-in offer from Samsung or a carrier, substantially reducing the price of the Z Flip 5.
Investing a substantial amount in the Z Flip 4 may be deemed excessive, especially when juxtaposed with the superior value and utility offered by the Z Flip 5. Factor in the substantial trade-in offers available for both phones and opting for the Z Flip 5 becomes a more prudent and rewarding choice.
In the event that trading in is not an option, the $100 disparity between the Z Flip 4’s initial price of $900 (featuring 128GB of storage) and the Z Flip 5’s starting price of $1,000 (equipped with 256GB) is indeed a worthwhile stretch. This is justified by the aforementioned advantages of the Z Flip 5, coupled with the added benefit of increased storage capacity.
