24 Hours With The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: A Nostalgic Leap Into The Future

Following an electrifying media launch at Samsung's pop-up experience store in Central, Hong Kong, we're ready to share our first impressions from 24 hours with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. A device that nostalgically evokes the past, whilst boldly heralding the future, the Z Flip 5 marks a significant milestone in Samsung's foldable phone evolution, representing substantial advancement over the previous generation.

Design:

The moment the Z Flip 5 graces your hand, it evokes memories of the iconic Nokia 8800, a phone renowned for its premium, stainless-steel construction. In the Z Flip 5, Samsung deftly captures this spirit, marrying it with a modern touch that is decidedly distinct. The Z Flip 5 feels more like a luxury timepiece than a standard slab smartphone. 

Despite its retro charm, the Z Flip 5 is a thoroughly modern device featuring Samsung's latest advancements in foldable screen technology. Potential buyers may harbour reservations about the durability of the folding screen - a concern born out of the teething issues seen in early foldable models. However, Samsung assures customers that the Z Flip 5's screen is their most robust foldable display yet.

Specifications:

With a starting price of $999, £1,049, and HK$8,298, the Z Flip 5 boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display, complemented by a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED outer display. The inner screen features an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, while the now much more useable outer display settles at a sturdy 60Hz. 

Under the hood, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset coupled with 8GB RAM ensures fluid performance. Available in 256GB and 512GB variants, the storage options are spacious enough for most, but there is no removable storage option. We would recommend that users who shoot a lot of photos and videos opt for the more spacious model.

Performance and Usability:

With the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 8GB of RAM at its heart, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 boasts robust performance and impressive speed. The phone offers a lag-free experience, making multitasking feel seamless and efficient. 

Whether you're hopping between multiple apps, streaming videos, or playing high-definition games, the Z Flip 5 handles it all with ease. The Z Flip 5 features Samsung's signature UI, an element that has traditionally divided opinion. On a positive note, Samsung continues to trim down the pre-installed bloatware, presenting users with a cleaner, more straightforward experience.

Camera Capabilities:

While little has changed from the previous generation, the Z Flip 5 continues to offer a potent camera setup. The rear side accommodates a dual-camera configuration, comprising a 12MP main wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and 83° field of view, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens with an f/2.2 aperture and a 123° field of view. A 10MP front-facing camera serves vibrant selfies and crisp video calls. 

However, with the addition of the 3.4-inch Super AMOLED outer display, the main cameras offer significantly better quality and much better out-of-focus effects. A more in-depth exploration of the Z Flip 5's camera capabilities compared to the iPhone 14 Max Pro, and our current favourite, the Nothing Phone (2), is forthcoming in the full review.

Initial Impressions:

Currently available for pre-order, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is scheduled to ship to Hong Kong customers by August 11th, subject to availability. Our early encounter with the Z Flip 5 has been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating Samsung's prowess in fusing flip-phone nostalgia with modern tech innovation. 

Stay tuned for our comprehensive reviews of the Z Flip 5 and its larger sibling, the Z Fold 5. We'll delve deeper into their features, performance, and value propositions, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether they're the ideal foldable phones for you.

The Wrap-Up:

Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 are now live in Hong Kong, with potential buyers in other regions encouraged to check with local Samsung retailers. 

In addition, Samsung's Hong Kong experience store is rolling out a series of engaging workshops, aimed at deep-diving into the features of the Galaxy Z Series, as well as inspiring creativity through various art-focused sessions. The workshops blend tech education with a unique chance to create bespoke phone accessories, making Samsung's offerings more than just devices.