Tested: A Revolution in Your Pocket with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, we’ve examined the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, a beacon of advancement and meticulous craftsmanship. It’s more than just a device; it’s an unfolding experience that sets new benchmarks in the folding phone-tablet sector. With its premium price tag, it stands as a testament to Samsung's commitment to pushing the boundaries, especially amidst the rising competition from the likes of the Google Pixel line.

This marvel is a harmonious blend of elegance and functionality, offering users a seamless and pleasurable experience, even for those transitioning from devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. It’s a beautifully constructed masterpiece that eliminates any initial concerns about its delicacy, showcasing a refined and well-made design that feels less burdensome in the pocket, despite being thicker than a regular phone. The apprehensions about having to "baby" it soon fade after a few days of use, allowing users to immerse themselves in the revolutionary experience it offers.

Pros:

• Meticulously crafted design
• Expansive and pleasurable inner screen
• Impressive battery life

Cons:

• Premium price
• Narrow front screen
• Camera system not the best in the market

Design & Build:

The Z Fold 5, showcasing a refined and well-made design, eliminates any initial concerns about its delicacy. The device feels less burdensome in the pocket, despite its 13.4mm thickness and 253g weight, and any apprehensions about having to "baby" it soon fade after a few days of use.

Performance & Usability:

After having used the phone as the main device for a month, the experience has been pleasurable and seamless, even when transitioning from an iPhone 14 Pro Max. The device, powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, offers a seamless software experience with Samsung’s One UI 5.1, based on Android 13, allowing users to run up to three apps split screen at once, enhancing productivity for power users.

Camera Capabilities:

The Z Fold 5 boasts an advanced camera system featuring a 50MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 10MP 3x optical zoom telephoto camera, a 10MP cover camera, and a 4MP under-display camera. While it may not surpass the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung's own Galaxy S23 Ultra, it will satisfy all but the most demanding of mobile photographers. The camera system is versatile, delivering sharp images across various lighting conditions, making it a reliable companion for capturing moments.

Display & Battery Life:

The form factor of the front screen is somewhat narrow, and a more squat-like form, similar to Google's fold implementation, is preferable for future generations of the Z Fold series. However, the inner screen is where the device truly shines, offering an expansive 7.6-inch Main Screen that emits up to 1750 nits of brightness, making it the preferred choice for catching up on TV during the morning commute. The battery life is impressive, with a substantial 4400mAh (typical) dual-battery system, easily lasting a full day, especially considering the extensive use of the huge inner screen.

Additional Features:

The Z Fold 5 supports Samsung’s excellent S Pen stylus for drawing and note-taking, a feature unmatched by other foldables. The new “Flex Mode” panel and Samsung’s long-established Dex mode are significant additions, enhancing the user experience and making the Z Fold 5 a potential sole computing device for some users.

Our Rating

9/10: Outstanding Value

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a revolutionary blend of elegance and innovation, offering a seamless user experience, robust performance, and an expansive display in a sleek, premium design, making it an outstanding value for those who seek the pinnacle of technological advancement.

Price: HK$13,598.00 / S$2,398.00 / ₱105,990

Disclaimer: This review is the outcome of 1 month of hands-on experience with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, which was kindly loaned to us for the purpose of this review. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of our editorial team, based on our assessment and experience with the product. The manufacturer or retailer has not influenced the content of this review in any way.