Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 (2024) Review

Remember the early days of flip phones? The satisfying snap of a clamshell closure, the compact convenience of slipping it into your pocket? Fast forward to 2024, and Samsung has breathed new life into that nostalgic form factor with the Galaxy Z Flip5, a foldable phone that’s not just cutting-edge technology, but a fashion statement with superpowers.

This isn’t your grandpa’s flip phone. The Z Flip5 is a sleek, modern marvel that unfolds into a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED display with minimal bezels, immersing you in your favorite content. But the magic lies in the poof of folding it shut. It compacts to half its size, fitting easily into your palm or the smallest of pockets. It’s a phone that makes a statement without needing to shout — a subtle nod to your tech-savvy style and appreciation for the unconventional.

But is the Z Flip5 all flash and no substance? Let’s dive deeper and explore what lies beneath the foldable facade.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 isn’t just a technological marvel; it’s a design masterpiece. Samsung has refined the foldable formula once again, delivering a phone that feels sturdy, stylish, and undeniably cool.

First Impressions:

Holding the Z Flip5 closed, you’re instantly struck by its sleekness and compactness. It’s thin and light, weighing a mere 187g — barely a whisper in your hand. The premium materials sing: a polished metal frame meets grippy, high-quality glass on the back, available in a range of eye-catching colors like Mint, Lavender, Graphite, and Cream. You’ll turn heads, not just because it folds, but because it exudes an air of sophistication and understated luxury.

The Hinge of Innovation:

The heart of the Z Flip5 lies in its improved hinge. Samsung has eliminated the unsightly gap that plagued earlier models, giving the closed phone a flush, seamless look. The hinge feels solid and smooth, with a satisfying “click” as you unfold and fold. It’s carefully calibrated to withstand countless flips, giving you peace of mind (and endless fidgeting opportunities).

Display Delights:

Unfold the Z Flip5, and be prepared to be wowed. The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is a stunner, boasting vibrant colors, sharp details, and an incredibly smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Watching videos is a joy, gaming feels silky-smooth, and even scrolling through emails is a pleasure. The crease is still faintly visible, a reminder of the foldable technology, but it’s significantly less noticeable than in previous iterations.

Durability Dilemma? Not With This Flip:

One concern with foldable phones is durability. But Samsung has put your worries to rest. The Z Flip5 boasts a sturdy aluminum frame and a new protective layer on the display, making it more resistant to scratches and drops. It’s even water-resistant, so you can confidently take it out and about without fear of a little drizzle.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5’s design and build quality are impressive. It’s sleek, stylish, and surprisingly durable, delivering a foldable phone that feels every bit as premium as its flagship status demands. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll take a closer look at the Z Flip5’s performance, cameras, and software!

Features Pros and Cons

FeatureProsConsDesignSleek, compact, premium materials, variety of colorsSlightly visible crease on displayBuild QualitySturdy aluminum frame, improved hinge, water-resistantNo IP rating for dust resistanceDisplayVibrant AMOLED, smooth 120Hz refresh rateMinor crease

Display Features and Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5’s display isn’t just a pretty face; it’s packed with innovative features and impressive quality that elevates your mobile experience. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this foldable screen truly shine:

Flex Mode Magic:

Remember the awkward angles you had to contort your old flip phone at to watch a video? The Z Flip5 ditches that struggle with its Flex Mode. Fold the phone at various angles (think laptop hinge), and the display automatically adjusts the interface to suit your needs. Watch videos comfortably hands-free, take stunning selfies with hands-on control, or video chat with the perfect viewing angle. Flex Mode is more than just a gimmick; it’s a game-changer for multitasking and hands-free entertainment.

Eye Comfort Matters:

Samsung understands the importance of protecting your precious peepers. The Z Flip5’s display features adaptive brightness that adjusts based on ambient light, reducing eye strain during day or night. Additionally, the phone emits reduced blue light, further minimizing fatigue and ensuring a comfortable viewing experience even during late-night browsing sessions.

Touch Responsiveness:

Folding technology often raises concerns about touchscreen responsiveness. But fear not, the Z Flip5’s display is incredibly responsive and smooth. Whether you’re typing texts, playing games, or swiping through menus, everything feels precise and lag-free. You’ll forget you’re even using a foldable phone thanks to the natural and intuitive touch experience.

Multi-Window Multitasking:

Take advantage of the large unfolded display with multi-window multitasking. Open and use two apps simultaneously, making it easy to juggle tasks like replying to emails while watching a video or taking notes while browsing the web. The split-screen interface is intuitive and customizable, allowing you to optimize your workflow for maximum efficiency.

Display Quality in the Spotlight:

Beyond the features, the Z Flip5’s display shines with its exceptional quality. The AMOLED technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and stunning contrast. Videos come alive with rich tones, pictures pop with detail, and even everyday tasks like reading emails become a more enjoyable experience. The 120Hz refresh rate further elevates the experience, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations that feel incredibly responsive.

Performance: Processor, RAM, and Storage

With its sleek design and stunning display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 has already impressed us. But the true test of any phone lies in its heart: the processor, RAM, and storage. So, does the Z Flip5 have the muscle to match its beauty? Let’s dive into what’s powering this foldable marvel.

Under the Hood:

The Z Flip5 boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the reigning king of mobile chipsets. This powerhouse delivers blazing-fast performance for everything you throw at it: from launching demanding apps and editing large files to playing the latest games at blistering frame rates. Multitasking is a breeze, apps open instantly, and switching between them feels silky smooth. You’ll never experience lag or stutter, even with the most resource-intensive tasks.

RAM to Remember:

Complementing the powerful processor is 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM. This ensures the phone can keep multiple apps running in the background without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re a heavy multitasker or a demanding gamer, the Z Flip5 has enough RAM to handle your needs seamlessly. You can switch between apps, edit photos, and play games without worrying about apps reloading or performance dips.

Storage for Your Memories:

The Z Flip5 offers either 128GB or 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, providing ample space for your apps, photos, videos, and music. The faster UFS 3.1 technology ensures quick app loading times and speedy file transfers. Most users will find the 128GB option sufficient, but if you’re a media enthusiast or a professional who needs to store large files, the 256GB version is the way to go.

Real-World Performance:

In daily use, the Z Flip5’s performance shines. Apps launch instantly, browsing is a snappy experience, and even demanding games run flawlessly. Multitasking is a breeze, and you can seamlessly switch between editing photos, watching videos, and playing games without noticing any slowdown. Overall, the Z Flip5 packs a punch when it comes to performance, offering a smooth and powerful experience that keeps up with your fast-paced lifestyle.

Camera Capabilities and Image Quality

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 isn’t just a tech marvel; it’s a photography and videography powerhouse tucked away in your pocket. Let’s unveil the camera capabilities and see if the Z Flip5 truly lives up to its hype:

Rear Camera Powerhouse:

The Z Flip5 boasts a triple-lens rear camera system:

• Main sensor: A large 50MP sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus captures stunningly detailed and vibrant photos in all lighting conditions.
• Ultra-wide sensor: A 12MP ultrawide lens expands your field of view, letting you capture breathtaking landscapes and group shots without missing a beat.
• Telephoto sensor: A 10MP telephoto lens offers up to 3x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom, bringing distant objects closer for beautiful close-ups or details without losing quality.

Selfie Star:

The 10MP front-facing camera housed in the cover display ensures your selfies are always on point. Whether you’re solo or with a group, the camera captures natural-looking and detailed selfies, while the built-in Portrait mode blurs the background for an extra touch of style.

Video Prowess:

The Z Flip5 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to video either. Record stunning 4K videos at 60fps with incredible detail and smooth motion. The Super Stabilization technology keeps your footage shaky-free, even while you’re on the move. Additionally, Flex Mode comes in handy, transforming the phone into a hands-free camera for vlogging or capturing unique angles.

Image Quality:

So, how do the photos and videos actually look? In a nutshell, impressive. Photos are sharp, vibrant, and full of detail, even in low-light conditions. The wide dynamic range ensures balanced highlights and shadows, while the accurate color reproduction keeps everything looking natural. Videos are equally impressive, with smoother-than-smooth footage and crystal-clear details.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5’s foldable form factor might raise concerns about battery life. Can this tech marvel keep up with your demanding mobile world? Let’s explore its battery endurance and charging capabilities:

Battery Capacity:

The Z Flip5 packs a 3,700mAh battery, which might seem smaller compared to some flagship phones. However, Samsung has optimized the phone’s software and hardware to squeeze the most out of this capacity.

Real-World Battery Life:

In daily use, the Z Flip5 delivers surprisingly good battery life. With moderate usage (browsing, social media, calls, some texting), you can comfortably reach the end of the day with some juice left. However, heavy users (gamers, videographers, constant streaming) might need a top-up before bedtime.

Flex Mode Factor:

The Z Flip5’s innovative Flex Mode can be a double-edged sword for battery life. While it’s great for hands-free video calls or watching content, keeping the phone half-open will drain the battery faster than having it fully closed.

Charging Speed:

Thankfully, the Z Flip5 supports fast charging up to 25W with the included charger. This allows you to get a decent boost in a short amount of time — a 30-minute charge can fill up the battery to around 50%.

Wireless Charging:

The Z Flip5 also supports wireless charging up to 10W, making it convenient to top up your battery without any cables. However, it’s slower than wired charging, so keep that in mind if you’re in a hurry.

Software: User Interface and Operating System

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 isn’t just about cutting-edge hardware; it boasts a refined software experience that complements its foldable form factor. Let’s explore the user interface and operating system to see how they enhance your mobile journey:

One UI 5.1 — Tailored for Folding:

The Z Flip5 runs on One UI 5.1, Samsung’s latest custom version of Android 13. This interface has been specifically optimized for foldable phones, making the most of the unique form factor. Icons and menus are rearranged for easier one-handed use when the phone is closed, while apps seamlessly adjust their layout to utilize the larger screen when unfolded.

Flex Mode Magic:

One UI 5.1 shines when it comes to leveraging Flex Mode. Apps like YouTube, Instagram, and even web browsers automatically adapt their interface for the half-folded position. You can watch videos comfortably hands-free, control music playback with intuitive gestures, or video chat with the perfect viewing angle. Flex Mode doesn’t just work with pre-installed apps; developers can optimize their apps for this unique feature, expanding the possibilities.

Multitasking Made Easy:

The large unfolded screen makes multitasking a breeze. With Samsung’s multi-window functionality, you can effortlessly work with two apps simultaneously. Whether you’re replying to emails while watching a video or taking notes while browsing the web, the split-screen interface is smooth and intuitive.

Customization Options:

One UI 5.1 gives you ample room for personalization. You can customize themes, wallpapers, icons, and notification sounds to create a truly unique experience. Additionally, Good Lock, Samsung’s app store for customization modules, offers even more ways to tweak the interface and functionality to your preferences.

Unique Features and Innovations

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 isn’t just a foldable phone; it’s a playground of technological innovation. Beyond the sleek design and powerful performance, there are hidden gems that make this phone truly special. Let’s dive into some of its unique features and innovations:

1. Cover Display Magic:

Don’t underestimate the larger 3.4-inch cover display. It’s not just for checking notifications anymore. You can now take selfies, control music playback, answer calls, and even reply to messages without unfolding the phone. This makes multi-tasking and quick interactions a breeze, saving you time and effort.

2. Flex Mode Panel:

When you unfold the phone at various angles, the Flex Mode Panel takes on a life of its own. This customizable mini-dashboard lets you launch specific apps, change wallpapers, control media playback, and even set up app pairs for quick access. It’s a mini-control center at your fingertips, tailored for the unique Flex Mode experience.

3. Bespoke Edition:

Feeling creative? The Z Flip5 offers a Bespoke Edition with customizable colors and textures for the back panel. Choose from a range of stylish finishes, including leather, metallic, and patterned options, to create a phone that’s truly your own.

4. Seamless Galaxy Ecosystem Integration:

The Z Flip5 seamlessly integrates with Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem. Use Galaxy Buds for wireless audio, connect to your Galaxy Watch for notifications and health tracking, and easily transfer files between your phone and other Galaxy devices. It’s a connected world of convenience just waiting to be explored.

5. Hidden Extras:

Don’t forget the fun little details! The Z Flip5 boasts enhanced dust and water resistance, making it more durable than ever. Additionally, Samsung has packed in fun touches like customizable animations for the cover display and fun sound effects that make unfolding the phone an experience in itself.

Comparison with Previous Models

With each iteration, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series evolves, offering refined features and improved performance. Now, let’s put the Z Flip5 face-to-face with its predecessors to see how far it has come:

Z Flip5 vs. Z Flip4:

• Display: The Z Flip5 boasts a significantly larger cover display (3.4″ vs. 1.9″), making it more functional for notifications, quick actions, and even selfies.
• Performance: The Z Flip5 packs the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, offering a noticeable performance boost compared to the Snapdragon 888 in the Z Flip4.
• Camera: The Z Flip5 retains the triple-lens rear camera system but upgrades the main sensor to 50MP for sharper and more detailed photos.
• Battery: Both phones have similar battery capacities, but the Z Flip5’s optimized software and hardware might squeeze out slightly better battery life.
• Price: The Z Flip5 comes at a slightly higher price point than the Z Flip4, reflecting the upgraded features and performance.

Overall: The Z Flip5 is a clear evolution over the Z Flip4, offering a larger cover display, faster performance, better cameras, and potentially improved battery life. If you’re looking for the best foldable flip phone experience and willing to pay a bit more, the Z Flip5 is the winner.

Z Flip5 vs. Z Flip3:

The comparison with the Z Flip3 paints an even starker picture of progress:

• Design: The Z Flip5 has a sleeker and more refined design with a completely flush hinge when closed.
• Display: The Z Flip5’s larger and improved quality display with a 120Hz refresh rate blows the Z Flip3’s out of the water.
• Performance: The Z Flip5’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is generations ahead of the Snapdragon 888 in the Z Flip3, meaning much faster processing and smoother performance.
• Camera: The Z Flip5’s upgraded camera system offers significantly better photo and video quality.
• Battery: The Z Flip5 likely has better battery life thanks to software and hardware optimizations, even with the smaller capacity.
• Price: The Z Flip5 comes at a higher price point than the Z Flip3, but the improvements across the board justify the difference.

Pros and Cons

Before finalizing your verdict on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, let’s take a balanced look at its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

• Sleek and stylish design: Compact, foldable form factor with premium materials and various color options.
• Improved hinge: Flush design when closed and smooth folding mechanism.
• Stunning display: Large, vibrant AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate for a premium viewing experience.
• Powerful performance: Latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor ensures smooth multitasking and effortless handling of demanding tasks.
• Versatile camera system: Triple-lens rear camera with a 50MP main sensor captures high-quality photos and videos.
• Unique Flex Mode: Hands-free experience for video calls, selfies, and various functionalities.
• Larger cover display: More functional than previous models for notifications, quick actions, and even selfies.
• Galaxy ecosystem integration: Seamless connection with Galaxy Buds, Watch, and other devices for a connected experience.
• Hidden extras: Enhanced durability, fun animations, and unique sound effects add a touch of personality.

Cons:

• Higher price point: The Z Flip5 comes at a premium price compared to non-foldable flagships.
• Battery life might be tight for heavy users: While sufficient for moderate usage, demanding users might need a top-up before bedtime.
• Crease still visible on display: Although less noticeable than previous models, a faint crease in the display remains.
• Limited dust resistance: Although water-resistant, the Z Flip5 lacks an official dust resistance rating.
• Not for everyone: The foldable form factor might not appeal to everyone who prefers traditional phone designs.

Price

Now that you’ve weighed the pros and cons, let’s tackle the burning question: how much does the Galaxy Z Flip5 cost and where can you buy it?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5’s price varies depending on storage capacity:

• 128GB: Starting at $1,119.99, available in various color options including black, pink, gold, and blue.
• 256GB: Starting at $1,199.99, available in limited color options as of now.

Conclusion: Is the Galaxy Z Flip5 Worth It?

The answer to this question ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. We’ve weighed the pros and cons, explored its features and performance, and even peeked at the price tag. Now, let’s break it down for you:

For tech enthusiasts and early adopters:

• If you crave the latest technology and appreciate cutting-edge design, the Z Flip5’s innovative features and foldable form factor will be a source of constant delight.
• The powerful performance, versatile camera system, and unique software features like Flex Mode offer a truly unparalleled mobile experience.

For fashion-forward individuals:

• The Z Flip5’s sleek design and stylish color options make it a statement piece that stands out from the crowd.
• The compact form factor slips easily into a pocket or purse, adding a touch of sophistication to your everyday look.

However, before making the plunge, consider these points:

• The higher price tag: The Z Flip5 is a premium device, and its cost might be a dealbreaker for some.
• Potentially shorter battery life for heavy users: While sufficient for moderate usage, demanding users might need a top-up throughout the day.
• The visible display crease: Although less noticeable than previous models, a faint crease in the display remains, which might bother some users.
• Niche form factor: Not everyone is a fan of the foldable design, and some might prefer the familiarity of a traditional phone.

Therefore, the Z Flip5 is worth it if:

• You prioritize cutting-edge technology and innovative features.
• You appreciate a stylish and compact design.
• You can afford the premium price tag.
• You are a moderate phone user with manageable battery demands.

If any of the cons raise concerns, you might want to:

• Consider a non-foldable flagship phone with similar features at a lower price point.
• Wait for future iterations of the Z Flip series that might address battery life or display crease concerns.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. We’ve provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Z Flip5 to help you make an informed choice. So, weigh the pros and cons, consider your budget and needs, and choose the phone that best fits your mobile lifestyle.

No matter your decision, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a testament to the innovation and engineering prowess in the world of mobile technology. It pushes the boundaries of what a phone can be, and for those who embrace the future, it offers a glimpse into a truly unique and exciting mobile experience.

I hope this detailed review has been helpful in your decision-making process. If you have any further questions or need clarification on any aspect of the Z Flip5, feel free to ask!