About Our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review
This review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 was published after a week of usage in the United States, connected to T-Mobile’s 5G network. The review will be updated with additional battery stats, camera samples, and more. For a closer look at our review process, see our guide on how we test phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Design and Hinge
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 should be a perfect foldable flip phone. Samsung’s new “Flex Hinge” allows the Flip 5 to fold completely flat when closed, eliminating the unsightly gap. This design makes the phone more aesthetically pleasing and thinner, enhancing its pocketability. The hinge feels smoother than previous generations, making it easier to open and close while remaining sturdy.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Cover Screen
The cover screen on the Z Flip 5 is a big upgrade and can perform various functions. It features a Super AMOLED panel with a 720 x 748 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. Although it may not match some competitors’ technical specs, the Z Flip 5’s cover screen offers excellent customization options. It mimics the usability of Samsung’s smartwatches, making it clean, simple, and easy to use with different widgets and apps.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Display and Crease
The main display on the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 2640 x 1080 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display provides vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, and the increased brightness of 1,750 nits makes it easier to view outdoors. However, the crease on the main display is still noticeable, which could be improved in future iterations.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Cameras
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 sports a 12MP main camera with f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization, along with a 12MP ultrawide camera with a 123-degree field of view. While the camera setup remains similar to the previous generation, Samsung made some improvements in color reproduction and lens coatings. Photos taken with the Z Flip 5 are colorful, with good dynamic range and reliable performance in various lighting conditions.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Performance and Software
The Z Flip 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, providing excellent performance with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. Samsung’s custom One UI 5.1.1 interface offers a range of useful features and customization options. While some may find the UI overwhelming with too many options, Samsung’s software update policy, promising four years of major Android upgrades and five years of security updates, is commendable.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Battery Life
The 3,700 mAh battery of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 offers moderate battery life, lasting a full day with regular usage. The phone charges quickly with 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available for $1,000 with 256GB storage, or $1,120 for the 512GB version. Preorders have started, with regular sales beginning on August 11.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a near-perfect foldable flip phone, excelling in design, hinge, and camera performance. While the cover screen and software may have some complexities, it is still a superior product when compared to its competitors. With its user-friendly features and excellent software update policy, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the best folding phone to buy for most users.
