Samsung's latest folding phone-tablet raises the bar for high-tech gadgets but also comes with a steep price.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 represents a crucial update for Samsung, especially in the face of fierce competition from Google's Pixel line. Priced at £1,749 ($1,799.99/A$2,599), it's £100 more than its predecessor, the Fold 4, and carries the same premium price tag as Google's Fold.
These cutting-edge devices are more than just phones. Samsung positions the Fold 5 as a versatile PC, tablet, and foldable phone that fits in your pocket, making it the most versatile Android device available.
Compared to the previous model, this year's design improvements include a sleeker profile, thanks to the new hinge design also used in the Z Flip 5. It's thinner, 10g lighter, and the crease along the fold is less conspicuous.
While the external 6.2in display is a bit narrow, the 7.6in internal screen is a spectacle to behold. It's brighter and more durable than before but still requires careful handling.
Specifications:
Main screen: 7.6in QXGA+ 120Hz Amoled flexible display
Cover screen: 6.2in HD+ 120Hz Amoled
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
Operating system: One UI 5.1 based on Android 13
Camera: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto; 10MP and 4MP selfie cameras
Connectivity: 5G, dual sim, esim, USB-C, wifi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS
Water resistance: IPX8 (1.5 meters for 30 minutes)
Dimensions folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm
Dimensions unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1mm
Weight: 253g
The Fold 5 is powered by Qualcomm's top Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and 12GB of RAM, offering impressive performance for multitasking. The battery life is excellent, lasting about 48 hours between charges, making it one of the best among its competitors.
In terms of sustainability, the Fold 5 is generally repairable, with reasonable repair costs. It's made from recycled materials, and Samsung offers trade-in and recycling programs.
One of its strong suits is its software, featuring Samsung's One UI 5.1 based on Android 13. It supports running three apps split-screen, offers a taskbar for easy multitasking, and works with Samsung's S Pen stylus. Flex Mode adds versatility, allowing it to function in different ways, especially when connected to a monitor.
The Fold 5's camera setup is versatile but doesn't quite match the Pixel Fold's camera quality. Pricing starts at £1,749 ($1,799.99/A$2,599), positioning it among the top-tier foldable devices in terms of cost.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a refined and mature foldable device, lighter and thinner than before, with powerful software and a remarkable display. While it comes at a premium price and demands careful handling, it's one of the most versatile and powerful devices you can carry in your pocket. If you're willing to invest, it's the top choice in the foldable category.
Pros:
Versatile phone and tablet in one
Powerful multitasking capabilities
Phone-like outside screen
Fantastic tablet screen
Top performance
Great battery life
Water resistance
Gap-free when closed and lighter
Cons:
Extremely expensive
More fragile than a regular device and costly to repair
No dust resistance
Thicker than a normal phone
Not a significant leap over the previous generation.
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