The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the latest addition to Samsung’s lineup of foldable smartphones, promising cutting-edge technology, a refined design, and premium performance. But with a price tag that rivals high-end laptops, many potential buyers are left wondering: is it worth the hype and the hefty cost? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the Z Fold 5’s design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life to help you decide whether this foldable powerhouse deserves a spot in your pocket.
Design and Build: Sleeker and More Durable
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 builds on the legacy of its predecessors with a more refined and durable design. Samsung has made subtle yet impactful improvements, such as reducing the hinge gap when folded, making the device slimmer and more pocket-friendly. The new Flex hinge mechanism ensures a smoother folding experience while enhancing durability.
The phone features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering better resistance against drops and scratches. The IPX8 water resistance rating means it can survive accidental splashes, though it’s not dust-proof. The Z Fold 5 is available in sleek color options, including Phantom Black, Cream, and exclusive online colors like Icy Blue and Gray.
Despite these improvements, the Z Fold 5 remains a chunky device when folded, and the narrow outer display can feel cramped for typing. However, the premium build quality and hinge refinements make it one of the most polished foldables on the market.
Display: Bigger, Brighter, and Better
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 boasts two stunning AMOLED displays: a 6.2-inch Cover Screen and a massive 7.6-inch Main Screen when unfolded. Both panels now support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations. The inner display features an under-display camera, minimizing distractions during media consumption.
Samsung has improved brightness levels, with the Z Fold 5 reaching up to 1,750 nits peak brightness—making it easier to use outdoors. The crease is still visible but less pronounced than previous models, and the Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) provides a more natural feel when using the S Pen.
Whether you’re multitasking, streaming videos, or gaming, the Z Fold 5’s displays deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. However, the tall aspect ratio of the inner screen may not be ideal for all apps, as some still lack proper optimization for foldables.
Performance and Software: A Powerhouse with Refined Multitasking
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a chipset optimized for Samsung’s flagship devices. Paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, this phone handles everything from intensive gaming to productivity tasks with ease.
OneUI 5.1.1, based on Android 13, enhances the foldable experience with improved multitasking features. The new Taskbar allows for quicker app switching, and apps can now be resized more intuitively in Flex Mode. Samsung’s DeX mode also turns the Z Fold 5 into a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor.
While performance is top-tier, some users may find the software learning curve steep, especially when navigating between the Cover Screen and Main Screen. However, once mastered, the Z Fold 5’s multitasking capabilities are unmatched.
Camera System: Flagship-Level but Not Class-Leading
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The under-display camera on the inner screen is a 4MP sensor, while the Cover Screen houses a 10MP selfie camera.
In good lighting, the Z Fold 5 captures sharp, detailed photos with accurate colors. Low-light performance is solid, though not as impressive as the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s night mode. The telephoto lens is decent but lacks the range of dedicated zoom cameras on other flagships.
Video recording is excellent, with support for 8K at 30fps and advanced stabilization. However, if photography is your top priority, traditional flagships like the S23 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max still offer better versatility.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power with Room for Improvement
The Z Fold 5 packs a 4,400mAh battery, which is modest for a device with two displays. In real-world usage, it lasts a full day with moderate use but may struggle under heavy multitasking or gaming. The 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging are disappointingly slow compared to competitors offering 65W+ speeds.
Battery optimization features help extend longevity, but power users may need to top up during the day. If fast charging is a priority, the Z Fold 5 falls short of rivals like the OnePlus Open or Xiaomi Mix Fold 3.
Conclusion: Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the most refined foldable smartphone yet, offering a stunning display, powerful performance, and unmatched multitasking capabilities. However, its high price, mediocre battery life, and incremental upgrades over the Z Fold 4 may leave some buyers hesitant.
If you’re an early adopter who craves cutting-edge tech and productivity on the go, the Z Fold 5 is a fantastic choice. But if you prioritize camera quality, battery endurance, or value for money, traditional flagships or even competing foldables might be better options. Ultimately, the Z Fold 5 justifies its premium price for those who truly need a foldable—but for most, it remains a luxury rather than a necessity.