Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review top foldable | ENBLE

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review top foldable | ENBLE

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: A Mainstream, Foldable Marvel

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Image: Andy Boxall / ENBLE

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is here, and it’s an impressive follow-up to last year’s Z Fold 4. While it may look similar at first glance, this foldable smartphone has undergone significant improvements that make it a standout device in the market. From its sleek design to its powerful performance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is poised to become a mainstream phone that can be used daily without compromising on functionality.

Sleek Design and Enhanced Ergonomics

Samsung’s engineering team has worked its magic to make the Galaxy Z Fold 5 thinner, lighter, and more comfortable to hold. With a reduced thickness of 13.4mm when closed and a weight of 253 grams, the Z Fold 5 feels more ergonomic and less bulky than its predecessor. The new Flex Hinge mechanism allows the phone to close seamlessly, eliminating any gap between the sections and preventing debris from getting in-between.

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Image: Andy Boxall / ENBLE

The improved Flex Hinge also provides a luxurious feel, holding the phone open at various angles for optimal viewing experiences. The 6.2-inch, 2316 x 904 cover screen and the 7.6-inch, 2176 x 1812 inner screen remain the same as the Z Fold 4, but they still deliver outstanding visual quality. The chassis is made of Samsung’s sturdy Armor Aluminum material, and the Z Fold 5 even boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating.

While the overall design of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 may not have changed drastically from its predecessors, the evolutionary alterations make a significant difference in terms of usability and comfort. Samsung has struck the right balance between familiarity and improvement, ensuring a foldable phone that appeals to a wide range of users.

Immersive Media Experience

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Image: Andy Boxall / ENBLE

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers a truly immersive media experience. With its large, foldable screen, watching videos, reading books, and playing games becomes a delight. The hinge holds the screen at different viewing angles, making it perfect for casual viewing both in landscape and portrait orientations.

The Z Fold 5’s versatile design allows for multitasking capabilities, running multiple apps simultaneously on its expansive screen. You can use the device on a flat surface, partially folded, and Samsung’s Flex Mode will display media controls on the lower half of the screen. Whether it’s watching videos, reading books, or playing games, the Z Fold 5 excels in providing an enjoyable and captivating experience.

Enhanced Camera Capabilities

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Image: Andy Boxall / ENBLE

The camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 may not be as advanced as the one on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but it still delivers impressive results. With a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens, the Z Fold 5 takes vibrant and colorful photos. While it may not aim for absolute realism in every shot, it captures the essence of the scene with excellent white balance and controlled exposure.

The Z Fold 5’s 3x optical zoom has been improved, providing better detail, color balance, and exposure. However, there are a few minor downsides, including occasional focusing issues and confusion in low-light situations. Nevertheless, the included editing suite offers comprehensive tools and filters to enhance your photos.

Seamless Software and Powerful Performance

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Image: Three apps and one floating window running at the same time on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. Andy Boxall / ENBLE

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1, providing a familiar, fluid, and logical software experience. While there are pre-installed apps, they never intrude or push you towards their usage. Samsung’s multitasking features, such as running three apps plus a floating window simultaneously, further enhance the device’s productivity capabilities.

Under the hood, the Z Fold 5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, accompanied by 12GB of RAM and ample internal storage options. The phone performs flawlessly, handling resource-intensive tasks with ease. Whether it’s gaming or running multiple apps, the Z Fold 5 keeps up with your demands and delivers a smooth and controlled experience.

Impressive Battery Life and Charging

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Image: Andy Boxall / ENBLE

With a 4,400mAh battery capacity, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers reliable all-day battery life. In real-world tests, the phone comfortably lasts a full day with mixed usage, including video watching, gaming, and camera usage. The inclusion of a vapor chamber cooling system ensures efficient heat dissipation, preventing overheating issues during extended usage.

While the Z Fold 5 does not come with a charging block, it supports fast charging of up to 45 watts. To take advantage of this, you’ll need a compatible charger. The device also features wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities, adding further convenience to its power management.

Additional Features and Pricing

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Image: Galaxy Z Fold 5 and S Pen case Andy Boxall/Digital Trends / ENBLE

While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn’t come with an S Pen stylus, it is compatible with the S Pen Fold Edition, a specially designed stylus with enhanced features. Samsung offers a dedicated case that includes a slot for storing the stylus, providing easy access when needed.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is available in multiple colors, including Icy Blue, Cream, and Phantom Black, with exclusive blue and gray options available directly from Samsung. The device starts at $1,799 in the U.S. and £1,749 in the U.K. It offers a compelling choice for those seeking a foldable phone, competing directly with Google’s Pixel Fold, the Honor Magic Vs, and even Samsung’s own Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Verdict: An Expensive Marvel Worth Considering

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Image: Andrew Martonik/Digital Trends / ENBLE

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is undeniably impressive, offering a host of improvements over its predecessors. Its sleek design, powerful performance, and immersive media capabilities make it a standout device in the foldable smartphone market. While it faces stiff competition from other foldable alternatives and Samsung’s own flagship devices, the Z Fold 5 remains a top contender.

For those eager to embrace the foldable revolution, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 shouldn’t be missed. However, potential buyers should consider the available alternatives carefully, as there are other excellent foldable options that may better suit their needs and budgets. The Z Fold 5 is a device that signals the growing maturity of foldable technology, making it an exciting prospect for those looking to explore the new frontier of mobile devices.