Samsung today announced the fifth generation of Galaxy Foldables: the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5. The new Flex Hinge solves the biggest problem that both smartphones have been struggling with in recent years. Now both halves of the screen can be laid completely flat on top of each other so that no dust or other debris can get between them.
In addition, both Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 are IPX8 certified and incorporate armored aluminum frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. In addition, the hinge has a new module with a double rail structure that absorbs external shocks.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 with a bigger screen
The new screen of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is immediately noticeable. It now measures 3.4 inches compared to the meager 1.9 inches of the two previous versions. Now there are more customization options, different widgets, and some apps that you can use on the home screen.
You can easily see all your widgets at a glance or instantly switch between them with Multi Widget View, activated with a pinch on the screen. Without opening the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, browse your call history and retrieve missed calls. You can also quickly reply to messages from the cover screen with Quick Reply or through the full-screen keyboard.
The camera of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has received small improvements. The 12 MP main camera sensor has been improved, but the 12 MP ultra-wide camera and 10 MP selfie camera remain the same. Of course, Samsung says that all kinds of AI solutions are applied to make each photo better.
Lastly, the whole set is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy that we first saw on the Samsung Galaxy S23. This makes it the most powerful foldable phone you can buy today.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 minimal updates
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is clearly defined in the shadow this year. It also gets the new Flex Hinge, but other than that it’s hardly distinguishable from the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It has the same triple camera and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy as the Galaxy S23. However, some tweaks have been made to the software.
The taskbar provides dynamic enhanced productivity by allowing you to quickly switch between your most frequently used applications. Now up to four recent apps are ready to work more efficiently. Enhanced two-handed drag and drop can increase productivity when moving content between apps and screens. Touch and hold a finger on an image in Samsung Gallery. Then use another to open the Samsung Notes app and drag and drop the image.
The 7.6-inch screen inside is largely the same as last year. The only difference is the increased maximum brightness to 1,750 nits, like on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The thin screen cover has remained completely the same.
Finally, work has been done on accessories for the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The standalone S Pen has now been made thinner and more responsive, and the case that the S Pen can be stored is also slimmer. The reason is the Galaxy Note user group. Although the 2020 Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was the last phone in this series, it will continue to receive security updates until 2025 and the update to Android 14 later this year. Samsung is hoping to get some of the Note users to switch to the Z Fold series.
Prices and availability
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 can be reserved in advance from July 26 and will be available from August 7.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available from €1,209.00 (256GB of storage) in Mint, Graphite, Cream and Lavender colors. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is available from €1,909.00 (256 GB of storage) in Icy Blue, Phantom Black, and Cream colors.