Samsung Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 Impressions: They Settled!

Samsung’s latest folding phones, the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, feature minor updates such as a new chip and improved hinge, but are mostly unchanged from last year’s models; the Z Flip 5’s larger outside screen is the primary upgrade, while the Z Fold 5 has a brighter inside display and a 40% thinner S Pen; despite lack of major changes, these phones remain strong options for those in the market for folding devices.

Video Highlights

00:00 Samsung Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 have been upgraded with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a larger outside screen.

• Both phones have the same shape, dimensions, aspect ratios, cameras, and batteries as last year’s models.
• The Z Flip 5 has a new and improved hinge that folds completely flat, a smaller crease, and a larger outside screen.
• The main upgrade of Z Flip 5 is the larger outside screen, which is now a 3.4-inch Flex window.
• The Z Fold 5 also has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, but there are no significant upgrades compared to last year’s model.

02:07 Samsung Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 have minor upgrades, except for the new hinge and brighter inside display on Z Fold 5.

• New pinch gesture to zoom out and view enabled widget screens
• Covered in Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back
• Z Fold 5 has a thinner and more durable hinge that folds completely flat
• Z Fold 5 inside display is much brighter, up to 1,750 nits

04:14 Samsung Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 are minor updates due to Samsung being settled in the two form factors.

• Samsung is settled in the two form factors of Flips and Folds.
• Any major change would probably just result in a new phone.
• Samsung used to throw stuff at the wall to see what sticks, but they’re now being safe with their lineup.
• Samsung practically invented big phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Mega and Galaxy Note Edge.

06:24 Samsung Z Fold 5 settles with the same hardware as last year, missing improvements like an under-display selfie camera and a bigger capacity battery.

• The outside cover screen doesn’t feel natural and the tall display is awkwardly shaped.
• Back cameras and under-display selfie cameras are the same as last year.
• No improvement in battery capacity or S Pen storage.
• Incremental improvements in watches and tablets were announced as well.