Galaxy Z Fold 5 in a short test: Samsung foldable now folds properly

Samsung is considered a pioneer when it comes to foldable cell phones. The first Galaxy Z Fold was released in 2019. Nevertheless, Samsung’s foldables in booklet format look rather awkward compared to the competition from China. The previous Fold models were mostly not only thicker than Huawei’s Mate X and Co., but also did not close flat. When folded, a wedge-shaped gap remained.

1. However, the new folding mechanism doesn’t make the crease disappear

2. Minor hardware updates only

3. One UI 5.1.1 brings minor improvements

4. price and availability

5. network world means

   1. We liked that…

   2. We didn’t like that…

6. alternatives

That is changing with the new generation. Thanks to a modified hinge, the gap between the two halves of the screen has completely disappeared. Don’t you think so? You can watch it in the following video from minute 2:29.

At the same time, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 slims down. It only weighs 253 grams, 10 grams less than its predecessor. A difference that is particularly noticeable in a direct comparison. The dimensions have also shrunk. The Fold 5 only measures 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm when closed. In comparison, it is 0.2 mm shorter and 2.4 mm thinner than its direct predecessor and is therefore no longer too bulky in the trouser pocket. The competition still has the edge here. The Huawei Mate X3 is only 11.8 millimeters thick. If you are looking for a handy cell phone, you should rather use the sister model Z Flip 5 anyway.

However, the new folding mechanism doesn’t make the crease disappear

The South Korean manufacturer has been working on the new waterdrop-like folding mechanism for some time. So far, according to Samsung, the technology has not been reconciled with the device’s IP certification. This was only recently achieved, so that nothing stood in the way of using it in the new foldable generation. Because the Z Fold is also protected against water according to IPX8.

The new folding mechanism is said to have reduced the visibility of the fold between the two halves of the screen. In fact, we could not make out any significant difference to previous models in the short test. There is still room for improvement here for future generations. What we also dislike: The triple camera on the back protrudes quite a bit, so that the cell phone wobbles when you use it lying on the table.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 in pictures

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers these innovations.

The Fold 5 is still compatible with the S-Pen, but unfortunately it remains an optional accessory. If you buy it, you can only anchor it to the housing via a cover. A slot in the case is missing. However, Samsung has optimized the case so that the pen case does not increase the dimensions of the cell phone unnecessarily. The S Pen itself has also become thinner, which may not please everyone.

Minor hardware updates only

Samsung has not only fine-tuned the format of the Z Fold, but also brought the inner workings up to the level of a top smartphone in summer 2023. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is now working as the processor in the Fold 5. The Qualcomm chip already did a good job in the Galaxy S23 Ultra and did not disappoint in the short test of the Fold 5 either. According to Samsung, the vapor chamber used for cooling has been increased by 38 percent so that the processor can access its full performance for a long time. However, only the detailed test will show whether this really ensures better performance.

The processor is supported by 12 gigabytes (GB) of RAM, and you have a choice of 256, 512 GB or 1 TB for your data. You can only buy the latter version directly from Samsung and currently save 340 euros.

There is an update on the screen. The size remains unchanged. When opened, the Fold 5 offers a 7.6-inch display, but when folded it still has a 6.2-inch screen. The large interior display now shines much brighter. It can reach a maximum of 1,750 nits, up from 1,500 nits before. With these values, you don’t have to worry about readability outdoors, even in direct sunlight.

The rest of the equipment remains largely unchanged. The battery still only holds 4,400 mAh. An upgrade to the Fold 6 would certainly be desirable here. The same applies to the external display, which lags behind the main screen in terms of adaptive refresh rate. It only manages values ​​between 48 and 120 Hertz, while the internal display can regulate the refresh rate from 1 to 120 Hertz.

One UI 5.1.1 brings minor improvements

On the software side, the new One UI 5.1.1 user interface brings a few minor improvements – such as drag and drop with two fingers. This works in the file manager or on the start screen. Hold the app or file you want to move with one finger. With the other you choose the target.

Major innovations are expected later this year with the update to One UI 6 based on Android 14. After this you will receive three more version updates (Android 15, 16 and 17) as well as regular security patches until summer 2028.

price and availability

You can pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 5 now. The devices will be delivered from August 11th. Prices start at 1,899 euros for the 256 gigabyte version. Samsung charges 2,019 euros for the 512 GB model and 2,259 euros for the 1 terabyte variant. This means that the new fold is almost 100 euros more expensive than its predecessor.

However, a number of benefits await those who pre-order the new Samsung foldables:

The phone is available in the colors Phantom Black, Icy Blue, Cream, Blue and Gray. You can buy the last two color variants exclusively online from Samsung. Pre-orderers can also expect a number of discount campaigns from various retailers:

network world means

In our opinion, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is more of a Z Fold 4.5. The hardware of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 has been largely adopted and packed into a thinner, slimmer case that now closes without a gap. This makes it easier to use and transport in everyday life. A switch is worthwhile, especially from older model generations.

We liked that…

• lighter and slimmer body
• no more gaps between the halves of the display

We didn’t like that…

• few technical innovations
• S-Pen is still an optional accessory only

alternatives

Anyone looking for an alternative to the Fold 5 in the field of foldables will have a hard time. According to Samsung, it has a 98 percent market share. There are only two competitors in the same format that are available in this country. On the one hand, the Huawei Mate X3 – it shines with an even thinner case. Among other things, you have to do without 5G and Google apps due to US sanctions.

In addition, there is the recently introduced Pixel Fold from Google. However, this cannot quite keep up with Samsung’s Fold series in terms of workmanship and equipment.

Only the predecessor Galaxy Z Fold 4 remains as an equivalent alternative, which is now available from 1,200 euros. If you want a cell phone with a foldable display and are looking for a more compact device, the cheaper Flip 5 is the right choice and the device does not have to be foldable, the Galaxy S23 Ultra still offers you a better camera.

In addition to the Fold 5, Samsung also presented the Galaxy Z Flip 5, the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Galaxy Tab S9 at its Unpacked event in July 2023.