June Wan/ZDNET
2023 will probably be the year of foldable smartphones, with, among others, the launch of the Motorola Razr 40, Samsung’s two Galaxy Z models, Google’s Pixel Fold and the probable OnePlus model (Open or Fold?)
But two proposals still stand out from the others if you are looking for performance and power: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel Fold. They both start at $1800. UNITED STATES. In France, the cheapest version of the Fold 5 costs €1,800. For the moment, Google does not sell its foldable in France but it is possible to buy it online (where it has been seen for €2,500…). Both devices transform into 7.6” mini-tablets when unfolded. And these two models are clearly the best their respective manufacturers have to offer in this foldable format.
And these two models happen to be the foldable devices that have accumulated the most time… in my pocket over the past summer. The Pixel Fold was my daily device from June to August and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 took over last month.
One aspect makes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 the big favorite for me
After testing both devices over the long term, one aspect makes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 the clear favorite for me.
If you’ve ever held a foldable phone in your hand (and I’m talking about smartphones that turn into tablets) your enthusiasm must have come from the design and a little from curiosity about how to use it. There must have also been a lot of “Wow, that thing is heavy!” in your surroundings. This is what happens every year when I pass the latest models around the table. And that was especially true with the Pixel Fold.
At 283 grams, the Pixel Fold is noticeably heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (253g) and even heavier when compared to Apple’s latest model (240g). So what’s the problem ?
Contact is one of the most overlooked aspects of user experience
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from using foldable smartphones over the years, it’s that touch is one of the most overlooked aspects of the user experience. It’s easy to get lost in all the multitasking features and immersive viewing that a handheld tablet can bring. But at the end of the day, these are gadgets you’ll hold in your hand for hours, every day.
When you lift this device to scan a map, read the news on the subway, and watch videos late at night, the strain and stress that a heavier device puts on your wrist slowly becomes noticeable. And I’m not even talking about the long-term effects.
After performing all of the above tasks with the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5, I can confidently say that if a comfortable mobile experience is what you are looking for, choose the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
The Samsung Z Fold 5 is easier to hold. June Wan/ZDNET
“Wow, it’s heavy!” : well no !
In fact, this is the first large foldable screen that didn’t make people around me comment “Wow, that’s heavy!” when he went around the table. And that’s when I knew Samsung’s latest model was special.
Maybe it’s the new hinge design or the use of lighter materials, but the difference in feel in the hand is huge compared to the Pixel Fold. And that’s what makes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 the $1,800 foldable device I’m recommending right now.
Source: “ZDNet.com”