Foldable smartphones are stealing the spotlight from their candybar siblings as of late. After all, Motorola just entered the market with its Razr+ phone and Google jumped headfirst with its Google Fold device. So it comes as no surprise that Samsung’s latest launch includes the announcement of two folding phones, the Fold 5 and the Flip 5.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip5 builds on its predecessor to create an all-new foldable experience.
Truth be told, I’ve been curious about the foldable lineup for a while, so I simply couldn’t resist when I was offered the opportunity to try the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 hands-on. With this new model, Samsung has created a worthy successor to its Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. If you’re in the market for a new foldable phone, the Flip 5 is the device you want to use. Read on to hear why this should be your go-to device.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Camera: 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie | Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy | Display: 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED foldable display, 3.4-inch 60Hz AMOLED cover display | Battery: 3,700 mAh | Dimensions: Unfolded: 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm, folded: 84.9 x 71.9 x 15.9-17.1 mm | Storage: 256GB and 512GB
Best for:
- Content creators who want to maximize their options to capture film and images
- A beautiful mobile AMOLED display to watch videos
- A smaller screen to respond to messages without distractions
Skip if:
- You need longer battery life
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Design
New Hardware Under The Hood
Let’s be blunt here: The biggest upgrades in this device focused on the design, and my goodness, it’s a welcome change. Not only does it have a larger screen when the device is folded but you also get a fully flush design–no more slight gap at the hinge. It looks and feels sleek, especially when I’m tucking the smaller frame into my pocket.
The all-new hinge means it now shuts with a flush design.
There’s more than meets the eye with that hinge, with an all-new design that makes it more durable. Judging from my time both watching the extreme levels Samsung tests devices at its quality assurance testing facility and actually testing the phone, it’s a vast improvement and built to last. The hinge felt sturdy and controlled as I opened and closed it. Built-in magnets also keep it in place when folded, so you won’t have to worry about it accidentally flipping open.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Features
More Screen, More Widgets
One of the largest upgrades you’ll find on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the enhanced Flex Window (the screen that’s facing out when the phone is closed). It has three times more screen compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. As a result, I could respond to texts from that tiny but mighty screen, review my notifications and more. Additionally, Samsung has enhanced some of its widgets to allow you to check your calendar, alarms, the weather and your Samsung health stats without opening the phone. While there aren’t any other widgets available for the Flex Window, WhatsApp included, I expect this to change as more companies roll out software specifically designed for foldables.
The new 3.4-inch screen allows you to answer texts, check weather and more without unfolding the … [+] device.
This screen feels like a game-changer for the mobile device world, especially since I could just tap out a response to friends’ messages without opening it. Even when I was adventuring through South Korea during a dangerous heat wave, I could check the weather in real time without having to pop open the full screen. Combined with its palm-sized design when folded and its 1,600 nits brightness, I found it more convenient to tap out responses on the small screen, saving me from unfolding the phone.
More importantly, this Flex Window felt like the best way to stay connected without being tempted to scroll Reddit or Facebook. In other words, it’s a great way to minimize distractions while enjoying the full smartphone experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Camera
Still Capturing Shots Beautifully
Not a lot has changed in the camera since the Galaxy Flip4. The only real difference is a slight aperture change from 2.4 to 2.2 on the 10MP front camera. That’s not a bad thing–after all, why fix something that isn’t broken? My first day testing the Flip 5, I also carried my Sony A6000 camera alongside my Pixel 6 Pro to capture the gorgeous Korean palatial scenery. On day two, I tossed my camera and Pixel back into my luggage and used the Flip as my main.
The Google Pixel 6 Pro on the left and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 on the right. Both images are … [+] unaltered.
The rear 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide lenses capture images that are crisp and clear, and each image automatically gets enhanced thanks to Samsung’s AI integrations. The reds and blues at Cheongjajeong in Seoul feel vibrant in photos on the Flip 5–and the more so compared to my Google Pixel 6 Pro. Even when I captured a scene from the Changdeokgung Palace, the image felt more colorful. I also took some video footage to share with my family back home, and I noted how clear and smooth the captured footage felt.
The reds at Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea felt especially vibrant.
Ultimately, that’s what this phone was designed for: content capture. If you’re looking for a phone for that’s great for taking photos or video, the advantage here is that you can prop the device up on its own. I simply folded the hinge 90-degrees and recorded family moments–no selfie stick needed. Plus, with the foldable hinge, I found it much easier to adjust the angle and hide my arm when snapping selfies.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Battery Life
Same Battery Life
One of the only–and to be clear minor–gripes I have is with the Flip 5 is the battery life. The Flip 5’s design has two different batteries that combine into the 3,600 mAh you see today. In its previous iteration, we at Forbes Vetted felt that the battery could have been a little better.
One year and one new model later, I would have loved to see an upgrade. Unfortunately, that was one aspect that didn’t get attention this turnaround. In speaking with Samsung reps during briefings, I learned that the company does have a set improvement plan over the next few years. While this release didn’t focus on battery enhancements, you can expect future iterations to improve upon battery life.
The Flip 5 can still be set at a 90-degree angle for capturing content—its primary use for creators.
As it stands, the battery life could be a little better, but it’s certainly not a deal breaker as this phone took me through most of the day before I needed a recharge. My testing was also based on constant use of the camera and constant weather monitoring–both of which can be battery sucks. You can get around some of the battery drain with Samsung’s power-saving mode, which is available in the phone’s menu.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Performance
A Foldable Powerhouse
In the areas where Samsung did make incremental improvements, the phone overall came out all the stronger for it. As much as I love my Google Pixel 6 Pro, one of my biggest issues with it is that the device sometimes freezes up on me and I’m stuck trying to navigate a brick for a few minutes. Samsung’s latest chipset, first introduced in the Samsung S23 Ultra, brings that power and speed to the Flip 5. Testing the UI with my need to multitask, the Flip 5 handled itself beautifully with seamless app switching.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Verdict
Samsung’s Newest Go-To Foldable Phone
If I didn’t absolutely need the productivity that its sibling, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, affords me, the Flip 5 would be my go-to main device. It combines the best of all worlds for most users: easy content capture, great design choices and the smartest addition to date—the 3.4-inch Flex Window. For those that want to make videos, scroll the latest TikToks, or just chat with friends, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 should be your go-to choice for a new phone.
While you may want to keep a power charger nearby, especially for those that are surfing, streaming and more all day, it’s a worthy successor to the Flip 4 and one that I recommend for your phone needs. Shop–don’t skip–this flipping awesome device.
My Expertise
As the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes, I’ve been covering tech for over four years now. Most notably, I’ve covered major phone launches including Apple and Google for the past two years at various publications. My reporting on phones includes reviews in Decider, as well as major announcements at Digital Trends and most recently ZDNET.
How I Tested The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
I used the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 as my main device for over two weeks, taking it all across Seoul to capture photos, message friends, check weather and more. I ran multiple apps across the device while capturing video and also made sure to take phone calls on the device. I even pulled up Stardew Valley and Terraria for hours to see how the Flip 5 handled various mobile games.
For the camera, I tested it across an array of different locations, settings and more. I used it in bright sunlit areas and night shots to see how each turned out. The camera saw action both indoors and outside to see how still life and action shots turned out under various circumstances. Additionally, I cross-tested it with Google’s camera system to find out how the camera held up against the competition.
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