Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 quick review: Slimmer, lighter and a lot better

Samsung has finally unveiled its much-anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 5 at the Galaxy Unpacked event. While some may have hoped for radical changes, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 proudly embraces its legacy. Instead of major design overhauls, the Z Fold 5 smartly builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, the Z Fold 4. The biggest change you could find in the device this year is the slimmer form factor, a redesigned hinge, which minimises the sharp crease which was noticeable in the previous generation foldable device-the Z Fold 5. To enhance the performance of the phone, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.

I have been using the Z Fold 5 as my primary device for the past two days, and now I'm ready to share my initial thoughts on this exciting new device, especially after comparing its design language with the Z Fold 4.

What's new in the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

At first glance, it's hard to distinguish the Z Fold 5 from the Z Fold 4; they look almost identical. However, upon holding both devices, you realize the significant changes that have been made. The Z Fold 5 is noticeably slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. Weighing just 253 grams, it's surprisingly lighter for a foldable phone, comparable to the 240-gram weight of the iPhone 14 Pro Max. I found it easy to slide the device into my jeans pocket, a convenience I hadn't expected from a foldable phone.

The new Zero Gap Flex Hinge has contributed to the device's slimness, reducing it by 2.4mm. When opened, the device lays flat on a surface, and when folded, there is hardly any gap between the two screens. Samsung claims the Fold 5 has been tested to withstand 200,000 folds over 5 years of daily use. The device is protected with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and is rated IPX8 water-resistant.

The display size remains unchanged, featuring a 6.2-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED cover display and a 7.6-inch QXGA Dynamic AMOLED flexible panel. The bezels remain consistent, but there's a slight change in how the camera sensors are placed. They slightly jut out from the camera module, and the LED flashlight is positioned outside the camera island.

What about the performance?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is equipped with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a processor specifically optimized for Galaxy foldable devices. It boasts 12GB of RAM and offers storage options of up to 1 TB. Running on One UI 5.1.1 based on Android 13, the phone delivers a smooth and seamless user experience.

In my time with the device, I have thoroughly enjoyed playing games like Asphalt 9 and have been captivated by the stunning video-watching experience. The 7.6-inch display provides a tablet-like experience that feels out of this world, especially for someone transitioning from an iPhone 13 to a phone with such an expansive screen. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 truly takes multimedia consumption to new heights and proves to be an absolute delight for people who love to watch movies and shows on their mobile screen.

As for the battery, the Z Fold 5 has been lasting me a day on a single charge so far, which I think is pretty decent for a foldable device. However, I have not put the device through rigorous tests yet. Only after using the device more, I will be able to comment on its performance and battery life more accurately.

Coming to the camera, The Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a 50 megapixels primary camera for detailed pictures. There's also a telephoto camera with 10 megapixels and 3X optical zoom to capture faraway things clearly. And for wider shots, there's a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera.

For selfies, it has two cameras. One with 10-megapixels on the outside screen and another with 4-megapixels under the folding screen. I have not got the chance to test the camera in different conditions but so far I have only tried the portrait mode to click pictures and found the results to be impressive. I will be able to comment on the complete camera performance so for that keep following this space and stay tuned for the complete review.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 first impressions

I got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, and my first impressions are positive. It feels like an upgrade from the previous model. The phone is slimmer and lighter, making it easier to handle and carry around. The new hinge design is impressive, and the screens lay flat when open with hardly any gap. The performance is smooth and snappy, especially with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 12GB of RAM. Watching videos on the 7.6-inch display is a treat, and the battery seems to hold up well. The camera setup shows promise, but I need more time to test it properly. So far, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 looks promising and has me excited about its potential. Stay tuned to India Today Tech for the full review.