Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Review: A Gapless Marvel with Powerful Upgrades

Closing the Gap: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Sets a New Standard

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is a groundbreaking device that takes the foldable segment to new heights. Packed with cutting-edge features such as the gapless design, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2, this smartphone is poised to redefine your expectations. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the impressive features of the Galaxy Z Fold5 and explore its potential to revolutionize the foldable smartphone market.

A Seamless Design Evolution

The Galaxy Z Fold5 effectively addresses a significant concern that has persisted in the foldable lineup. The unsightly and impractical V-shaped gap when the device is closed has finally been eliminated. With the gap-free body, Samsung's innovation aligns with market competition, offering a seamless design that's both aesthetic and practical.

The device stands out with its IPX8 rating, a feature matched only by the Huawei Mate X3. Furthermore, the Armor aluminum frame and Victus glass exterior provide superior durability and reassurance. As a notable upgrade, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset powers the Galaxy Z Fold5, boasting increased CPU and GPU clocks, while the storage capacity receives a boost with UFS 4.0.

Display Excellence and S-Pen Compatibility

The foldable AMOLED screen, measuring 7.6 inches, remains a highlight of the Galaxy Z Fold5. Delivering Dynamic AMOLED 2X quality with 373ppi, a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, and HDR10+ support, this display offers stunning visuals. The device incorporates an innovative under-display 4MP camera, minimizing interruptions and enhancing the user experience. Notably, S-Pen input is supported, and the new slimmer S-Pen case stands out as one of the year's most significant upgrades.

The exterior boasts a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ compatibility. Although lacking S-Pen support, this display still delivers impressive visuals.

Consistency in Camera and Battery Performance

The rear camera setup, borrowed from the Fold4, consists of a 50MP OIS primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP OIS 3x telephoto lens. While maintaining familiarity, these cameras anticipate improved image quality thanks to the computational capabilities of the new Snapdragon chipset.

The battery life, a crucial aspect of any smartphone, is consistent with its predecessor, featuring a 4,440mAh battery. With 25W wired and 15W wireless charging support, the Galaxy Z Fold5 keeps you connected throughout your day.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Specifications

Dimensions of 154.9x129.9x6.1mm and a weight of 253g characterize the body, featuring a glass front (folded) and a plastic front (unfolded), complemented by a glass back (all protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2). The aluminum frame ensures durability, and the device boasts an IPX8 water-resistant rating, capable of withstanding depths of up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. Furthermore, an Armor aluminum frame enhances drop and scratch resistance. aluminum frame with enhanced drop and scratch resistance, Stylus support.

Display: 7.60" Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1812x2176px resolution, 10.81:9 aspect ratio, 373ppi; Cover display: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, 6.2 inches, 904 x 2316 pixels, 23.1:9 ratio.

Processor: Powering the device is the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core configuration with a Cortex-X3 clocked at 3.36 GHz, two Cortex-A715 cores at 2.8 GHz, two Cortex-A710 cores at 2.8 GHz, and three Cortex-A510 cores at 2.0 GHz. This chipset also incorporates the Adreno 740 GPU for enhanced graphical performance.

Memory: Options of 256GB/512GB/1TB storage with 12GB RAM; UFS 4.0.

OS/Software: Android 13, One UI 5.1.1.

Camera Specifications:

Main Wide Camera:

Resolution: 50 MP

Aperture: f/1.8

Focal Length: 23mm

Pixel Size: 1.0µm

Autofocus: Dual Pixel PDAF

Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)

Telephoto Camera:

Resolution: 10 MP

Aperture: f/2.4

Autofocus: PDAF

Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)

Zoom: 3x optical zoom

Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera:

Resolution: 12 MP

Aperture: f/2.2

Field of View: 123˚

Focal Length: 12mm

Pixel Size: 1.12µm

Front Cameras:

Under Display Camera:

Resolution: 4 MP

Aperture: f/1.8

Focal Length: 26mm

Pixel Size: 2.0µm

Cover Camera:

Resolution: 10 MP

Aperture: f/2.2

Focal Length: 24mm

Sensor Size: 1/3"

Pixel Size: 1.22µm

Video capture: Rear camera: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS.

Battery: 4400mAh; 25W wired charging (50% in 30 min), 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Dual SIM; Wi-Fi 6e; Bluetooth 5.3, aptX HD; NFC.

Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, Bixby natural language commands and dictation, support for Samsung DeX desktop experience, Samsung Pay with Visa and MasterCard certification, and compatibility with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology.

A Familiar Face with Subtle Enhancements

The Galaxy Z Fold5 maintains the design principles that made its predecessor a success. While the unattractive gap is no more, the device still exudes a sense of familiarity. It's more of an evolution rather than a complete reinvention, akin to a "Galaxy Fold 4s."

Unveiling the Experience: Unboxing the Galaxy Z Fold5

Upon unboxing the Galaxy Z Fold5, you'll find a minimalist approach. The package contains the phone and a USB-C cable, adhering to eco-friendly practices. However, if you require a charger, case, or headphones, additional shopping is necessary.

In Conclusion: Redefining the Foldable Experience

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 excels through its seamless design, robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, and impressive Gorilla Glass Victus 2 build.

 While retaining some elements from its predecessor, the device showcases Samsung's dedication to providing a superior foldable smartphone experience. As we delve deeper into the user experience, it's evident that the Galaxy Z Fold5 is more than just its specifications – it's a step toward the future of foldable technology.