Samsung has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of revolutionary advancements in foldable technology. The inaugural debut of their foldable phone in 2019 stirred substantial excitement. Over the intervening years, extensive discourse has surrounded these devices – spanning creases, hinges, aspect ratios, and beyond – with each iteration of the Z Fold series. Fast-forwarding to the present year, 2023, Samsung unveils their fifth and most recent entrant in the foldable realm: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. This resounding launch reaffirms Samsung’s resolute commitment to propelling their Fold series with utmost seriousness and innovation.
Specs
| Dimension | Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm |
| Weight | 253 grams |
| Body | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame |
| Display | Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+ 7.6 inches, 1812 x 2176 pixelsCover Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 6.2 inches, 904 x 2316 pixels |
| OS | Android 13, One UI 5.1.1 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
| Memory | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 12GB Ram |
| Camera Rear | Photography : 50 MP, f/1.8 Wide 12 MP, f/2.2 123˚ Ultrawide 10 MP, f/2.4, Telephoto Videos : 8K@30fps 4K@60fps 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS) 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS) HDR10+ |
| Camera Others | Photography : Under Display : 4 MP, f/1.8 WideCover camera : 10 MP, f/2.2, 24mm Videos : 4K@30/60fps 1080p@30/60fps gyro-EIS |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth – 5.3 A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Battery | Li-Po 4400 mAh Charging at 25W Wired |
| Protection | IPX8 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Colours | Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Gray, Blue |
| Price | 256GB RM6799 512GB RM7299 1TB RM8299 |
First Looks
Unveiling the Enigma: Packaging
The moment the package is unveiled, an air of intrigue takes hold. The packaging boasts a black-on-black depiction of the phone’s silhouette, complemented by the Galaxy Z Fold5 logo in silver, evoking curiosity. The slim and sleek design suggests a deliberate omission – the absence of a charger plug, a trend seen across flagship brands.
Unwrapping Expectations: What’s Inside
Transitioning to the unboxing experience, the contents reveal a thoughtful minimalism. Samsung embraces the “less is best” approach, including essentials like the device itself, a USB Type C to Type C cable, a sim ejector tool, and necessary paperwork – a quick start guide and warranty card. Notably, Samsung goes the extra mile to ensure device protection, opting for a premium material instead of the flimsy, ultra-thin plastic often seen.
A quick note here is that for those seeking a stylus experience, Samsung have refined the S Pen and its case, and will only be available separately.
Unveiling the Design: Aesthetic and Functional Brilliance
The Galaxy Z Fold5’s exterior design adheres to the familiar blueprint, offering a slim Cover Screen that unfolds to reveal a spacious main display. The notable change is the
implementation of Samsung’s Flex hinge(no more “thigh gap”), which not only reduces the phone’s thickness but also eradicates the gap when the device is closed. This adjustment addresses user concerns, enhancing both aesthetics and screen protection.
While the 6.2″ 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display remains consistent for the cover, the Galaxy Z Fold5’s bezels have been trimmed, resulting in a slightly narrower form factor. Notably, the device has shed some weight as well, now tipping the scales at 253g, down from the previous generation’s 263g.
Unfolding the device unfurls a magnificent 7.6″ 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, boasting an impressive 2176×1812 resolution. Impressively, Samsung’s engineers have further slimmed down the device, achieving a mere 6.1mm thickness when unfolded – an impressive 0.2mm slimmer than its predecessor.
A Seamless Interface: User-Focused Experience
Powering the Galaxy Z Fold5 is Android 13 and One UI 5.1.1, ensuring a seamless transition for users. Transitioning from my previous device to the Samsung Z Fold5 through the Samsung Smart Switch application was effortless, guaranteeing a smooth data migration.
Furthermore, the configuration of the home screen on both displays require you to individually configure them. Admittedly, adapting to this setup took a bit of time, given that this is my first foldable device.
Capturing Moments: Unveiling Camera Excellence
The primary rear cameras were a source of anticipation. Here, unedited sample shots showcase the camera’s prowess. One image, captured using Night Mode, showcases a vehicle, while another, taken during the evening’s encroaching gloom, displays remarkable low-light performance. The cameras stand as a testament to Samsung’s dedication, rivaling flagship devices on the market.
Empowering Features: Beyond the Surface
Powering the Galaxy Z Fold5 is a 4,400mAh battery, offering steadfast support for 25W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The device maintains its IPX8 water resistance, and the AKG-tuned stereo speakers envelop users in an immersive audio cocoon.
In the realm of multitasking, the device truly shines. Intuitive gestures enable fluid transitions into side-by-side app mode, optimizing the expansive screen real estate. An expanded taskbar, now accommodating four recent apps, further amplifies productivity. Notably, the standout feature – Samsung’s Dex mode – transforms the device into a desktop-like interface, catering to varied user needs.
Final Thoughts On First Impressions
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 emerges as a refined iteration of its predecessors, adorned with subtle yet impactful enhancements such as the Flex hinge and heightened display brightness. As the fifth generation of foldable technology, questions surrounding innovation arise. Nonetheless, the Galaxy Z Fold5 embodies progress, a testament to Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of foldable technology.
Samsung’s journey with the Z Fold line echoes the technological landscape – a blend of advancement and challenges. The slimmer profile, flagship functions, and meticulous design catapult the Galaxy Z Fold5 into the realm of premium smartphones. As enthusiasts eagerly embrace its arrival, Samsung deserves applause for its relentless pursuit of innovation.
This preliminary impression serves as a prelude to a comprehensive review, poised to delve even deeper into the Galaxy Z Fold5’s capabilities.
Product Link : https://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold5/
More articles on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Unveiling of the Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 : https://bunnygaming.com/news/unveiling-the-samsung-galaxy-z-fold5-pre-order-campaign-flex-that-bigger-better-bolder-screen-on-the-galaxy-z-fold5/
Preorder Details : https://bunnygaming.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-flip5-and-galaxy-z-fold5-heres-what-weve-seen-so-far/
