Samsung Z Flip 5 Review: Is This the Ultimate Folding Phone?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the Samsung Z Flip 5, it’s that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Well, kind of.

Let’s dive into the details of this new offering from Samsung. It’s their smaller folding phone, priced at a thousand bucks, with nearly the same dimensions as its predecessor, the Z Flip 4.

When the Z Flip 5 was first announced, there was a lot of buzz. Some reviewers even claimed it was a game-changer and the biggest upgrade ever. My initial impression, however, was that Samsung had found its comfort zone.

But after spending more time with the Z Flip 5, I have to admit, I was wrong. This phone packs some significant improvements.

There are three key differences that make the Z Flip 5 stand out: the chip, the hinge, and the new outside display. Let’s tackle them one by one.

The Chip:

Samsung equipped the Z Flip 5 with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, bringing it up to speed with the latest flagships. It’s fast, responsive, handles multitasking with ease, and can even handle heavy gaming. However, I was hoping for better battery life, which unfortunately didn’t materialize.

The Hinge:

The hinge is the unsung hero of folding phones, and Samsung nailed it with the Z Flip 5. They simplified the hinge, resulting in improved durability and a slightly thinner profile. The hinge also folds completely flat now, giving it a satisfying feel.

The Outside Display:

Perhaps the most significant change is the larger outside screen, called the Flex window. It’s a massive improvement over the Z Flip 4’s tiny screen. This bigger screen is perfect for checking the time, reading notifications, and framing up pictures with the primary cameras. Samsung has optimized the UI for this screen, encouraging users to utilize it more effectively.

But here’s the dilemma: how do you use this larger outside screen? It’s not immediately obvious. I found myself using it mostly for notification management, triaging and clearing notifications quickly without diving into the phone. It’s a great way to avoid mindless scrolling when you just need to check the time or respond to a message.

There’s also a growing list of apps that are optimized for this outside screen, making it more versatile. You can even experiment with non-optimized apps if you’re feeling adventurous.

Despite the expanded functionality, the Z Flip’s primary charm remains the flip action itself. The hinge is crucial in signifying when you’re about to engage with your phone, whether by quickly glancing at notifications on the outside or opening it up for more in-depth tasks.

Two areas where the Z Flip 5 could improve are the outside screen’s resolution and refresh rate. While it’s a significant upgrade, a higher resolution would be appreciated. An LTPO screen with variable refresh rates could also enhance the experience and save battery life.

In conclusion, should you buy the Z Flip 5? If you’re in the market for a folding phone, this is arguably the best choice right now. It boasts a powerful chip, solid cameras, decent battery life, and the convenience of a folding design. It checks all the essential boxes and even comes with a five-year window of security updates. The Z Flip 5 is, without a doubt, the iPhone of Android foldables.