When the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 was announced, I was intrigued. As someone who’s a fan of innovative smartphone designs, the idea of a foldable flip phone — reminiscent of the old-school flip phones, but with a modern, tech-forward twist — really caught my attention. Samsung has been pushing the foldable phone market for years now, and with each iteration, they’ve improved the technology, design, and usability. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 promised a better hinge, a larger external screen, and overall refinement, but the real question is: Is it actually worth the investment?
I spent a few weeks with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, and here’s my honest review of what I loved about the device and what I wish Samsung had done differently.
What I Loved:
1. The Flip Design – A Trip Down Memory Lane with a Modern Twist
Let’s start with the obvious: the design. When I first held the Galaxy Z Flip 5, I couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic. The foldable design instantly reminded me of the iconic flip phones from the early 2000s, but with a serious 21st-century upgrade. The compact size is one of the main reasons I loved it. The ability to fold the phone in half makes it incredibly portable — it slips into my pocket with ease and feels much more pocket-friendly compared to other modern flagship phones. Whether I’m heading to the gym or just running errands, this small, sleek form factor is a game-changer for portability.
When opened, the 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers vibrant colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Watching videos, scrolling through social media, or gaming feels immersive on this display. The screen doesn’t feel tiny or cramped, even with the fold. It’s bright, sharp, and fluid, which made me appreciate just how much Samsung has refined this foldable technology.
2. The Larger Cover Screen – Finally, a Functional Display
One of the standout improvements on the Z Flip 5 is the larger 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover display. Compared to previous models, this screen is a huge upgrade in terms of both size and functionality. I loved how I could access more information without opening the phone. Whether it was checking notifications, reading messages, or controlling music, the larger external screen allowed me to do a lot more without the need to unfold the phone.
The customizability of the cover screen is another highlight. Samsung lets you add widgets, change the layout, and choose from a range of interactive wallpapers that make the experience feel personal. I found myself using the cover screen more often than I thought, and it really improved the overall user experience. It made the device feel more efficient and less intrusive when I just needed quick access to something.
3. The Hinge – Smooth and Durable
Another feature I appreciated was the improved hinge. Samsung has significantly improved the folding mechanism on the Z Flip 5. It’s more sturdy, with less wobble, and feels more durable than ever. The new Flex Hinge is less noticeable when the phone is open, creating a more flush display with no gap, giving it a more premium feel. The hinge also holds the phone in various positions, so you can use it in Flex Mode for things like video calls, hands-free video recording, or watching content at a comfortable angle.
I was particularly impressed with how seamless the folding process is. The flip is smooth, and the phone feels secure in both the open and closed positions. The less noticeable gap when the phone is closed made it feel more refined than its predecessors.
4. Performance and Software – Fast and Smooth
Samsung equipped the Z Flip 5 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and it certainly shows. The phone is fast, responsive, and handles multitasking like a pro. Apps open quickly, and switching between them is buttery smooth thanks to the 8GB of RAM. Whether I was gaming, browsing, or using multiple apps at once, the phone handled everything without breaking a sweat.
In terms of software, One UI 5.1 works seamlessly with the foldable design. The multitasking capabilities, such as using apps side-by-side or maximizing the “flex mode,” add an extra layer of functionality. The software is well-optimized for the foldable experience, and I felt like Samsung has perfected this part of the device.
5. The Camera – Great for Casual Photography
The dual-camera setup on the Z Flip 5 features a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The camera performance, while not flagship-level compared to the likes of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, is still solid for everyday use. I took several photos in different lighting conditions, and the results were consistently good. The camera was quick to focus, and photos were sharp and vibrant.
One of the coolest features I found was using the foldable nature of the device for hands-free shots. The Flex Mode allowed me to set up the phone at angles to capture creative shots without needing a tripod or selfie stick. The night mode and portrait shots were decent, but the Z Flip 5’s camera is more geared toward casual photography rather than pro-level shoots.
What I Didn’t Like:
1. Battery Life – Not Quite Enough for Heavy Users
The battery life on the Z Flip 5 was one of my main concerns. While it’s not terrible, it wasn’t on par with other flagship phones I’ve used. The phone has a 3,700mAh battery, which is adequate for light to moderate usage, but if you’re a heavy user (or someone who uses the phone for multiple hours of video streaming, gaming, or navigation), you may find yourself needing to charge before the end of the day. I generally had to plug it in by late afternoon or evening, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Samsung does include 25W fast charging, but it still doesn’t reach the speeds of some of its competitors like OnePlus or Xiaomi, who have faster charging technology.
2. Durability Concerns – Is the Foldable Technology Ready?
While Samsung has made significant strides in improving the durability of foldable phones, I still have some concerns about the long-term durability of the foldable display. While the phone feels solid and has an IPX8 water resistance rating (which is excellent for a foldable), the foldable display can still be more vulnerable to scratches or dents over time. The screen is made of Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), but it still requires extra care. I was cautious about using the phone with sharp objects in my pockets or bags, and I found myself being more careful than with a regular smartphone.
3. No Significant Upgrade in Camera Performance
While the camera is decent, I felt the Z Flip 5 didn’t do much to push the boundaries of mobile photography. Compared to the Galaxy S23 series, the camera on the Z Flip 5 is more basic. I would’ve liked to see some enhancements, particularly in low-light performance and zoom capabilities. The camera is good for quick shots, but it’s not going to replace your dedicated camera if you’re into photography.
Final Thoughts: Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Worth It?
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a fun, stylish, and innovative device that excels in design, performance, and foldable technology. The large cover screen, improved hinge, and sleek form factor make it stand out in a sea of regular smartphones. However, there are still some trade-offs, including battery life and camera performance, that may deter some users, especially those looking for a device with top-tier photography capabilities or all-day battery life.
If you’re someone who appreciates new tech, loves a compact phone, and enjoys the novelty of the foldable form factor, then the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is definitely worth considering. But if you’re looking for a phone with ultra-long battery life or exceptional camera performance, you may want to look elsewhere.
Overall, I’m excited about the future of foldable technology, and the Z Flip 5 feels like a major step forward in making that technology more practical and fun.
