Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review – A Quest for Perfection in Foldable Innovation

Samsung continues to push the boundaries of smartphone technology with its latest release, the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Building on the success of its predecessor, this foldable flagship promises iterative improvements and enhanced user experience. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value proposition of the Galaxy Z Fold 5, helping you decide whether it’s the right upgrade for you.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Price and Variants

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is competitively priced, starting at Rs. 1,54,999 for the 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM. Additional storage options include a 512GB variant at Rs. 1,64,999 and a 1TB variant at Rs. 1,84,999. The smartphone is available in Icy Blue, Phantom Black, and Cream. Notably, the S Pen is not included and needs to be purchased separately, with the option to add the S Pen case for added convenience.

Design and Display

The design of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 remains consistent with its predecessor, featuring premium build quality with shatter-resistant glass, an aluminum frame, and an improved hinge mechanism. The revised hinge contributes to a slimmer and lighter profile. The phone is IPX8 rated for water resistance, emphasizing durability.

Both displays, the 6.2-inch HD+ AMOLED outer display, and the 7.6-inch QXGA+ main display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offer vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The folding display’s peak brightness has been enhanced to 1,750 nits, addressing one of the minor drawbacks of the previous model. The phone retains its distinguishable folding form factor, providing a unique and immersive user experience.

Specifications and Software

Powered by the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 ‘Mobile Platform for Galaxy,’ the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers robust performance. With 12GB of RAM and a 4,400mAh battery, the phone handles multitasking and gaming effortlessly. The battery life is commendable, lasting over a day with moderate to heavy use. Running on One UI 5.1.1 based on Android 13, Samsung commits to delivering four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates.

The software experience is enriched with features like Flex mode, three-app multitasking, and new additions such as a four-app taskbar and two-handed drag-and-drop functionality. The phone supports the S Pen, offering a seamless and intuitive stylus experience.

Performance and Battery Life

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 excels in performance, utilizing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for smooth multitasking and gaming. The phone’s two halves effectively manage heat distribution, ensuring optimal performance. Benchmark scores, including a 14,13,684-point result in AnTuTu, reflect its flagship capabilities.

Despite the consistent battery capacity, the phone impressively lasts over a day in real-world usage. The main folding display endured nearly 20 hours in the battery loop test, showcasing efficient power management.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup remains unchanged, featuring a 50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and 10-megapixel telephoto with 3X optical zoom. The under-display 4-megapixel camera complements the selfie capabilities. The phone delivers excellent stills and videos with good clarity, vibrant colors, and effective HDR. The telephoto performance remains strong up to 20X zoom, with night mode significantly enhancing low-light photography.

The ultra-wide and outer selfie cameras perform well, especially in daytime conditions. The addition of shooting modes and effective night modes contribute to the camera’s versatility. Video recording is smooth, with stabilization ensuring quality footage.

Verdict

Priced at Rs. 1,54,999, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a flagship device designed for productivity and entertainment enthusiasts. Its foldable design offers a unique and immersive experience, complemented by powerful performance, efficient battery life, and impressive camera capabilities. However, potential buyers should consider the practicality of living with a folding phone, as the novelty might wear off for some users. If budget permits, alternatives like the Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max offer compelling options with different form factors. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 stands as a testament to Samsung’s commitment to foldable innovation, appealing to users seeking cutting-edge technology in a sleek and versatile package.