Smartphone reviewSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Unfolding the next chapter in smartphone evolution
Smartphone review
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Unfolding the next chapter in smartphone evolution
Rather than perceiving the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 as an entirely distinct entity, one can liken it to a Galaxy S23 with an added folding dimension, writes Itai Smuskowitz, CTech's smartphone critic
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Rather than perceiving the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 as an entirely distinct entity, one can liken it to a Galaxy S23 with an added folding dimension. Specifications often mirror those of the S23, including performance levels. Nevertheless, the Flip encompasses extra features and capabilities due to its external screen and foldable nature.
This elevated functionality is reflected in its price, which is usually around 10% higher than the equivalent S23 model. This price differential, albeit notable, is justified considering the exceptional features absent in conventional devices. On the whole, performance remains uncompromised, except for the Flip's modest cameras and its vulnerability to dust.
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Foldable smartphones can be likened to child prodigies in the tech world. They have been a part of our lives for several years now, boasting diverse manufacturers offering an array of models across multiple generations. Despite this, their market share remains relatively modest.
Among the manufacturers, Samsung stands out as a leader in this domain. The company recently introduced the latest iteration of its foldable devices. This new generation, including the Galaxy Z Flip 5, is currently hitting stores and reaching customers who placed pre-orders. In this article, we explore the changes and innovations embodied in this new device.
Structure and Design: Svelte, Sturdy, and Dust-Sensitive
Fundamentally, the new model has not undergone significant alterations compared to its predecessor. There is a minuscule difference in size, measured in fractions of a millimeter, while the weight remains a constant 187 grams. This weight is comparable to, and in some cases even lighter than, conventional non-folding devices, ensuring a comfortable feel. Samsung has successfully minimized the gap that appears when the device is folded by bringing the two sides closer together.
In its pursuit of creating a functional and foldable screen, the device maintains a relatively elongated form. When open, it slightly surpasses the length of the S23 ultra model, yet it is both lighter and marginally thinner. This convergence of features truly showcases the device's exceptional engineering.
For those concerned about the durability of the folding mechanism, Samsung assures us that it has been enhanced. The company claims that the device can withstand up to 200,000 folds, and recent tests even demonstrated its resilience at double that number.
A noticeable change can be observed in the external screen's size. The Flip 5 now boasts an external screen nearly twice the size of its predecessor. This enhancement significantly enhances the device's functionality and usability. Samsung's choice to utilize the additional space next to the cameras and flash has led to a substantial improvement.
Historically, the Flip's external screen exhibited subpar quality, limited to a narrow 1.9-inch strip. This strip displayed minimal information and allowed users to catch a glimpse of themselves. The new model rectifies this issue by featuring a 3.4-inch screen with a high-quality display. The increased screen real estate empowers users to perform more actions without needing to fully open the device.
A revelation that might take some time to grasp is that despite the foldable nature of the phone, there's no obligation to fold it. The device can be comfortably left open, or through the external screen, notifications can be checked, messages can be read, and even conversations can be held without unfolding it.
Protection-wise, there's minimal change. The outer glass, now Gorilla Victus 2 instead of Victus Plus, provides robustness against shocks and falls. However, it's worth noting that the device remains vulnerable to impact. While the device is operational, a screen warning about this vulnerability is displayed, so users are well-informed. Therefore, careful consideration is advised when taking the device to environments like the beach or other dusty locales. Water protection is in place, allowing immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, but this applies strictly to freshwater environments. This aspect might discourage users from exposing the device to marine settings.
Hardware: Enhanced Processor, Superb Display, and Charging Matters
Internally, the device showcases notable improvements. The processor has been upgraded to the second-generation Snapdragon 8, a leap from the Flip 4's initial generation. Additionally, the base model's storage capacity has doubled to 256 gigabytes, while the memory remains consistent at 8 GB. This alignment with flagship Galaxy S series devices results in robust performance, even when handling resource-intensive applications and games.
A positive development in terms of folding is the reduced prominence of the middle screen crease. Depending on usage, this crease might still be slightly noticeable, particularly while browsing in Chrome or using applications with light backgrounds. However, it's scarcely discernible during gaming and video playback.
Battery endurance remains satisfactory, enduring demanding games and intensive phone usage throughout the day. By day's end, the battery typically hovers around 15% charge. Unfortunately, fast charging remains absent. The device supports a power input of 25 watts, accompanied by wireless charging at 15 watts. Approximately 17 minutes of charging can raise the battery level from 10% to 30%. After 39 minutes, it reaches 50% charge (officially, 30 minutes should suffice), with a complete recharge demanding around an hour and a half.
The display is a standout feature. The default is "vivid" display settings and there is also an option for “natural”, although the former proved more than satisfactory for my needs. The screen excels in rendering movies, photos, and games, and even the folding mechanism doesn't disrupt the visual experience. The display's brightness enables comfortable usage even under direct sunlight.
Integration of the fingerprint reader within the device's power button has proven to be both rapid and reliable. A gentle touch, without the need for precise finger positioning, swiftly unlocks the device. This convenience extends even when the device is folded, enabling users to unlock it and access the external screen. Facial recognition is also accessible and functional.
Software and User Interface: Leveraging the Folding Screen's Potential
The Flip 5 operates on Android 13, featuring Samsung's One UI interface. This interface aligns with the experience on the company's other devices, while incorporating optimizations to accommodate the unique design of foldable devices, particularly the external screen's functionality.
Users can personalize the widgets displayed on the external screen without needing to open the device. This includes a list of recent calls, favorite contacts (requiring selection when the device is fully opened), weather information, timers, calendar events, and more. The experimental Flex mode, available in the settings, allows additional applications to run on the external screen. This mode also facilitates split-screen displays when the device is unfolded.
For instance, Facebook can be opened on the upper portion of the screen, transforming the lower segment into a touchpad reminiscent of laptop functionality. This touchpad offers shortcuts for actions such as taking screenshots, accessing the notification panel, adjusting volume, and switching to another application displayed on the lower screen. While its utility might take time to fully appreciate, this feature capitalizes on the expanded screen space while adding versatility.
Dividing the screen into two segments is possible even without the experimental Flex mode. Android tools that are standard across devices, including non-foldable ones, allow screen partitioning. However, the folding screen significantly enhances the logic and usefulness of this division.
Returning to Flex mode, it accommodates various applications on the external screen, including Google Maps, WhatsApp, Netflix, and YouTube. Setting up the phone like a mini tent and selecting content is feasible, although the screen is compact. The device's speakers are robust and satisfactory, though not top-tier in terms of audio quality.
The external screen's dimensions comfortably accommodate WhatsApp and obviate the need for the limited responses typical of smartwatches. The full keyboard layout on this screen is a welcome surprise.
The evolution of this experimental feature remains intriguing. Will Samsung expand the range of applications supported on the external screen in the future? Could the entire device be controlled through this screen? Over time, we'll ascertain whether the 3.4-inch screen is sufficient under various circumstances.
Camera: Improved External Camera
The camera configuration remains unchanged from the previous iteration. A 10-megapixel front-facing camera complements two 12-megapixel external cameras, each serving wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle purposes. Overall, the camera results are commendable, though images laden with intricate details may exhibit occasional blurriness.
Notably, when the device is folded, the external cameras transform into selfie cameras. Videos can also be recorded in this configuration, and the improved screen quality enhances the viewing experience. Folding the Flip to a 90-degree angle enables activation of the external screen, allowing subjects to see themselves while capturing content. This feature was present in previous models but benefits from the improved display quality in the Flip 5.
