The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, unfolded.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5—I looove this phone. Can that just be my review?
Alright, before you decide on getting the Z Fold5, you need to ask yourself a question. Why do you want it? Because it comes with a premium price tag (starting at RM6,799 for 256 GB to RM8,299 for 1 TB storage). So this will be a major, major investment. If you’re looking for a stylish everyday phone with great photo and video capabilities, then consider the Galaxy Z Flip5. But if you’re a working professional in need of a device to ease productivity, then the Galaxy Z Fold5 is your new best friend. Or if you’re simply looking for tablet capabilities in a pocketable size, this phone is it.
The front screen of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5.
My first experience with a foldable was the Galaxy Z Fold3, and even then I was thoroughly enjoying its capabilities. At the time, I wanted a smartphone that could substitute for a laptop, to make work easier when on the move. And that it truly was. Literally, a mobile office that allowed me to reply to emails and messages, write articles, produce videos and edit PDF layouts all in one pocket-sized device. I could just leave my laptop at home. And it wasn’t all about work—the Z Fold3 delivered on the social media and streaming experience too.
Now, two generations later, the Galaxy Z Fold5 takes all that experience to another level. Design-wise, performance-wise.
AN ELEGANT DESIGN
Let’s start with the most obvious upgrade: the new Flex Hinge. The hinge is the make-or-break of any foldable. And this slimmer Flex Hinge gives the smoothest fold, now without any obvious gap in between. A vast improvement to the Z Fold3, this tighter gap looks cleaner and reduces the entering of dust.
The hinge also results in a slimmer profile, supported by a more refined silhouette and greater ergonomics. Thus, the Galaxy Z Fold5 feels so much lighter (at 253 g) and gives a more comfortable grip.
A tighter fold, with nary a gap in between.
MULTI-TASKING MADE EASY
But the true strength of the Galaxy Z Fold5 is its productivity capabilities, namely its multi-tasking features. All thanks to a generous 7.6″ full screen that enables the use of up to three split-screen applications simultaneously. (On the other hand, the front screen offers dual split-screen). The ultimate in multi-tasking. So I can get on a video call, view an Excel sheet and type on Notes, all on the same screen at the same time. Or when I’m not working, I can stream HBO Go, browse through Google and reply to WhatsApp messages. Without lagging of any individual app.
Multi-tasking with the multi-screen feature – stream a video, update your calendar or chat with friends, all at the same time.
Then, should an urgent email comes in, I can view it as a pop-up while still in multi-screen mode. The pop-up feature also allows the selected app to run in the background while I’m working on another task.
Using the pop-up feature while operating another task.
What’s also great about this multi-screen feature is that it enables seamless drag-and-drop of files between apps. For example, the convenience of transferring an image file from my Gallery straight to my email with just one finger. This can also be done while not in multi-screen mode, courtesy of the new Advanced Taskbar. Located at the bottom of the screen, the Advanced Taskbar gives quick access to up to four recent apps. Then, using a two-handed drag-and-drop gesture, one can easily move or copy content from one app to another.
The Advanced Taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
Additionally, there’s the Edge Panel on the right side of the Galaxy Z Fold5. This customisable sliding panel can function as a secondary taskbar that grants shortcuts to favourite apps, contacts, the clipboard, weather info and much more. All these convenient little features add up to a seamless mobile work environment.
Another welcome upgrade: the screen is now brighter than ever (HBM 1,200 nits/ Peak 1,750 nits). So bright that the screen is easier to see even when I’m outside under bright sunlight.
The Edge Panel offer quick access to your favourite apps and tasks.
Of course, with a Samsung foldable, one other beauty is the added flexibility of its Flex Mode. Perfect for hands-free video calls, streaming or taking selfies without the need of a phone stand. The multi-screen function works in Flex Mode too.
Now, as a foldable, sceptics are usually concerned about the crease on the screen. In all honesty, it’s barely there because when in full-screen mode, I hardly notice it. Especially when I’m comfortably in bed bingeing on Netflix or Disney Plus. The massive screen delivers immersive, uninterrupted viewing, perfect for entertainment when I’m travelling. (With my Galaxy Buds Pro2 providing audio).
Using the Flex Mode.
ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE
Naturally, multi-tasking will eat up battery life. Fortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has a 4,400mAh (typical) dual battery that lasts an entire day. Usually, I only feel a need to charge the phone once I get home in the evening.
It’s said to be a tougher phone too though I’m not too ready to drop it on purpose for this review to test that out. Durability comes by way of the toughest Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®2 and aircraft-grade strength Armor Aluminum. And for now, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is the only foldable phone in the market with water resistance IPX8. Another win.
A durable yet sleek design.
My only complaint is that the Galaxy Z Fold5 doesn’t come with its own S Pen, unlike the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The S Pen takes the foldable experience even further as it allows you to write, draw and navigate your way through the phone with ease. An editor’s dream companion, really.
Camera and video capabilities are fair, with not much upgrades from the previous model. The Night mode captures quicker though as it brings out the details in low-light conditions. (Check out camera specs and other features of the Galaxy Z Fold5 here).
Hands-free selfie taken in Flex Mode, with the Night Mode turned off (left), then on.
For most, the price tag can seem hefty. But the Korean tech giant is offering greater savings with the Samsung Trade-in programme. You can trade in your current device—even non-Samsung devices—to get a RM600 discount on your chosen Samsung Galaxy foldable. Alternatively, you can pay in monthly instalments with zero per cent interest.
And again, I love this phone. At a time when content creation, mobile entertainment, digital connectivity and remote productivity have become part and parcel of our culture, the Galaxy Z Fold5 just makes everything easier.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5.
