The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is Samsung's latest foldable phone, designed to neatly tuck itself in half and slide right into your life.
This model introduces three significant upgrades along with a couple of minor ones that could very well make it the perfect time to switch from your current phone to this new foldable gem.
In this Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review, we will unpack all of these updates, helping you form your own Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 first impression.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Outer Display
Let's start with what's likely the most talked-about update to the Flip 5: its outer AMOLED screen, which is now 3.4 inches big. Just to put that in perspective, the old Flip 4's outer screen was only 1.9 inches.
So, we're not talking about a tiny alteration here – this is a massive step up for a Samsung Flip phone. You see, the cover display has now morphed into something that's genuinely useful.
It finally gets full functional widgets giving you your weather updates, keeping tabs on your health, and reminding you of your calendar appointments. And yes, you can even send a text message right from that front screen with a full keyboard!
However, the best part is that you can access a handful of apps directly from the front screen including YouTube and Netflix. The screen is still relatively small for binge watching your favourite shows, but it's proven to be quite the companion for watching content on the go.
Of course, not every app is ready for this screen size, as developers need to tweak their applications for the smaller dimension.
You can use Samsung's Goodlock app to get more apps to run on the cover screen but just keep in mind that some of them will look really odd on it due to optimisation issues.
By the way, that larger screen makes a huge difference when it comes to taking selfies as well. Gone are the days of awkwardly trying to frame a shot on the previous Z Flip’s tiny cover display.
Now, it’s like having a proper viewfinder right at your fingertips, making it so much easier to take a quick snap.
This is what the outer screen should've been like right from the start, because it actually encourages you to use your phone without even opening it, and that wasn't possible with previous Galaxy Z Flip phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Flex Hinge
Now, let's move on to the second big change with the Flip 5 - this new hinge, which is actually more significant than the larger cover screen.
Let's face it, without a solid hinge, you're just not getting that top-notch foldable smartphone experience. The hinge has got to be on point every time, and luckily, this one is really good.
Sure, Samsung's Flip phones have always had reliable hinges, but they used to have this two-axis design that bent the screen at a weird angle. When you folded it up, you'd see this gap between the two halves, and it wasn't the best look.
Also, there was the issue of dust and lint getting in there, especially when the phone was in your pocket. But now, the Z Flip 5 is rocking a multi-axis hinge, letting the phone snap shut completely flat.
So, that annoying gap is gone for good, and it leaves us with a thinner folded device, slimming down from 0.67 to 0.59 inches.
Also, the hinge feels a tad less stiff this time, making it easier to flip open and shut. And even though it's not as stiff, it hasn't lost any of its flexibility.
You can still set the Flip 5 at just about any angle for Flex mode, and it stays put without any struggle for balance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Performance and Software
Now, the third biggest highlight is all about the hardware running this thing. It's got the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip with 8GB of RAM, and it's every bit as quick as in the Fold 5 or S23 series.
It might run a bit warmer in the Flip 5, maybe because there's less room for cooling stuff down, but it never really got excessively hot, even with those high-graphic games.
Apart from that, the base model now has 256GB, which is a nice step up from the Flip 4's 128GB, and it runs on Android 13 with Samsung's One UI 5.1.1, so it feels right at home with the Galaxy S23 lineup.
Plus, being a Samsung top-tier phone, you're locked in for four major OS upgrades, something not all brands are offering these days.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Durability
Durability wise, the Flip 5 features the slightly newer Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection both on the front and back, while maintaining its IPX8 water resistance rating and strong Armour Aluminum frame.
There are even some fresh paint jobs this year, like this signature mint colour, which I think looks really nice.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Cameras
When it comes to the cameras, the 12MP dual sensor setup on the back and the 10MP selfie camera are still the same, but they perform even better, thanks to improved software processing.
The photos are clear and sharp, the colours really pop, and the details are well preserved. Unfortunately, the phone doesn't have a telephoto lens like its big brother, the Fold 5, so it's not as versatile in that regard.
But the ultra-wide sensor does let you fit a whole lot more into the picture. You can also shoot videos in 4K at 60 fps, and they come out looking quite vibrant.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Inner Display
Talking about vibrant things, the main 6.7-inch AMOLED display remains pretty awesome for watching videos or scrolling through Instagram and Twitter - oops, I mean X, still getting used to that name change!
On the other hand, I have got used to the crease in the middle of the screen. It's definitely there but it seems less noticeable now with that new hinge. You probably won't even see it unless you look at the screen from an angle.
Areas of Improvement
Alright, so there's a lot to like about the Flip 5, but it’s not perfect either. Take the battery, for example – it’s stuck at 3,700mAh, same as the previous model.
That snappy new chipset should have been a battery lifesaver, but the numbers aren’t straying far from the Z Flip 4. Depending on how you use the phone, it should get you through a workday just fine, leaving about 15% to spare, but for a weekend getaway or a photo-heavy day, it doesn’t cut it.
Oh, and let’s not forget: still no charging adapter in the box, which doesn't feel right, especially when the phone has a price tag of 1 Lakh Rupees.
As for the cameras, they’re solid, but there's room to step it up in terms of resolution and versatility. The telephoto lens borrowed from the S23 series would have been a great addition.
Then there's the cover screen, which is a big leap from the old Z Flip phones for sure, but its hanging back at a 60Hz refresh rate, not sprinting at 120Hz like the main screen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Price and Sale Offers
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 price in India starts at Rs 99,999 for the 8GB+256GB model, and for those looking for more storage, the 8GB+512GB variant is priced at Rs 1,09,999.
To enhance the purchasing experience, Samsung is extending a range of financial incentives to potential buyers. Customers using HDFC Bank cards can avail an instant discount of Rs 8,000, significantly lowering the upfront cost of this cutting-edge device.
For buyers seeking manageable instalments, Samsung is providing a no-cost EMI option, which commences at a monthly rate of Rs 8,287.
As part of its trade-in program, Samsung is offering a notable exchange bonus of Rs 12,000. This offer is particularly attractive as it can be clubbed with the HDFC Bank instant discount, affording consumers a significant reduction on the effective price of their new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.
To complete this welcoming package, Samsung is gifting buyers a voucher valued at Rs 2,000. This voucher can be conveniently redeemed through the Samsung Shop app, enabling customers to further explore and enjoy the extensive range of products that Samsung has to offer.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Verdict
If your existing Flip is on its last hinge, upgrading to the Flip 5 for the larger external screen is a no-brainer. It's also a great option if you are looking to swap your standard smartphone for something that's a bit more unique.
Either way, the Flip 5 introduces some of the most significant upgrades in Samsung’s foldable narrative, and personally, we can’t wait to see where they take it from here.
