Similar distinction
Samsung hasn’t launched too many modifications with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, and the foldable retains the same design aesthetic, similar digital camera {hardware} and battery, interior and outer screens, and charging tech. That stated, there are a number of upgrades on supply: the Z Fold 5 has a brand new hinge mechanism that folds absolutely flat, giving it a way more seamless look than its predecessors. The brand new hinge additionally makes the crease barely much less noticeable than that on the Z Fold 4, and one of the best half is that you simply nonetheless get IPX8 ingress safety — a function that non-Samsung foldables simply do not supply. Whereas there is not a lot that is new, the modifications to the hinge together with the change to the newest Qualcomm silicon make the Z Fold 5 the foldable to beat. The draw back is that you will have to pay a premium to get your fingers on the machine.
For
- New hinge mechanism closes absolutely flat
- Crease not as noticeable as earlier generations
- Lighter than Z Fold 4
- Nonetheless gives IPX8 water resistance
- Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
- Versatile cameras on the again
- Helpful multi-tasking options and long-term updates
In opposition to
- Nonetheless costs at 25W
- Similar digital camera {hardware} as Z Fold 4
- Costlier than the outgoing mannequin
The plain alternative
Whereas the brand new hinge on the Z Fold 5 offers it a definite edge, that is the place the variations finish. Samsung did not make many modifications to the design or digital camera {hardware}, and that makes the Z Fold 4 a very nice alternative for those who’re trying to change to a foldable in 2023. It has the identical nice cameras because the Z Fold 5, the interior {hardware} is simply as robust, you get comparable battery life, similar charging tech, and IPX8 water resistance. The most effective half is that as a result of the Z Fold 4 debuted a yr in the past, you will get it at an attractive low cost.
For
- Similar design aesthetic as Z Fold 5
- Similar digital camera {hardware}
- IPX8 water resistance
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 remains to be going robust
- Will get the identical software program options as Z Fold 5
In opposition to
- Hinge would not fold absolutely flat
- Crease is noticeable in day by day use
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 4: Design and display
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Samsung would not make many modifications to its design language, and that is significantly true with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Aside from a slight design tweak for the digital camera island, the Z Fold 5 is sort of an identical to its predecessor. That is not a nasty factor essentially because the Galaxy Z Fold 4 has a contemporary design aesthetic with clear traces, and to its credit score, Samsung is rolling out thrilling colour variants of the Z Fold 5.
The most important change this era needs to be the hinge. Samsung is debuting a brand new Flex Hinge mechanism on the Z Fold 5, and the mechanism permits the foldable to shut absolutely flat — just like the Discover N2, Xiaomi Combine Fold 2, Pixel Fold, and different fold-out flagships. What’s notable right here is that Samsung managed to change to a smaller hinge whereas nonetheless retaining IPX8 water resistance; it continues to be the one model to supply ingress safety on foldables.
As a result of the design of the Z Fold 5 is essentially unchanged to its predecessor, the in-hand really feel is an identical; each foldables have roughly comparable dimensions and the identical interior and outer screens. That stated, Samsung in some way managed to shave 11g off the burden of the Z Fold 5, and that’s noticeable in day by day use. To place this into context, the Z Fold 5 is a full 19g lighter than the Z Fold 3. The lighter chassis makes utilizing the Z Fold 5 that a lot simpler, significantly with the interior display folded out.
Switching to the screens, Samsung has retained the identical 6.2-inch outer and seven.6-inch interior screens, with each providing AMOLED tech and 120Hz refresh. What’s new this time is increased brightness ranges, with the Z Fold 5 in a position to hit 1,750 nits in auto mode. Aside from that, the panels are the identical, and the outer display remains to be annoyingly tall and slim, similar to earlier generations. The rationale I just like the Combine Fold 2 is the broader outer display, however it would not appear like Samsung is all for going this route on its foldable.
With reference to issues that have not modified, Samsung is utilizing the identical plastic display protector that debuted final yr on the Z Fold 5, and whereas it does an ideal job defending the interior and outer screens, it nonetheless feels a bit too plasticky.
This was an space the place Samsung made noticeable modifications with each new era — I keep in mind it being a key differentiator when switching to the Z Fold 4 from the Fold 3 — so I used to be holding out for the model to introduce additional tweaks to the plastic layer this time round. That is not the case, and the screens on the Z Fold 5 feels largely the identical in day by day use as its predecessor.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 4: {Hardware} and cameras
Coming to the {hardware} facet of issues, the Z Fold 5 is powered by Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, giving it an edge over the Z Fold 4. Having used a number of dozen telephones that featured the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, I can confidently say that it’s one in every of Qualcomm’s greatest designs in a really very long time. It gives heady positive factors over the 8+ Gen 1 whereas consuming much less energy, and you will not discover any points with overheating or throttling even with heavy gaming.
Now, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 remains to be an exceptional platform, and the Z Fold 4 continues to be one of many greatest foldables you will get your fingers on. However the Z Fold 5 simply has a little bit bit extra to supply on this space. Does that imply it’s best to choose up the Z Fold 5 if you have already got the Fold 4? Completely not. Whereas it is good to make use of the newest {hardware}, the 8+ Gen 1 ought to be greater than ample for a number of years to come back, and I do not recommend switching only for the {hardware}.
| Class | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 |
|---|---|---|
| OS | One UI 5.1.1 based mostly on Android 13 | One UI 5.1 based mostly on Android 13 |
| Outer Show | 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, LTPO (1-120Hz), 2176 x 1812, 21.6:18, 374 ppi, 1,750 nits brightness | 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, LTPO (1-120Hz), 2176 x 1812, 21.6:18, 374 ppi, 1,200 nits brightness |
| Interior Show | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, LTPO (48-120Hz), 2316 x 904, 23.1:9, 402 ppi, 1,750 nits brightness | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, LTPO (48-120Hz), 2316 x 904, 23.1:9, 402 ppi, 1,200 nits brightness |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Rear Digicam 1 | 50MP, ƒ/1.8, 1.0μm, 85-degree FoV, OIS | 50MP, ƒ/1.8, 1.0μm, 85-degree FoV, OIS |
| Rear Digicam 2 | 12MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.12μm, 123-degree FoV (ultra-wide) | 12MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.12μm, 123-degree FoV (ultra-wide) |
| Rear Digicam 3 | 10MP, ƒ/2.4, 1.0μm, 3x optical zoom, OIS | 10MP, ƒ/2.4, 1.0μm, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Cowl Digicam | 10MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.22μm, 80-degree FOV | 10MP, ƒ/2.2, 1.22μm, 80-degree FOV |
| Inside Digicam | 4MP, ƒ/1.8, 2.0μm, 80-degree FOV | 4MP, ƒ/1.8, 2.0μm, 80-degree FOV |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, international 5G bands (mmWave in NA) | Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, international 5G bands (mmWave in NA) |
| Ingress Safety | IPX8 water resistance | IPX8 water resistance |
| Safety | Aspect-mounted fingerprint sensor | Aspect-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Battery | 4,400mAh battery, 25W wired charging, 10-15W quick wi-fi charging 2.0, 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging | 4,400mAh battery, 25W wired charging, 10-15W quick wi-fi charging 2.0, 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging |
| Dimensions (folded) | 154.9 x 67.0 x 13.4mm | 155.1 x 67.1 x 14.2-15.8mm |
| Dimensions (unfolded) | 154.9 x 129.7 x 6.0mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3mm |
| Weight | 252g | 263g |
| Colours | Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Samsung.com unique: Grey, Blue | Phantom Black, Beige, Burgundy |
On that be aware, Samsung did not make any modifications to the remainder of the interior {hardware}. The Z Fold 5 options the identical 12GB of RAM as normal, and it’s accessible in the identical 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage configurations. It gives the newest when it comes to connectivity, so that you get Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, and there are the identical set of worldwide Sub-6 5G bands on the worldwide mannequin and Sub-6 together with mmWave bands on the North American variant.
Persevering with with the similarities, the Z Fold 5 options the identical 4,400mAh battery as its predecessor, and it retains the 25W wired charging tech alongside 15W wi-fi charging. I used to be holding out for a bigger battery as that is an space the place foldables do not fairly measure as much as the likes of conventional flagships just like the Galaxy S23 Extremely, however the inherent modifications to the 8 Gen 2 ought to ship higher battery life despite the fact that the scale of the unit is identical from final yr.
As for the cameras, the Z Fold 5 makes use of the identical trio of sensors as final yr, so that you get a 50MP major lens that is joined by a 12MP wide-angle and 10MP zoom lens with 3x optical zoom. And though the digital camera {hardware} hasn’t modified, Samsung is touting positive factors in picture high quality on the again of tweaks to its digital camera algorithms, and because of this, the Z Fold 5 ought to ship cleaner images in most conditions. I have never had the possibility to check out the cameras but, however I am going to replace this submit as soon as I exploit the Z Fold 5 for a bit.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 4: Software program
I used most foldables accessible out there immediately, and whereas all of them have thrilling designs and stellar {hardware}, the software program is one other matter completely. That is an space the place Samsung has a commanding lead, and that’s unlikely to alter anytime quickly.
The Z Fold 5 runs One UI 5.1.1 based mostly on Android 13, and Samsung is rolling out some extra multitasking-related options, together with a bigger taskbar that homes 4 app icons, and the flexibility to tug content material utilizing two fingers whereas utilizing the interior display. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 can also be prone to get these options through an OTA replace, and Samsung is doing an ideal job on this space as nicely.
Each foldables will choose up 4 assured Android OS updates alongside 5 years of safety updates, and Samsung continues to ship month-to-month safety updates and bug fixes to its flagship telephones. The rationale I all the time change again to a Samsung foldable is due to the software program, and it is good to see the model doing extra on this space.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 4: Must you improve?
Actually, if you have already got the Z Fold 4, it makes little sense to make the change to the Z Fold 5. Samsung’s newest foldable is the definition of an iterative improve, and aside from the brand new hinge and yearly {hardware} upgrades, there is not a lot to speak about. The Z Fold 5 has the identical screens, similar plastic display protector, similar digital camera modules, battery, and retains the same design because the Z Fold 4, and it in some way finally ends up costing $100 extra.
When you’re utilizing an older Samsung foldable or are all for shopping for one, my advice can be to choose up the Galaxy Z Fold 4. You are getting a tool that is largely an identical to the Z Fold 5, however because the Z Fold 4 has been accessible for over a yr now, it is way more inexpensive — no less than $300 much less in most markets. The one space the place it misses out is that the hinge would not shut absolutely flat, however that is not an enormous deal when there are tangible financial savings available.
Similar distinction
The Z Fold 5 has loads going for it — significantly with the brand new hinge — however it would not do sufficient to distinguish itself from its predecessor. It is nonetheless a good selection in order for you the newest that Samsung has to supply, however in order for you one of the best worth, it’s best to contemplate the Z Fold 4.Â
The plain alternative
When you’re mulling a change to a foldable, the Z Fold 4 can be my advice. It has many of the similar {hardware} options because the Z Fold 5, and one of the best half is that it’s accessible for considerably much less.Â
