Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review: A Year Later, Still Impressive But Room for Improvement
Nearly a year after its release, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 remains one of the most capable foldable phones on the market. However, as the competition heats up, some of its limitations have become more apparent. Let's take a look at how Samsung's flagship foldable has held up over time and where it could improve for the next generation.
Design and Display: A Mixed Bag
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 maintains the same basic form factor as its predecessors, with a narrow outer display and a larger inner folding screen. While this design allows for excellent one-handed use when closed, the narrow cover display can feel cramped for many tasks.
The inner 7.6-inch folding display is still impressive, offering a large canvas for multitasking and media consumption. However, the crease down the middle remains noticeable, especially when compared to newer competitors like the OnePlus Open.
One ongoing concern is the display's PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) rate, which can cause discomfort for users sensitive to screen flickering. Unfortunately, Samsung has not addressed this issue, potentially alienating a segment of potential customers.
Performance and Battery Life: Strong, But Not Perfect
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 continues to deliver smooth performance for everyday tasks and even demanding applications like emulation. However, battery life remains a challenge for heavy users, with the device sometimes struggling to last through a full day of intensive use.
Software: Samsung's Strong Suit
Samsung's software optimization for foldables remains best-in-class. The multitasking interface is intuitive, and features like Samsung DeX offer unparalleled productivity potential. Recent updates have brought some of Samsung's Galaxy AI features to the Fold 5, although the full suite remains exclusive to the newer S24 series.
Cameras: Good, But Not Flagship-Level
The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is capable of producing good photos in most conditions. However, it falls short of the quality offered by Samsung's non-folding flagships like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. For the price point, some users may find the camera performance disappointing.
Value Proposition: Waiting for the Next Generation
At its current retail price of $1,799, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a hard sell, especially with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 on the horizon. While it remains a capable device, potential buyers might want to wait for the next generation or look for significant discounts on the current model.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is still an impressive piece of technology, showcasing the potential of foldable devices. However, as the market evolves, its limitations in areas like the cover display size, battery life, and camera quality become more apparent. For those interested in a foldable phone, it might be wise to wait for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 or explore alternatives from competitors who are rapidly catching up to Samsung's foldable expertise.