Samsung is No Stranger to Foldables: The Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review
The Samsung Galaxy Z flip 5 has been launched in India for a price of $99,999, offering a substantial discount with launch offers. However, there are two variants available - a 256GB variant and a 512GB variant - which are about $10,000 apart in terms of price. What's interesting is that both variants come with the same amount of RAM, allowing users to choose based on storage needs.
Unboxing the Galaxy Z Flip 5
The unboxing process begins with the phone itself, followed by other accessories like a USBC charging cable and documentation. Users will also find a Sim ejector tool in the box, which is handy for those who need it. The Galaxy Z flip 5 boasts an improved build and design, thanks to its smaller hinge that allows for greater flexibility and portability. Dubbed the "flex hinge," this innovative feature makes the phone not only slim but also more pocketable.
The flex hinge looks and functions well, providing a robust feel even at first glance. This is partly due to the zero-gap design of the hinge, which ensures a seamless folding experience without any gaps or creases. The phone's water resistance rating is IPX8, a testament to its durability and ability to withstand various environmental conditions. Moreover, the outside of the device features Corning Gorilla Glass Vectus 2 for both the flex window and the back of the phone.
A Larger Flex Window with Enhanced Display
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Z flip 5 is its larger flex window, which boasts a Super AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. This larger size provides more versatility than ever before, allowing users to access certain applications directly from this window. Although it does not offer 120Hz or adaptive refresh rates, the 60Hz still delivers smooth performance for most tasks.
Another notable feature is the phone's ability to recognize and match wallpapers with the panel on its back when an alternative case is used. This feature offers a seamless user experience and ensures that the overall aesthetic of the device remains consistent even when using different cases.
Improved Display Performance
The Galaxy Z flip 5 has a 6.7-inch display, featuring a 2640 x 1080 resolution in full HD Plus. The display is also adaptive, capable of adjusting its refresh rate to suit various usage scenarios. With up to 120Hz refresh rate, the phone provides an excellent viewing experience for both games and movies.
The display boasts impressive brightness levels, peaking at 1750 nits, making it suitable for use in a variety of lighting conditions. Overall, the Galaxy Z flip 5's display is both bright and responsive, providing users with an enjoyable visual experience.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
One of the key aspects to consider when purchasing a phone is its battery life. The Galaxy Z flip 5 comes equipped with a 3700mAh battery that supports fast charging at 25 watts, delivering around 50% charge in about 30 minutes. This rapid charging capability makes it ideal for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Moreover, the phone also features wireless charging capabilities, enabling seamless recharging of your device without needing cables or a wall outlet. Furthermore, the device can be wirelessly charged at speeds of up to 4.5 watts, making it possible to charge other devices wirelessly using Qi-compatible chargers and cases.
Dual Cameras for Enhanced Photography
The Galaxy Z flip 5 comes equipped with two high-quality cameras - a 12-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. Both the selfie and main cameras support Optical image stabilization, ensuring that your photos are not only clear but also stabilized. This feature helps reduce camera shake and blur, resulting in more professional-looking images.
Both the main camera and ultra-wide-angle camera can capture stunning images with high-quality resolutions. Moreover, they offer the ability to record 4K videos at 60 frames per second, making them suitable for both everyday use and photography enthusiasts.
Powering the Galaxy Z Flip 5
Under the hood of this sleek device is a Qualcomm Snapdragon series 8 Gen 2 processor along with an Adreno 740 GPU. This powerful combination enables seamless performance across various applications and tasks. With 8GB of RAM available in both variants, users can enjoy smooth multitasking without worrying about lag or slowdowns.
The phone comes in two storage options - 256GB and 512GB - allowing users to choose based on their data needs. The storage capacity ensures that the user has ample space for storing apps, photos, videos, and other files.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Z flip 5 is an impressive device that offers a combination of innovative features, improved performance, and enhanced display capabilities. With its flexible hinge, large flex window, and long-lasting battery life, it provides users with an excellent smartphone experience. While there are some compromises in terms of refresh rates and camera features, the overall value proposition makes this phone a compelling choice for anyone considering purchasing a new device.