Samsung has recently unveiled its latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5, at the Unpacked event in Seoul. While these devices don’t introduce any groundbreaking changes in terms of functionality, there are a few noteworthy improvements.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 now features a larger Cover Screen when closed, providing more convenience and utility. The dimensions of the devices remain similar, but Samsung has made slight advancements in the hinges, allowing for smoother opening and closing.
Moreover, Samsung promises “pro-grade” camera capabilities along with enhanced usability features.
The Galaxy Z Fold5 has become slightly thinner by reducing its thickness by 2mm in each direction. Additionally, it is noticeably lighter, with a weight reduction of 10 grams.
Samsung has developed a more robust hinge for smoother opening and closing, which contributes to a more seamless folding experience. The Cover Screen remains the same, featuring a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display, while the Main Screen is a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display.
The resolution and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate remain unchanged. The phone also offers new multitasking features, such as the ability to turn compatible apps into floating widgets on the Main Screen, making it easier to use multiple apps simultaneously in a Split-Screen arrangement.
In terms of specifications, the Galaxy Z Fold5 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with 12GB of RAM and offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
The battery size remains the same as its predecessor, with similar wired and wireless charging rates. Samsung claims that its One UI 5 Android overlay can potentially improve battery life. The S Pen remains compatible with the device, but users will need to purchase either the Fold Edition or S Pen Pro separately, as they are not bundled with the phone.
Cases with built-in holsters for the S Pen are available to prevent misplacing or losing it. Color options include new icy blue, phantom black, and cream variants, while blue and gray models will be exclusively available on Samsung.com.
The camera updates for the Galaxy Z Fold5 were not extensively discussed during the event. However, the device features a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the cover and a 4-megapixel under-display selfie camera on the inside.
At the rear, it has a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera (with pixel-binning to capture 12.5-megapixel images), and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera. Only the wide-angle camera supports Dual Pixel autofocus, while both the wide-angle and telephoto cameras feature optical image stabilization.
Samsung claims to be using a different image sensor for the main camera but has not specified which one. It is possible that it uses the 50-megapixel Isocell GN3 sensor or the GN5 sensor.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 introduces more significant changes compared to its predecessor. The most noticeable improvement is the larger Cover Screen, growing from 1.9 inches to 3.4 inches.
This expansion allows users to view and interact with notifications, respond to messages, and access certain applications without having to flip the phone open. Samsung hopes to expand app compatibility and add additional functionalities to the Cover Screen through collaborations with third-party developers.
The main screen remains a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with the same folding design. The phone overall is slimmer, thinner, and weighs the same as the previous model.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 comes equipped with improved photography features. The larger Cover Screen facilitates framing and capturing selfie photos and videos from various angles.
However, it does not provide access to all modes, features, and settings available on the camera app. While the Folding phone is clamped shut, pitched like a tent, or propped up, it allows users to utilize the rear camera to capture unique selfie shots. Samsung claims that night photography has been enhanced, and AI-powered image signal processing algorithms reduce visual noise in low-light conditions.
As for the specifications, the Galaxy Z Flip5 features a 10-megapixel front selfie camera and a dual rear camera system consisting of two 12-megapixel cameras with different fields of view. The primary camera has a 123-degree angle, while the secondary camera has an 83-degree angle.
The primary camera has an f/2.2 aperture, and the secondary camera offers an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization, and Dual Pixel autofocus. The Flip5 supports 10x digital zoom but lacks optical zoom capabilities.
In addition to the new foldable phones, Samsung is also introducing the Tab S9 series of tablets. These tablets feature Dynamic AMOLED 2x screens across all variants and come with the S Pen, which maintains its responsiveness and carries an IP68 protection rating.
The tablets boast Vision Booster technology, adjust to brighter lighting conditions, and maintain vivid colors. Dedicated widgets allow users to float open apps above the home screen or while other apps are in use. DeX mode and Second Screen with Windows PCs further enhance the tablets’ productivity features.
Pricing details for these devices indicate a higher cost, with the Flip5 starting at $999.99. The Fold5 starts at $1,799.99 for the 256GB variant and increases in price for other storage options. The Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra starts at $1,199.99, the S9+ starts at $999.99, and the S9 starts at $799.99. Pre-orders are available starting from July 26, and all devices will be fully available from August 11.
