The Galaxy Z Flip 5 Samsung’s latest foldable phone known for its unique feature of folding in half to become significantly more compact. It comes with some exciting updates including a fresh hinge design, an upgraded processor, and a considerably larger cover display.
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Hinge
![Hinge](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Hinge.jpg)
Starting with the hinge – one noticeable change is that it now closes almost completely flatfla, the annoying gap is gone new design gives it a sleeker appearance. Although it’s better at keeping larger debris away from the main display, it may still attract some dust particles.
Interestingly, this year’s model seems to have a bit more wobble and movement at the hinge. Unlike the rock-solid hinge of the Galaxy Z Flip 4, which had virtually no movement, the Flip 5 introduces a change. Some users might recall that the Flip 4’s hinge was so tight that you had to manually shut it fully, or it would remain partially open. With the Flip 5, it tends to close on its own once you pass a certain point. This reverts back to the behavior of the Flip 3, which is a bit of a surprise.
The advantage here is that it’s much easier to open and close the phone, but the drawback is reduced flexibility when using Flex mode. Both the hinges on my Flip 3 and Flip 4 are still functioning perfectly, so I don’t expect the Z Flip 5 to be any less sturdy.
3.4-inch Cover Display
![Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Flex View Cover Display](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Flex-View-Cover-Display.jpg)
The standout feature is the 3.4-inch cover display, first the foldable design took me by surprise, but it undeniably gives the phone a distinct and unique appearance, something that’s increasingly valued. With the cover display finally feels whole and Samsung deserves applause for how seamlessly the software complements it.
Initially, the pinch gesture felt a bit awkward, but with a bit of practice, I’ve become quite proficient at using it.
![Cover Display Widget](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Cover-Display-Widget.jpg)
The new widgets offer a wealth of information at a glance and clear they were crafted with care rather than rushed together. Personally, I’m a big fan of the Samsung Health widget and if you happen to own their earbuds the Galaxy Buds widget is a game-changer. And the music player has undergone a fantastic makeover just look at that captivating timeline animation! You have a variety of clock faces to choose from which can be customized to suit your preferences. I’m personally drawn to the informative ones, but if simplicity is your style, there are plenty of minimalistic options available. You can even use your own photo as a clock face adding a personal touch.
Cover Display Apps
![Cover Screen App Support](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Cover-Screen-App-Support.jpg)
While the cover display is primarily designed for running widgets, which might initially seem limiting, there’s a game-changing solution in the form of a Samsung app called Good Lock. With Good Lock, you can actually run any app you desire on the cover display, this feature completely revolutionizes how I believe people will utilize phone. It took me a few days to adapt, but now, I find myself using the cover display more frequently than the main one.
![Cover Screen Features](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Cover-Screen-Features-1-1.jpg)
Good Lock even offers arcade-style games that run exceptionally well providing a great way to relieve stress from time to time. It truly surprises me that Samsung didn’t make these features native and ready to use right out of the box.
One of the biggest gripes from those who didn’t initially embrace the concept of a flip phone was the need to open it every time they wanted to use it. Good Lock provides a complete solution to that issue. Now, everyday tasks like responding to messages, scrolling through social media, navigating Google Maps, or controlling your smart home can all be accomplished on the cover display, which is incredibly convenient.
![Call of Duty on Galaxy Z Flip 5](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Call-of-Duty-on-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5.jpg)
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 continues to feature a 3.4-inch display. This size means you can still perform tasks like watching movies or playing mobile games like Call of Duty, but it’s important to note that it’s not an exceptional experience on the smaller screen. And many apps aren’t optimized for this unique size resulting in issues like overlapping buttons and occasional bugs. If you have larger fingers, you may also find the keyboard a bit cramped for comfortable typing. However, despite these limitations, I personally still appreciate the added functionality it brings to the table.
Main Display and Crease
![Full Screen](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Full-Display.jpg)
Regarding the full main display, the Z Flip 5 features the same panel as its predecessor, the Z Flip 4. The most contentious aspect remains the crease. When you place them side by side, I have to admit, it’s not significantly different. Even with the new waterdrop-styled hinge, you’ll still be able to feel it, and under certain lighting conditions, especially at an angle, you might notice light bouncing off it.
However, I’ve come to accept that a folding screen will inevitably have some sort of crease. When you view it directly with the screen on, the crease is nearly imperceptible and doesn’t occupy much of my thoughts. But everyone’s preferences vary, so it’s advisable to see it in person first and form your own opinion.
Performance
Phones | Single-Core Score | Multi-Core Score |
---|---|---|
Galaxy Z Flip 3 | 835 | 2840 |
Galaxy Z Flip 4 | 1524 | 4190 |
Galaxy Z Flip 5 | 1974 | 5064 |
Galaxy S23 Ultra | 1965 | 5085 |
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the very same chip found in Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra. Its benchmark scores are on par with the Ultra, marking a significant improvement over the Z Flip 4 and a considerable leap if you’re transitioning from the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Day-to-day performance is outstanding, as one would anticipate, but as always, it’s important to remember that benchmarks don’t provide the complete picture of real-world usability.
![Performance](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Performance-.jpg)
Despite the similar benchmark scores, it’s worth noting that this phone may not deliver the same gaming performance as the S23 Ultra. While gaming is certainly possible on this device, you might encounter lower frame rates and more heat compared to the S23 Ultra, mainly due to the S23 Ultra’s superior cooling system. I don’t believe that most people buying this phone are looking for a hardcore gaming experience, but if gaming is a top priority for you, it’s essential to be aware that there are better options available.
Read Also: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review
Battery Life
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is equipped with a 3700 milliamp-hour battery, which remains the same as last year’s model. During my standard battery drain test, I observed significant improvements, particularly for those transitioning from the Flip 3, where you’ll notice a substantial boost in battery life. If you’re upgrading from the Flip 4, the improvement might not be as dramatic, but there are still some noteworthy enhancements in a couple of areas.
For instance, if you frequently record 4K video, I’ve noticed that the Flip 5 is slightly more efficient in terms of battery usage. Additionally, standby battery drain appears to be slightly better on this model as well.
![Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Battery life](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Battery-life-.jpg)
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been making extensive use of the cover display, and this alone leads to battery savings. To give you an idea, running Google Maps for 30 minutes on the cover display resulted in a 40 percent lower battery drain compared to using the main display. Similarly, watching a YouTube video on the cover display used 50 percent less battery compared to using the main display.
The Z Flip 5 also offers a light performance mode, which I highly recommend. While you might notice a slight decrease in performance, the additional battery life it provides is well worth it.
In terms of charging, you can expect a full charge in just under an hour and a half when using a cable, and around two hours with a wireless charger. While it’s not the fastest charging phone, it does support Quick Charge, which can give you a 50 percent charge in roughly 30 minutes.
Audio and Features
![Software and UI](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Software-and-UI.jpg)
To cover the remaining features of the phone, the stereo speakers sound nearly identical to last year’s model. The trusty side-mounted fingerprint scanner is still present and remains my preferred location for it.
However, when it comes to haptic feedback, the haptics on the Flip series have never quite been my favorite. They get the job done, but they have a slightly springy and bouncy feel that doesn’t quite match my personal preference.
![Flex Mode](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Flex-Mode.jpg)
In terms of software, if you’re transitioning from another Samsung device, the Z Flip 5 will feel quite familiar. Unfortunately, it’s worth noting that the phone does not support DeX. However, there are a couple of small updates to Flex mode. You now have the option to customize the toolbar with a long press, and when playing media, they’ve introduced 10-second skip and rewind buttons for quick navigation.
Camera Test
![Camera Image](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Camera-Image.jpg)
![Cover Screen Camera View](https://www.clearcrypt.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-5-Cover-Screen-Camera-View.jpg)
Regarding the cameras, I conducted a quick comparison between all three phones to gauge their performance. While there have been some tweaks in processing, it’s important to note that the camera hardware remains largely the same this year, with the addition of a new lens coating to reduce glare. As a result, you shouldn’t expect a massive leap in photo or video quality. However, the camera system remains entirely capable and can capture some stunning shots. But it’s also worth mentioning that it can be a bit challenging at times, particularly in low-light conditions or with moving subjects. Occasionally, I find myself missing the versatility of having a telephoto lens for improved zoom capabilities, although it’s not a deal-breaker.
Final Thought
So, the big question is, is the Galaxy Z Flip 5 worth the upgrade? If you’re upgrading from an older Flip, particularly the Z Flip 3, I’d say it’s definitely worth it. The battery life improvement alone is a game-changer.
Now, if you currently own the Z Flip 4, my usual stance is that upgrading every year may not be necessary or worthwhile. However, the Flip 5, with its new cover display, changes the experience so significantly that it might actually be worth considering.
Ultimately, Flip phones isn’t for everyone, even though Samsung may want it to be. There are still concerns about durability and some people may not be comfortable with the crease on the display. In terms of the camera, it does lag behind phones in a similar price range.
Personally, I’m still a fan of the Z Flip series and I often get asked why I like it so much? The answer is pretty simple, I’m tired of lugging around a massive phone and the Z Flip Series solves that problem for me.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 offers notable upgrades in battery life and the cover display, making it a compelling choice for Flip 3 owners. However, durability concerns and camera performance may still deter some potential buyers.
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Hinge8
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Cover Display8
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Main Display7.5
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Performance8
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Audio and Features7.5
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Battery Life8
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Camera7