I took the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 to the mothership, a.k.a. South Korea, during a recent trip because where else can I best test it than the brand’s home country? 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 was supposed to be my main device for the whole trip, equipping it with the local SIM, but it was my first time using a flip and I felt quite uneasy with the constant folding. The loan agreement stated that I should take care of it. Nevertheless, it was fun using the camera (more on that later) and I was honestly surprised to see the output. Still, I loved carrying it around because it’s compact and gives that premium feel. 

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 marries functionality and style, adding a multitude of features that cater to both productivity and entertainment.

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Design and display

The experience of using the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s hinge is a delight in itself for me, at least, since it’s my first time to use a foldable phone. In unfurling and folding the device, the hinge offers a seamless and remarkably smooth transition. (I still cringe at times, though). It snaps in place and there is no gap. I had to fold it slowly, of course.

When the Z Flip 5 unfolds, you are holding an expansive 6.7-inch screen. This somehow gives the unfolded device a distinct feel. 

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is designed with a cover screen that features an array of widgets, providing instant access to essential apps even when the phone is closed. This design enables users to attend to essential tasks without the distractions of a fully opened device.

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Durability is a selling point for foldable phones, and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 stands as a robust contender. 

The expanded cover screen presents a larger canvas, empowering users to swiftly respond to texts, glance at navigation directions, or check weather updates without diving into the myriad distractions of an unfolded phone.

The introduction of the Flex Window, a 3.4-inch front screen, amplifies the Z Flip 5’s usability. This sizable screen dwarfs its predecessor’s compact 1.9-inch display. The expanded front screen’s interface leans toward widget-centric functionality rather than running full-scale applications. Navigating through widgets and notifications is intuitive, aided by a dot indicator.

Performance

Under the hood, the Z Flip 5 houses the same Qualcomm chip as the Galaxy S23 series.

Battery endurance stands at a 35 hours, of course depending on usage, between charges, with around five hours of screen time and a couple of hours on 5G. While I used it for minimal tasks during the trip, I only consume about 50% of the battery even with constant video and picture taking.

Charging the device to full capacity requires approximately 90 minutes, with a rapid 50% charge achievable within 30 minutes.

While I usually tests the battery and performance playing video games, I forego it this time and went for video streaming instead. It didn’t consume power as I expected but considering the other apps and features that I used, I still consider the battery life decent enough for daily use.

The Z Flip 5 features dual 12-megapixel cameras adjacent to the cover screen, delivering commendable performance. It’s my first Samsung phone review but I was, to say the least, stunned at how clear the images are and the colors are vibrant.

The 10MP selfie camera churned some really good self-portraits that even a non-selfie junkie like me had to take several shots than usual for the fun of it.

In essence, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 presents a harmonious blend of innovative design, enhanced usability, robust performance, and improved camera capabilities, catering to users seeking a unique and versatile smartphone experience. Its fusion of form and function elevates the foldable phone landscape, marking it as a frontrunner in the evolving realm of mobile technology.