Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: The Pinnacle of Foldable Technology (2024 Review)
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 represents the most refined iteration of Samsung’s foldable lineup, combining cutting-edge engineering with powerhouse performance. As the last Fold before the anticipated Fold 6, it remains a top-tier choice for productivity enthusiasts and early tech adopters. Here’s why it stands out in 2024.
Key Features & Improvements
Display & Design: The Most Polished Fold Yet
Main Screen: 7.6″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2176×1816, 1-120Hz LTPO)
Cover Display: 6.2″ AMOLED (904×2316, 48-120Hz) – wider aspect ratio than ever
New Flex Hinge: Completely gapless when folded – thinnest Fold yet at 13.4mm
Armor Aluminum 2.0 Frame: 15% stronger than Fold 4
IPX8 Water Resistance: Still rare in foldables
Performance: Desktop-Class Power
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm) – 15% faster CPU, 20% better GPU than Fold 4
12GB LPDDR5X RAM + 256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0 Storage
Vapor Chamber Cooling: 38% larger than Fold 4 for sustained performance
Camera System: Flagship-Grade Optics
50MP Main (f/1.8, OIS) – Same sensor as Fold 4 but better processing
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 123°)
10MP Telephoto (f/2.4, 3x Optical Zoom)
Under-Display Camera: 4MP (improved but still mediocre)
Cover Selfie Cam: 10MP (f/2.2)
S Pen Functionality
Supports S Pen Fold Edition – Still no built-in slot
Lower 2.8ms latency for more natural writing
Battery & Charging
4,400mAh Dual Battery – Similar capacity but more efficient
25W Wired Charging (0-50% in 30 mins)
15W Wireless Charging + 4.5W Reverse Wireless
Software: One UI 5.1.1 (Upgradable to Android 14+)
Enhanced Multi-Tasking:
- Up to 3 split-screen apps + pop-up windows
- New taskbar with recent apps
Flex Mode Enhancements: Better app optimization when half-folded
Fold 5 vs. Competition (2024)
| Feature | Z Fold 5 | Google Pixel Fold | OnePlus Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | SD 8 Gen 2 | Tensor G2 | SD 8 Gen 2 |
| Weight | 253g | 283g | 239g |
| Main Screen | 7.6″ 120Hz | 7.6″ 120Hz | 7.82″ 120Hz |
| IP Rating | IPX8 | IPX8 | None |
| Starting Price | $1,799 | $1,799 | $1,699 |
Why Buy in 2024?
Most durable Fold yet with gapless design
Best foldable multitasking with S Pen support
Still receiving software updates
Refurbished deals available (~$1,100-1,300)
Considerations
Battery life just average (4-6 hrs SOT)
Cameras good but not S23 Ultra level
No built-in S Pen storage
Who Should Buy It?
- Power users needing ultimate productivity
- Foldable enthusiasts wanting the most polished experience
- Note-takers/artists benefiting from S Pen
Alternative?
Wait for Z Fold 6 (expected July 2024) if you want:
➤ Wider cover screen
➤ Built-in S Pen slot
➤ Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Current owners? The upgrade from Fold 4 isn’t massive, but the gapless design and efficiency gains are noticeable.
