Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review: A Sleek and Stylish Flip Phone with Some Limitations
Introduction:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the latest addition to Samsung's lineup of foldable phones, offering a stylish and compact alternative to traditional smartphones. With improvements over its predecessor, the Z Flip 5 aims to provide a more portable experience without sacrificing functionality. In this review, we'll delve into its design, performance, display, and unique features, while also highlighting some of its limitations.
Design and Build Quality:
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 boasts a sleek and sturdy design, weighing just 6.6 ounces and featuring a smooth, elegant finish. Its compact dimensions make it easy to fit into pockets, and its improved hinge durability ensures longevity. The addition of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IPX8 rating for water resistance enhance the phone's durability. However, the review notes that the rear panel of the Motorola Razr+ offers better grip due to its matte finish or vegan leather.
Display and Form Factor:
The Z Flip 5's inner display measures 6.7 inches and features a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,640 x 1,080 pixel resolution. The folding crease is less noticeable during regular usage, and the review praises the screen's brightness and visibility in direct sunlight. It's noted that the Z Flip 5's display is vibrant and capable, though no major upgrades are present compared to its predecessor.
Cover Screen Functionality:
The outer display, referred to as the cover screen, has been upgraded to 3.4 inches with a resolution of 748 x 720 pixels. It offers interactive widgets but requires manual activation of apps. This functionality is less seamless compared to the Motorola Razr+'s cover screen. The review also highlights that Samsung's Good Lock app allows for more customization of the cover screen, but the process is somewhat convoluted.
Performance:
Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip and 8GB of RAM (expandable), the Z Flip 5 demonstrates strong performance. Apps load quickly, multitasking is smooth, and gaming performance is commendable.
Benchmark scores showcase its capabilities compared to its competitors, and the phone's performance is deemed satisfactory for a wide range of tasks.
Battery Life and Charging:
The Z Flip 5 houses a 3,700mAh battery with a 25W wired charging speed. The review reports approximately 10 hours and 5 minutes of battery life during HD video streaming, an improvement over its predecessor. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are supported. It's noted that the phone can slide off a charging coil due to its camera bump, requiring attention to placement.
Connectivity and Network Performance:
The Z Flip 5 supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and mmWave and sub-6 5G. Network performance on T-Mobile's network is highlighted as impressive, with notable download and upload speeds. It's suggested that the phone performs well in 5G connectivity.
Conclusion:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 offers a stylish and portable option for those seeking a foldable smartphone experience. It excels in design, performance, and display quality.
However, limitations are observed in the cover screen's functionality, particularly in comparison to the Motorola Razr+. Despite these drawbacks, the Z Flip 5 stands as a commendable choice for users interested in a modern flip phone with some unique features and capabilities.
