What our tech guru really thinks of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
I wrote recently about the foldable phone market, in particular Flip phones when Samsung announced their latest Galaxy Z Flip5 in Korea.
Now after a week of using the Flip5 as my primary device, I'm here to tell you it's a winner.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Snap up this great deal before August 17!
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is currently available for pre-order for $1,649, with four colour options to choose from: graphite, cream, lavender and mint. It is set to be released in Australia on August 18, 2023.
While we wait to get our hands on it, we can get some amazing savings on the pre-sale price on Amazon. Right now, you can score a saving of $180 on both the Flip5 and the Samsung Galaxy Fold5 when you use the code "GALAXYZ5" at checkout.
In addition to the phone, you can also buy a bundle pack for $1,876 for the 512GB model. It comes with the phone, the Samsung Trio Charger, a front screen protector and a transparent case. If you sign up for an Amazon Prime membership, you save $270. You can sign up for a 30-day free Amazon Prime membership here to have access to this deal as well as free shipping and one-day delivery.
What I thought of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
I switched from the Apple iPhone 14 while in Korea and that process was far easier than I'd ever done before. Using a cable from one phone to the other, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 picked up all the Apps I used, and a bunch of my data so I've not had to download new apps to the Flip, and really it's just been a case of remembering all those damn passwords.
Style-wise, I've always loved the Flip, and while the actual design has been the same now for three years, a new hinge mechanism has allowed the Flip5 to fold flat, leaving no gap in the hinge and that's a game changer for the look and feel of the phone – it's simply more premium this way.
Opening as a normal style smartphone, don't be put off by the 'crease' – anyone that tells you it's ugly or gets in your way has simply never used a foldable phone. No, Samsung's 'crease' isn't the flattest in the market, I think Oppo and Motorola take that title but honestly, you just don't see it or notice it when using the phone.
And opened as a full smartphone, it's everything you need and want from a Smartphone. It doesn't lack any of the performance you might get from traditional phones, runs all the apps you normally use, and is in fact a taller screen than most similar-width phones. You're getting more screen and more to view.
The phone call quality is excellent, and watching movies or YouTube is great too.
Of course the "Flex" mode – where you only half close the device, offers simple things that you cannot do with any other phone.
Watching YouTube? Half close the device, it will sit on your desk and put the video in the "top" half of the screen on its own, with the chat or comments on the lower half.
Taking a selfie? Sit the phone half closed on a bench or desk and stand back, get in the frame and snap the photo by just putting up a high five and closing your fist to set off the timer start.
The camera on this phone is great, but not on par with the Samsung S series phones or the iPhone. No Telephoto Zoom will be a miss for some, and its night shot capabilities are really what let it down. I took a photo at the Enmore Theatre after a show and it wasn't something I'd want to share.
READ MORE: Great cameras, that just happen to be smartphones
All that is set aside by the overwhelming advantage of the new "Flex Screen" or cover screen on the outside of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. Now, with a 3.4-inch screen, it's more useful than ever, meaning I haven't had to open the phone up as much.
From taking photos, to checking and replying to messages – I can do it all. Selfies are best taken on the cover screen, though two things to note from my limited usage.
Firstly, jump into the options and change it to 9:16 perspective, otherwise, all your photos are just squares – like in the old days of Instagram.
Secondly, hold it upside down - so the camera lenses are at the top as you hold it - this means less chance of getting your finger in the shot which I did accidentally once or twice.
Swipe across to get to many of the widgets for the cover screen from your calendar to even a simple set of up to four touch-to-dial frequent contacts, perfect for those who use headphones to make calls.
There's now plenty of choice in the flip-phone smartphone market, with Oppo and Motorola in the game with exceptional offerings. Oppo's Find N2 Flip is great value, has a great 'crease' and hinge technology and a decent though now small cover screen, while Motorola has two in the market: one with a huge screen and one with a tiny screen to hit both ends of the price table.
READ MORE: Return of the Razr: Motorola releases the flashback we didn't know we needed
Samsung will be the biggest seller, no doubt – just on brand and marketing alone, and it's deserved, the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a premium device, with features refined over many years. That new "Flex Screen" on the cover makes it more usable than ever and in my mind gives you a bit better battery life from preventing you opening the full phone as often as you might.
Pre-orders are available now for $1,649, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 on sale from August 18.