And here we have the new best "powder compact-style" foldable smartphone on the market. At least as of August 25th, 2:06 PM, because in this particular segment, everything changes lightning-fast.
Foldable phones still surprise
Yes, I'm aware that our review cycle has an overwhelming overrepresentation of foldable smartphones. That in reality, very few people opt for such devices. And for the amount Samsung asks for one Galaxy Z Flip, you could equip half of the Viking village with cheaper smartphones.
However, I have a good excuse! Foldables are intriguing – as they are a significantly younger form of gadget than traditional smartphones, manufacturers are constantly competing in improvements and new ideas, and each subsequent model brings visible progress. There's competition! Something is happening! And Vikings like that.
New features in Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Take the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 – almost every time I review new flagships, I conclude my long discourse with something like "it's better to buy last year's version because it's twice as cheap and almost identical." But not in this case. Indeed, choosing the Z Flip 4 would save you 2000 PLN, but it's like choosing Pegasus over PlayStation 5. Yes, it's cheaper, yes, you can play games, and sure, there are games on both, but why torture yourself?
The main attraction of the Flip 5 is the huge external screen, absent in its predecessor, which you can use to view and reply to notifications, take photos with the main cameras, or control music playback. With a little tweaking (you need to install two additional apps), the display transforms into a powerhouse capable of running all the apps and games you have installed on your phone.
Why? To play your favorite podcast, watch a short YouTube clip, or follow Google Maps directions without unfolding the phone. For me, it's great! But wait, didn't the Motorola, which we reviewed on the blog some time ago, already have this? Yes, it did, but firstly, the interface implemented by the Koreans seems more convenient and better suited for short interactions to me. And secondly, the Z Flip is a more complete smartphone overall. More on that in a moment.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Back to it: the large display of the Flip looks phenomenal, and paired with a nice wallpaper or an Always-on-display pattern, it makes for one of the most beautiful smartphones on the market. And speaking of folding – when folded to the closed position, the Flip remains completely flat. In previous models, there was a gap between the two parts of the screen, just enough for pocket crumbs to get in. Now it not only looks better but is also safer.
Furthermore, the Z Flip 5 is simply a sensational smartphone, and I would consider it as such even if its screen was only designed for a single fold and then thrown in the trash 😉. It boasts the current most powerful Qualcomm processor, 8GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of internal storage in the fastest standard on the market – it's a dream! Plus, a great internal 120Hz AMOLED screen, stereo speakers, decent cameras, and not the worst battery life – it will last you a whole day, and that's a lot for a foldable.
It also doesn't lack two features usually associated exclusively with top-tier phones – water resistance certification and quite fast wireless charging. To be perfectly happy, I only wish for faster wired charging, because 25W is a bit embarrassing these days, but then again, iPhones achieve similarly "out of this world" speeds.
A phone that can be recommended
Motorola lacks such all-round versatility, and the Z Flip 4, with its impractical, tiny screen, doesn't stand up to comparison at all. So, we have a new king of foldables. The only question is, for how long!
If you like your smartphone to turn heads or simply appreciate stylish gadgets, there's no better choice right now. The Z Flip will bring you a lot of joy. Yes, you'll take selfies with the external screen preview, end phone calls with a satisfying snap, and manage multimedia on a closed phone – it doesn't get boring. And invariably, even after a few weeks (I haven't had the chance to test it for longer), it always brings a smile to your face, so beware of wrinkles!
