Samsung tonight in Seoul Unpacked event also released a new flip folding phone Galaxy Z Flip 5, using a new design concept and technology, aimed at the flip phone to a new era. TM Roh, president and head of Samsung’s mobile experience business, said that Samsung is “disrupting the mobile industry with folding phones by setting the standard and continuously improving the experience.”
One of the best features of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is that Samsung has used a seamless hinge design for the first time on the device, effectively reducing the gap between the two halves of the phone’s screen and making it slimmer. Compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Flip 4, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is 15.1 millimetres thicker when folded, down from 15.9 millimetres (excluding the camera module).
Aside from the upgraded hinge, another highlight of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the device’s new external screen, which has been expanded from 1.9 inches to 3.4 inches. Dubbed by Samsung as the “Flex Window,” the screen offers more scenarios and personalization features, introducing new widgets and a multi-widget view. It also allows users to open Quick Settings, Chat and Call History, Quick Reply via the full keyboard, and use Samsung Wallet features such as QR Codes, Coupons, Membership Cards, Passes, Digital Keys, and more.
The 3.4-inch Flex Window works perfectly with the new Flex Mode hinge to provide a better photo experience, as well as allow users to view images, adjust colours, or delete pictures without opening the device. For photography, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 features a 10-megapixel selfie camera with an f / 2.2 aperture, a 1.22-micron pixel size and an 85-degree viewing angle. Next to the outer screen are two cameras, including a wide-angle camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels, an aperture of f / 1.8, dual-pixel autofocus, optical stabilization, a pixel size of 1.8 microns, and a viewing angle of 83 degrees. The other 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera has an aperture of f / 2.2, a pixel size of 1.12 microns and a viewing angle of 123 degrees.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 has an IPX8 waterproof rating, an Armor Aluminum frame, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering on the back and Flex Window. Samsung also claims an improved Flex hinge with a dual-rail structure that disperses external impacts.
In terms of hardware specifications, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes with a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED external display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and a resolution of 720 x 748. The internal display is a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable display with a resolution of 2640 x 1080 and an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz.
The new device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB or 512GB of storage. It has a built-in 3700mAh dual battery and supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Other specs include a nano-SIM slot and an eSIM, onboard side fingerprint recognition, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and Samsung Knox with Knox Vault.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes preloaded with One UI 5.1.1 based on Android 13, which improves productivity and multitasking on the large-screen device.
Samsung calls the Galaxy Z Flip 5 a “no-compromise pocket-sized tool for self-expression,” in part because the new device’s new external screen can be synchronized with other devices and accessories. Samsung has introduced a new Flipsuit Case for the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which features an interchangeable NFC card, and Samsung says users can match their Flex Window design and case design for self-expression. For future Galaxy Watch 6 users, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 offers even more customization options via the Flex Window, which can display a graphical clock that matches the smartwatch’s dial design.
Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 opened overseas today and will go on sale on August 11, offering a choice of four colors – Mint, Graphite, Cream, and Lavender – as well as a number of Samsung Online Store exclusives, including Gray, Blue, Green, and Yellow. In the UK market, the 256GB version is priced at £1,050 (currently around RMB 9,650) and the 512GB is priced at £1,150 (currently around RMB 10,569).
