Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 vs Fold 4 Review - It's GOOD But...

Summary

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers a refined hinge and a flatter, more natural feel when closed compared to the Z Fold 4. Despite similar display quality and camera specifications, the Fold 5 features a brighter panel, reaching up to 1750 nits, and improved software processing for sharper images. Battery life is a concern, with less endurance than its predecessor. While the outer screen and button placements remain unchanged, the Fold 5 introduces a more efficient water-resistant design and a new case that accommodates the S Pen more discreetly. For Z Fold 4 users, the upgrades may not warrant an immediate switch, but those with older models will appreciate the enhancements.

Takeaways

• 📱 The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is not a significant upgrade from the Z Fold 4, and owners of the Z Fold 4 are advised not to feel the need to upgrade unless a great deal is available.
• 🔧 A major upgrade in the Fold 5 is the hinge, which is improved for a better look and feel when the device is closed.
• 📊 The thickness and weight of the Fold 5 have been slightly reduced compared to the Fold 4, with the new model weighing 253 grams.
• 📲 Users coming from the Z Fold 3 or earlier models will notice improvements in the hinge and overall design of the Fold 5.
• 📸 The camera setup in the Fold 5 is similar to the Fold 4, with the same megapixel count, but software improvements result in sharper and more contrasty photos.
• 🔋 Battery life on the Fold 5 has been underwhelming, with less screen-on time compared to the Fold 4.
• 💬 The outer screen of the Fold 5 is identical in quality to the Fold 4, with no noticeable difference in resolution or brightness.
• 🌞 The Fold 5's inner display is brighter, capable of reaching 1750 nits compared to the 1200 nits of the Fold 4.
• 📹 Nighttime photography and video recording have seen improvements on the Fold 5, with faster processing times and the ability to shoot 8K at 30fps instead of 24fps.
• 💼 New cases for the Fold 5 are designed to better accommodate the S Pen, making the case flatter and less bulky compared to the previous model.

Q & A

What is the major upgrade in the Galaxy Z Fold 5 compared to the Z Fold 4?

The major upgrade in the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the hinge, which provides a flatter and more natural feel when the phone is closed, and an improved overall look and feel.

How has the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 changed in terms of thickness and weight?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a consistent thickness of about 15 millimeters and weighs 253 grams, which is slightly lighter than the previous model, the Z Fold 4, which weighed 263 grams.

What is the user's opinion on the height of the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

The user does not find the height of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 to be a significant issue, comparing it to other tall devices like the iPhone 14 Pro Max and noting that it is not excessively tall.

What is the user's preference regarding the outer screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

The user would prefer a slightly wider outer screen, as the current one feels very remote-like and is used more frequently when on the move.

How does the hinge mechanism of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 differ from previous models?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 uses a more droplet water-style hinge, which has fewer moving parts, no gap, and is harder for dust to get inside, while still maintaining IPX8 water resistance.

Is there any change in the display quality between the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

No, the outer screen display quality remains the same between the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, with no difference in resolution or brightness.

What is the difference in camera quality between the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

The camera hardware is the same, but the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has improved software processing, making photos more contrasty and sharper.

How does the battery life of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 compare to the Galaxy Z Fold 4?

The battery life of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has been less impressive, with the user experiencing around three hours and 30 minutes of screen-on time with about 30% battery left, suggesting potential battery anxiety.

What improvements are there in the camera performance of the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has improvements in computational photography, with faster processing times for nighttime photography and the ability to shoot 8K video at 30fps instead of 24fps.

What are the user's thoughts on the new cases and S Pen for the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

The user appreciates the new cases from Samsung, especially the improved design for the S Pen, which now sits almost flat against the back of the case. However, the user finds the new S Pen to be thinner and less comfortable to hold compared to the previous model.

Should a user upgrade from the Galaxy Z Fold 4 to the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

The user advises against upgrading from the Galaxy Z Fold 4 to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 unless there is a significant cost advantage, as the overall experience and functionality are very similar.