The TRUTH about using a Foldable Phone

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers an improved foldable experience with enhanced build quality, a sturdy hinge, and a refined design. Its two displays serve different purposes, with the main display excelling in multitasking and media consumption. Despite solid performance, the camera system falls short compared to premium competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and battery life is adequate but not exceptional. The key drawback is its poor water resistance, as the phone failed after brief exposure to rain. While the Z Fold 5 offers unique features, its durability issues may make it a risky investment for some users.

Takeaways

• 😀 The original Galaxy Fold, launched 6 years ago, introduced a bold new form factor with high ambitions and a premium price tag.
• 😀 Over the years, the Galaxy Z Fold series has evolved, with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 improving build quality, display features, and software optimization.
• 😀 The hinge on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is much more refined, with a gapless design, making it more durable and stiff compared to its predecessor.
• 😀 The Galaxy Z Fold series includes two displays: a smaller cover display for basic use and a large main display for multitasking and creative work.
• 😀 While the crease in the foldable screen is noticeable if looked for, it does not significantly impact the user experience or immersion.
• 😀 The camera system of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 uses the same components as the Galaxy S series, offering good performance but not class-leading capabilities.
• 😀 Despite the impressive zoom capabilities of the Galaxy Z Fold 5, its camera system still lags behind flagship competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
• 😀 Battery life, while not exceptional, is adequate for most users, with screen-on time around 5.5 to 6 hours under typical usage conditions.
• 😀 Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1, running on Android 14, provides a smooth and feature-rich experience, with strong Galaxy ecosystem integration and multitasking features.
• 😀 The Galaxy Z Fold 5’s water resistance (IPX8 rating) was compromised during a rain event, leading to significant damage to the device, which raises concerns about its durability.
• 😀 Despite its impressive performance and unique foldable features, the lack of robust water resistance is a major drawback for the Galaxy Z Fold 5, especially given its high price point.

Q & A

What is the key feature that makes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 stand out compared to other smartphones?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 stands out due to its foldable design, which offers a massive main display for multitasking, drawing, and media consumption, alongside a compact cover display for regular smartphone use.

How has the build quality of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 improved over previous iterations?

Samsung refined the build quality of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 by making the hinge gapless, slimming down the device, and making it lighter, resulting in a more solid and durable design compared to its predecessor.

What are the strengths of the Galaxy Z Fold 5's display?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a bright, smooth, and large main display that is ideal for multitasking, drawing, and media consumption, with additional precision and control offered by the new S Pen.

How does the crease in the display affect the user experience?

The crease in the display is visible if you look for it, but it is not intrusive or immersion-breaking, unlike other design elements like notches or hole-punch cameras.

What are the limitations of the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s camera system?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 features good cameras, but they are not class-leading. The ultra-wide camera lacks 4K 60fps recording, the main camera is not the sharpest available, and the zoom capability is limited compared to devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

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

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 provides about 5.5 to 6 hours of screen-on time in real-world use, which is decent but not exceptional. It doesn’t lead the market in battery performance, with other foldables and devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra offering larger batteries and longer usage times.

What improvements have been made in the software experience on the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 runs Samsung's One UI 6.1.1 on Android 14, which is smooth, feature-packed, and offers significant improvements in multitasking, performance, and integration with the Galaxy ecosystem. It’s more stable than previous iterations of Samsung's software.

What is the problem with the water resistance on the Galaxy Z Fold 5?

Despite being rated IPX8 for water resistance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 failed when exposed to rain, with the device dying after 30 seconds. This issue undermines its durability, especially for a premium device priced at $2,000.

How does the Galaxy Z Fold 5 compare in terms of price and features to other high-end devices?

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is priced significantly higher than other high-end smartphones, like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While it offers unique foldable features, its camera performance, battery life, and water resistance fall short compared to similarly priced alternatives.

Would you recommend the Galaxy Z Fold 5 despite the water resistance issue?

While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers an unparalleled foldable experience, the water resistance issue is a major drawback. I would be cautious about recommending the device for those who need durability against everyday elements like rain.