Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 review

Design, build quality, handling

There are two pillars that the Galaxy Z Flip5 is built on - we've already mentioned them and will continue to weave them into the narrative throughout this review. One is the larger cover display; the other is the long-awaited gapless folding mechanism.

The new display, which Samsung has started calling Flex Window, is specced at 3.4 inches in diagonal, but that's the long diagonal - the other one is shorter because the cameras eat into it. The resulting folder-like shape is an interesting solution that makes the Z Flip5 look unusual, albeit not quite as striking as the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (a.k.a. Razr+ 2023) and its edge-to-edge dual punch-hole design.

While only moderately cool-looking, the Z Flip5's outer screen is definitely a lot more useful than that of the previous generation. The extra real estate makes it better suited for all sorts of tasks, whether it's showing widgets or serving as a camera viewfinder. The one on the Z Flip4 was barely adequate for either task.

The other significant change brought by the Z Flip5 is in the new Flex hinge. Samsung has finally found a way to make the Z Flip's two halves fold flat on themselves, with no wedge-shaped gap between them. Depending on the type of person you'd ask, you'd get opinions that the previous designs were either... unsightly, or dangerous to the internal display's integrity due to the possibility of lint and dirt making their way between the relatively gentle surfaces and causing damage. This redesign helps on both counts.

Gapless Galaxy Z Flip5 (left) next to wedge-shaped Z Flip4

What was widely cited as the reason for Samsung's wedge-shaped foldables was the company's inability at the time to make a water-resistant design with other hinge implementations, and the sealing was more important than vanity. Indeed, it wasn't until very recently that we started seeing foldables that fold flat and have an IPX8 rating. We can now have it all on the Z Flip5 as well and get both the ingress protection and the gapless look.

Losing the wedge has also resulted in the new handset becoming thinner when stowed away - hardly an unexpected development, but one that's highly appreciated nonetheless. The Z Flip5 now measures 15.1mm, a full 2mm down from the Z Flip4's thickness.

Other than the thickness in the folded state, the Flip has barely changed physically. Precisely as wide and just a hair shorter in both modes, the Z Flip5 also weighs the same 187g as the previous generation. Unsurprisingly then, it also feels just the same in your hand when extended - meaning it's a smartphone that's taller than most.

The lack of tangible physical changes also applies to the internal display, and we do mean the crease. Other makers have managed to make the bend in their foldables' displays less perceptible when swiping across it, but Samsung's implementation remains such that you can still easily see and feel the groove in the middle of the 6.7-inch Infinity Flex Display.

We've discussed on every occasion how the crease tends to be more obtrusive on the clamshell type of foldable (like the Galaxy Z Flip5) simply because it's more likely that you swipe across it when doing what you do most often - scrolling content. The other thing is that at some point you just get used to it being there and you ignore it. But those philosophical musings don't change the fact that Samsung's display creases remain the most prominent ones in the business. The new Flex hinge may allow for gapless folding, but it doesn't help a whole lot with the crease situation.

Among the form factor's specific features, the Z Flip5 has various Flex mode use cases, most of which we're already familiar with from previous generations. Thanks to the fact the hinge can remain stable at arbitrary angles, the Flip can be used for taking pictures when placed on a stable surface - selfies with the rear cameras are the first thing that comes to mind, and the large cover screen makes framing so much easier than what the Z Flip4 could offer.

Not only is the Galaxy Z Flip5 the same weight and size as the Z Flip4 (other than the folded state's slimmer waistline), but its bits are laid out in much the same way too. The bottom is home to the USB-C port, the primary speaker and a couple of mics, and there's a third mic up top (conveniently shown in the same picture below, because foldables).

The left side of the Z Flip5 has the SIM slot and the tray of our unit can only take one physical nano SIM. It does support dual SIM connectivity, it's just that the second one will need to be an eSIM.

On the right is where you'll find the power button/side key/fingerprint reader, and right above it is the volume rocker. Naturally, both have satisfying click action.

Top/bottom bits • SIM tray • Buttons on the right

The Galaxy Z Flip5 exists in a fairly wide selection of colors, though the subset of options you get will likely vary by region, retailer, carrier and whatnot. As usual, there will also be exclusive colorways only available for purchase from Samsung's own online store.

Our review unit is the Mint colorway, and together with the Cream and Lavender options, forms a trio of rather pale options. Those are all new colorways, while Graphite has been carried over, by name at least. A somewhat notable change is the move from the frosted anti-glare finish of the previous generation to a glossy surface this time around.

Glossy Z Flip5 (left) next to matte Z Flip4 (we know you can't tell from the photo)

The Samsung-exclusive color options are Gray, Blue, Green, and Yellow, and these feature more intense hues for the rear glass panels (Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on all 8 variants). They also get a different treatment for the Armor Aluminum frame - it's the same satin-finished graphite color on the exclusive colorways, as opposed to the glossy color-coordinated frames of the regular versions.

Samsung.com exclusive colorways