Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Release date, cover screen, specs, and everything you need to know
The long-awaited Galaxy Z Flip 5 has officially been announced. Samsung unveiled the new smartphone at its Unpacked event in July with a big change in tow: the external screen now spans the majority of the cover panel. Among other changes and features, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a notable leap forward when compared to its predecessor, allowing it to stay competitive in a growing foldable market.
Along with a streamlined design and larger cover screen, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 brings the latest flagship Snapdragon processor, which gives it a leg up over many other foldable phones launching this year. Combine that with some other top-tier specs, and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 might just be the foldable phone to get this year.
Continue reading for more information on the latest flip phone from Samsung, including the price, release date, specs, and more. Additionally, you can check out our Galaxy Z Flip 5 hands-on to get our first impressions about the device.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Release date & price
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 was unveiled on July 26, 2023, at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event in Seoul, South Korea. The smartphone is available now for preorder and will go on sale on August 11 for those who want to wait a little while before committing. The device will be sold by Samsung, retailers like Amazon or Best Buy, and carriers such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available in two main configurations, both of which sport 8GB of RAM. The base model has 256GB of storage, while the top-end model has 512GB.
As for pricing, the Z Flip 5 starts at $999 for the 256GB storage model, but anyone who preorders the Z Flip 5 will be upgraded to the 512GB model, so you might not want to wait. Users can take advantage of several carrier deals, many of which likely require a trade-in, new lines, or being on certain rate plans.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Cover screen
The main selling point of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the larger external OLED display on the cover panel. Samsung calls it the Flex Window, and it measures 3.4 inches with a 720 x 748 resolution running at 60Hz. Unlike other clamshell foldables, Samsung has opted for a mostly square, folder-like design for the cover screen that shrinks slightly on one side to avoid the dual cameras.
With these cameras, you'll be able to easily preview selfies and videos for the best possible quality. The hinge also lets you keep the phone propped up at an angle for hands-off capture.
With the Flex Window, Samsung touts upgraded experiences through various widgets, allowing users to check the weather, control media, interact with notifications, and more without ever opening their Z Flip 5. Users can also respond to messages with access to the full Samsung keyboard.
It's also easy to "multitask" on the Z Flip 5 cover screen, as a simple pinch gesture will allow users to get a view of all their widgets on one screen.
For anyone looking to use full apps like you can on the Motorola Razr Plus, the experience isn't available out of the box. However, Samsung does have a Labs feature that gives users access to select optimized app experiences with YouTube and Google Maps, among others.
If you want to run full apps on the cover screen, you'll have to use Good Lock to enable an app launcher similar to what's available on the Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Design
Aside from the larger cover screen, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a design that's not too far off from its predecessor. It's largely flat on all sides, including the frame, with rather sharp edges. There is a new hinge on the Z Flip 5, which allows the device to close almost completely shut instead of leaving a huge gap like on the Galaxy Z Flip 4. This should add some protection from the elements beyond the IPX8 rating. The hinge should also help reduce the primary display crease, which is a bit of a pain point for some.
The primary folding display is pretty tall, with a 22:9 aspect ratio. The phone is only .27 inches when unfolded and .59 inches thick when folded, so there's not much difference when comparing it to the Z Flip 4.
The back panel is covered by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making it pretty tough, while the frame is Armor Aluminum. The phone's color is only found on the bottom rear panel, leaving the top panel black, save for the display. The frame and hinge also match the color.
Galaxy Z Flip 5 color options include Mint, Graphite, Cream, and Lavender. Additional colorways are available exclusively through Samsung, including Gray, Blue, Green, and Yellow, although availability may depend on the market.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Specs
Unlike many of the clamshell foldable that have launched this year, Samsung has opted for the best of the best when it comes to mobile chipsets. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, which is an overclocked version of the chip found in many of the best Android phones of 2023.
This is the same chip that's in the Galaxy S23 series and one that we have found quite impressive in terms of power and efficiency. And while the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 is nothing to sneeze at, it still falls short when compared to the 8 Gen 2. The performance gains with the new chip definitely make the Z Flip 5 stand out among other clamshells.
The chip is paired with 8GB of RAM, which should be enough to juggle between apps and games with ease.
Aside from the chip, not too much has changed in comparison to the Galaxy Z Flip 4.
The internal display is a 6.7-inch FHD+ OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. It's not the fastest on the market, but it should be just fine for most users, particularly with its 1,750 nits of peak brightness.
Keeping the lights on is a 3,700mAh battery, with support for 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. This is about the same as the Z Flip 4, so nothing has changed on the charging front.
One nice change Samsung is making this year is with storage, giving users 256GB of base storage instead of 128GB. This means you'll get double the storage for the same price as last year's model.
Unfortunately, Samsung did not change the camera hardware, offering two 12MP sensors on the rear and a 10MP sensor on the display. The company says it makes the difference in software with improved AI, enhanced Nightography, and even better digital zoom. Of course, we'll have to judge the image quality for ourselves when we get to test the device for an extended period.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Accessories
The Z Flip 5 launch isn't just about the phone; Samsung is also releasing some pretty enticing accessories along with it. There are plenty of Galaxy Z Flip 5 cases to choose from, but one that stands out is the new Flipsuit case, which matches the cover screen with the color of the case using NFC.
Samsung also highlighted the new Clear Gadget Case, Flap Eco-Leather Case, and Silicon Case with Ring.
You'll also want to check out screen protectors for the Z Flip 5 to protect your $999 phone, particularly if you want to protect the new Flex Window, which is the most exposed in a fall.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Preorder at Samsung
The new Galaxy Z Flip 5 is available now for preorder. If you purchase the device before August 11, you can get a free storage upgrade from 256GB to 512GB, which is a deal you don't wanna miss out on.View Deal
