In late July, Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, introduced its latest innovations in the world of foldable smartphones: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5. These devices represent an evolution, and in the case of the Flip model, a partial revolution, when compared to their predecessors.
Shortly after their launch, the specialized website DxOMARK conducted comprehensive reviews of both smartphones. They assessed their photographic capabilities, display quality, and battery performance. The results revealed significant improvements over the 2022 models, signaling the gradual maturation of the folding smartphone segment.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Under the DxOMARK
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a clamshell-style folding smartphone powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm) SoC, replacing the Snapdragon 8++ used in the Galaxy Z Flip4. It introduces a new hinge design that eliminates the gap when the device is closed, along with a more generous external display.
Externally, the smartphone features a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED display, while internally, it houses a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate (with variable refresh rate support). The battery, split into two cells, maintains a capacity of 3700 mAh, and fast charging capabilities (wired at 25 W and wireless at 15 W) remain unchanged. The camera setup consists of dual 12-megapixel sensors (one primary and one ultra-wide-angle). The DxOMARK review unit came equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
Photographic Assessment
As anticipated, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 features a dual rear camera system with the following key specifications:
- 1/1.76′′ main sensor with 12 MP resolution, 1.8 m pixels, f/1.8 aperture, PDAF, and OIS
- 12MP Ultra-Wide Sensor with 1.12 m Pixels and f/2.2 aperture
- Video recording capabilities: 4K @ 30/60 fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120/240 fps, HDR10+
DxOMARK awarded the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 a total score of 127 points, derived from an average of 132 points for general photographic qualities, 60 points for bokeh effect quality, 65 points for the fidelity of the preview compared to the captured shot, 95 points for zoom capabilities, and 128 points for video recording quality.
Specifically, the smartphone achieved a score of 147 points for outdoor shots and videos in good lighting conditions, 127 points for indoor shots and videos in acceptable lighting conditions, 94 points for low-light shots and videos, and 125 points for group shots and portraits.
Despite advancements, foldable smartphones, particularly clamshell designs, continue to face challenges in photography. DxOMARK confirms that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, while improved, is not a camera-focused smartphone.
In the overall DxOMARK rankings, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 sits in forty-fifth place (with the Huawei P60 Pro at the top). In the “Ultra-Premium” category, which includes the most expensive smartphones, it ranks thirty-ninth.
Pros:
- Good exposure, dynamic range, and white balance, especially in indoor and outdoor conditions.
- The ultra-wide-angle camera is consistent.
- Praise for video performance, including noise control and stabilization.
Cons:
- Challenges in managing white balance in low light.
- Presence of noise and artifacts in certain conditions.
- Lack of a dedicated telephoto lens.
For a detailed review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5’s camera capabilities by DxOMARK, refer to their dedicated page.
Display Quality Assessment
Let’s summarize the technical specifications of the internal display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, which DxOMARK evaluated:
- Display Technology: Dynamic AMOLED 2x.
- Display Technology: AMOLED
- Diagonal Size: 6.7 inches (with an 86.7% display-to-body ratio).
- Resolution: 1080 x 2640 pixels (425 ppi density).
- Aspect Ratio: 22:9.
- Refresh Rate: Variable (1 to 120 Hz).
In the display quality test, DxOMARK awarded the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 a total score of 149 points, which reflects a weighted average of various aspects. The device ranks fourth in both the general and ultra-premium rankings.
Breaking down the individual scores:
- Readability: 160 points.
- Color accuracy: 155 points.
- Video playback: 159 points.
- Motion handling: 152 points.
- Touchscreen performance: 168 points.
- Halos and artifacts: 83 points.
Pros:
- Good color accuracy and brightness, suitable for HDR10 video content.
- Versatile performance across various contexts.
Cons:
- Reduced visibility in direct sunlight.
- Display may exhibit unnatural colors in such conditions.
- Polarization makes it challenging to use the smartphone with polarized sunglasses.
For an in-depth review of the battery quality of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 by DxOMARK, please refer to their dedicated page.
Battery Test Results
Let’s briefly summarize the technical specifications of the battery in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, along with its charging capabilities and the crucial SoC that influences energy efficiency:
- Total Battery Capacity: 3700 mAh
- Charging: Wired at 25W, wireless at 15W
- SoC (System on Chip): Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (octa-core, 4nm) with Adreno 740 GPU
During the battery test conducted by DxOMARK, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 exhibited impressive performance. It achieved a battery life of 1 day and 22 hours, and the device could be charged from 0% to 80% in just 48 minutes. For a full charge, it took 1 hour and 33 minutes. Even a quick 5-minute charge provided an additional 3 hours and 19 minutes of battery life.
In terms of scores, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 received an overall rating of 109 points. This score is the result of an average calculation, considering 96 points for battery autonomy, 115 points for charging technology, and 141 points for energy efficiency (both during charging and discharging).
These results position the smartphone in the one-hundredth spot in the overall rankings (with the HONOROR Magic5 Lite 5G leading with 152 points) and twenty-first place among “Ultra-Premium” smartphones (with the OPPO Find X6 Pro at the top with 151 points).
Pros:
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 boasts decent battery life for a clamshell-style foldable device.
- The smartphone exhibits low power consumption while indoors.
- Wired charging is efficient with low power consumption.
Cons:
- Battery performance suffers, especially when using GPS, making calls, or listening to music on the go.
- Wireless charging efficiency is lacking, with the charger consuming a significant amount of power.
- The additional battery life gained after a 5-minute charge is relatively low.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Under the DxOMARK
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, the premium flagship in Samsung’s folding lineup, sports a book-to-book design with a substantial external display and a massive internal one. In comparison to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold4, Samsung has focused on optimization, particularly concerning the hinge, while keeping other aspects largely unchanged.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a successful choice. The DxOMARK review unit boasts 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
Photography Test Results
The Galaxy Z Fold5 features a triple rear camera system with the following key specifications:
- 50MP main sensor with 1 µm pixels, f/1.8 aperture, Dual Pixel PDAF, and OIS.
- 12MP ultra-wide-angle sensor with 1.12 µm pixels, f/2.2 aperture, and a 123° viewing angle.
- 10MP telephoto sensor with f/2.4 aperture, PDAF, OIS, and 3x optical zoom.
- Video recording capabilities: 8K @ 30 fps (main sensor), 4K @ 60 fps, 1080p @ 30/60/240 fps, HDR10+.
In DxOMARK’s photography test, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 achieved a score of 128 points. This score reflects an average weighted calculation, including 127 points for overall photographic qualities, 70 points for bokeh effects, 76 points for preview fidelity compared to the captured shot, 128 points for zoom capabilities, and 123 points for video recording quality.
In specific shooting scenarios, the smartphone received a score of 144 points for outdoor shots and videos in lighting conditions exceeding 1000 lux, 128 points for indoor shots and videos in acceptable lighting conditions, 96 points for low-light shots and videos, and 122 points for group shots, portraits, and videos.
In the overall DxOMARK rankings, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 stands at forty-third place and thirty-seventh place in the “Ultra-Premium” smartphone category, with both rankings dominated by the HUAWEI P60 Pro.
Pros:
- Good exposure, wide dynamic range, and accurate color rendering in photos and videos.
- High detail level in videos.
- Effective exposure management in video recording.
Cons:
- Noticeable noise in both photos and videos.
- Occasional focusing errors in low-light conditions.
- Challenges in white balance management during the day.
Display Quality Assessment
DxOMark focused on analyzing the huge internal display, of which we now briefly report the specifications, not considering the 6.2–inch 2x Dynamic AMOLED external display instead.
- Display Technology: Infinity Flex Dynamic AMOLED 2x (Foldable AMOLED).
- Diagonal Size: 7.6 inches (with a display-to-body ratio of 91.0%).
- Resolution: 1812 x 2176 pixels (373 ppi density).
- Aspect Ratio: 10.8:9.
- Refresh Rate: Variable (1 to 120 Hz).
The Galaxy Z Fold5 received a display quality score of 152 points in DxOMARK’s evaluation, ranking first in both the overall and “Ultra-Premium” smartphone categories. It surpassed competitors like the Google Pixel Fold and HONOR Magic5 Pro, which both scored 151 points.
Taking a step back, the individual scores that make up the result obtained by the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 are as follows: 159 points for readability, 152 points for colors, 159 points for video playback, 147 points for the reproduction of moving objects/subjects, 168 points for touchscreen and 116 points for the presence of halos/artefacts.
Breaking down the individual scores:
- Readability: 159 points.
- Color accuracy: 152 points.
- Video playback: 159 points.
- Motion handling: 147 points.
- Touchscreen performance: 168 points.
- Presence of halos/artifacts: 116 points.
Pros:
- Excellent color fidelity and sufficient brightness for HDR10 video content.
- Good readability in all lighting conditions.
Cons:
- Visible crease in the display.
- Color unnaturalness under direct sunlight.
Battery Test Results
In terms of battery performance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 boasts a dual-cell setup with a total capacity of 4400 mAh. The SoC and charging methods mirror those of the Galaxy Z Flip5.
- Total Battery Capacity: 4400 mAh
- Charging: Wired at 25W, wireless at 15W
- SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (octa-core, 4nm) with Adreno 740 GPU
During the battery test conducted by DxOMARK, the Galaxy Z Fold5 achieved an impressive battery life of 2 days and 6 hours. It could be charged from 0% to 80% in just 51 minutes, and a full charge took 1 hour and 44 minutes. Even a quick 5-minute charge provided an additional 3 hours and 43 minutes of battery life.
The overall battery score was 114 points, resulting from an average calculation of 113 points for battery autonomy, 114 points for charging technology, and 118 points for energy efficiency during both charging and discharging.
In the DxOMARK rankings, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is placed eighty-seventh overall and seventeenth in the “Ultra-Premium” smartphone category.
