Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (& Flip 5) The 2023 Samsung foldables

[sunking101]

I've bought 3 premium Samsung devices in the last 12 months; Z Fold 4, S23 Ultra & Tab S9 and none of them came with a charger. The last chargers I got were the 15w brick that came with my Tab S7 and the 25w jobbie that came with my Note 10 Plus. So Samsung expect me to use old tech chargers with my newer 45w devices? How long do the cheapasses expect my old 25w brick to last if it's charging multiple devices on a daily basis? I think it's disgusting. Next they'll stop including the USB cables.

 

[JiggyJaggy]

They will not that more and more devices head towards USB-C and wireless charging.

 

[sunking101]

They will not that more and more devices head towards USB-C and wireless charging.

I will never charge my devices by wireless charging. It's inefficient and causes a lot of heat which is no good for them. Meh to that.

 

[blairh]

Gonna return the GF5. It's an awesome device but I'm simply not ready to embrace foldables for a while.

Here were my hangups.

Cover screen was too narrow. We all know this. I couldn't get past this. Voice dictation works very well but like the iPhone it makes mistakes with naturally adding periods unless I say the word 'period'. I think the narrowness adds to the discomfort of the ergonomics. You have essentially this heavy remote control in your hand. I have never used the GPF without a security sensor attached. But I'm willing to guess that device is easier to use when closed shut, despite being 30 grams heavier, because it is so much wider and more comfortable to hold (and use) with two hands.

The crease was extremely noticeable and distracting while using dark mode in the daytime. This was true both indoors and outdoors. I played with all the brightness settings and it didn't change anything. Light mode certainly helped in this regard but my eyes in general really prefer using dark mode.

I can't get past the lack of dust resistance. I knew this fact pre-purchase of course but it really hit me once I actually had the device at home.

No MagSafe is super annoying. I have 3 MagSafe stands at home. I really prefer them over your typical charging stand. I even purchased a MagSafe Z Fold 5 case from Amazon but alas it did not work.

If these things don't bother you, then I highly recommend the GF5. The lack of a gap when closed is awesome. The hinge felt great to open and close.

For me to consider purchasing a foldable in the future I will need all of these things to change. I'm sure we will get there eventually.

 

[Bkdodger]

Gonna return the GF5. It's an awesome device but I'm simply not ready to embrace foldables for a while.

Here were my hangups.

Cover screen was too narrow. We all know this. I couldn't get past this. Voice dictation works very well but like the iPhone it makes mistakes with naturally adding periods unless I say the word 'period'. I think the narrowness adds to the discomfort of the ergonomics. You have essentially this heavy remote control in your hand. I have never used the GPF without a security sensor attached. But I'm willing to guess that device is easier to use when closed shut, despite being 30 grams heavier, because it is so much wider and more comfortable to hold (and use) with two hands.

The crease was extremely noticeable and distracting while using dark mode in the daytime. This was true both indoors and outdoors. I played with all the brightness settings and it didn't change anything. Light mode certainly helped in this regard but my eyes in general really prefer using dark mode.

I can't get past the lack of dust resistance. I knew this fact pre-purchase of course but it really hit me once I actually had the device at home.

No MagSafe is super annoying. I have 3 MagSafe stands at home. I really prefer them over your typical charging stand. I even purchased a MagSafe Z Fold 5 case from Amazon but alas it did not work.

If these things don't bother you, then I highly recommend the GF5. The lack of a gap when closed is awesome. The hinge felt great to open and close.

For me to consider purchasing a foldable in the future I will need all of these things to change. I'm sure we will get there eventually.

At least you gave it a try it's definitely not for everybody... GPF is definitely awesome using one-handed.. dust resistance I know you were worried but if you see Jerry on YouTube throw some dirt on the phone and it survived I really don't think it's much of an issue but I can understand.. The narrow screen is just not for me.. otherwise I love the Samsung fold... The crease it is what it is the more you use it the less you see it and you won't be fixated on it.. voice dictation nobody beats Google as I'm dictating right now on this reply..

 

[Ludatyk]

I've bought 3 premium Samsung devices in the last 12 months; Z Fold 4, S23 Ultra & Tab S9 and none of them came with a charger. The last chargers I got were the 15w brick that came with my Tab S7 and the 25w jobbie that came with my Note 10 Plus.

I can sorta forgive no chargers in the box for smartphones, but no charger included for the tablet.. that's a horrible customer experience.

If Samsung go down this path... what's stopping them from not providing a charger for their Chromebooks or Galaxy Books.

Gonna return the GF5. It's an awesome device but I'm simply not ready to embrace foldables for a while.

You better off waiting for 2026 when Apple drop their foldable... I'm not downplaying your issues with foldables, but I think perhaps you value Apple ecosystem which results you seek out the imperfections to force you to stay within the ecosystem.

I could very well be wrong about my observation, but it seems like the case. And if you enjoy familiarity within the Apple ecosystem... there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[blairh]

At least you gave it a try it's definitely not for everybody... GPF is definitely awesome using one-handed.. dust resistance I know you were worried but if you see Jerry on YouTube throw some dirt on the phone and it survived I really don't think it's much of an issue but I can understand.. The narrow screen is just not for me.. otherwise I love the Samsung fold... The crease it is what it is the more you use it the less you see it and you won't be fixated on it.. voice dictation nobody beats Google as I'm dictating right now on this reply..

I was using GBoard and it did not place periods naturally without me saying the word. Is that not the case on the GPF?

 

[Bkdodger]

I was using GBoard and it did not place periods naturally without me saying the word. Is that not the case on the GPF?

Pretty much most of the time when I'm using the voice dictation the GPF will put the period at the end although sometimes I do have to say. The one good thing about using the GPF voice dictation I can actually hit the keyboard to type the period And the voice mic is still active unlike Samsung which once you tap the keyboard it's not..

 

[blairh]

You better off waiting for 2026 when Apple drop their foldable... I'm not downplaying your issues with foldables, but I think perhaps you value Apple ecosystem which results you seek out the imperfections to force you to stay within the ecosystem.

I could very well be wrong about my observation, but it seems like the case. And if you enjoy familiarity within the Apple ecosystem... there's nothing wrong with that.

Not sure why you'd say that tbh. I didn't seek out imperfections. I'm just saying what bothered me. I was happy to move on from the iPhone if all the issues I listed weren't there for me.

As for the Android vs Apple foldables debate, it just depends on which one comes first. An Android foldable with all the issues I listed resolved or an Apple foldable.

 

[Ludatyk]

Not sure why you'd say that tbh. I didn't seek out imperfections. I'm just saying what bothered me. I was happy to move on from the iPhone if all the issues I listed weren't there for me.

Well, the reason I mentioned it. You knew going in what factors that bothered you... narrow screen, crease... dust resistance.

From the reviews and specs that were announced about the Z Fold 5... those factors didn't get resolved. And judging by your signature it appears you are invested in the Apple ecosystem: iPhone, iPad, Watch Ultra, Mac Mini and MacBook. So, by the time Apple arrives with their foldable... the issues you have could be remedied.

As for the Android vs Apple foldables debate, it just depends on which one comes first. An Android foldable with all the issues I listed resolved or an Apple foldable.

Then it all boils down to Android vs iOS... do you prefer Android or iOS? Because you mention all the hardware issues you have with the Z Fold 5.. but not much about Android (OneUI) experience.

 

[blairh]

Well, the reason I mentioned it. You knew going in what factors that bothered you... narrow screen, crease... dust resistance.

From the reviews and specs that were announced about the Z Fold 5... those factors didn't get resolved. And judging by your signature it appears you are invested in the Apple ecosystem: iPhone, iPad, Watch Ultra, Mac Mini and MacBook. So, by the time Apple arrives with their foldable... the issues you have could be remedied.


Then it all boils down to Android vs iOS... do you prefer Android or iOS? Because you mention all the hardware issues you have with the Z Fold 5.. but not much about Android (OneUI) experience.

I think it's hard to really get a sense of everything though until you actually have the device in hand and use it for an extended period. I was especially surprised by how much the crease bothered me.

Yeah I think ideally I would just get the Apple foldable. I'm just curious how long that will take. If an Android version will be available say a year beforehand, etc, I may jump ship. We shall see.

I will say the Taskbar on OneUI is wonderful. I'd like Apple to steal that feature if/when they make their own foldable. I feel like I could use both OS with minimal issues. I will give Apple the nod however regarding iMessage and customer service in their stores.

 

[Ludatyk]

I will say the Taskbar on OneUI is wonderful. I'd like Apple to steal that feature if/when they make their own foldable. I feel like I could use both OS with minimal issues.

Yeah, I enjoy using the taskbar.. its what sets it apart from the Pixel Fold. It would be dope to see that feature in a Apple foldable, Samsung took the 3 dot contextual menu found on iPadOS (Enter Full Screen, Add Another Window, Minimize & Close) and they use it for SplitScreen, Pop-Up Window & Close.

In terms of multitasking, Samsung is above the crowd... one of the reason why I prefer it over other smartphones.

I will give Apple the nod however regarding iMessage and customer service in their stores.

I've been getting by with BlueBubbles... I like the themes it provides (two column layout on the inner screen), plus I get all the reactions, type indicators and read receipts that iMessage is known for.

I've dealt with Samsung's customer service in the past... I've had good experiences, all ended with issues resolved successfully. But I can understand when looking through various forums and reading users horror stories.. that can cause some concerns.

 

[Bkdodger]

I just don’t trust my Apple ID anywhere else out there but I know plenty of people OK with it

 

[Ludatyk]

I just don’t trust my Apple ID anywhere else out there but I know plenty of people OK with it

Well, you are thinking of Sunbird and Beeper. BlueBubbles operates on device (doesn't require anyone to login with their Apple ID when using the app)... as long as someone have a Mac they can install the server and be able to receive iMessages on Android.

 

[Bkdodger]

Well, you are thinking of Sunbird and Beeper. BlueBubbles operates on device (doesn't require anyone to login with their Apple ID when using the app)... as long as someone have a Mac they can install the server and be able to receive iMessages on Android.

Oh nice thanks for clearing it up

 

[sunking101]

Gonna return the GF5. It's an awesome device but I'm simply not ready to embrace foldables for a while.

Here were my hangups.

Cover screen was too narrow. We all know this. I couldn't get past this. Voice dictation works very well but like the iPhone it makes mistakes with naturally adding periods unless I say the word 'period'. I think the narrowness adds to the discomfort of the ergonomics. You have essentially this heavy remote control in your hand. I have never used the GPF without a security sensor attached. But I'm willing to guess that device is easier to use when closed shut, despite being 30 grams heavier, because it is so much wider and more comfortable to hold (and use) with two hands.

The crease was extremely noticeable and distracting while using dark mode in the daytime. This was true both indoors and outdoors. I played with all the brightness settings and it didn't change anything. Light mode certainly helped in this regard but my eyes in general really prefer using dark mode.

I can't get past the lack of dust resistance. I knew this fact pre-purchase of course but it really hit me once I actually had the device at home.

No MagSafe is super annoying. I have 3 MagSafe stands at home. I really prefer them over your typical charging stand. I even purchased a MagSafe Z Fold 5 case from Amazon but alas it did not work.

If these things don't bother you, then I highly recommend the GF5. The lack of a gap when closed is awesome. The hinge felt great to open and close.

For me to consider purchasing a foldable in the future I will need all of these things to change. I'm sure we will get there eventually.

You do get used to the slim front display after a few weeks. Curious why you found the dust thing an issue?

 

[blairh]

You do get used to the slim front display after a few weeks. Curious why you found the dust thing an issue?

I think it’s important to use my phone in all situations without concern.

 

[Bkdodger]

You know I've never used any foldable any different than any other phone that I've had I think I got over that around week 1 of first owning the Fold 2.. I normally take care of all my phones the same way..

 

[JiggyJaggy]

How is everyone getting on with their Fold 5's? Worth the change from the Fold 4?

 

[Cryates]

Haven't been around the MR forum in awhile, but came around to say I grabbed a Fold 5 and I'm OBSESSED with it.

I always thought I would try one around the 3rd gen but waiting until the 5th feels about right.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Haha ahh thanks! Call it as I see it 😁.
Man I'd love to be a YouTuber. All they do these days is inbox stuff, and read the specs! Any of us on here could do that! 😜

I completely agree.

Some do go in-depth - especially in terms of Samsung Dex. Unfortunately many fail to go in-depth on the positives or negatives migrating form iOS - the most critical being iOS keychain passwords - absolutely NONR have mentioned this topic which I feel is THE most critical for me since on iOS and iPadOS there is NO way beyond 1-at-a-time copy and paste to export these keychains and no support to import into password programs like 1Password. One must own a Mac.

 

[Fernandez21]

EDIT: Nevermind...just did some research that clarified it has AOD, thought maybe it didn't have it at all. Is it just not customizable?

Messing around with it tonight, it seems some of the cover screen clocks have a different AOD , so you can change it a little. Not true customization though.

 

[swarlos]

I completely agree.

Some do go in-depth - especially in terms of Samsung Dex. Unfortunately many fail to go in-depth on the positives or negatives migrating form iOS - the most critical being iOS keychain passwords - absolutely NONR have mentioned this topic which I feel is THE most critical for me since on iOS and iPadOS there is NO way beyond 1-at-a-time copy and paste to export these keychains and no support to import into password programs like 1Password. One must own a Mac.

I was able to export all my ios Keychain passwords to 1 password only thing I had to setup again was all my 2FA codes.

 

[JiggyJaggy]

Like them so much you bought 3! Fav colour?

 

[Vegastouch]

You do get used to the slim front display after a few weeks. Curious why you found the dust thing an issue?

I don't think it is too narrow. Hardly noticable compared to my P7. It may be slightly narrow but not enough to bother me.

Wouldn't think after a few days there would be a dust issue. That one is a puzzler to me.
Some people are really picky I guess.