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

[Bkdodger]

Thanks for posting these. I wasn't happy with my Ringke Slim in Matte Clear. Just made the phone look and feel completely different. I just order a flipsuit to give it a try. I don't plan on using the cards or whatever since I want to see my blue back.

After a day and a half of using my Flip 5, my only complains so far are the FP sensor and battery life. I constantly am timed out from using the FP due to many accidents. But if I turn off the option to have it always active then it's more of a pain to unlock. So I'm trying to figure out the best options there. For battery life, I got up at 5am today and by 5pm I was down to 20% and this was after moderate to light use. I was on 5g for a few hours this morning then WiFi all day.

Other than that, I really like it so far. It feels so futuristic lol. I still have no idea how or what to use good lock for. Any suggestions on how to learn all that? It doesn't seem very intuitive at first glace. I do admit I downloaded it, and looked it over for a few minutes and didn't put a ton of effort into it yet.

I think battery will need some time to adapt to your usage and I would expect it to improve ..

I would start with enabling every app on the cover screen from GoodLock

 

[Bkdodger]

Tempted to pull trigger on flip 5…don’t want a case for it though.

Let’s Go ! I ran with my Flip 4 careless mainly ..I will say get a screen protector for outside to avoid micro scratches..the feel in hand was great other than you have to be careful with it sliding off in certain places ..I found mine sliding off the wireless charger for instance a few times and one stand …. I plan on going caseless 90% of the time

I’m going to try the Spigen SP

Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector [GlasTR EZ FIT] designed for Galaxy Z Flip 5 [2 Pack]

Be a hero. Save your screen and your time. The EZ Fit takes the struggle away from installing a screen protector on your Galaxy Z Flip 5’s unique front display. Use the tray to align the screen protector on your Galaxy Z Flip 5, press down, and you’re good to go. Easy does it.

www.amazon.com

Ringke case for when I go to places like gym ..simple black

Ringke Slim [Minimalist Fit] Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Case for Women and Men, Simple Modern Sleek Design, Protective Sturdy Solid 5G Cover with Lanyard Hole - Black

The Ringke Slim is made of a lightweight and thin polycarbonate to fully showcase your device in its natural beauty, so everyone knows exactly what you're sporting. With minimal bulk and virtually no weight added to your device, the Ringke Slim case feels great in your hand and is easy to carry. ...

www.amazon.com

 

[SteveJUAE]

Tempted to pull trigger on flip 5…don’t want a case for it though.

Have my Fold 5 but my Flip 5 is stuck in Kula Lumpur till I pop down and pick it up in a couple of weeks

Black with black leather case

 

[The Game 161]

Let’s Go ! I ran with my Flip 4 careless mainly ..I will say get a screen protector for outside to avoid micro scratches..the feel in hand was great other than you have to be careful with it sliding off in certain places ..I found mine sliding off the wireless charger for instance a few times and one stand …. I plan on going caseless 90% of the time

I’m going to try the Spigen SP

Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector [GlasTR EZ FIT] designed for Galaxy Z Flip 5 [2 Pack]

Be a hero. Save your screen and your time. The EZ Fit takes the struggle away from installing a screen protector on your Galaxy Z Flip 5’s unique front display. Use the tray to align the screen protector on your Galaxy Z Flip 5, press down, and you’re good to go. Easy does it.

www.amazon.com

Ringke case for when I go to places like gym ..simple black

Ringke Slim [Minimalist Fit] Compatible with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Case for Women and Men, Simple Modern Sleek Design, Protective Sturdy Solid 5G Cover with Lanyard Hole - Black

The Ringke Slim is made of a lightweight and thin polycarbonate to fully showcase your device in its natural beauty, so everyone knows exactly what you're sporting. With minimal bulk and virtually no weight added to your device, the Ringke Slim case feels great in your hand and is easy to carry. ...

www.amazon.com

For me it would be I'm my top pocket at work or in my tech bag so think would be OK

Never had a flip. So think it's time to try

Fold 5 has left me not that interested as it's still the same pretty much.

Not ruling out buying the honor magic v2 as it's supposed to launch here

 

[Bkdodger]

For me it would be I'm my top pocket at work or in my tech bag so think would be OK

Never had a flip. So think it's time to try

Fold 5 has left me not that interested as it's still the same pretty much.

Not ruling out buying the honor magic v2 as it's supposed to launch here

I would definitely give it a try ... From my experience with the previous flip it's so nice and pocketable... You guys are lucky you get to try some other phones that don't come to the US...

 

[The Game 161]

I would definitely give it a try ... From my experience with the previous flip it's so nice and pocketable... You guys are lucky you get to try some other phones that don't come to the US...

You guys will get one plus fold though lol annoyed we won't. But magic v2 looks great it weighs less than 14 pro max lol

 

[Bkdodger]

You guys will get one plus fold though lol annoyed we won't. But magic v2 looks great it weighs less than 14 pro max lol

Yeah I'm happy to see the OnePlus Open and will see it I jump in on that one too

 

[Zito Abroad]

Thanks for posting these. I wasn't happy with my Ringke Slim in Matte Clear. Just made the phone look and feel completely different. I just order a flipsuit to give it a try. I don't plan on using the cards or whatever since I want to see my blue back.

After a day and a half of using my Flip 5, my only complains so far are the FP sensor and battery life. I constantly am timed out from using the FP due to many accidents. But if I turn off the option to have it always active then it's more of a pain to unlock. So I'm trying to figure out the best options there. For battery life, I got up at 5am today and by 5pm I was down to 20% and this was after moderate to light use. I was on 5g for a few hours this morning then WiFi all day.

Other than that, I really like it so far. It feels so futuristic lol. I still have no idea how or what to use good lock for. Any suggestions on how to learn all that? It doesn't seem very intuitive at first glace. I do admit I downloaded it, and looked it over for a few minutes and didn't put a ton of effort into it yet.

You'll like this case, it's minimal, and looks good because the open front. I have no idea why all the other case makers are doing the folder shape for the front, as it's just too much visible plastic. Most people don't even realize I have a case on mine when it's just sitting on the table. As for the finger print scanner, I have it off. The only way to avoid accidental triggers, is to have it either off, or on for only the main screen. I prefer it off, as I like turning on my screen with the power button.
When it comes too Good Lock, I say go all in, and take your time. I would say start with Home Up module.

When in the Hope Up module:
- Set your Home Screen and Apps Grid to 5x6.
- Set your Favorites Max Count to 5
- Turn on Loop Pages
- Turn on Apps List, and set columns to 5.
- Turn on Background Blur Control and set blur to 31%, leave "Removes most of the blur" setting off.
- Turn on Background Color Control, choose a color ( I picked light blue, which is 4th option from the top right on the color grid), then choose 57% transparency.
- Turn on "Hide app icon label"
- Then go back to the Home Up main screen.
- This time chose the "Folder" option.
- First set the Folder Grid to Folder Icon: 3x3, Folder Screen: 3X4
- Now turn on Popup Folder.
- Change Font color to Black, then change the Background colour to white.
- Change Background transparency to 85%.
- Change Background corners to 70%, as that matches corners of the display.
- Then go back to the Home Up mainsceen.
- Go into Back up and Restore and turn it on. Change the back up to Immediate and 1 Day.
- Go back to Home Up mainscreen.
- No go into Task Changer. Turn it on, and choose a layout type. I chose "grid." The only other settings I have on are App label, Recommended apps, Switch to previous apps with gestures, Allow bottom gestures in full screen mode.
- Then turn on Bottom gestures sensitivity setting, and change it to 60%, or whatever you prefer.

I didn't mention share manager, as you can go in and change whatever you like. For Share Manager, I use Show Direct Share for contacts, and turn on Show Quick Share devices.

This is only one module. Make those changes, and tell me how you like the look of your home screen. I pretty much use most of the modules. If there's one thing that will keep me on Samsung's devices, it's the software. There's nobody that even comes within reach of Samsung's security with Secure Folder, and Customization of One Ui.

 

[Zito Abroad]

One thing I notice when using Samsung Wallet with the phone closed is people almost always have one of two reactions: "What is that?" Or "Is that a phone?"

 

[Bkdodger]

One thing I notice when using Samsung Wallet with the phone closed is people almost always have one of two reactions: "What is that?" Or "Is that a phone?"

That's really cool.. I don't use pay on my Android side but that would be really nice.. One of our members on another forum has her supermarket cards on the phone on the outer screen I believe for easy scanning

 

[noobinator]

You'll like this case, it's minimal, and looks good because the open front. I have no idea why all the other case makers are doing the folder shape for the front, as it's just too much visible plastic. Most people don't even realize I have a case on mine when it's just sitting on the table. As for the finger print scanner, I have it off. The only way to avoid accidental triggers, is to have it either off, or on for only the main screen. I prefer it off, as I like turning on my screen with the power button.
When it comes too Good Lock, I say go all in, and take your time. I would say start with Home Up module.

When in the Hope Up module:
- Set your Home Screen and Apps Grid to 5x6.
- Set your Favorites Max Count to 5
- Turn on Loop Pages
- Turn on Apps List, and set columns to 5.
- Turn on Background Blur Control and set blur to 31%, leave "Removes most of the blur" setting off.
- Turn on Background Color Control, choose a color ( I picked light blue, which is 4th option from the top right on the color grid), then choose 57% transparency.
- Turn on "Hide app icon label"
- Then go back to the Home Up main screen.
- This time chose the "Folder" option.
- First set the Folder Grid to Folder Icon: 3x3, Folder Screen: 3X4
- Now turn on Popup Folder.
- Change Font color to Black, then change the Background colour to white.
- Change Background transparency to 85%.
- Change Background corners to 70%, as that matches corners of the display.
- Then go back to the Home Up mainsceen.
- Go into Back up and Restore and turn it on. Change the back up to Immediate and 1 Day.
- Go back to Home Up mainscreen.
- No go into Task Changer. Turn it on, and choose a layout type. I chose "grid." The only other settings I have on are App label, Recommended apps, Switch to previous apps with gestures, Allow bottom gestures in full screen mode.
- Then turn on Bottom gestures sensitivity setting, and change it to 60%, or whatever you prefer.

I didn't mention share manager, as you can go in and change whatever you like. For Share Manager, I use Show Direct Share for contacts, and turn on Show Quick Share devices.

This is only one module. Make those changes, and tell me how you like the look of your home screen. I pretty much use most of the modules. If there's one thing that will keep me on Samsung's devices, it's the software. There's nobody that even comes within reach of Samsung's security with Secure Folder, and Customization of One Ui.

Thanks! This is awesome. Going to go through Good Lock later and take a look at everything you mentioned.

What kind of security do you use if not fingerprint?

 

[Zito Abroad]

Thanks! This is awesome. Going to go through Good Lock later and take a look at everything you mentioned.

What kind of security do you use if not fingerprint?

I only use fingerprint, but I have the "Fingerprint always on" set to off. That means you need to press the power key to wake the phone for it to read your fingerprint. I prefer this myself, so turning off "Fingerpront always on" was one of the first things I did. Otherwise, the fingerprint sensor is always on, ready to read your prints with just a tap, with no need to press the power/fingerprint button to wake up the sensor. Turning it off also helps with battery savings.

BTW, if you have your phone set to auto optimization, the phone will restart when you're not using it. This restart is Typically around 3am. It'll only happens if the phone needs it. You'll know this has happened, as you will need to enter a pin for the first login after a restart.

One other thing, I would put the phone in performance light mode. This also helps with battery. For me, I don't need full power of the CPU, all I do is message, browse, email, and media watching. You won't notice any drop in performance whatsoever. The light performance mode doesn't affect gaming.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I only use fingerprint, but I have the "Fingerprint always on" set to off. That means you need to press the power key to wake the phone for it to read your fingerprint. I prefer this myself, so turning off "Fingerpront always on" was one of the first things I did. Otherwise, the fingerprint sensor is always on, ready to read your prints with just a tap, with no need to press the power/fingerprint button to wake up the sensor. Turning it off also helps with battery savings.

BTW, if you have your phone set to auto optimization, the phone will restart when you're not using it. This restart is Typically around 3am. It'll only happens if the phone needs it. You'll know this has happened, as you will need to enter a pin for the first login after a restart.

One other thing, I would put the phone in performance light mode. This also helps with battery. For me, I don't need full power of the CPU, all I do is message, browse, email, and media watching. You won't notice any drop in performance whatsoever. The light performance mode doesn't affect gaming.

View attachment 2247595 View attachment 2247597

Great tip about the performance light mode.

 

[The Game 161]

Ha now got both Z fold 5 and Z flip 5 in my basket

What am I doing

 

[Bkdodger]

Ha now got both Z fold 5 and Z flip 5 in my basket

What am I doing

Lol right about now checkout and pay ....did you do the educational discount ?

 

[The Game 161]

Lol right about now checkout and pay ....did you do the educational discount ?

I do have a discount running not loads though.

I should properly only choose one of the two really. Hard to justify both lol and thinking what use case to have both folds lol

Reason why I’m suddenly tempted by fold 5 is more due to how good the software is on the Z fold. As much as I dislike the front display being too narrow everything else ticks a lot of the boxes from screen, bezels, software, support and resale value. If I bought a Chinese foldable the support and resale value would be next for me nothing.

 

[Bkdodger]

I do have a discount running not loads though.

I should properly only choose one of the two really. Hard to justify both lol and thinking what use case to have both folds lol

Reason why I’m suddenly tempted by fold 5 is more due to how good the software is on the Z fold. As much as I dislike the front display being too narrow everything else ticks a lot of the boxes from screen, bezels, software, support and resale value. If I bought a Chinese foldable the support and resale value would be next for me nothing.

This is absolutely why I would do the same since all other factors including future trade in and incentives are greater on Samsung even with a narrow front I would deal with it …

 

[The Game 161]

This is absolutely why I would do the same since all other factors including future trade in and incentives are greater on Samsung even with a narrow front I would deal with it …

Yep, the cost of these foldables are so expensive that you want that peace of mind if something does go wrong.

 

[noobinator]

@Zito Abroad Opened up good lock and I don't even see a home up module. I only see a make up and life up. Then each one has a list of other apps to download from the galaxy store. Do I even gave the right app? Lol

 

[Aneres11]

This video appeared in my YT recommendations so I gave it a watch and it was brilliant. (Despite the stupid THE TRUTH! thing that YT’ers love to do).

Good creator, nice info I wasn’t aware of. Underlined how far Samsung have come with the Fold series. Some of the apps that have been optimised look amazing - WhatsApp was the biggest one for me there.
Same with the new Instagram layout for Fold. Looks so good.

Do we know if the Pixel Fold has the same WhatsApp layout as this?

 

[Ludatyk]

Smaller Youtuber gave an explanation on why Samsung currently designed the Z Fold this way... And I thought it was nice how he went into the typing experience on the inner display and Gboard was able to correct his mistakes.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I would like to see the Fold display the same width as the Flip 5 display. I think that would be the perfect size.

 

[The Game 161]

This video appeared in my YT recommendations so I gave it a watch and it was brilliant. (Despite the stupid THE TRUTH! thing that YT’ers love to do).

Good creator, nice info I wasn’t aware of. Underlined how far Samsung have come with the Fold series. Some of the apps that have been optimised look amazing - WhatsApp was the biggest one for me there.
Same with the new Instagram layout for Fold. Looks so good.

Do we know if the Pixel Fold has the same WhatsApp layout as this?

This is the thing people get caught up hardware wise but for me if the software isn’t right or good then a foldable is pointless. One area all other foldables haven’t got right is the software side. Granted pixel software is good but app optimisation is still lacking on pixel fold. I know google want developers to fix apps but I think with help of good lock Samsung has done a good job with doing so.

I do feel if Samsung made the front display wider there would be no complaints really. If Samsung do change the aspect ration next year then it will be praised to high heaven.

 

[Cryates]

If Samsung changes the aspect ratio to a wider outside display, then typing on the inner display (for me) would become more difficult, and that is perfect (for me) right now with this footprint.

I suppose I could learn to use the split keyboard a little better to compensate, but right now I can use GBoard non-split on the inner display and the size if perfect and it feels incredibly natural to type on.

 

[Bkdodger]

You can always use floating keyboard