On July 26, 2023, Samsung held a new product launch event "Galaxy Unpacked" in Seoul, Korea, and announced two foldable phones with a foldable display, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5 ", both of which can be folded into a display. Both are high-end models equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Here are the features of each model.
Galaxy Z Fold5" with 7.6-inch large screen
The Galaxy Z Fold5 opens up to a 7.6" 2176 x 1812 pixel display with Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+ support, and a refresh rate of 120Hz, which is typical for a high-end smartphone these days, but the screen intensity is quite bright at 1700 nits, which is quite bright and provides good outdoor viewing. The refresh rate is automatically variable from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on the application. Games and other fast-moving applications can be used at 120Hz without manual setting.
When opened, the main unit measures 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm. The display bezel is thin, making it feel much smaller than a 7- or 8-inch tablet. The aspect ratio of the display is almost square, making it easy to hold in one hand. The inside of the display is covered with ultra-thin protective glass.
The thickness of about 6 mm makes it easy to carry even when open, and it will not get in the way even if you put it in your bag as it is. The hinge is firmly fixed when opened 180 degrees, so the screen will not bend when held in one hand. When open and in use, the Galaxy Z Fold5 never feels like a folding display model.
When closed, it transforms into a slim smartphone.
When the body of the Galaxy Z Fold5 is closed, it takes on a slim 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm shape. It will be large enough to be held comfortably in one hand. Although it weighs 253g, it does not feel surprisingly heavy due to its slim profile. The display is 6.2" with 904 x 2316 x 904 pixels at 120Hz. The surface is covered with Gorilla Glass Victus 2. On the back is a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto camera, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. The camera performance is at a level that would be considered passable for a high-end smartphone.
When the body is closed, no gap opens at the hinge. This is clearly visible when compared to the previous Galaxy Z Fold4 model. It is easier to hold because it can be closed snugly, and it is easier to operate in the closed form.
Now, the main body can also be used in a folded state. The hinge is strong enough to be moved with one hand, and can be bent without difficulty. When placed on a desk, this L-shape will be convenient for watching videos or video conferencing.
A smartphone designed with game use in mind
The SoC used by the Galaxy Z Fold5, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, is a version with improved performance for this model. Compared to the previous model, CPU performance has been improved by 18%, GPU by 32%, and NPU (AI) performance by 25%. This has resulted in improved automatic processing when taking photos and improved game performance. At the product launch event, a gameplay demo using games such as Genshin Impact was held.
The cooling structure inside the main unit has also been improved, with a much larger cooling plate made of copper plates. The heat generated inside the main unit is dissipated more rapidly.
League of Legends gaming experience
The League of Legends demo showed smooth play. The screen is larger than that of a smartphone, making it easier to operate. The large surface area of the device seems to be responsible for the low heat buildup.
The main unit can also be folded slightly to play the game. For some people, this shape may be easier to operate because they can move their fingertips less distance.
Experience a racing game by holding the steering wheelAt Samsung stores in Korea, there is a corner for experiencing Galaxy Z Fold5 games, where you can enjoy playing racing games with a controller-like display that allows you to control the steering wheel and gears. In Korea, baseball games are also quite popular.
AnTuTu Score and Heat
We measured the score on AnTuTu. The previous model Galaxy Z Fold4 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) had a score of 1071338, while the Galaxy Z Fold5 has a score of 1421519, a significant improvement. In particular, GPU performance has increased considerably, making it a more gaming-oriented smartphone.
Handwriting input with the pen
The Galaxy Z Fold5 has another feature. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has another feature: handwriting input using the dedicated stylus, the S Pen. It can be used as a business and creative tool for writing memos and drawing illustrations. The S Pen uses Wacom technology, so it is highly sensitive and supports 4096 gradations of pressure. It can be used without recharging.
Galaxy Z Flip5, a compact foldable phone that can be used even when closed.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 is a smartphone that can be folded vertically. This is a common smartphone that can be folded to a compact size. When opened, the screen size is 6.7" 2670 x 1080 pixels; Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, and HDR10+ are comparable to the Galaxy Fold5.
The screen is still outside when the device is closed, so widgets and applications can be used without opening the device. The outside screen size is 3.4" 748 x 720 pixels.
Widgets can display a clock, calendar, weather forecast, etc. Applications can use YouTube and maps, so you can check your schedule and watch videos while closed. Calls can also be made while the phone is closed. In addition, the camera can be used without opening the device, and the 12-megapixel wide-angle and 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle main cameras can be used without opening the device. Selfies taken with the high quality camera can be used as a standby for the outside screen.
The main body can be folded into an L-shape. It is also convenient to use the camera without the need for a tripod. Playing back photos and videos, and viewing social networking timelines will also be convenient when using this style.
A new accessory, a replaceable cover, is also available. The cover is transparent, and when a plate with built-in NFC is inserted into the lower back of the device and the cover is attached, the wallpaper corresponding to the plate is automatically downloaded. The user can enjoy changing the wallpaper by attaching the plate to the device with a character or corporate novelty plate. The company is also thinking of developing a business where plates of game characters are sold.
Both Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5 are scheduled to go on sale globally on August 11. The Japanese release is undecided at this time, but judging from last year's example, it is expected to be announced not far from the global release.
▼Photo & Written by Yasuhiro Yamane/Yasuhiro Yamane Blog: http: //www.hkyamane.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/hkyamane/ Note: https://note.com/ hkyamane/