Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 first look – first impressions of their new fashionable foldable

At a special Samsung event, we got a firsthand look at the new Galaxy Z Flip5 in all its glory. Here’s our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 first look where we give their fashionably fun foldable a quick hands-on!

Like the Galaxy Z Fold5, the new Galaxy Z Flip5 has a series of thoughtfully considered upgrades that addresses the pain points seen in the prior models.

The chief pain point for the older Galaxy Z Flip series for many was the small front cover display of prior generations though it has steadily been increased incrementally with every generational update. This time around, Samsung has dialed it to 11 with a new, larger 3.4-inch Flex Window cover display that almost takes up the entirety of half of the phone when folded down while also nixing the gap too in the bargain.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 first look

In essence, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a more refined update to the prior Galaxy Z Flip4 with a far larger front-facing cover display which has been upgraded to a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED Flex Window display with 720 x 748 pixels resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate that can take notifications, respond to selected apps like Whatsapp with canned responses, navigate a pool of apps like the calendar and also act as a viewfinder for the use of the front dual 12MP cameras.

By adding a much larger front Flex Window front display, the Galaxy Z Flip5 increases its versatility significantly as users needn’t have to constantly flip the phone open to read or access serious replies or notifications. A good many more basic tasks can be done on the front display itself.

The inner main 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex display has 2,640 x 1080 pixels resolution, a dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate and can be propped up halfway in much like its predecessors in Flex mode to tinker about with selected apps and to act as a stand of sorts to use the front-mounted dual camera array for group shots, wefies and the like. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 first look – A redesigned Flex hinge minimises the gap considerably

On top of the larger cover display, the Galaxy Z Flip5  addresses one of the biggest pet peeves which is the noticeable gap of its predecessor when folded down. This time around, they’ve redesigned a new, flatter Flex hinge that considerably reduces the gap when folded and also reduces the crease on the main display when unfolded. Flanking the main display are a set of stereo speakers tuned by AKG.

Displays aside, the Galaxy Z Flip5 retains a respectable IPX8 water resistance rating which allows it to shrug off immersion in up to 1.5 metres of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The chassis is also made of tough Armor Aluminum that has increased resistance to drops and nicks versus the conventional aluminium used in competing phones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 First Look – There’s a noticeable steady evolution of features and aesthetics in the Galaxy Z Flip line compared to its first generation incarnation culminating in the Galaxy Z Flip5 with its larger Flex Window display.

The backplate and the front is sheathed in Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass which is one, if not the toughest grade of protective glass available in the market. In terms of size, the Galaxy Z Flip5 retains similar dimensions though it is slightly shorter by 0.2mm while having the same weight at 187g.

Under the hood, the phone sports the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor used in the Galaxy Z Fold5 as well as the Galaxy S23 series which remains the most powerful Snapdragon chipset currently available in the market at this point in time. This is paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage variants.

On the camera front, our Galaxy Z Flip5 first look revealed that the phone retains the same dual 12MP camera setup of its predecessor with one 12MP camera featuring an F/1.8 aperture, optical Image stabilisation and Dual Pixel autofocus for handling the grunt work and a 12MP F/2.2 ultra wide angle camera with a 123-degree of view riding shotgun.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 first look – Flex mode is back, allowing you to angle the phone up halfway to capture snaps or selfies without the need for a tripod, watch a movie and more.

The camera also has an inner 10MP F/2.2 camera for video calls. Keeping the Galaxy Z Flip5 powered is a 3,700mAh battery with rated 25W of wired charging, wireless and reverse wireless charging to juice other gear.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 first look – How does it look and feel?

At our Galaxy Z Flip5 first look session, Samsung displayed the phone in a variety of different colourways with a quartet of hues that consist of a signature flagship shade of Mint as well as Cream, Lavender and Graphite though there will also be online colours depending on region that include yellow, a deeper shade of blue, grey and green.

The finish on all the colourways is noticeably hard wearing and even with heavy handling for the hour or so we had with it, it remained surprisingly fingerprint resistant. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 first look – At launch, the phone will feature four general issue colourways which are Mint, Lavender, Cream and Graphite along with another four online-only exclusives which are Gray, Blue, Green and Yellow

When held, the phone’s relatively similar dimensions to its predecessor made it easy to use on account of muscle memory from using the prior model especially in terms of button place with OneUI 5.1.1’s familiar menus for seasoned users makes migrating over a relatively easy task.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 first look – In keeping with tradition, the Galaxy Z Flip5 also has additional colourways that are only available online for selected regions

The inclusion of the new 3.4-inch Flex Window display up front makes it more convenient to use with less need to flip the phone open and the almost complete removal of the gap makes it more premium looking than ever before.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 price in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the price for the 256GB version clocks in at RM4,499 and RM4,999 for the 512GB version. Samsung will offer the Galaxy Z Flip5 in all available colourways which consist of Mint, Lavender, Cream and Graphite as well as the online exclusive Gray, Green, Yellow and Blue and a scheduled 18th August 2023 street date in Malaysia with the customary preorder programme (and goodies) beforehand for early bird buyers. For those keen to preorder, check out Samsung’s official links below:

Galaxy Z Fold5 Preorder https://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold5/buy/

Galaxy Z Flip5 Preorder https://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip5/buy/