For those with an appetite for power-packed performance in a handy form, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the talk of the town. It proudly upholds the Note legacy of Samsung, blending a colossal display with a stylus and other productivity tools for on-the-go convenience. However, if you’re a fan of getting tasks done on an even bigger screen that snugly fits into your pocket, foldables are the way forward.
Foldable smartphones, once the fascination of a select few, are now an appealing alternative to conventional bar-shaped devices. Leading the charge in this arena is Samsung, the trailblazer that brought foldables into the mainstream. We eagerly await the Galaxy Z Fold 5, set to release this year, which is anticipated to be one of the most potent and pricey gadgets of 2023.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5, we predict, will carry forward the familiar design of its predecessor with a significant twist. Expect a 6.2″ outer display with a tall aspect ratio, in line with last year’s model, as opposed to the wider aspect ratio favored by Oppo’s and Google’s Pixel Fold. An improved hinge design appears to be the most significant upgrade for the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Samsung finally plans to incorporate the teardrop hinge design employed by many competitors, a move that enables the foldable to fold completely, eliminating the gap. Despite being somewhat late to adopt this globally popular design, Samsung is likely to make a big deal out of this modification.
The design of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 otherwise is very much in line with the S23 series. The new hinge design promises a thinner feel, potentially reaching a thickness of around 13mm at its widest point, a considerable shrink from the previous model’s 16mm thickness. The device’s weight is also expected to reduce from 263g to just 254g.
Leaks from SnoopyTech reveal a familiar candybar design, but with slight refinements. One significant upgrade is the addition of dust resistance to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, making them IP58-certified. This feature complements the existing water resistance of these devices, which is certainly a welcome addition.
As for hardware, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, with 12GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage. This mirrors last year’s specs but with the likely addition of UFS 4.0 storage.
Despite early rumors of a 108MP main sensor, leaks suggest a similar camera setup to last year’s model, with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto camera. Although the camera specs may seem modest compared to the S-series, it’s essential to remember that the Z-series is less focused on camera quality and more on other features.
In terms of software, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will likely launch with Android 13 and One UI 5.1.1. Although an update to Android 14 is expected later in the year, the new device is anticipated to include some fresh features optimized for the larger display.
Samsung’s foldable lineup usually makes its grand debut in the early weeks of August, but the company confirmed a late July event this year in Seoul, hinting at a possible July 26 unveiling.
As for pricing, while we can’t be sure, the previous foldables have all seen similar price points, so it’s likely the Z Fold 5 will start at around $1,800. Although pricey, it’s an investment in cutting-edge technology. Trade-in values and carrier deals might help lighten the burden.
All in all, with its fourth anniversary around the corner, the Galaxy Fold has come a long way from being an ambitious concept to a reality that is redefining smartphone design. With rivals like Google, OnePlus, and Honor ready to challenge its supremacy, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is under immense pressure to stand out. Its predecessors have set high standards, but whether it can live up to the rising expectations remains to be seen.
