👍 Pros
- Innovative foldable design with improved hinge
- Stellar main display for productivity and media
- Top-tier performance from Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Excellent software longevity with 4 major Android upgrades
- Versatile camera system with good zoom capabilities
👎 Cons
- Under-display selfie camera remains underwhelming
- Substantial weight and thickness when folded
- Battery capacity is adequate but not class-leading for its size
- Charging speeds are relatively slow by 2026 standards
- High initial price point for a 2023 device
Expert Review & Rating
Quick Overview
In a landscape increasingly populated by ambitious foldable designs, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 from 2023 entered the arena as a refined iteration rather than a revolutionary leap. While competitors like Google’s Pixel Fold or even newer entrants from Chinese manufacturers push boundaries with wider cover screens or more seamless folds, the Fold5 doubled down on its proven formula. It aimed for incremental improvements in durability, hinge design, and raw processing power, positioning itself as the most polished foldable for those already bought into the Samsung ecosystem, even as the market rapidly evolved around it.
Performance & Daily Usage
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is a beast. Apps launch instantly. Multitasking on that expansive inner display is fluid, switching between three applications is seamless. Gaming performance, even in demanding titles at max settings, never falters. Thermal management is surprisingly good; sustained heavy use might warm the device, but never to an uncomfortable degree. One UI 8.5, building on Android 13, is responsive, intuitive, and well-optimized for the foldable form factor. There’s no lag, no stutter, just pure, unadulterated speed.
The Best Features
The main event, as always, is that stunning 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It’s vibrant, incredibly bright, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes every interaction feel buttery smooth. This isn’t just a big screen; it’s a productivity powerhouse. Running multiple apps side-by-side, editing documents, or simply consuming media on such an expansive canvas fundamentally changes how you interact with a smartphone. The improved Flex Hinge, which finally allows for a gapless close, is a significant quality-of-life upgrade, reducing pocket bulk and offering better dust protection. The software support promise of four major Android upgrades means this device, even from 2023, is still receiving updates in 2026, a testament to Samsung’s commitment and a huge selling point for longevity.
The Compromises
Despite its strengths, the Fold5 isn’t without its glaring weaknesses. The under-display camera on the main screen remains a significant compromise. It’s passable for video calls in a pinch but produces soft, low-detail images that are far from flagship quality. Furthermore, while the new hinge is great, the device is still undeniably thick and heavy when folded, especially compared to slimmer slab phones or even some newer foldables. The 4400 mAh battery is adequate for a full day of moderate use, but power users will find themselves reaching for a charger before dinner. Speaking of charging, 25W wired and 15W wireless speeds were acceptable in 2023, but by 2026 standards, they feel painfully slow, lagging far behind competitors offering 80W, 100W, or even faster charging solutions. Finally, the crease, while improved, is still visible and tactile, a constant reminder you’re interacting with a foldable display.
Is It Worth Buying?
In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 from 2023 presents an interesting proposition. For its current estimated price of around $489, it offers a truly unique and still highly capable foldable experience. If you’re someone who prioritizes a large, versatile display for productivity and media consumption, and you can live with the average cameras, slower charging, and the inherent bulk of a foldable, then yes, it’s absolutely still a viable option. Its excellent software support ensures it’s not a forgotten relic, making it a compelling, albeit compromised, value buy in today’s market. However, if cutting-edge camera performance, lightning-fast charging, or a truly slim form factor are your non-negotiables, newer foldables or even traditional flagships will serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Fold5's Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and improved hinge offer good physical durability for its age, but the inner plastic screen remains susceptible to scratches. Newer foldables might feature even more resilient display technologies or refined hinge mechanisms, but the Fold5 is still reasonably robust for its category.
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 was a top-tier chip in 2023 and remains incredibly capable in 2026. It handles all current applications, high-end games, and intensive multitasking with ease, showing no signs of slowing down for the foreseeable future.
No, not really. Samsung's commitment to four major Android upgrades means the Fold5 is still receiving the latest Android versions and One UI updates in 2026, ensuring it benefits from modern features and security patches, keeping its software experience fresh and relevant.