Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 & Galaxy Z Flip 5: features, prices and more

Samsung has unveiled its head-turning 2023 folding phone range, including the premium Galaxy Z Fold 5 and fashion-forward Galaxy Z Flip 5. Both new smartphones offer high-end specifications and good looks, with the Flip in particular undergoing some serious front cover upgrades when compared to last year’s Z Flip 4.

Each new device will be available to order in Australia from July 26, with both phones to be offered on telco plans from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, as well as from Samsung and selected retailers. Devices will arrive in stores on August 18, but pre-ordering customers can score some great bonus offers — including free storage upgrades, trade-in bonuses, and free Samsung smartwatches or earbuds.

If you’re in the market for a luxe new device, you can’t get much better than the latest Galaxy Z series. Read on for all the details on Samsung’s newest foldables, including cameras, features, and prices.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: specs and features

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series has replaced Samsung’s Galaxy Note range as the go-to devices for multi-taskers. The Z Fold 5 is a powerhouse handset with a massive screen, S Pen stylus compatibility, and lightning-fast processing, making it a standout choice for users wanting to splash out on a bigger phone.

Samsung has retained the same display size for the 2023 Fold, but the device is slightly slimmer and lighter than the 2022 Galaxy Z Fold 4. The S Pen case has also been given a makeover, integrating the stylus deeper into the front for a thinner, more comfortable design. Otherwise, the newest Fold is physically similar to last year’s edition, with a centre vertical fold, rear top-left camera house, and a redesigned durable hinge.

Open up the Z Fold 5, and you’ll get a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED main display with Samsung’s Infinity Flex tech, and a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate. The main screen also comes with increased brightness of up to 1750 nits, which is about 30% brighter than the Fold 4. The Fold 5 also packs a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED front display, again with a fast 120HZ refresh rate and top-centre camera hole.

Samsung has added improvements to the Fold’s useability, updating the Taskbar to allow users to quickly switch between up to four favourite apps. The phone’s main Infinity Flex screen still offers a PC-like display, and users can activate pop-up windows, split the screen into three active windows, and go hands-free when needed. You’ll also be able to move content between apps and screen via Samsung’s two-handed drag-and-drop gesture, and the Fold edition S Pen has also been updated to deliver a more intuitive writing experience.

Samsung is throwing in a big 50-megapixel main camera, along with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens (the same configuration you’ll get with the Samsung Galaxy S23). The camera lineup comes with 30X Space Zoom, including 3x Optical Zoom and 30x Digital Zoom with AI-enhanced Super Resolution technology — if you’ve ever needed to snap a clear shot from far away, the Fold has you covered.

The Fold 5 also includes a 4-megapixel under-display camera, along with a 10-megapixel selfie camera in front. This huge camera setup gives you options at every angle, and comes with specialised software features including Night Mode, Portrait Mode, Rear Camera Selfie, Dual Preview and 4K video capability.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 will run Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI interface, and includes must-haves such as 5G connectivity, fingerprint and facial unlocking, and IPX8 water resistance. The device itself is powered by Snapdragon’s high-performance 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, and includes an advanced cooling system designed for intensive activities, such as gaming.

You’ll also get a 4,400mAh battery with Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, fast wired charging, and Wireless PowerShare to share power between compatible devices. Samsung claims the Z Fold 5 can deliver up to 73 hours of music, and up to 21 hours of video playback on a single charge.

Prices and availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 will be available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage sizes, and in Phantom Black, Cream, and Icy Blue colourways. You can pre-order the device directly from Samsung, on plans from telcos Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, or from selected third party retailers beginning July 26, with models shipping on August 18. Full prices are below:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 256GB: $2,599
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 512GB: $2,799
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 1TB: $3,149

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 plans

Related: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review: Moving beyond the gimmick of foldable tech

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: specs and features

Samsung enthusiasts will immediately clock the Z Flip 5’s significantly larger cover display, which is over three times the size of last year’s Flip 4. This is the biggest and most significant upgrade to the 2023 Flip, and the now 3.4-inch front display — called the ‘Flex Window’ — brings increased functionality to the range.

With the bigger cover screen, users can now do much more with the device closed shut, including texting, making contactless payments, playing media, and taking pics. You’ll also be able to add customisable widgets to the cover display, allowing quick access to apps and important info. The new Flex Window display is reminiscent of Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra, albeit slightly smaller (Motorola’s cover display measures in at 3.6 inches).

Unfold the Flip 5’s clamshell body, and you’ll get a big, bright 6.7-inch Infinity Flex main display, with a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz for fast, easy scrolling. The Galaxy Z Flip 5’s full screen is a great size for gaming, watching video or general social media use; however, buyers should know that unlike the Fold, it’s not compatible with Samsung’s S Pen stylus.

Camera-wise, Samsung has packed in dual 12-megapixel main cameras in back: one wide, and one ultrawide. On the front, the Flip 5 includes a 10-megapixel main selfie camera, which can be used entirely hands-free and when the device is opened or closed, giving creative owners a choice of camera angles. Shots can also be viewed and edited via the Flex Window, and the Flip comes with a range of photo features including Super Steady for stabilised shots, Auto Framing for group pics, and digital 10X zoom. You’ll also get improved night photography thanks to upgraded AI image signal processing, which enhances details and colour in low light.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 will run the Android 13 operating system with Samsung’s One UI, and like the Fold 5, comes with Samsung Knox security to keep your data safe. The device also features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for Samsung Galaxy, with 8GB of RAM and 5G connectivity. It’s powered by an all-day 3,700Ah dual battery, and is compatible with 25W wired charging and Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, as well as Samsung’s Wireless PowerShare.

Prices and availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 will be available in 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes, and in Mint, Lavender, Cream, and Graphite colours. You’ll be able to buy the Flip 5 on phone plans from Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, and outright through Samsung and third-party retailers, with pre-orders beginning July 26 and phones arriving in stores from August 18. Full prices are below:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 256GB: $1,649
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 512GB: $1,849

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