By Ronald Samonte
July 15, 2023
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Launch...
Samsung has just announced the Galaxy Unpacked Event for it's latest release of foldable smartphones. The newest Galaxy Z Fold is expected to be a major upgrade over its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, with a new hinge design, improved cameras, dust resistance, and more. Here's a roundup of all the rumors, leaks, and speculations about the Galaxy Z Fold 5 so far.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 will likely retain the same form factor as the previous Z Fold models, with a 7.6-inch inner display that unfolds like a book and a 6.2-inch outer display that can be used when the device is closed. However, there could be some significant changes in the design and display quality of the foldable phone. One of the most anticipated features of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the elimination of the crease that appears on the inner display when the device is folded. According to some leaks, Samsung has developed a new "water drop" hinge that allows the inner display to fold without leaving a visible gap. This could make the Galaxy Z Fold 5 look more seamless and elegant when unfolded.
Another possible improvement for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is dust resistance. Samsung has already achieved IPX8 water resistance for its foldable phones with the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, but dust resistance has been a challenge due to the gaps in the hinge mechanism. However, some reports suggest that Samsung has found a way to seal off the hinge from dust particles, making the Galaxy Z Fold 5 IP58 dust resistance compliant. The device is rumored to weigh around 253 grams, compared to 263 grams for the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Color options could be similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, but some additional colors could be available. As for the display, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to offer a 120Hz refresh rate on both the inner and outer displays, making them smoother and more responsive.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 could also boast some impressive camera upgrades over its predecessor. It's rumored to feature a triple rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, and a 10MP telephoto sensor with optical zoom. The main sensor could be based on an updated Samsung's ISOCELL GN3 sensor, which offers large pixels, fast autofocus, and high dynamic range. The front-facing camera on the outer display could be a 10MP sensor, while the UDC on the inner display could be a 4MP sensor. The UDC technology is still in its early stages, so it remains to be seen how well it will perform in terms of image quality and clarity.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which is the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset that powers most of the current flagship Android phones. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is said to offer improved performance and efficiency over its predecessor, as well as support for faster wireless charging and Wi-Fi speeds. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 could also come with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage, making it one of the most powerful and spacious phones on the market. Being the latest Samsung flagship, it should come with the latest Android 13 and Samsung's One UI 5.1 skin on top, offering new features and enhancements.
The battery capacity of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 could be similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, with a 4,400mAh battery. However, the battery life should be slightly better, as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset could offer better power efficiency. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 could also support fast charging up to 25W via USB-C, wireless charging up to 15W via Qi-compatible pads and reverse wireless charging up to 4.5W.
Price and Availability
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to be unveiled at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event on July 26, along with the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Pre-order of the Fold 5 will take place at launch date and starts shipping by early August, according to some reports. The price of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 could be similar to that of the Galaxy Z Fold 4, which launched at $1,799/£1,649/AU$2,499/₱98,990. However, some rumors suggest that the price could vary depending on the region, with some European markets seeing a significant jump in the price. Pre-order freebies (depending on the region), such as free Galaxy Buds or a wireless charger, or a trade-in voucher could be available starting launch date.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and innovative phones of the year, with a new hinge design, a UDC, a more powerful chipset, and more. However, it will also face some stiff competition from other foldable phones, such as the Google Pixel Fold, the Motorola Razr+, and the OnePlus V Fold. Stay tuned for more updates and news on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 as we get closer to its launch date. If you're interested to be among to attend the Galaxy Z Fold 5 unveiling you can register at Samsung's website(Samsung Philippines link).
