Even Google’s own phones are not above flaws. Pixel Fold users complain of sticky scrolling, and here’s how it’s affecting them.
TalkAndroid
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is ready to distinguish itself from the previous generation with a new look, including a new aspect ratio and bigger cover display.
TalkAndroid
Even with the Z Fold 5 switching up things a bit before, the next Z Fold 6 is expected to be released in the same time of th year.
TalkAndroid
The Google Pixel Fold 2 is expected to launch this year and the world has just gotten its first look at what it will very likely look like.
TalkAndroid
Best Buy is selling the 256GB Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 at $ 150 off and the 256GB Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 at $ 300 off — get a folding smartphone with a discount!
Digital Trends
The 256GB Google Pixel Fold, which comes with a 7.6-inch inner OLED display and a 5.8-inch OLED cover display, is available from Best Buy with a $ 400 discount.
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Save big on the stylish and powerful Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 with these great Black Friday deals at Amazon and Samsung.
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The year 2023 has been a bumper year for foldables of both the clamshell and fold varieties with Motorola’s superb Razr+ proving to be a viable Galaxy Z Flip alternative and Google’s Pixel Fold taking on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Now it’s time for the OnePlus Open to break cover with a flagship Snapdragon […]
Come comment on this article: This is the OnePlus Open – the latest rival to Samsung’s Galaxy Fold Series
OnePlus just launched its very first foldable. How does it stack up against the Pixel Fold, which is also Google’s first entry into the foldable market?
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You know the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 costs $ 1,800, but did you also know there’s a way to get two foldable phones for the same price? Let me enlighten you.
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Just bought a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5? Here are the first 12 things you should do with your new and shiny foldable masterpiece.
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In 2019, Samsung released the original Galaxy Fold, the first phone with a flexible display (not counting pretenders like the Royole Flexpai). And even though it had more than its fair share of flaws, you could see its potential. Over the next couple of years, Samsung refined its flagship foldable with things like IPX8 water resistance, a more durable design and native stylus support. More recently, however, the pace of innovation has started to slow as more iterative improvements and fewer major upgrades have come to fill out the spec sheet. It’s a similar situation on the new Galaxy Z Fold 5: While many of its upgrades including the brighter main screen are nice to have, they’re also kind of superfluous. Even the one big change for 2023 – Samsung’s new Flex hinge – doesn’t really change the way you use the device; it just makes it a bit thinner. When you consider that the price still sits at $ 1,800, it feels like Samsung’s Z Fold line – and possibly the category as a whole – is losing momentum.
The Z Fold 5 was built on the same basic blueprint as its predecessors. It packs a skinny but tall exterior Cover Screen and opens up to reveal a big main display with a fingerprint sensor built into its power button. The major change this year is Samsung’s Flex hinge, which is based on a two-rail internal structure that’s not only smaller than before, but also eliminates the gap between the phone when closed.
This is something Z Fold users have been requesting since the original. In addition to slimming the phone down to just 13.4mm, losing that gap also reduces the chance that dust or rocks can get inside and ruin that fancy flexible screen. But that’s not all. Samsung says its Flex hinge creates a new waterdrop-shaped crease that puts less stress on the display, which is good for long-term durability. It also helps keep the factory-installed screen protector in place, which was an issue on previous models.
The new hinge also makes the device more pleasant to use and hold. The thinner hinge fits better in your hand when the phone is closed and it opens more smoothly, too. I just wish it hadn’t taken five generations to get here. Meanwhile, Samsung managed to increase the brightness of the main display to 1,750 nits, which is the same as the S23 Ultra and brighter than the Pixel Fold (1,450 nits). So while the flexible display on Google’s foldable is good, the Z Fold 5’s is better. It’s the perfect size and orientation for reading ebooks or browsing comics, and I’d argue that Samsung’s flagship foldable is the best device for playing Marvel Snap. You can still use a stylus to draw or take notes and the Z Fold 5’s new S Pen is 40 percent thinner than before. But since there’s still no room inside the phone to stash it when it’s not in use, you’ll probably want to pair it with one of Samsung’s new Slim S Pen cases.
Last year’s model was far from slow, but thanks to a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, the Z Fold 5 is now even faster. In traditional benchmarks, it posted notably higher multicore scores in Geekbench 6 than the Pixel Fold (5,362 vs 3,226). The Z Fold 5 feels incredibly responsive and in games, graphics and animations are downright silky. That means if you’re the kind of power user who demands an abundance of speed regardless of what you’re doing, the Z Fold 5 is the better pick over the Pixel Fold, whose Tensor G2 chip reserves more horsepower for AI tasks.
Samsung has also enhanced mobile productivity in three ways. To make it faster and easier to launch into side-by-side app mode, a new gesture lets you swipe in from the side of the screen with two fingers to instantly switch into dual-pane mode. Alternatively, if you want to turn a full-screen app to a windowed one, just swipe diagonally down from one of the top two corners. Both gestures are super handy and they’re a breeze to use. But they’re not on by default, so remember to activate them in the Advanced features tab in settings.
The other update is that the Z Fold 5’s taskbar can now show up to four recent apps instead of two. It’s a simple but straightforward change that takes better advantage of the width of the Z Fold 5’s big main display. My only gripe is that the expanded taskbar and the added gestures are software updates, so we didn’t need a brand new device to get them. That said, compared to the Pixel Fold, which takes a more streamlined approach to multitasking, Samsung’s desktop-like taskbar remains the best for anyone who wants to use their phone like a PC. And don’t forget that Samsung’s handy Dex mode is still around, too.
The Z Fold 5 has the same imaging setup as its predecessor: a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto with a 3x optical zoom in the back, plus a 10MP selfie shooter and a 4MP camera beneath the main display. In a vacuum, they’re more than capable of taking a good picture in practically any environment. However, when you consider that the S23 Ultra costs $ 600 less and comes with a 200MP main sensor and a 10x optical zoom lens, that puts Samsung’s most expensive phone in a weird position.
What makes things even more awkward is that the Pixel Fold sports a longer zoom (5x vs 3x) and better overall image processing. In my testing, that made the Pixel the more adept shooter across a variety of conditions.
In bright light, the Z Fold 5 captured images with Samsung’s typical rich, saturated color profile. The downside is this sometimes results in a small loss of detail, occasional blown-out highlights and slightly less accurate hues. Meanwhile in low light, Samsung’s Night Mode does a good job of improving exposure without a ton of side effects. That said, thanks to Google’s Night Sight, photos from the Pixel Fold are often just a touch brighter and sharper. A good example is a shot I took of some flowers at night, in which the Z Fold 5’s picture boasts more vivid colors while missing some of the finer texture on the petals.
Despite having a smaller battery than the Pixel Fold (4,400 mAh vs 4,800 mAh), the Z Fold 5 lasts longer. In our video rundown test, Samsung’s phone lasted 19 hours and 48 minutes when using its main display and an impressive 23:10 with its Cover Screen. On both counts, that’s better than Pixel Fold, which posted a time of 15:22 with its internal screen and 22:21 with its exterior panel.
The Z Fold 5’s charging speed has stayed the same with 25-watt wired charging, 15-watt wireless charging and 5-watt power sharing (aka reverse wireless charging). That’s serviceable, but once again, the less expensive S23 Ultra can do better, with the ability to go up to 45 watts when plugged in.
As someone who’s still optimistic about foldable devices and has owned the last three generations of Samsung’s flagship flexible phone, I can’t help but like the Z Fold 5. It’s faster and sleeker, with a brighter main display and even longer battery life than before. The question I wrestle with is how many tweaks and updates should we really expect from a device now in its fifth generation.
The Z Fold 5 has matured a lot since that initial concept device came out back in 2019, and Samsung’s new Flex Hinge is an important milestone that people like me have been waiting for. But in the end, there’s not a ton the phone can do now that it couldn’t before. It’s just a bit leaner, as if the old model spent the last 12 months in the gym. And with a price that’s still extremely high, I don’t think the Z Fold 5 is doing enough to woo anyone who’s not already sold on foldables.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/galaxy-z-fold-5-review-five-years-in-samsung-is-treading-water-140002461.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
I don’t want you to make the same mistake I almost did about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, and that’s to treat it as a boring update. It’s absolutely not.
Digital Trends
Samsung has released the Galaxy Z Fold 5. And it looks great! But I’m going to keep on using my Google Pixel Fold. Here’s why.
Digital Trends
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is here. Make sure you protect your $ 1,800 phone with any of these great cases.
Digital Trends
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 proved foldables are ready for prime time. Now, Samsung takes that to the next level with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. But is it a worthy upgrade?
Digital Trends
It seems that 2023 really is the year of the foldable smartphone with segment seeing new entrants such as Google with its Pixel Fold and the return of Motorola with its ultra sleek Razr+. Now it’s the turn of the incumbent king of foldables, Samsung, with its Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip […]
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s refined Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 are official
If you’re looking for the best Samsung phone deals to upgrade or replace your old phone, you’ve come to the right place.
Digital Trends
The world of foldable smartphones is finally hitting the mainstream with the latest exponent being Google’s Pixel Fold. Powered by the Tensor G2 processor that is also present on last year’s Pixel 7 series, the Pixel Fold gives us our first look at Google’s software that has been adapted to the foldable platform. And, if […]
Come comment on this article: AT&T is offering the new Pixel Fold at 50% off for new and existing customers
I’ve been using the Galaxy Z Fold 4 again, and my time with it and a few of its competitors has shown me all Samsung needs to do to make the Z Fold 5 perfect.
Digital Trends
Every year Samsung picks a slightly earlier date on which to launch its foldable devices and 2023 is no different with the brand announcing that July 27 will be the big day. And, for the first time, the Galaxy Unpacked event will be held in Seoul, South Korea. The venue is COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, […]
Come comment on this article: It’s official – Samsung will launch the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 in late July
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 will be here soon. Here’s a roundup of everything we know about the phone, plus a few things we’d really like to see.
Digital Trends
New information about OnePlus’ first foldable has leaked, and it’s making the Pixel Fold sound a lot less impressive.
Digital Trends
Amazon is offering the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 deal for an incredible $ 300 off. Don’t miss it.
Digital Trends
The Pixel Fold is here and it’s all very exciting, but don’t let that cloud your judgment, as it’s worth waiting before you buy one.
Digital Trends
Google I/O is being held on May 10th where it’s expected that we will see both the Pixel 7a and the search giant’s first foldable smartphone unveiled. It seems that Google simply can’t wait though because the MadeByGoogle Twitter account has posted a very nice GIF of the Pixel Fold in action. Previous leaks have […]
Come comment on this article: This is the Pixel Fold by Google
With Google I/O less than two weeks away, the Pixel leaks are starting to come hard and fast. On Friday, leaker (and former Engadget editor) Evan Blass shared (via The Verge) two 4K renders of the Pixel Fold. The images almost certainly originally came from Google, so they offer our best look at the device yet.
Unfortunately, Blass didn’t post an image of the front of the foldable, so, for at least the time being, we can’t compare the renders against the alleged video of the Pixel Fold that leaker Kuba Wojciechowski uploaded on April 21st. What’s more, the one render of the Fold’s back cover doesn’t give a sense of how pronounced the camera bump is. However, they do show a device that looks sleeker than the one we’ve seen leak before.
The Pixel Fold will reportedly cost $ 1,700 when it arrives later this year. According to a recent CNBC report, the device will feature a 7.6-inch foldable display and a 5.8-inch external screen. It will also supposedly sport the “most durable hinge” on any foldable device to date. Judging from the images Blass shared, there may be some merit to that claim.
Separately, Blass shared an image of the Pixel 7a in a striking coral colorway. Google is expected to offer its next midrange device in three other colors — blue, black and white — and the device could cost $ 50 more than its predecessor. With Google I/O set for May 10th, expect to learn more about the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a soon.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/leaked-google-pixel-fold-images-show-a-sleek-nearly-gapless-hinge-160537647.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
We’ll be seeing the Google Pixel Fold soon, and if this one rumor is true, it could be the first foldable I actually buy.
Digital Trends
Google’s upcoming I/O developers will likely witness the launch of its first foldable, but it appears that the Pixel Fold won’t exactly be easy on the wallet.
Digital Trends
The Pixel Fold has been rumored for ages, and in 2023, it may finally become a reality! From the specs to the price and more — here’s every detail we know.
Digital Trends
While those outside of the US are gaining more and more options when choosing a foldable smartphone with the likes of Honor and Oppo launching new devices, for US dwellers it boils down to which generation of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip or Z Fold you can afford to buy. Another brand to add to that […]
Come comment on this article: Tecno’s Phantom V Fold 5G is the most affordable Galaxy Z Fold 4 alternative you can’t buy in the US
Want to take Samsung’s latest foldable home for less this festive season? You can grab $ 300 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 today, but you’ll need to be quick!
Digital Trends
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is one of the best phone deals available right now, and you can save $ 350 instantly when you purchase directly from Samsung.
Digital Trends
Next in line for a spot in Samsung’s One UI 5.0 beta program is the Galaxy Z Fold 3 which is now eligible for a taste of Android 13. The One UI 5.0 beta will bring new features such as Routines, Bixby Text Call, refined notifications, lockscreen customizations, and an enhanced Security dashboard. You’ll need […]
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s One UI 5.0 Beta is now available for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in the US
The hottest phones on the market right now are Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 which launched less than a month ago. More refined, more powerful, and stronger than ever before, the two new foldables are available at Best Buy with savings of up to $ 1,200 to be had when trading […]
Come comment on this article: [Promoted] Save up to $ 1,200 on Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4 with in-store trade-in and qualified activation at Best Buy
This week brought us the refined Galaxy Z Fold 4 from Samsung which improves upon its predecessor without being revolutionary. Xiaomi also launched a new foldable called the Mix Fold 2, and if it was ever released outside of China it could provide the sort of competition that Samsung needs to continue innovating in the […]
Come comment on this article: Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 2 is almost the perfect rival to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4
A folding smartphone without a selfie camera on the inner display? That might be what Google gives us with the Pixel Fold.
Android | Digital Trends
The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 are coming, and you can get up to $ 200 in credit when you reserve yours. Here’s what you need to know.
Android | Digital Trends
Samsung finally confirmed that it will hold an Unpacked event to launch its new devices on August 10, where it’s expected that the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 4, as well as the Galaxy Watch 5 series. While we wait for the launch day to come around, a new report points to the […]
Come comment on this article: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 could be a smidge more expensive than predecessors
Samsung claims to have sold 10 million foldable phones so far, with the clamshell Flip line accounting for nearly 70% share of that achievement. Here’s what lies ahead.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Having some teething problems with your brand new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3? Here’s our helpful rundown of common Galaxy Z Fold 3 problems and how to fix them.
Android | Digital Trends
Samsung hasn’t revealed when it will launch its fourth generation of foldables just yet but more details about the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 are steadily appearing. We’ve already seen the benchmarks revealing that the Flip 4 will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset (in the US at […]
Come comment on this article: Benchmarks show that at least one Galaxy Z Fold 4 variant is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Samsung has released its two latest folding phones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. Which one should you buy? We found out.
Mobile | Digital Trends
First revealed by Vivo at the end of March, the X Fold has been officially launched in China packing in all the features you might want in a flagship smartphone but in a foldable instead. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor with 120Hz AMOLED displays inside and out, able to fully recharge in […]
Come comment on this article: The Vivo X Fold is official with flagship specs across the board
I have used the Oppo foldable for about a week alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3, mostly for web and media consumption. And here’s why I still prefer the latter.
Android | Digital Trends
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is likely to launch alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 4 toward the end of 2022. Here’s what we want to see on the upcoming foldable.
Mobile | Digital Trends
Smartphone case makers have perfected and updated their cases for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. Here are some of our favorites.
Android | Digital Trends