Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 vs Z Fold5: Which foldable is the one for you?

If you’re looking for a foldable phone to enjoy a big-screen experience while on the go, Samsung’s new flagship range of future-ready foldable phones may be right for you. From the lightweight Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 that’s always selfie-ready to the tablet-like Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 that’s perfect for multitasking, unfold the possibilities with Samsung’s 2023 Winter foldables release.

Beginning pre-order this July, both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 are great premium options for lovers of the foldable mobile genre. If you’ve settled on purchasing a new foldable but have not yet decided if you’d prefer the Flip5 or the Fold5, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re interested in Flip5, read about how the Galaxy Z Flip5 compares with its previous variant – the Galaxy Z Flip4. Or you could also take a look at how the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has evolved when compared with the Fold4.

Take a closer look at all the key differences between the latest Samsung foldables (aside from the obvious horizontal or vertical fold) to help you decide which one’s best for you.

First and foremost, the Flip5 and Fold5 are quite different in their physical design and dimensions, with the Fold5 being sizably larger than the Flip5 and folding vertically rather than horizontally.

The Z Flip5 opens with a horizontal fold and is best known for its pocketability and compact design. It’s significantly lighter than the Fold5 and is built with lightweight materials, scratch-resistant glass and a zero-gap hinge for ultimate portability. Its Armour Aluminium casing and IPX8 water-resistant rating also make it a great durable device to carry with you along all sorts of life’s adventures¹.

In contrast, the sleek Z Fold5 makes use of a vertical fold and can open up to a substantial 129.9mm wide. The Fold5 features a durable Armour Aluminium hinge cover and super glass wrap to protect the phone from any exterior impacts, and its extended immersion IPX8-rated water-resistant protection also means it can withstand life’s little accidents¹.

If you’re a fan of unique and popping colours, the Flip5 comes in a variety of shades, including Mint, Graphite, Lavender and Cream. Comparatively, the Fold5 comes in the Icy Blue, Phantom Black and Cream.

Although the Fold5 sports bigger main and cover displays than the Flip5, both have outstanding and unique display features, fit for a wide range of mobile users.

One of the most anticipated display features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is its bigger² and selfie-ready cover screen, even when flipped shut. Thanks to the impressive cover screen on the Flip5, you can keep your phone flipped shut while staying up to date with your messages and app notifications³. You may also access apps, see the time, and check your daily notifications³ on the Flip5 cover screen, making the Flip5 a great device for busy mobile users who like to stay in the know throughout the day.

Not to be outdone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5’s big screen shines best when used for premium entertainment, gaming, and multi-tasking. Unfold the Fold5 for an immersive tablet-like viewing experience, where you can play your favourite game and binge the latest TV shows. The Fold5’s Flex Mode lets you use the device hands-free – simply fold the phone, adjust the angle, and set it up like a tripod to take photos, answer video calls, or watch a movie⁴.

Not only that, but you can also enjoy multi-tasking on the big screen with the Fold5’s Multi Active Window or App Pair feature⁵. You can keep multiple windows open at once and even use the S-pen (sold separately) for seamless notetaking on the side.

Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5 use Samsung’s latest operating system – Android 13 software – and powerful SoCs (system on a chip) to deliver premium and lasting performance. In fact, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 uses ground-breaking AI to help deliver unparalleled connectivity and accelerated performance. Both phone models also have internal memory options so you can store photos, videos, and app data comfortably. There are two options to choose from – 256GB and 512GB – on both devices with an additional 1TB variant of the Fold5.

The key difference between the performance of the Flip5 and the Fold5 is their RAM. The Flip5 has 8GB RAM while the Fold5 has 12GB RAM. While both phones achieve powerful performance, the Fold5’s 12GB of RAM makes for a smoother multitasking experience. It means maximising speed across camera functions, gaming applications, and internal files – although the Flip5 still certainly holds its own.

When it comes to SIM slots, both the Flip5 and Fold5 have one physical SIM slot with simultaneous support for an eSIM. This means you can have two numbers tied to your phone at once. The Single SIM and eSIM combination in both phones is quite a handy feature, allowing you to switch between SIMs seamlessly, whenever and wherever you need.

What’s more, the two Samsung foldables are also capable of accessing 5G, potentially unlocking even higher levels of connectivity for both devices. Hopping onto the new global wireless standard, both phones’ 5G access means quick download speeds, massive capacity, and big improvements to the way you use your phone in all areas of life.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 feature some of the best phone cameras available on the market to date. Depending on how often you use a camera and the level of quality you’d like your photos and videos to be, you may prefer one foldable phone’s camera capabilities over the other.

The Flip5 features a main 12MP camera, ultra-wide 12MP camera and 10MP selfie camera. With a main camera that delivers crisp images and a front-facing camera ideal for snapping quick selfies, the Flip5’s camera combination is great for casual photographers and seasoned professionals alike.

The Flip5’s Flex Mode also means you can indulge in amazing hands-free photography. Simply flip the phone open, sit it on a stable surface, and adjust your angle for dynamic perspectives to take the perfect shot⁴. It’s the perfect feature for social media influencers and casual vloggers.

On the flipside, the Fold5’s high-resolution 50MP camera takes things up a few notches. Compact yet packing a serious punch, the 50 Mega pixel camera snaps crystal-clear and bright photos. Its ability to capture movement in excellent detail means you can impress with your photo library.

What’s more, the Fold5’s camera combination also features a 3 x Optical Zoom lens, designed to help you take incredible snaps even from a distance⁷, and 8K video recording which lets you document beautiful memories in impeccable visual quality. If that’s not enough, the Fold5’s Flex Mode also means you can use the front-facing camera for taking photos and video calling hands-free⁴.

When it comes to battery life and charging speeds, the Fold5 is slightly superior to the Flip5, with a higher capacity at 4,400mAh compared to the Flip5’s 3,700mAh. Although both are designed to last you a whole day, battery life may ultimately depend on what you’re using your foldable phones for.

More battery-intensive activities like mobile gaming and live video streaming may drain your battery faster, meaning the Flip5’s 3,700mAh may not be enough for constant use the whole day. Similarly, prolonged multitasking on the Fold5’s immersive big screens may also use up the battery quicker than expected. Luckily, both foldables are quick to charge and support 25W fast charging (chargers sold separately) – the same as last year’s Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.

All in all, the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 are both industry-leading mobile phones that use the latest technology to deliver in performance, design, and flexible user-friendly features. However, as amazing as the Flip5 and Fold5 may be, there are a few key differences that may mean one is better suited to you than the other.

The Flip5 and Fold5 are largely different, from their physical sizing and display screens to their processors and cameras. At a more affordable price than the Fold5, the Flip5 is a full-sized smartphone that folds in half to keep it compact and pocketable. Now with a larger external Cover Screen², the Flip5 is a great daily-use phone for checking updates on the go and taking hands-free selfies, coming in a range of popping colours to suit any aesthetic. Designed with tough glass and water resistance to withstand life’s little accidents, the Flip5 is great for casual everyday use.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a phone with a more premium, tablet-like experience, the Fold5 may be the one for you. Opening up to a larger size of 129.9mm², the Fold5’s super-fast display makes for great entertainment and multitasking. Great for both work and play, the Fold5’s Flex Mode supports all kinds of activities to help you unfold a whole new world of possibilities.

Mobile innovation never stops, with the latest Galaxy S25 Series finally landing in Australia. The new Galaxy S25 Series features new Galaxy AI tools, as well as upgraded processors and camera lenses. Check out the Galaxy S25 Ultra for a look at Samsung’s newest flagship phone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 vs Samsung Z Flip5: Specifications at a glance

¹Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Ensure the charging port is dry before charging. Click here https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/water-and-dust-protection-ip68-rating/ or refer to your phone’s user manual for care instructions and limitations.

²Compared with previous Galaxy Flip devices.

³Certain applications may not support App Continuity.

⁴Flex mode supported at angles between 75°and 115°.  It may be difficult to maintain Flex Mode while moving due to shaking or other movement. It is recommended to keep the phone stationary while in Flex Mode. Certain applications may not support Flex Mode.

⁵Certain applications may not support Multi Active Window or App Pair.

⁶S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro sold separately.

⁷30x Space Zoom includes digital zoom which may cause image deterioration.