Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 vs Z Fold4 – What’s new? 

August 23, 2023

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 front view of display and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 front view of display.

Launched at the Unpacked event on 26 July, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is the latest in Samsung foldable phones. But how does it compare to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold4?

Galaxy Z Fold5 vs Fold4: Design Differences

At first glance, it doesn’t look like much has changed with the Galaxy Z Fold5’s design – it’s the same size as its predecessor and even has the same camera setup. But it’s thinner and more lightweight, making it Samsung’s most compact Fold yet.

The range of colours has changed slightly this year. The Galaxy Z Fold5 is available in black, cream, or icy blue compared with beige, green, and black for the Z Fold4.

What else is different? Samsung’s done some serious work on the hinge, creating the Flex Hinge. It’s been engineered so precisely that it closes with no gap and opens at almost any angle, which is no mean feat. And that refined hinge makes the Galaxy Z Fold5 20% slimmer than the Z Fold4 and 5% lighter.

That closed gap also takes away any concerns about dust or dirt getting trapped in the hinge. And the Galaxy Z Fold5 keeps its IPX8 water-resistance rating too.

The S Pen has had a make-over too. It’s now 41% slimmer, and when you couple it with the sim S Pen case, it’s compact and more practical than the Z Fold4 pen.

Z Fold5 vs Z Fold4: Better Performance

The Galaxy Z Fold5 sports the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor – it’s the fastest processor on a Z Fold yet. And with better GPU, NPU, and CPU, plus a 120Hz refresh rate – gaming’s smoother and more responsive.

Like on the Z Fold4, you can open up to 3 windows at once on the Fold5. But Samsung has improved the taskbar – it can now hold up to 12 apps at once. And it stores up to 4 of your most recently used apps, compared with 2 on the Z Fold4. It looks more like a desktop OS, than a mobile one.

In fact, it’s the most advanced multitasking experience on a Samsung phone ever.

Switching between apps is quick and easy. There are more swipe actions that you can use to open multiple app windows. Like sliding from the corner of the screen, dragging and dropping apps from the taskbar, and new 2-handed gestures. 

Galaxy Z Fold5 vs Z Fold4: Camera Improvements

Although the camera hardware is the same as the Z Fold4, that new chipset means there’s an improvement in photos taken on the Z Fold5. We’re talking better low-light photography, and improved portrait and other camera modes.

Got a picky subject that won’t settle ‘til they’re sure you’ve got their best angle? Use Dual Preview to show them exactly what you can see in the viewfinder.

If you’d like to edit your photos like a pro, download Expert RAW. There are loads of easy-to-use options, like Multiple Exposure which lets you blend a number of photos to create a brand-new image. 

Galaxy Z Fold5 vs Z Fold4 Battery

Both phones have a 4400mAh battery and boast all-day battery life. They both support 25W fast charging and can recharge to 50% in 30 minutes. But that new processor gives an extra boost to the Galaxy Z Fold5 battery life.  

Get your Galaxy Z Fold on Three

Looking for a Galaxy Z Fold5 contract? Our Z Fold5 prices start from £46 a month. And with Three Your Way, you get to tailor your plan to suit you. You decide how much to pay up front. Customise the length of your plan and pick extras like insurance, Paramount+, and roaming. It’s mobile done your way.

And you can save up to £620 on our Unlimited plan when you trade in an S21 Ultra. Plus, get 12 months Disney+ on Samsung. 

Which Fold is right for you? 

Want a phone that’s best for productivity? With an expansive screen, ready for work and play, go for the Galaxy Z Fold4

Or if streaming content is more your thing, look no further than the Galaxy Z Fold5. Immerse yourself in vivid detail with the giant, super-smooth display. And watch everything in crisp, clear detail. 

The beauty of Samsung devices is that they work together seamlessly. Answer a call on your Galaxy Watch6 and transfer it to your Galaxy Z Fold5 without missing a beat with Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Take a look at our range of Samsung watches.

What if a foldable phone isn’t for you? Check out the Samsung S23 series or our latest tablet deals.

Whatever you choose, get your new Samsung device from Three, online or in-store.

Find your nearest Three store.