Foldable phones have always captivated me, but I was dubious about their real-world use, battery life, and durability. I chose to use the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 as my main phone for a whole month once I had it in hand. And let me tell you, this trip had plenty of shocks—some positive, some negative, and some rather unanticipated.
Let me tell you my honest experience with the Z Fold 5 if you are considering purchasing it. After a month of everyday use, this is everything that caught my attention.
1. Though There is a Catch, the Foldable Display is Revolutionary
The first thing that surprised me was the large, immersive display. Unfolded, the 7.6-inch screen felt as though I was carrying a pocketable tablet. Watching YouTube, Netflix, or just browsing the web felt entirely different than any other smartphone.
The Catch:
- The middle of the screen still shows creases.
- While browsing apps, I could clearly feel it under my finger.
- It is less obvious when viewing a movie.
- After a few days, I adjusted to it, but I wish Samsung had figured out a way to eradicate it entirely.
Surprising Factor: The multitasking experience is first-class. Using three apps at once allowed me to take notes, reply to messages, and watch a movie. That is a real increase in productivity.
2. Battery Life: Not as Bad as Thought
Given that a foldable phone powers a large screen, I had concerns about its battery life. Surprisingly, with moderate to heavy use, the 4,400mAh battery lasted me a whole day.
My Experience with Battery Life:
- Normal days (social networking, YouTube, emails): 6-7 hours of screen time.
- Hectic days (gaming, video editing, continuous multitasking): Around 5 hours of screen time.
Though it’s not as good as the S23 Ultra, it is much better than I had anticipated.
Charging Concern: I wish Samsung had at least given 45W charging like other flagships—the 25W charging could have been faster.
Surprise Factor: Standby battery life is really good. For a foldable, it’s amazing. If I left the phone overnight, it only lost roughly 3-5% battery.
3. Durability: Stronger, Still Fragile
Samsung claims the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is more robust than past models. The improved hinge mechanism makes it feel more substantial in hand. Now, the phone folds completely flat, which gives it a luxury feel.
But Here’s the Reality:
- Still fragile; you must be cautious with water and dust.
- Not dustproof. Despite having IPX8 water resistance, dust particles can still sneak into the hinge.
- Scratches appeared within the first few days of use on the outer display.
Tip: Get a protective case on Day 1 to avoid damage.
Surprise Factor: The hinge on this Z Fold feels far stronger and smoother than in earlier versions.
4. Camera: Not the Greatest but Good
If you’re expecting S23 Ultra-level cameras, you might be disappointed. However, the 50MP primary sensor takes pretty good pictures, especially in bright lighting.
Camera Performance:
- Daylight Images: Sharp and detailed.
- Night Mode: Not flagship level but decent.
- Zoom Camera (3x Optical): Not too remarkable but decent.
- Ultra-Wide Lens: Average in low light.
Best Thing: You can use the rear camera for selfies via the cover screen, giving you better selfie quality than most front cameras.
Drawback: The Under-Display Camera (UDC) on the main screen is still not great. It’s fine for video calls, but not for professional photography.
5. Performance and Software: Like Butter, Seamless
With 12GB RAM and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, this phone is fast and smooth. Apps open quickly, gaming is flawless, and there’s almost no lag.
Performance Breakdown:
- Gaming: Handles Genshin Impact, Call of Duty, and PUBG at high settings without much heating.
- Multitasking: Perfect. Running three apps at once feels effortless.
- Hinge Mechanism: Feels premium and can stop at any angle.
Surprise Factor: Even after extended gameplay sessions, overheating is not an issue.
Final Thought: Should You Get the Galaxy Z Fold 5?
Who Should Buy It?
- If you love big screens for media consumption and productivity.
- If you want a unique smartphone experience that no other phone offers.
- If you value multitasking and need a device for both work and entertainment.
Who Should Avoid It?
- If you need a compact, one-hand-friendly phone.
- If you want the best camera phone—the S23 Ultra is a better choice.
- If durability is a major concern—foldables are still delicate.
My Truthful Viewpoint
After one month of use, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is one of the most innovative phones I have ever used. However, it’s not for everyone. If you love trying new technology and need a device for both entertainment and work, you will absolutely love it.
But, if you just want a traditional flagship with the best cameras and longest battery life, you may be better off with the S23 Ultra or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Would I Keep Using the Z Fold 5?
- Yes. The big screen experience is addictive, and now my old phone feels small and boring.
- However, I will still keep a backup phone for times when I need something more portable.
Your Thoughts?
What are your impressions of foldable phones? Would you get the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or wait for something better? Tell me in the comments.
I’m Ananya Reddy—part engineer, part storyteller. With a Master’s in Electrical Engineering, I tear down foldables to their nuts and bolts, then explain why you should care. Sustainability in tech? Non-negotiable. When I’m not writing, I’m probably testing a phone’s ‘water resistance’ at the bottom of my hiking flask.
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