UP
Our takeEditorialA solid 2023 foldable that has been lapped by two generations of successors - the current $1,799 price tag makes no sense.
Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Gray, Blue
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
5.5/10 UpPhone score
A 2023 book-fold foldable with a 7.6-inch inner display - still capable but priced high for a two-generation-old device.
Storage
Screen
7.6"
Chip
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SM8550-AC (4 nm)
Camera
50 MP
The verdict, & two little voices
Should you actually get the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?
The editor weighs in — flanked by the optimist on her shoulder and the cynic on the other.
“7.6 inches of inner display with a 3x telephoto remains a practical tablet-phone combo for the right owner.”
“Two chip generations old at $1,799 - Samsung left the Fold5 on the shelf so long the sticker price became a punchline.”
Our take
A 2023 book-fold foldable with a 7.6-inch inner display - still capable but priced high for a two-generation-old device.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 was Samsung's 2023 book-fold foldable. It opened to a 7.6-inch inner display that turned the phone into a compact tablet, with a narrower cover screen for phone-mode use. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 was top-tier at launch. The camera system ran a 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 3x telephoto - a solid three-camera setup. The 4400 mAh battery with 25W charging was modest even at launch. IPX8 covers water immersion without a dust rating.
As of May 2026, the Z Fold5 lists at $1,799.99 at AT&T - a price that is difficult to justify for a phone that is now two generation cycles behind. The Z Fold6 and Z Fold7 have both launched with meaningful improvements. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 lags current chips by two generations. At this price point in 2026, the Z Fold5 is interesting primarily as a clearance item if it appears at significant discounts. At $1,799.99, the Z Fold7 at the same price point is the far stronger choice.
What we love
- 7.6-inch inner display delivers a genuine tablet experience in a pocket
- 3x optical telephoto adds zoom capability absent from most foldables
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 handles daily tasks reliably
- 50 MP main camera
- IPX8 water immersion protection
- 4W reverse wireless charging for accessories
What we don't
- $1,799.99 in 2026 for a two-generation-old foldable is extremely poor value
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is two chip generations behind current flagship silicon
- 1750 nit peak brightness is notably dim by 2025-2026 standards
- 25W wired charging is slow for a phone at this price
- Only available at AT&T and Verizon
- Fold crease is visible and tangible on the inner display
Full specifications
Display
Size7.6"
Resolution2176 x 1812 px
PPI373
Performance
ChipSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 SM8550-AC (4 nm)
RAM12 GB
Storage256 GB
OSAndroid 14, 13
Camera
Rear camera50 MP
Rear camera 212 MP
Front camera10 MP
VideoYes
Battery
Wireless charging15W wireless
Design
Dimensions154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm
ColorsIcy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Gray, Blue
Form factorFold
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6E
BluetoothBluetooth 5.3
USBUSB 3.2
SIMDual Nano-SIM + eSIM
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 on individual carriers
All 16 plans with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Carrier: Any ▾Lines: 1 ▾Sort: Lowest ▾
CarrierPlanDataTermMonthly
30 GB
36-mo term
$50.00/mo
total $75.00 over term
Frequently asked questions about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
What kind of display does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 have?
The Z Fold5 features two displays: a 6.2-inch cover screen for phone-mode use and a 7.6-inch inner display at 2176 x 1812 px for tablet mode. The inner panel's 120 Hz refresh rate and dynamic range make it genuinely useful for reading, multitasking, and media consumption. Peak brightness at 1750 nits is the weakest spec here - it falls below 2024-2025 flagship panels by 850 nits. The foldable crease running down the center of the inner display is visible and tangible. The cover screen is narrower than a standard phone, which can make one-handed typing awkward.
What kind of camera does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 have?
The three-camera system - 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, 12 MP 3x telephoto - was a well-rounded setup at launch in 2023. The main sensor delivers solid daylight results with Samsung's image processing. The 3x telephoto enables portrait and mid-distance shots without heavy digital degradation. The ultrawide covers environmental shots. Galaxy AI editing features have been added to the gallery through software updates. An under-display camera on the inner display enables selfies and video calls in tablet mode. As of 2026, the camera hardware is two generations behind current Samsung flagships.
What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?
4400 mAh is a reasonable capacity for the Fold5's dual-display power demands, though the 25W wired charging ceiling means a full charge takes over 90 minutes. Wireless charging at 15W handles overnight charging. Reverse wireless at 4W charges accessories. Real-world endurance on a dual-display foldable depends heavily on how often the inner screen is active; heavy tablet-mode use shortens the day meaningfully.
What processor does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 use?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SM8550-AC (4 nm) was the top Qualcomm chip at launch. As of mid-2026, it is two generations behind the 8 Elite. It handles everyday tasks without issue. Sustained workloads in gaming and video processing will show the age compared to current flagship chips. The 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM keeps multitasking fluid.
How much storage does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 have?
256 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage. No microSD slot. Standard for Samsung foldables. For tablet-mode use with a larger app and media library, 256 GB may feel constrained over time.
What kind of speakers does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 have?
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are present. The Fold5's larger chassis provides more acoustic volume than a clamshell, and the setup is well-suited to tablet-mode media consumption. Clarity and volume are solid for the category.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 support fingerprint or face unlock?
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor in the power button handles primary authentication. It works reliably across most conditions. An under-display fingerprint sensor is not available on the Fold5 - the side placement works consistently in both phone-mode and tablet-mode grip orientations.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 water-resistant?
IPX8 covers water immersion up to 1.5 m for 30 minutes in fresh water. There is no dust protection rating with the 'X' in the IP designation. Foldable hinges accumulate particulate matter faster than slab phone designs. Rain and accidental water exposure are well-covered; dusty or sandy environments present more risk.
