[Experience] "Foldable phone, screen got bigger and thinner" Tried it at Samsung Gangnam

Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5 Review
Bustling with Visits from Various Age Groups
Folds Smoothly Without Flare, Thinner Body
Much Larger Cover Screen and Improved Grip

On the 27th, when the temperature rose to 32 degrees Celsius and the sun was blazing, the 'Samsung Gangnam' store near Exit 10 of Gangnam Station in Seoul was bustling with office workers who came to experience the foldable smartphone Galaxy Z series during their lunch break.

People of various age groups from their 20s to 60s visited the store, and foreign tourists visiting Korea also enjoyed the experience space. The day before, Samsung Electronics held the 'Galaxy Unpacked' event for the first time ever in Seoul, announcing its status as the originator of foldable phones and a global tech company to the world. On this day, videos advertising the new Galaxy products were also displayed on the electronic billboards of buildings around Samsung Gangnam. The atmosphere is being built up for the successful launch of the new foldable phone officially releasing on the 11th of next month.

On the 26th, the Galaxy Z Fold5 was unveiled at 'Galaxy Unpacked 2023' held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Fold5, Cover Screen with Improved Usability

The building had a variety of spaces from the 1st to 4th floors where visitors could experience the new Galaxy products. Although I wanted to compare the previous and new products, all the 4th generation Galaxy Z models were removed and the display was filled only with 5th generation products, making direct comparison difficult.

What stood out most when seeing the Galaxy Z Flip5 in person was the cover screen 'Flex Window' that fills the front. It grew from 1.9 inches to 3.4 inches, giving a refreshing feeling. Its usability is also high. On the Flex Window, you can use various functions almost as much as on the main display. Previously, it was limited to simply checking the time or text messages. On Flip5, you can bring up a keyboard on the Flex Window and compose and send replies. Watching videos is also possible. Although the screen size is smaller than when the phone is unfolded, it seemed convenient to watch videos comfortably in cramped spaces like a crowded subway during commute. It is also possible to watch YouTube while standing the phone on a desk.

Looking at the Flex Window, you can also take selfies with the 12-megapixel high-resolution rear camera. The previous model only allowed simple checking on a small screen, but Flip5 lets you check and delete photos directly on the Flex Window. You can slightly open the device and adjust the angle to shoot with the 'Flex Cam.' If vlogging is your hobby, this is worth noting. Additionally, you can run frequently used widgets or applications such as Google Finance, Maps, Weather, Schedule, and Notifications on the Flex Window.

On the 26th, the Galaxy Z Flip5 was unveiled at 'Galaxy Unpacked 2023' held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The hinge, a core component of foldable smartphones, has also been greatly improved. The display folds inward in a waterdrop shape. This is the 'Flex Hinge' technology. The issue of the inner space lifting when folded, which was one of the biggest drawbacks of the previous model, has disappeared. It folds flat without gaps. The Flip4 had an inconsistent thickness of 17.1 to 15.9 mm when folded. Flip5, with the new hinge technology and a thinner device overall, has a consistent thickness of 15.1 mm when folded. It looks much slimmer and feels better to hold in hand.

Some Chinese manufacturers’ foldable phones that applied waterdrop hinge technology in the past had weak fixing force, causing the device to fall backward when left in flex mode. Flip5 is well fixed at any angle, making it convenient to use on a desk. However, perhaps due to the changed hinge technology, it felt like more force was needed to open and close than before. It is not uncomfortable though. A disappointing point is that the display crease remains. The industry expected the crease to improve with the waterdrop hinge technology, but in reality, there was no significant difference.

The app processor (AP) has been upgraded, but other performance changes such as camera, memory, and battery capacity are not significant. While it cannot be said to have a major innovation that attracts even loyal iPhone users, the product has become more refined through generational evolution. Consumers who have been interested in foldable phones should take a close look.

Fold5, Praised as "Thin" and "Light" When Held

The Galaxy Z Fold5, which opens and closes horizontally, was most notable for being thinner and lighter compared to its predecessor. Users met on site praised it, saying "It's lighter than I thought" and "It's thinner." The Fold5 weighs 253g, 10g less than before. The waterdrop hinge technology allows both screens to fully adhere and minimizes creases, improving user experience.

When folded, the width is about 67 mm, improving grip when held and making it less burdensome to carry in a pocket. When unfolded, you can use a high-resolution large display. This provides a relatively satisfying experience not only when enjoying games or videos but also when reading e-books or PDF files compared to bar-type smartphones.

On the 27th, citizens are experiencing the new Galaxy products at the 'Samsung Gangnam' store near Gangnam Station in Seoul.

In particular, it is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 AP for Galaxy, enhancing graphic performance, and the larger vapor chamber disperses internal heat, enabling smooth long-term gaming or video viewing. The multitasking function, which allows splitting the screen to perform various tasks simultaneously, has been improved. Frequently used multitasking combinations can be saved on the taskbar or home screen like 'favorites' for quick access.

However, the characteristic stiffness and the need to adjust force when opening and closing the screen with both hands seemed to need improvement. When watching YouTube videos on the large screen and then closing the phone, it was expected that the video would automatically continue on the external display, but it did not work as expected. The protruding rear camera of the Fold5, known as 'katuk-twi,' may divide user opinions.

Meanwhile, Samsung Gangnam has been set up as a playground where visitors can have various experiences with the new Galaxy products. Phones can be rented and freely used inside the building, and stars are accumulated by participating in experience zones on each floor, which can be exchanged for goods. There is also a game zone on the 4th floor. Visitors can enjoy various games such as KartRider and baseball using Fold5, and receive prizes for excellent performance. Marketing using famous idols is also noticeable. Phone cases and accessories featuring photos of members of the boy group 'Stray Kids' are said to be available only at the Gangnam store.