Review: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold5 is for lovers of a big screen

Samsung’s latest unveiling is a big screen that’s great for reading but does little for those wanting a better Netflix mobile experience.

Samsung's 2023 model Galaxy Z Fold5.

At first glance of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold5, you might wonder: why on earth would anyone want a phone that big?

Well, after a few weeks with the device, The Australian can think of a few reasons, and it starts with being tired of looking up social media feeds on a device slightly wider than your TV remote.

Using apps like Instagram across the device’s 6.2-inch screen does take a little getting used to but ultimately it’s far more enjoyable – and it’s nice to not squint while reading small text.

The new device is one two new premium smartphones Samsung released last month at its first Unpacked event in Korea – the other being the Galaxy Z Flip5.

The Fold5 ($2599) comes packed with some pretty cool features, from a 10 megapixel selfie camera (only when opened) and a 4 megapixel camera on the very front when folded.

The wide screen of Samsung's 2023 model Galaxy Z Fold5 makes reading easier.

On the back there’s three cameras; a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera.

While those specs are nothing short of quality they do, as do other flip and folding devices, fall behind the likes of Samsung’s S23 Ultra.

Just like being slightly behind on megapixels, folding and flip phones typically also run smaller batteries, or in this case a 4400mAh battery.

The battery can be charged up to 50 per cent on a 25W charger, and it also supports wireless charging.

Addressing one of the biggest issues folding and flip phones face, Samsung is getting better at minimising the crease.

While this year’s model is less than last year’s model, it is still noticeable. Over time, it does get easy to forget unless you’re swiping across both screens in which the fingers will feel what the eyes might not see.

Samsung appears confident some iPhone users would make the switch, offering a complimentary iPhone-to-USB adaptor for those switching over from Apple.

Samsung offers an iPhone-to-USB adaptor for those switching from Apple.

What do we like about it? The split keyboard functionality, which cuts a keyboard cut into two and splits it across both screen to make it easier to type, is surprisingly comfortable.

When folded, the phone looks like the kind of device you might have owned in the early 2000s as the phone is long and slightly narrower than an iPhone and other models.

When folded, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is longer and slightly narrower than other models.

Given how narrow it is, the Fold5 is a little awkward to use from the front screen only but appears to have no shortage of power or functionality. It’s also a little awkward to pocket due to its thickness.

At 253g it is easy to hold and carry, and given its folding nature it removes the need for a stand when needing to watch certain content or even take a selfie.

The verdict? This device would be handy for those who like to read, especially news and blogging apps.

The Netflix experience is not much better than a regular straight phone other than the fact you won’t need a stand.