The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is the latest iteration of Samsung's foldable phone technology, and it represents a significant leap forward in terms of performance, style and features.
This new smartphone unveiled by Samsung has significant improvements over its predecessor, making it a compelling choice for power users and tech enthusiasts alike.
Having possessed and tested the phone extensively, I can confidently say that it is the best foldable phone in the market today without batting an eyelid.
The Z Fold5 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which is the latest and most powerful processor available for Android phones.
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This chip delivers blazing-fast performance and this made the Z Fold5 quite a joy to use for my everyday tasks, multitasking, and even demanding games.
Whether you're editing photos, playing graphic-intensive games, or video conferencing, the device kept up so seamlessly I did not want to let it go.
Its camera system is one of its most imposing features with its triple-lens rear camera setup featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto sensor.
I managed to capture some stunning photos and videos while out and about and it proved its versatility even in poorly lit environments.
The 50MP main sensor captures incredible detail, the 12MP ultrawide lens lets you capture breathtaking landscapes, and the 10MP telephoto lens brings distant objects closer.
The under-display camera on the inner display provides a seamless experience without sacrificing screen space.
The Samsung Z Fold5's packs a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, which is incredibly bright, vibrant, and has a high refresh rate of 120Hz.
I enjoyed watching videos on Youtube, movies on streaming platforms on the magnificent unfolded display and playing games was also very immersive and unforgettable.
The folding mechanism of the screen is so seamless making the transition between the folded and unfolded states effortless, even as the phone slipped from my hands a lot.
The cover display, while it is smaller, is still a high-quality AMOLED panel and presented an easy checking of notifications and taking quick calls.
I have little to complain about as far as its battery life is concerned, even though it is nothing to write home about compared to its competitors in the fold market segment.
It, however, full charge got me through a full day of use with moderate to heavy usage.
The folding device also has an under-display fingerprint sensor and supports 5G and Wi-Fi 6E making it a truly versatile and powerful smartphone.
We put Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and OPPO Find N3, both unveiled in 2023, head-to-head:
Design
Both phones spot foldable displays unfolding into wide tablet-like screens, with the Galaxy Z Fold5 donning a book-like design, while Find N3 adopts a more modern rounded aesthetic.
Here, the Z Fold5 wins in terms of portability given it is both thinner and lighter.
Display
While both displays are impressive, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is ahead and features a larger 7.6-inch display with a higher resolution of 2208x1768 pixels for a more immersive viewing.
On the other hand, the Find N3 comes with a 7.1-inch display and a 1920x1792 pixel resolution that also tried to punch above its weight.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for top-tier performance, but the Galaxy Z Fold5 packs 12GB of RAM compared to Find N3's 8GB, offering smoother multitasking and better handling for demanding applications.
Camera
Both offer excellent cameras, but the Z Fold5's setup is more versatile with a triple-lens rear camera setup featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto sensor, compared to Find N3’s 50MP main sensor and a 13MP telephoto sensor.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Z Fold5 comes with a slightly smaller battery (4400mAh) compared to Find N3's 4500mAh and here Find N3 outperforms the Z Fold5 in battery life on a single charge.
Other Features
Both phones rock modern features, including support for 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 but Z Fold5 has extra features including an S-Pen stylus and an under-display fingerprint sensor, enhancing its functionality and user experience.
Price
The Galaxy Z Fold5 carries premium price tags starting from Sh248,000 while the Find N3 comes at a pocket-friendlier Sh210,000.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Galaxy Z Fold5 and OPPO Find N3 boils down to your individual needs and priorities with the former reigning supreme in display, performance, and camera setup.
With the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung proves its versatility and dedication to innovation and excellence with the device proving its mettle power and style, capability and convenience.
On the other hand, if you want to save a few tens of thousands of shillings, get a longer battery life while compromising on a number of features then Find N3 is the device for you.
As for me and my experience, pocket allowing, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.