Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: Prices, Plans, Specs & Features

Moe Long Senior Writer

Updated 06 December 2023

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: Prices, Plans, Specs & Features - hero

Don't call it a comeback. While hinged handsets aren't quite mainstream, more flipping and folding phones continue hitting the market. Despite strong contenders like the Google Pixel Fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold remains one of the best foldable phones on the planet. Thankfully, that doesn't change with the recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5.

With a starting price of $1,799, the Galaxy Z Fold5 isn't cheap. However, it features outstanding specs, including a powerful processor, gorgeous displays, and excellent cameras.

All of the major carriers—Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—as well as mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Visible, Mint Mobile, and US Mobile, offer the Fold5. Alternatively, you can snag the Galaxy Z Fold from brick-and-mortar stores like Best Buy, Target, or Walmart. Let's explore the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5's specs, features, and price.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 specs & features

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 specs

	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Screen size	7.6" (primary) 6.2" (cover display)
Cameras	Rear: 50MP wide-angle 12MP ultra-wide 10MP telephoto Front: 4MP under-display 10MP cover display
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Battery life	4,400mAh
Water resistance	IPX8
Internal memory	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Operating system	Android 13 (Samsung One UI 5.1.1)
Colors	Ice Blue, Phantom Black, Cream + Samsung.com exclusive Gray, Blue
Starting price	$1,799

Design and display

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: Prices, Plans, Specs & Features - open with S Pen stylus — *Image credit: Samsung*

As its name suggests, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 folds vertically down the middle of the device, "hot dog"-style. It features a generously-sized 7.6-inch internal display that provides tablet-like screen real estate. The Fold5's primary screen is 30% brighter than its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, clocking in at a maximum brightness of 1,750 nits. Therefore, the Fold5 is perfectly suitable for use outdoors in direct sunlight.

The outer cover display is the same size as the Fold4, with a 6.12-inch panel sporting a 23.1:9 aspect ratio. This makes the Fold5's outer screen tall and skinny, whereas the Google Pixel Fold's screen is squat and wide. Both screens can go as high as 120Hz, which is more comfortable for fast tapping and zooming, like when gaming or quickly scrolling through a long Spotify playlist.

Despite the nearly unchanged screen sizes from the previous-generation Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, the Z Fold5 is slimmer and lighter than the Fold4. Moreover, the new Flex Hinge folds completely flat, which helps keep dust out of the internal screen when you throw your Fold5 in a purse or pocket. There's also a revamped back which purportedly bolsters durability. You get some peace of mind with an IPX8 water-resistance rating, but because of the hinged design, it's not dust-resistant.

Because of its unique folding design that's kind of like a mullet (phone or business upfront, party or tablet inside), many folks are finding creative uses for the Galaxy Z Fold5. The internal screen is great for reading ebooks or news sites like NYT (or WhistleOut). But it's also excellent for watching movies, business productivity, or gaming, as showcased by YouTuber ETA Prime.

And while it's admittedly heavy on the marketing, Samsung's official Galaxy Z Fold5 ad shows its multipurpose capabilities. In the commercial, the Fold5 comfortably switches between gaming, entertainment, and work modes, opening and closing to meet shifting needs.

Cameras

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: Prices, Plans, Specs & Features - selfie camera — *Image credit: Samsung*

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is an iterative upgrade over the Fold4, so it's not radically different outside or in. But the cameras are completely unchanged. You get a 50MP main shooter, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 10MP telephoto camera on the back. Inside, you'll find a 4MP under-display camera and a 10MP selfie camera. The Fold5 lets you capture 4K 60 frames per second (FPS) and 8K videos. There's a 3x optical and a 30x digital zoom.

While the cameras are unchanged, you'll enjoy cutting-edge features such as artificial intelligence (AI) object detection. Sure, a bump in camera specs would have been nice, but since the Fold4 already featured one of the best cell phone camera arrays on the market, you're still getting a top-tier device. Rest assured, your food pictures, pet portraits, and selfies will all be Instagram-worthy.

Processor, RAM, and storage

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: Prices, Plans, Specs & Features — *Image credit:* *Samsung*

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 boasts a beefy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Snapdragon's latest chip gives you best-in-class performance, providing outstanding multitasking and gaming capabilities. Thanks to a partnership between Qualcomm and Samsung, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's chip even runs at a somewhat higher clock speed than normal of 3.36GHz.

Moreover, Samsung utilizes an improved cooling system for the Fold5, so you'll enjoy more efficient heat dissipation. Theoretically, this means enhanced performance while under a heavy load for long durations, like when gaming or running multiple simultaneous demanding apps.

Samsung pairs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with a whopping 12GB of RAM. Outfitted with this much memory ensures you can run the latest apps, demanding games, and multitask without breaking a sweat. For storage, you'll find 256GB and 512GB options from most carriers and stores.

There's a 1TB variant, but it's an online store exclusive. If you're wondering how much storage space you need, most folks require just 256GB, but multimedia enthusiasts and gamers should spring for the 512GB model. If you're a power user that wants to download tons of games, tote around your entire music collection, and save videos from Netflix for offline viewing, the 1TB Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is a great pick.

Additional features: Samsung DeX, One UI 5.1, eSIM

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: Prices, Plans, Specs & Features - stylus folded out screen — *Image credit: Samsung*

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold5 may be spectacular under the hood, but it also packs stellar software. You'll find Samsung DeX, or desktop experience, onboard. DeX lets you connect your phone to an external display, like a monitor, TV, or projector. This makes DeX great for using your phone as an entertainment or work device since it operates like a laptop complete with a user interface similar to Windows or macOS.

Back in the day when I had a Samsung Galaxy S9+, I'd regularly use my phone as a computer with DeX when traveling instead of bringing my laptop along. I also found it perfect for gaming on the big screen and watching movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services.

Because of its foldable form factor, Samsung includes several software enhancements. For instance, you can use a two-handed gesture to move content between different apps or switch Android apps into a split-screen mode. In all, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 takes better advantage of its foldable design from a software perspective, letting you move apps around more naturally.

With eSIM support, the Samsung Galaxy can take one physical SIM card and one eSIM, making it one of the best dual SIM phones on the market. Likewise, it’s great for travel since you can easily swap eSIMs.

Explore the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

You'll find three Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 storage tiers: 256GB and 512GB from carriers and brick-and-mortar retailers, with 1TB as a Samsung US online store exclusive.

How much is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 launch pricing

	128GB	256GB	512GB	1TB
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5	$799	$1,799	$1,919	$2,159

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 starts out at $1,799 for the base 256GB model. From there, it goes up to $1,919 for the 512GB model and $2,159 for the 1TB variant.

Admittedly, even $1,799 is a lot of money, even if the Z Fold5 is a great piece of kit. Luckily, each of the major carriers offers competitive financing payment plans. Usually, payment plans break up the cost of your device over a period of 24 to 36 months. We also recommend taking advantage of carrier trade-in deals to save on your purchase.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: Monthly payments vs. outright purchases

Paying monthly Installments

Pros

Cheaper upfront
Early phone upgrades possible
More manageable device payments
Great deals offered by carriers

Cons

Must pay off phone before switching carriers
Deals require staying with carrier for 24+ months
More expensive monthly bills

Buying outright

Pros

Lower monthly bills
You own your phone immediately
Freedom to change carriers without extra expenses

Cons

Significantly higher upfront costs
No early phone upgrade deals
Fewer carrier deals

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 cost: Monthly payments + plans

#1	GoTalk Wireless	GoTalk Wireless SafeSim Super Lite Consumer Plan 3GB of 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices No mobile hotspot data Installments (24 mos) $84.96/mo $30.00 advance payment for 3 months (equals to $10.00/month) View Plan	$84.96/mo (plan + phone) $30.00 advance payment for 3 months (equals to $10.00/month)	View Plan
#2	AT&T	AT&T Value 2.0℠ for Teachers Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data AT&T 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 3GB mobile hotspot data Installments (36 mos) $95.00/mo + $35 Upfront View Plan	$95.00/mo (plan + phone) + $35 Upfront	View Plan
#3	Verizon	Verizon Unlimited Welcome Unlimited 5G speeds Verizon 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices No mobile hotspot data Installments (36 mos) Deal: Get $100 Verizon Gift card when you purchased this phone + $10 off this plan $104.99/mo + Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount. + $40 Upfront View Plan	$104.99/mo (plan + phone) + Taxes & Fees. Price includes AutoPay & Paperless discount. + $40 Upfront	View Plan

Moe Long

Senior Writer

Moe is a Senior Staff Writer with a passion for all things tech. As a writer and editor for over a decade, he specializes in researching and testing smartphones, gaming devices, and connected smart home systems. He’s been featured in publications including MakeUseOf, SmartHomeBeginner, TechBeacon, and more.

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