As the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is coming soon to retail stores in Malaysia, it was fortunate here to get an early sample review unit and quickly check out the latest foldable by Samsung. Before I’m giving my full review on the device, let me take you on a trip of unboxing and what is my first impression for the Galaxy Z Flip 5 in Malaysia. Let’s get into it.
Unboxing – Nothing really change
For the unboxing experience, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is pretty straight forward with no frills. You will get the Flip 5, a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, sim ejector tool and some paperwork guides. The packaging will highlight the colour of your device, in this case, my review unit is Lavender.
First impression – The flipping experience just got more immersive
Now, allow me to elaborate my first impression on the Flip 5. In terms of design, I’m glad that Samsung has upgraded the hinge to allow zero gap when closing the Flip 5. This has even make the device to be less protruding to the users pocket and lessen the opportunity of dust and object pass through it when it is being flipped.
In terms of build quality, I’m really impressed with the materials being used on the device. The pairing of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Samsung’s Armor Aluminum is strong that I accidentally dropped the device on the floor (from a chair seating height), there were no visible mark or damage. I was so surprised with how the durable with the device. The device still has IPX8 rating, meaning you can bring the Flip 5 to wet area but not to dusty area.
This year, Samsung is introducing the Flex Window, a 3.4 inches inch Super AMOLED Cover Screen that allows users to see and do more with what was formerly known as Cover Display. Flex Window is able to check notifications, making payments via Samsung Pay, navigate widgets and also run native apps too. I have run numerous app on the Flex Window and it runs well, albeit, some apps may not work perfectly like Asphalt 9 where after the race ended, you can’t tap the Next button. However, there is some steps you need to set in order to make the apps work on the Flex Window. My only nitpick for the Flex Window? I wished it could be even bigger but that would have be happening on the next generation of the Galaxy Z Flip series.
But what really make the flipping experience even better is the pairing of Flip 5 and Flex Window. Now, you don’t have to rely on someone to hold and capture your moments as you can just capture your perfect moment without anyone help when turning on Flex Window when shooting photos and videos. While rear (12MP main and 12MP ultrawide) and front camera (10MP) is identical to the predecessor, it would be great if Samsung added a telephoto camera on the rear camera setup, but at the moment, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 rear camera is sufficient for most general users and content creator.
The Flip5 is powered by the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and paired along with 8GB RAM and up to 512GB internal storage. The new processing power offers a similar premium performance experience like its sibling, the Galaxy S23 series. I’m also happy to report that the Flip 5 does feel less prone to warming up thank to silicone’s efficient processing power.
There is only one major thing I wished that Samsung should have upgrade as well, the battery and charging speed. Samsung has elected to retain the same 3,700mAh battery with maximum of 25W fast charging, which I think it will be a major talking point for consumers who are considering to leap over to the foldables.
Overall, I still think the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 has managed to convinced me that the flipping experience has gotten even more immersive. If you’re planning to get one in Malaysia, I highly recommend you to quickly pre-order it as Samsung Malaysia’ pre-order promotion are often one of the best for the local market. Price starts from RM4,599 for 8GB+256GB and RM4,999 for 8GB+512GB.