News
Samsung launches gapless Galaxy Z Fold 5 foldable smartphone
Samsung officially launches its first gapless foldable smartphone – the Galaxy Z Fold 5. This device goes official alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which folds flat, leaving no gap in the middle area. There’s a lot to explore, so let’s jump into the details without any further ado.
It folds FLAT!
The new Flex Hinge (waterdrop hinge technology) makes the foldable experience possible while offering an aesthetically balanced and solid design. The device is carefully designed to meet durability expectations. This new integrated hinge module features a dual rail structure, diffusing external impacts.
Brighter display
Samsung’s Z Flip 5 is fueled with 7.6-inch Main Screen that offers provides expansive and uninterrupted viewing. The company has increased the display’s peak brightness by over 30 percent, reaching up to 1750 nits for an optimal viewing experience outdoors even under bright sunlight.
S Pen is more compact
The new slimmer and more compact S Pen Fold Edition makes real-time annotating and ideation easy while being able to fit more comfortably in the pocket. The Slim S Pen Case is nearly the same thickness as a regular case for the Fold and is available in a variety of styles and colors so users can carry their S Pens in style.
The best Snapdragon
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy enhances graphics and uses AI to enable dynamic gaming and multi-game functionality. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 can comfortably handle marathon gaming sessions with its advanced cooling system that dissipates heat more intelligently for less lag.
Re-refined One UI
Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 with the Android 13 operating system. Compared to the One UI 5.1, the brand new One UI 5.1.1 software is well-refined, providing users with enhanced battery life with no lag during multitasking.
Specs
Main Screen
- 7.6-inch QXGA+
- Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Infinity Flex Display (2176 x 1812, 21.6:18), 374ppi
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)
Cover Screen
- 6.2-inch HD+
- Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
- (2316 x 904, 23.1:9), 402ppi
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (48~120Hz)
Dimension & Weight
- Folded 67.1 x 154.9 x 13.4mm
- Unfolded 129.9x 154.9 x 6.1mm
- Weight 253g
Camera
Cover Camera 10MP Selfie Camera
F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 85˚
Under Display Camera 4MP Under Display Camera
F1.8, Pixel size: 2.0μm, FOV: 80˚
Triple Rear Camera
- 12MP Ultra Wide Camera
- F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123˚
- 50MP Wide-angle Camera
- Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 85˚
- 10MP Telephoto Camera
- PDAF, F2.4, OIS, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 36˚, 3X optical zoom, 30X Space Zoom with AI Super Resolution technology
Processor
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
Memory
- 12GB Memory with 1TB internal storage
- 12GB Memory with 512GB internal storage
- 12GB Memory with 256GB internal storage
Battery
- 4,400mAh (typical) dual battery
Charging
- Wired Charging: Up to 50% charge in around 30 mins with 25W Adapter and 3A USB-C cable
- Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
- Wireless PowerShare
Water Resistance IPX8
Operating System
- Android 13-based One UI 5.1.1
Network & Connectivity
- 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth v5.3
Sensors
- Capacitive Fingerprint sensor (side), Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor
Security
- Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault
SIM Card
- Up to two Nano SIM and one eSIM
Colors
- Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream
- [Samsung.com Exclusive] Gray, Blue
As per official confirmation from Samsung, the Android 15-based One UI 7.0 Beta program has been delayed until late 2024. I wanted to see how the Samsung Galaxy phone owners feel about this wait.
As a writer and proud Samsung Galaxy device owner, I recently conducted a poll on X (previously known as Twitter) that sparked quite a conversation among the Team Galaxy: “Can you switch to another brand just because Samsung delayed the One UI 7.0 beta program?” The results were telling — over 75% of participants voted ‘No‘, indicating a strong brand loyalty that persists even in the current situation. The poll result shows that the delay hasn’t turned away the majority of Galaxy users.
Note: The poll was small but it proved the point that the Galaxy phone users are loyal despite the delayed One UI 7.0 beta program. Check the post below.
Simple question Sammy Fans:
Can you switch to another brand just because Samsung delayed the One UI 7.0 beta program?#OneUI7
— Robin Williams (@SamsungSWUpdate) October 12, 2024
There’s a different poll by another X user, who asked a similar question, where a bigger audience participated. It also produced the almost same result. You can check the post below.
The One UI 7 delay makes me want to switch to another brand
— Anthony (@TheGalox_) October 13, 2024
It proves that Team Galaxy is strong and loyal to the brand. For the reader, who is not aware of the current progress, Samsung was expected to release the One UI 7.0 beta program by end of the July 2024.
However, Samsung decided to delay this beta program, without any official reason for this decision. As per discussion in the tech community and social media groups, Samsung is working on the stability and the integration of new features, which has significantly changed its update timelines this year.
Read More:
- Here’s why delaying the One UI 7.0 Beta Program is good for Samsung Galaxy users
- Why I will skip the first One UI 7.0 beta on my Galaxy S24 Ultra
Apple doesn’t want to enter the Samsung-led foldables market without technological uniqueness. The company has been absent from the rapidly growing foldable segment, which recently welcomed a triple foldable handset from Huawei.
According to Kipost, Apple is seeking its own supply chain of ultra-thin glass technology. The company desires to have its own control over some particular aspects. The move is to differentiate technological innovation from Samsung.
Samsung is expected to supply OLED panels for foldable Apple products. Ultra-thin glass, which is a crucial component in foldable screens, is largely controlled by Samsung D. The reason is the company’s saturation in the international market.
Apple doesn’t reportedly want everything to be done by display manufacturers. If it happens, the company won’t have anything to differentiate its product from rivals. The desire is necessary as Apple is already too late in the market.
Apart from ultra-thin glass, the US tech giant is looking to attain control over supply chain management too. The company is also exploring backplate technology, to ensure critical areas of demonization without any hurry.
UTG is a key material used in foldable displays, which is responsible for flexibility and durability. Backplate in foldable devices often refers to the component that supports the display, which should be durable for long-lasting products.
The report suggests Apple wants uniqueness in two crucial materials—UTG and backplates. This means Samsung Display won’t be able to breathe freely even after being the main foldable panel supplier for Apple’s future foldable devices.
Japan’s KDDI selected Samsung as the main vendor for 5G expansion. Samsung’s vRAN will be deployed by KDDI starting next year for 5G expansion. The company will provide 4G and 5G O-RAN-compliant vRAN solutions in Japan.
Samsung today confirmed selection by KDDI as a key 4G and 5G O-RAN compliant vRAN provider for their Open RAN deployment in Japan. The partnership with KDDI will help Samsung strengthen its role in Japan’s 5G expansion.
“Together with KDDI, we are thrilled to take this significant step and strengthen our presence in Japan,” said Junehee Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Sales & Marketing, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.
The South Korean tech giant noted that it’s bringing vRAN 3.0 solution, a full suite of O-RAN compliant radios supporting low- and mid-bands including advanced Massive MIMO radios and third-party radio integration support.
Kazuyuki Yoshimura, Chief Technology Officer of KDDI: “Today’s announcement represents KDDI’s dedication to bringing innovative technologies to Japan. We are proud to deliver a cutting-edge and reliable radio access network.”
Key features of Samsung CognitiV Networks Operations Suite (NOS) will also be offered. The features streamline the onboarding, deployment, and operation processes, enabling KDDI to transform its widespread network efficiently.
Beyond that Samsung and KDDI will expand the reach of Open RAN in the coming years. For now, KDDI’s Open RAN network will feature enhanced capabilities for improved energy efficiency, optimized performance, and intelligent automation.