Samsung is ready to change the way you shop with its new Shop app. Designed to enhance your shopping experience, this app brings a range of benefits and features to your fingertips. For the first in-app purchase by a Samsung Account user, enjoy an exclusive 10% welcome voucher (capped at RM200) using the code SHOPAPP10 at checkout. This offer is valid until January 16, 2024.
Source: Samsung Malaysia Electronics
The Samsung Shop App will allow users to access exclusive deals and promotions specially tailored for app users, ranging from limited-time discounts to special bundles. It will also give users instant updates on promotions, flash sales, and exclusive launches.
Users who sign up for the Samsung Shop App will be able to earn and redeem Samsung Rewards Points. You will accumulate points with each purchase and be able to redeem them for future purchases, making your shopping experience more rewarding.
You’ll also be able to track your Samsung orders effortlessly. The app allows you to track your orders in real-time, maintaining control from checkout to doorstep delivery. If you need assistance, the Shop app will connect you with chat agents for personalized support and guidance during your shopping journey.
You can download the Samsung Shop App on the Google Play Store now to up your Samsung shopping experience.
Samsung Electronics has introduced the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy A05s smartphones. New entries into the company’s lower-end offerings which are built to last with a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, and enhanced 25W Super-Fast charging capabilities. In addition, Samsung is also committing to two generations of OS upgrades and four years of security updates for these devices.
Both the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy A05s have an enhanced 6.7-inch display. However, the Galaxy A05s has a higher FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a faster 90Hz refresh rate for smoother transitions. The Galaxy A05 has a lower HD+ resolution (720 x 1520 pixels) and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
When it comes to cameras, both smartphones have an upgraded 50MP high-resolution main camera, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Galaxy A05s also has an upgraded 13MP front-facing selfie camera, while the Galaxy A05 has an 8MP front-facing selfie camera.
Both the Galaxy A05 and the Galaxy A05s come with a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and enhanced 25W Super-Fast charging capabilities. This means that you can quickly charge your phone and get back to using it in no time.
Both the new entries also come with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with expandable storage of up to 1TB. This gives you plenty of space for all your photos, videos, and apps. However, they come with two different processors. The Galaxy A05s comes with a Snapdragon 680 processor while the Galaxy A05 comes with a MediaTek Helio G85. Both are capable of 4G LTE connectivity.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy A05s is available in Awesome Black, Awesome Silver, and Awesome Light Green, and is priced starting at RM799. The Galaxy A05 is available in Awesome Black and Awesome Blue and is priced starting at RM649.
Both smartphones are available now at selected retailers. If you make your purchase between now and the end of the year, you can get an RM100 Trade-up offer for your old device.
Samsung Malaysia Electronics has launched the Odyssey Neo G9, the world’s first Dual UHD gaming monitor. This revolutionary monitor boasts a massive 57-inch curved screen with a 32:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 7680×2160 pixels.
The Odyssey Neo G9‘s display is one of its most impressive features. It has a resolution of 7680×2160 pixels, equivalent to two 4K displays placed side-by-side. This provides gamers with an incredibly immersive gaming experience, allowing them to see more of the game world and react faster to in-game events.
The monitor’s curved design with a 32:9 aspect ratio further enhances the immersive experience. The curve of the display matches the natural curvature of the human eye, providing a more comfortable and engaging viewing experience.
It also features Quantum Matrix Technology, the world’s first when it comes to gaming monitors. This technology utilizes Quantum Mini LEDs to deliver incredibly precise and controlled lighting. Quantum Mini LEDs are much smaller and more efficient than traditional ones, allowing them to produce more accurate and realistic colours.
Quantum Matrix Technology also allows the Odyssey Neo G9 to achieve a peak brightness of 1000 nits. This means that the monitor can display images with incredible detail and clarity, even in the darkest or brightest environments.
It’s all about giving you an edge when you use the Odyssey Neo G9. It has a refresh rate of 240Hz and a response time of 1 ms. This means that games will run smoothly and without any noticeable lag. The monitor’s fast refresh rate and response time are ideal for competitive gamers who need to be able to react quickly to in-game events.
The Odyssey Neo G9 has a DisplayPort 2.1 input, which allows it to handle even the most demanding games with ease. DisplayPort 2.1 is the latest version of the DisplayPort standard and it offers a significant bandwidth increase over previous versions. This means that the Odyssey Neo G9 can support games with high resolutions and refresh rates without problems.
Pricing & Availability
The Odyssey Neo G9 is now available for pre-order on Samsung Malaysia’s website. The monitor is priced at RM10,999, but customers who register their interest before 8 November 2023 will be eligible for a RM300 e-voucher and savings up to RM4,000.
Samsung is introducing yet another device to its exhaustive lineup of Galaxy devices. The new Galaxy M14 brings most of Samsung’s now signature design and software to a more affordable price point. The new Galaxy M smartphone will be available as part of the government’s Pakej 5G Rahmah initiative to spur the adoption of 5G through the offering of affordable 5G packages complete with 5G-enabled devices.
Source: Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy M14 comes with Samsung’s own Exynos 1330 processor with 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM. You will be able to get an additional 6GB of RAM through RAM expansion on OneUI. The Exynos processor promises to provide enough performance capacity for gaming and even being productive on the go. Samsung also boasts that the Exynos 1330 comes with an improved GPU with 4.7x the performance compared to its predecessor. The 5G-enabled processor also allows access to high-speed mobile internet enabled by 5G technology.
Source: Samsung
The M14 comes with a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. This screen has the Infinity-V design which has its front-facing camera in a V-shaped cutout. It also supports memory expansion with a microSD card slot.
On the camera front, the Galaxy M14 comes with a 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This is complemented with a 2-megapixel macro sensor with an f/2.4 aperture and a 2-megapixel depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. On the front is a 13-megapixel camera with an f/2.0 aperture. Samsung hasn’t mentioned if the cameras come with optical to electronic image stabilization. According to GSM Arena, the setup comes with Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF).
Source: Samsung
The smartphone comes with a 6,000mAh battery that supports 25W Fast Charging. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Pricing & Availability
Samsung’s Galaxy M14 5G will be available as part of the Pakej 5G Rahmah initiative by the Malaysian Government. As such, it will be part of packages offered by a number of carriers including CelcomDigi, U Mobile and Yes 5G.
Every purchase of the Galaxy M14 5G will be entitled to a complimentary 3-month subscription to Viu. This is redeemable through the Samsung Members app.
Hot off the launch of their Galaxy FE devices, Samsung has introduced the new Galaxy Tab A9 series. Two tablets that come in below the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series take a focused approach to providing an immersive entertainment experience. Available in two sizes, this series combines immersive video and audio with ultra-fast connectivity, catering to both entertainment and productivity needs in a sleek and portable package.
The Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+ are equipped with the largest screens ever seen in any Galaxy A series tablet, boasting 8.7 and 11-inch displays, respectively. The Galaxy Tab A9+ also comes with a higher refresh rate of 90Hz. It also comes with quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. Ultra-fast 5G connectivity ensures uninterrupted streaming on the go. The Galaxy Tab A9, however, only features Dual speakers and LTE connectivity. Both tablets sport sleek, unibody designs with soft-textured back covers for comfortable handling.
The Galaxy Tab A9+ comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G while the A9 comes with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor. Both of the tables come with up to 128GB of internal storage and up to 8GB of RAM. Like other Samsung tablets, the Galaxy Tab A9+ and Tab A9 come with Samsung DeX for a more productivity-focused interface. They also come with Multi-active window which supports up to three apps running simultaneously.
For the first time, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A series will be able to connect seamlessly across Galaxy devices. This includes smartphones, tablets, TV and monitors. Like other Samsung devices, the tablets in the A series feature Samsung Knox for added data security. The Security & Privacy Dashboard gives users insight and control over their data.
Samsung Kids provides a secure digital environment on the Tab A series according to Samsung. Parents and caregivers can easily monitor and control children’s activities, set playtime limits, access settings, and manage content. Samsung Galaxy’s ‘Edutainment’ offers engaging and educational content, promoting learning through play.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy Tab A9 series will be available in Malaysia from October 23, 2023, in Graphite, Silver and Navy. It will be priced at MYR899 for the Galaxy A9 (LTE), MYR1099 for the Galaxy Tab A9+ (WiFi) and MYR1649 for the Tab A9+ with 5G. Only the versions with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage will be available in Malaysia.
Special promotions will be available when purchasing the devices from October 23 to November 30, 2023. Every purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A series throughout this period will entitle buyers to up to a 30% Purchase-with-Purchase (PWP) discount on Samsung Care+Purchase and selected Samsung Accessories. It will also come with three months of Viu Premium streaming.
Samsung has discreetly revealed its budget-friendly tablets, the Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+, primarily in the Indian market. These newcomers join the Galaxy A series, emerging as competitive contenders in the budget tablet arena and are hot on the heel of the announcement of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series. Despite the hushed release, they promise impressive specifications and features.
Galaxy Tab A9: Compact and Capable
The Galaxy Tab A9 is compact, sporting an 8.7-inch LCD with 800 x 1340 pixels resolution. Powering this tab is MediaTek’s Helio G99 SoC which should deliver commendable performance with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
In the camera department, the Tab A9 features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel selfie shooter. This tablet is designed for extended use, thanks to a robust 5100mAh battery. Furthermore, it comes in two variants: Wi-Fi and 5G.
Samsung doesn’t skimp on audio quality; the Tab A9 is equipped with AKG-powered dual speakers. You can choose from three appealing colour options: Grey, Dark Blue, and Silver.
Galaxy Tab A9+: Bigger and Better
The Galaxy Tab A9+ follows in the footsteps of its sibling, maintaining the same design aesthetics and colour choices. However, it steps up the game with an 11-inch LCD boasting a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. It houses a Snapdragon 695 SoC for enhanced performance and is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
Photography enthusiasts can enjoy an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. This tablet also incorporates a quad-speaker system to amplify your audio experience.
Pricing & Availability:
In India, the Galaxy Tab A9 is competitively priced at INR12,999 (MYR738.70) for the 4GB RAM variant (Wi-Fi only). The 5G variant, offering extended connectivity options, is available at INR15,999 (MYR908.40).
For the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus, the Wi-Fi model, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage, retails at INR20,999 (MYR1,192.29). The pricing of the 5G variant is yet to be disclosed.
No word yet on if the tablet will be making its way to Malaysia.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds lineup is getting a new Fan Edition to its lineup. These earbuds mark the first Fan Edition in Samsung‘s Galaxy Buds family, and they aim to deliver what users love about Galaxy Buds, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), in a budget-friendly package priced at just $99.
The Galaxy Buds FE features a single-driver setup. The single-driver setup distinguishes it from the dual-driver configuration found in the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. They offer Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with support for AAC, SBC, and SSC codecs. Like the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Pro, these earbuds can seamlessly switch between various Galaxy devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, depending on your active usage. The inclusion of ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and Ambient Sound ensures that you can enjoy your audio experience undisturbed.
Source: SamsungSource: Samsung
For clear voice calls, each earbud boasts three microphones. These mics are touted to be able to pick up voice even in the noisiest environments. Like its siblings, these earbuds are smart. They can automatically pause your music when you remove them from your ears and they have touch-sensitive controls. The charging case follows the design language of recent Galaxy Buds, with a rounded square layout.
The Galaxy Buds FE comes with quite an impressive battery life claim. With ANC turned off, these earbuds are touted to last an impressive 8.5 hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Even with ANC active, you can still enjoy up to 6 hours of playback on the earbuds alone, extending to 21 hours with the charging case.
Source: Samsung
Samsung continues looking at sustainability with the new Galaxy Buds FE. It incorporates post-consumer recycled plastics, sourced from discarded fishing nets and water barrels, into the construction of these earbuds.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy Buds FE will be available starting on October 5, 2023. It will be available in two colours – Graphite and White. It will be priced at USD$99.99 (MYR473.06) in the U.S.
In Malaysia, the Galaxy Buds FE will be priced at MYR399 and will be available starting on October 10, 2023.
Samsung’s Fan Edition isn’t just for the Galaxy S23 FE this year, it’s expanding beyond just its smartphone. This year, the Galaxy Tab S9 and Galaxy Buds lineups are also getting affordable, scaled-back Goldilocks versions under the ‘FE’ moniker. The Galaxy Tab S9 is getting a little bit of special treatment with two devices getting the FE treatment – the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+. Where the “+” plays a significant part in how the devices have been designed and optimised.
The Galaxy Tab S9 series takes the baton from the Tab S7 FE. The new series of tablets brings some of the features from the recently announced Galaxy Tab S9 series to a more affordable price point. It’s also upping the ante from its predecessor. While the tablets don’t come with the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, it comes with the capable Exynos 1380 chipset.
Both tablets in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series bring substantial improvements in the display department. The Tab S9 FE boasts a 10.9-inch TFT LCD panel, while the Tab S9 FE+ steps it up with a larger 12.4-inch TFT LCD panel. Yes, these sizes are on par with the Tab S9 and S9+. However, they only come with a refresh rate of up to 90Hz and an FHD+ resolution. The tablets also come with Samsung’s Vision Booster technology that enhances outdoor visibility by optimizing colour and contrast, making the tablets usable even in challenging lighting conditions.
These tablets aren’t just about performance; they also focus on sustainability. Both the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and the Tab S9 FE+ are crafted from recycled materials, including pre-consumer recycled aluminium and post-consumer recycled plastics. While they might not be used in 100% of the tablets, they are prominent in select components. Both models, along with the included S Pen, boast an IP68 rating, ensuring dust resistance and the ability to withstand accidental water exposure.
Samsung has also upped its game in the camera department. The FE features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera. In contrast, the FE+ comes equipped with a dual camera setup on the back with an 8-megapixel main sensor complemented with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide rear camera and the same 12-megapixel ultra-wide front camera. These cameras come with the same software features we’ve seen in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series including auto-framing.
Battery capacity in the FE+ is impressive, with a 10,090mAh unit that can last up to 20 hours of video playback on a single charge. The Tab S9 FE, although slightly smaller in size, still packs a decent 8,000mAh battery. Samsung claims that the battery can go from 0% to 100% in just 90 minutes.
The tablets come with two storage options: 128GB or 256GB. These tablets come with the option to expand storage up to 1TB using a microSD card. When it comes to RAM they come with either 6GB, 8GB or 12GB.
Both tablets support 5G, WiFi 6 and Bluetooth. They will also be running on Android 13 and One UI 5. Samsung promises four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. When it comes to apps, they come with support for a range of creative tools and apps, including Goodnotes, LumaFusion, and Clip Studio Paint.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series will be priced from USD$449 (MYR2,128.97) or €529 (MYR2,633.45) internationally. Both tablets will be available for purchase starting October 10 in Mint, Grey, Lavender and Silver.
In Malaysia, the tablet will be priced from MYR2,099. Both tablets will be available in Malaysia from October 10, 2023. Detailed pricing is listed below.
After over a year’s hiatus, the latest addition to the Fan Edition (FE) series, the Galaxy S23 FE is finally here. It looks like a worthy successor to the Samsung S21 FE which preceded it. Taking its cues from Samsung’s preceding smartphones this year. It comes in a clean, single-slab design with a coloured back and a metallic frame.
Source: Samsung
The Galaxy S23 FE boasts an “Advanced 4nm Processing,” which should translate to either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 chip, depending on your location. While it departs from the “for Galaxy” chips of 2023 phones, it’s still a major step up from the Galaxy S21 FE’s Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100. Plus, this year’s base model offers 8GB of RAM, showing up the previous 6GB option.
When it comes to storage, options include 128GB or 256GB, with no microSD expansion. Although 256GB should satisfy most users, it’s worth noting that these options align with the capacities available for the S23 and S23+.
One of the standout improvements is the main camera, which is now a 50MP sensor. This is a significant jump from the S21 FE’s 12-megapixel main sensor. However, the ultrawide, a 10-megapixel sensor with a 123° field of view, and telephoto, an 8-megapixel sensor with 3x optical zoom, cameras remain at lower resolutions comparatively. Surprisingly, Samsung has opted for a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the Galaxy S23 FE, a downgrade from the 32-megapixel sensor of its predecessor.
The display of the Galaxy S23 FE is a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with an FHD+ resolution. It also sports a 120Hz refresh rate which can dynamically adapt to on-screen content. It’s a smartphone that has a Goldilocks size fitting comfortably between the S23 and S23+. In terms of dimensions, it’s slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor but feels solid with an aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
The 4,500mAh battery capacity remains unchanged from the Galaxy S23 FE’s predecessor. It also supports wired charging at 25W significantly less than the 45W of the S23 and S23+. However, Samsung promises a 50% charge with 30 minutes of charging. It also supports wireless charging. Like its predecessors, the Galaxy S23 FE offers IP68 dust and water resistance.
When it comes to software support, it’s in line with other high-end Samsung devices, promising four OS updates and five years of security patches. Out of the box, it runs One UI 5.1 on top of Android 13. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is taking it a step further with a body constructed from recycled materials including an aluminium frame made from recycled aluminium. It also incorporates pre-consumer glass and post-consumer plastics sourced from items like fishing nets and PET bottles.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy S23 FE is priced from USD$599.99 (MYR2,838.89) for the 128GB model. That’s a significant $100 drop compared to the Galaxy S21 FE’s launch price and USD$200 less than the price of the Galaxy S23.
In Malaysia, the Galaxy S23 FE will officially be priced at MYR2,999 for the 128GB version and MYR3,299 for the 256GB version.
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
It will be available in Mint, Graphite, Purple and Cream with Tangerine and Indigo available exclusively on Samsung.com.
It’s expected to hit the market on October 10th in Malaysia and October 26th in the US. Like all Samsung devices, it will be available through various carriers and retailers.
Flip, Fold, Open, Close – Foldables seem to be all the rage as more and more companies continue to weigh in on the new form factor. From sleek, shiny folding clamshells to thinner-than-you-can-imagine folding tablets, that’s the current climate of the smartphone market. But, as more companies start releasing their foldables, it’s becoming more difficult to differentiate and stand out from the noise.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 is Samsung’s fourth iteration of their pioneering Galaxy Z Flip lineup and it makes some strides when it comes to functionality and features. However, is that enough for Samsung to stand out? Or will it simply get lost in the crowd? We’re taking a deep dive into the smartphone and its new features to find out just that.
Design
The Galaxy Z Flip5 is not a revolutionary update when it comes to design. Instead, Samsung has made small, incremental updates to the design in response to consumer feedback and also to accommodate the many features that it introduced.
The Flip5, like its predecessor, is very focused on being a fashionable addition to your tech gear. Its svelte form factor is meant to be easy on the eyes, light in hand and a statement piece when it comes to your outfit. It’s built to accessorize and be functional.
The biggest, most obvious change this year is the top half of the Flip being jet black. This is done to accommodate the upsized 3.4-inch display that now emblazons the top half. Samsung has also opted to keep the Flip5 colourful as a lineup with a selection of seven colours at launch with more options sure to come as the year progresses. However, the pastel palette of the Flip5 is lost and subdued even further by the jet-black upper half, leaving the phone feeling rather drab. Most colours appear white or slightly off-white after a while. We experienced this with the Mint colour of the review unit we had.
The other design change is the reduction and removal of the visible gap between the two halves when closed. While this is a major aesthetic change, it doesn’t affect the functionality. The biggest impact it had in our review period was making it harder to open the Flip with a single hand. This was just because there wasn’t a place to leverage to push the hinge open. Speaking of the hinge, Samsung has changed its design to minimize moving parts which also allowed for the removal of the gap. The only complaint we have with this design change is that it seemed to make the crease more apparent. It felt deeper, and more pronounced on the Flip5 than it was on the Flip4.
Other than that, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is still a pretty little thing when it comes to design. It’s made a few functional tweaks that leave it feeling refreshed. However, it feels like Samsung needs to refine the design a little bit more to get to that perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality.
Hardware
Hardware-wise, the Z Flip5, feels like a repeat performance of the Z Flip4. Of course, that doesn’t include the larger cover display which plays a prominent role in the improved functionality of the smartphone.
OneUI continues to homogenise the Samsung ecosystem when it comes to mobile devices. The user interface of the Flip5 is for better or worse – the same. However, there is one caveat Samsung has introduced a lot of features when it comes to the cover screen and the folding form factor. While not much has been done in terms of better adapting the UI to the longer 22:9 aspect ratio, they have introduced features which make apps look better optimised for the display.
Samsung’s focus when it came to UI this generation is undoubtedly on Flex Mode. The company has put its weight behind some apps like Facebook, Instagram, and the Google Suite to better utilise Flex Mode. In Malaysia, we have apps from companies like ZUS coffee, Family Mart and Maxis that have been optimised to make use of Flex Mode. However, for apps that haven’t been optimised, you have the option to enable the floating Flex Mode trigger which brings up a grey screen at the bottom which functions like a touchpad. Using this touchpad, you can scroll, select, and interact with the active you have in Flex Mode. One of the features I used most in Flex Mode is using the Flip5 on a flat surface to free up my hands during a video call.
Of course, Flex Mode’s features extend to a whole myriad of Samsung apps like the camera. In the camera itself, activating Flex Mode allows you to hold the Flip5 like a camcorder with functions and buttons on the bottom side while the viewfinder remains on the front. Flex Mode also allows you to take selfies with the cover screen and the main cameras.
Speaking of the Cover Display, Samsung’s new approach to it – the Flex Window expands the functionality of the display tremendously. You can now interact more directly with the apps from the cover display itself. You’ll be able to reply to messages with a full on-screen keyboard while reading it. You can create and edit calendar events seamlessly as well. However, the functionality goes into overdrive when you use some of the Good Lock modules. The Multistar module lets you use any app on the with no restrictions. During our time with the device, we tried to do some gaming with it on the Flex Window. While it didn’t feel very comfortable, it was possible to game on the FlexWindow.
While the Galaxy Z Flip5 comes with a larger FlexWindow, it did allow me to properly disconnect from my apps. I found myself striving to not open the Flip throughout the day. I was replying to messages with the FlexWindow while checking my schedule with a simple swipe. The best part is everything and I mean everything was a swipe away. This to me was the best feature of the User Interface hands down.
Performance
The Z Flip5 continues to be one of Samsung’s go-to flagships when it comes to foldables. However, aside from its processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 this year, it doesn’t feel like a flagship like its larger sibling the Fold5 or even the Galaxy S23 series.
That said, Samsung’s focus on OneUI does make it a little better with the software optimizations and a killer feature like the FlexWindow.
Multitasking & Productivity
Samsung’s focus on OneUI also trickles into productivity with features like the sidebar, split screen and floating windows playing a huge role when it comes to productivity. While the Flip doesn’t necessarily have the form factor to be a productivity powerhouse, the ability to use 2 apps in split screen and Flex mode makes it functional for people looking to get things done on the go. It also shines when it comes to creating an environment to focus on work thanks to the cover display.
Multitasking and productivity also get a little bit of a kick with the FlexWindow and more so with Good Lock. The fact that you don’t have to open your phone to get things done is a dream for me. I found myself using the calculator, calendar and to-do list apps from the FlexWindow itself. The voice recording widget made it even easier to quickly capture my thoughts. Samsung’s Notes app also helped accomplish some note-taking and productivity on the go.
Call Quality & Connectivity
With Samsung’s track record with flagship smartphones, it should come as no surprise that the Flip5 has crisp call quality and a bevvy of connectivity options including 5G. The unit we got for review didn’t come with a dual SIM but the Malaysian version of the smartphone does come with support for Dual SIMs. That said, you could leverage the eSIM capabilities of the smartphone to get the same result.
Aside from this, the Galaxy Z Flip5 does come with support for Bluetooth 5.3, and WiFi 6e. Like many of the other Samsung flagships, the Flip5 had no qualms when it comes to connectivity. 5G connectivity was quite fast with commendable performance on 4G LTE as well. If anything, the connectivity on the Flip5 and other Samsung devices, in general, has been a lot more stable than many of its Android competitors.
Bluetooth performance on the Flip5 was also pretty solid. Using the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, I was able to move about while connected to the smartphone. Signal degradation only happened about 30 to 40 meters away from the phone. It was the same even when using the OnePlus Buds2 Pro and the Sony WF-1000XM3.
Quick Connect and nearby share are boons to the device too. Provided the device you are trying to connect supports it, all you have to do is click one button and your earbuds, speakers or even laptop are connected seamlessly. The option to use nearby share to send large files wirelessly is also a plus. I mean, sending a 100MB file over a nearby share took only 5 minutes and you didn’t have to fumble with cables or finicky wireless pairing.
Gaming
When it came to gaming, the Z Flip5 was a little bit of a challenge. Let’s be straight, you’re not buying a Z Flip5 for its gaming capabilities. However, with a processor like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and extendable RAM, you would expect a little bit more from the device.
While games ran pretty well on the smartphone, the issue we had with it was that it got a little bit warm. Not as bad as the S22+ when we reviewed it, but it did get warm. Of course, this wasn’t with simple games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds. This was with games like Diablo Immortal and Genshin Impact. That said, while it did get a little warm, there were hardly any stuttering or screen tears during gaming sessions.
Your biggest challenge when it comes to the Flip5 with gaming is the fact that it has a hinge. If you’re playing a horizontal game, you run the risk of over-exerting and bending the hinge the wrong way; and even if you bend it the correct way, your gaming session is disrupted because you accidentally switched off the screen.
However, with games like Pokemon GO, Pokemon TCG Live and Marvel’s Snap, we didn’t feel the hinge as much. The vertical alignment alleviates a lot of the issues we mentioned.
Battery Life
Samsung’s track record with battery life hasn’t been the best but it’s also not the worst. With the Flip5, I was easily able to get a good 7-8 hours with regular use. This was primarily using apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Telegram and Threads. On days where I found myself interacting more with the FlexWindow this easily went up to about 11-13 hours. However, if you are using it constantly, you may find yourself looking for a charger in about 6 hours.
Of course, it should come as no surprise that I only managed to get about 3 hours of continuous gaming time with the Flip5. This was playing Diablo Immortal which can be quite taxing on the battery and processor.
Display
The display of the Galaxy Z Flip5 is one we’re used to seeing in Samsung flagships. The flexible AMOLED 2X and the FHD+ resolution are a good combination. The screen is capable of vivid colours and deep blacks. However, the panel can oversaturate some colours like reds and oranges when pumped up to vivid. In its natural tone mode, it feels a little washed out. These are, however, issues that can be addressed through software updates later on. Samsung’s inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate is also a plus which brings buttery smooth and fluid animations and a little bit of an edge when it comes to games like PUBG Mobile.
The only thing that takes some getting used to when it comes to the display on the Flip5 is the aspect ratio. With most phones coming with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the 22:9 aspect ratio will seem a little weird at first. You will notice black bars on videos that you usually wouldn’t have any. However, these issues will take a backseat as you continue to use the device.
The FlexWindow or Cover display is the hallmark of this smartphone. The Super AMOLED panel in the FlexWindow does its job pretty well. It delivers high-quality images with good colour reproduction. You won’t even realise that it only has a 60Hz refresh rate. However, I don’t think Samsung was prepared for users like me who end up using this display more than the main display. But for all the functions that are possible on the screen, it excels at delivering a near-perfect experience.
Cameras
Samsung continues to opt to equip the Flip series with a dual-sensor setup when it comes to cameras. To be very honest, you’re not missing out on much when it comes to camera performance – unless you’re looking for extensive camera performance to be a Pro photographer. Let’s be honest, you’re better off buying a camera at that point. Samsung has packed a bevvy of features into the camera of the Flip5 for users like most of us who want to point and click and not fuss about apertures, shutter speed and the like.
Samsung continues to prove that more sensors don’t mean better cameras. The Z Flip5’s dual 12-megapixel main cameras are pretty decent. They give you enough options for Zoom and changing to a larger aperture or even landscape shots with an ultrawide mode. The versatility also means you have options even for a bokeh-licious portrait shot. With super steady mode, you’ll be able to shoot while walking or skating but also it allows for better movement shots.
Up front, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is equipped with a 10-megapixel sensor. One that I didn’t use much as I found myself defaulting to the main sensors. The FlexWindow allowed for better control of selfies using the front cameras. The selfie sensor was only my go-to when it came to video calls. This was mostly cause of the convenience the folding allowed me when using it. It allowed the phone itself to become like a tripod and freed up my hands to do other things.
That said, the images from the selfie camera were still pretty sharp and detailed.
The main camera setup is an unusual combination of two 12-megapixel sensors – a wide sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and an ultrawide one with an f/2.2 aperture. Samsung didn’t even include its variable aperture technology. However, the combination gave relatively good photos. Colours were bright and popped.
That aside, the camera combination allowed the Flip to be a little more versatile than other dual-camera smartphones. While the lack of a telephoto meant that there was no optical zoom, the limited digital zoom allowed for good zoomed-in photos. However, don’t expect the quality to be anything like other smartphones with optical zoom. Pictures beyond 2x or 3x zoom become grainy and unusable. Zoom aside, the phone was still able to adapt to portrait mode and was even able to take close-up shots. The versatility proved to be quite useful during our review period, but it still is no replacement for a DSLR.
The main camera paired with the cover screen is also a winning combination. The fact that you’re getting stunning selfies thanks to the main sensors is a win in our books. What’s more, you don’t even need to flip the phone open to use them. However, the size does limit the versatility of the cameras. However, that’s not a deal breaker considering you technically can just flip the phone open to use the cameras fully.
Supersizing a Cover Screen and Making it Flex Hard with Functionality while Leaving Users Wanting More in terms of Performance and Upgrades
Saying the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is an iterative update would be a disservice to the change that the FlexWindow brings to the table when it comes to functionality and productivity. However, when you look at what powers the Z Flip5 and the overall specifications, it seems like Samsung may have been a little too hyper-focused on its update of the Z Flip lineup.
That said, the focus pays off when it comes to the overall user experience. The hyper-focus allowed Samsung to iron out the kinks and perfecting features that were left to third parties to figure out. Them taking on things like optimising for FlexWindow and FlexMode elevated the user experience significantly making it a more enjoyable user experience that you would be comfortable with even in 3 years. That said, Samsung’s inclusion of an IPX8 rating needs to be recognised as it brings us that much closer to having a foldable that is truly water and dust-resistant and having peace of mind with splashes and accidental spills is a big win.
User experience-wise, it’s a near-perfect update to the Galaxy Z Flip series. However, the only place where the Flip tends to fall short is on the hardware upgrades that it lacks internally. We want to see Samsung up the ante with features like Cameras and RAM to make it even more compelling than their A and S series. Samsung can make a performance powerhouse that’s a foldable and the Z Flip series is the series to prove it. Sadly, the Flip5 isn’t that.
