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Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Z Fold5 & Z Flip5: What's the difference?

With the Galaxy S23 series launched in February 2023 and the release of the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5 in August 2023, upgrading has never been better. Whether you're looking to upgrade your current device or ready to try something different, the 2023 line up has something for everyone. Not sure which one is right for you? We're here to help compare all the features so you can choose the best phone for you.

Which is better, the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold5?

Choosing which phone is better for you ultimately depends on what you need from your device. The unique element to the Galaxy Z Fold5 is its large, folding 7.6" Infinity Flex Display, which offers a tablet like experience in a smartphone form. If you are looking for plenty of room to work and play, the Fold5 is an excellent choice. The huge, super-vibrant display lets you enjoy your favourite content in immersive detail and you can get more done thanks to the clever software which enables you work across multiple apps¹ at the same time. Want to chat with friends while streaming the shows? Easy. As the drama unfolds, you can share your live reactions and photos on the group chat. When you need to go hands free you can simply set it down, find a good angle and leave it there while you get more done.

In comparison the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a more traditional smartphone shape but still has a generous 6.8" Infinity-O display. With Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Quad HD+ and adaptive Vision Booster screen technology you'll experience only the clearest, most colourful details on the display. It's also smaller and lighter compared with the Galaxy Z Fold5 making it a great choice if you're on-the-go a lot.

Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold5 have epic camera set-ups that are some of the best on the market. If you're after the flexibility of hands-free photography, you'll want to explore the cool Flex Mode features of the Galaxy Z Fold5, where you can adjust your shot to the perfect angle. If the highest camera resolutions are more your thing, check out the Galaxy S23 Ultra with its incredible 200MP Ultra High-Resolution camera. In fact, the S23 Ultra boasts Samsung's most advanced camera setup yet. Both devices are packed with the Samsung camera software so you can experiment with the likes of Nightography and Augmented Reality.

If you love the idea of a stylus the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a fab choice thanks to integrated S Pen, which slots seamlessly inside the phone. Whilst the Galaxy Z Fold5 is S Pen compatible you'll need to purchase the S Pen for Fold Edition separately. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is also bursting with apps that are designed to make you work smarter not harder. It's now even easier to annotate documents, jot down notes or take a moment of mindfulness with some artistic projects all with the integrated S Pen. It's just like putting pen to paper.

1) Open up to three apps in split screen mode on Galaxy Z Fold5.

Which is better, the Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Galaxy Z Flip5 breaks the mould with its customisable design and state-of-the-art vertical fold. The 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X display literally folds in half to create one small pocket friendly device. On the front you'll find a 3.4" Flex Window that lets you make calls, pay for your shopping or check the weather. In comparison the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a very similar sized main Dynamic AMOLED display at 6.8", but it doesn't benefit from a folding form or second cover screen. The zero-gap hinge on the Galaxy Z Flip5 also means it has an overall slimmer design¹ compared to previous Galaxy Z Flip models and it weighs in at just 187g compared to 233g for the S23 Ultra.

Incredible cameras have long been synonymous with the Galaxy S series, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra certainly has outstanding camera specs. The incredible 200MP Ultra High-Resolution rear camera far exceeds the 12MP of the Galaxy Z Flip5 and with three further cameras on the rear you'll have everything you need to capture professional looking photographs.

When the sunlight goes down, Nightography takes centre stage, with enhanced AI technology it can distinguish between different textures in low-lit environments so after-dark photos look as detailed as real life. Whilst the S23 Ultra may take the leading role when it comes to camera specs, the Galaxy Z Flip5 has the advantage of FlexCam - a versatile, hands-free camera experience, which lets you adjust the camera angle to capture group shots, selfies and videos from mind-blowing perspectives.

When it comes to the phone with the biggest battery it's the Galaxy S23 Ultra with a whopping 5,000mAh². Whether you're working remotely, mobile gaming or relaxing with a Netflix boxset, you can rest safe in the knowledge that you can stay in charge for longer. In comparison the Z Flip5 has a 3,700mAh² battery designed to keep up with your daily texting, calling and scrolling.

1) Compared against the Galaxy Z Flip4.
2) Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

1) Compared against the Galaxy Z Flip4.
2) Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

Introducing The Galaxy Z Fold 5 & Z Flip 5 | The Foldable Phones | Samsung UK

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5 vs Galaxy Z Flip5 comparison

Looking to compare the difference between the Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and S23 Ultra? Check out the handy table below which outlines the individual model specifications so you can easily make comparisons between the different Samsung flagship series.

Display
Processor
Battery (typical)
RAM + Storage
Weight
Rear Cameras
Front Camera
Durability
Colour Ways⁴
S Pen compatible

Galaxy Z Fold5

Display : 7.6" Dynamic AMOLED 2X QXGA+
Cover: 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X HD+
Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)
Battery (typical) : 4,400mAh¹
RAM + Storage : Memory: 12GB
Storage: 256/512 GB, 1 TB
Weight : 253g
Rear Cameras : Wide: 50MP
Ultra Wide: 12MP
Tele: 10MP
Front Camera : 10MP
Durability : IPX8²
Gorilla® Glass Victus®2
Armor Aluminium
Colour Ways⁴ : Icy Blue
Phantom Black
Cream
S Pen compatible : Yes (sold separately)³

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Galaxy Z Flip5

Display : 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+
Cover: 3.4" Super AMOLED
Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)
Battery (typical) : 3,700mAh¹
RAM + Storage : Memory: 8GB
Storage: 256/512GB
Weight : 187g
Rear Cameras : Wide: 12MP
Ultra Wide: 12MP
Front Camera : 10MP
Durability : IPX8²
Gorilla® Glass Victus®2
Armor Aluminium
Colour Ways⁴ : Mint
Graphite
Cream
Lavender
S Pen compatible : No

Buy now

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Display : 6.8" Dynamic AMOLED 2X Quad HD+
Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)
Battery (typical) : 5,000mAh¹
RAM + Storage : Memory: 12GB
Storage: 256/512 GB, 1 TB
Weight : 233g
Rear Cameras : Wide: 200MP
Ultra Wide: 12MP
Tele1: 10MP
Tele2: 10MP
Front Camera : 12MP
Durability : IPX8²
Gorilla® Glass Victus®2
Armor Aluminium
Colour Ways⁴ : Green
Phantom Black
Lavender
Cream
Lime
Sky Blue
Graphite
Red
S Pen compatible : Yes

Buy now

1) Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
2) IPX8 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Not dust-resistant.
3) S Pen Fold Edition sold separately. Only use the Samsung S Pen Fold Edition designed exclusively for Galaxy Z Fold5 or S Pen Pro. All other S Pens or stylus pens not designed for Galaxy Z Fold5 (including those by other manufacturers) may damage the screen. The Galaxy Z Fold5 does not have a built-in slot for the S Pen. S Pen support is limited to the Main Screen.
4) Colour availability may vary depending on country, region or carrier. Some exclusive colours are only available online.

So, Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5 & Flip5: Which one is best for me?

Choosing which phone is better for you depends on what you need from your phone. The unique element to the Galaxy Z Fold5 is the large, folding Infinity Flex Display screen that allows you to work across three apps at once. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has some of the best camera specs in the business as well as a super long lasting 5,000mAh battery. And if you're looking for something more compact, flexible and customisable it's got to be the Galaxy Z Flip5.

Which smartphone is best for photographers?

When it comes to the best smartphone for photographers check out the incredible Galaxy S23 Ultra which boasts Samsung's most advanced camera setup yet. It features a quad-camera system that includes a 200MP wide lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens and not one but two telephoto lenses. This versatile setup lets you capture a wide range of perspectives with ease. Whether you're snapping landscapes, portraits, or close-ups, the S23 Ultra offers the flexibility to experiment and achieve stunning results. It also excels in low-light, thanks to Nightography. You can boost, brighten and sharpen all the pictures and videos you capture after dark. Nightography is now even available on the 12MP Dual Pixel Front-Facing Selfie Camera. Before you know it, you'll be the nominated photographer amongst your friends.

Discover the latest Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6.

Which smartphone is best for productivity?

If you're seeking a phone that enhances your work capabilities and boosts your productivity, look no further than the Galaxy Z Fold5 - the best Samsung phone for productivity. The large 7.6" Dynamic AMOLED display effectively transforms the device from a phone into a mini tablet. The large screen real estate then allows for improved multitasking and enhanced productivity by providing ample space for viewing documents, spreadsheets and multiple apps simultaneously. You can open up to three apps at the same time, drag and drop between them and take notes using the S Pen¹. With the addition of Flex Mode, which splits the screen into two sections, making it convenient to view content on the top half while interacting with apps or taking notes on the bottom half, your productivity will hit new heights.

1) S Pen Fold Edition sold separately

Which smartphone is best for gaming?

Both the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy S23 Ultra are impressive gaming phones that compete for the title of Samsung's best gaming phone. However, the Galaxy Z Fold5 really elevates gameplay with incredible visuals and immersive sound thanks to the powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Superb Ray Tracing technology makes gameplay feel totally life-like, with real-time light reflections and shadows. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has been optimised for games like Call of Duty, Spiderman and Racing Master¹. Utilising Flex Mode you can even chat with friends on one app while you play on another. There's also advanced cooling and battery optimisation technology so you can play for even longer than before². All that's left is to flip it open and get ready for a mind-blowing gaming experience.