Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G vs Galaxy Fold 5G: The Ultimate Showdown

Samsung's foldable revolution began with the Galaxy Fold, and the Z Fold2 5G aimed to refine the experience. But which phone truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy Fold 5G offers slightly better battery life and a phenomenal contrast ratio. However, the Z Fold2 5G boasts a faster Snapdragon 865 chipset, brighter display, and faster charging, making it the more compelling choice for most users seeking performance and a refined foldable experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - SM-F916BHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - SM-F916B1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 Sub6 - SM-F916B78 NSA/Sub6
EDGE-No
GPRS-Class 12
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-F916U1HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
Launch
Announced2020, August 052019, February. Released 2019, September
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, September 18Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back, aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 159.2 x 128.2 x 6.9 mmFolded: 159.2 x 68 x 13.8-16.8 mmUnfolded: 160.9 x 117.9 x 6.9 mm Folded: 160.9 x 62.9 x 15.5 mm
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM
Weight282 g (9.95 oz)276 g (9.74 oz)
Display
Resolution1768 x 2208 pixels (~373 ppi density)1536 x 2152 pixels (~362 ppi density)
Size7.6 inches, 180.8 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)7.3 inches, 162.6 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+Foldable Dynamic AMOLED, HDR10+
 Cover display: Super AMOLED, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 6.23 inches, 816 x 2260 pixels, 25:9 ratioCover display: Super AMOLED, 4.6 inches, 720 x 1680 pixels, 21:9 ratio
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 640
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1.1Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4
Memory
Call records-Yes
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM512GB 12GB RAM
Phonebook-1000 entries, Photocall
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-2 MP
Triple12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, AF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm
Video4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10
Selfie camera
Dual-10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm 8 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1.22µm, depth sensor Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
Browser-WAP 2.0/xHTML
Games-Downloadable
Java-Yes, MIDP 2.0
Messaging-SMS, MMS, Email
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Ultra Wideband (UWB) supportANT+ Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)
Battery
Charging25W wired 11W wireless 4.5W reverse wireless15W wired 15W wireless 4.5W reverse wireless
Stand-by-Up to 350 h
Talk time-Up to 5 h
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4235 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsMystic Bronze, Mystic Black, Thom Browne Edition, Aston Martin Racing EditionSpace Silver, Cosmos Black
ModelsSM-F916B, SM-F916U, SM-F916U1, SM-F916N, SM-F9160, SM-F916W, SCG05SM-F907F, SM-F9007, SM-F907W, SM-F907U, SM-F907B, SM-F907N
PriceAbout 960 EURAbout 1400 EUR
SAR-0.41 W/kg (head)     1.39 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.86 W/kg (head)     1.45 W/kg (body)0.49 W/kg (head)     1.58 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 81h Endurance rating 90h
Camera Photo / Video-
Display- Contrast ratio: 185000:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker -25.2 LUFS (Very good) Voice 70dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 90dB
Performance AnTuTu: 564907 (v8) GeekBench: 12607 (v4.4), 2715 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) Basemark OS II 2.0: 4527Basemark X: 45154

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

  • Faster Snapdragon 865 5G+ Chipset
  • Brighter Display (714 nits)
  • Faster 25W Charging
  • Improved Camera Performance

  • Slightly shorter battery life than Fold
  • Higher Price

Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G

  • Excellent Contrast Ratio (185,000:1)
  • Slightly Longer Battery Life
  • Generally more affordable

  • Slower 15W Charging
  • Older Snapdragon 855 Chipset
  • Less Bright Display

Display Comparison

The Galaxy Fold 5G boasts an impressive contrast ratio of 185,000:1 (nominal), delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. While the Z Fold2 5G doesn't have a specified contrast ratio, its measured peak brightness of 714 nits provides better visibility in bright sunlight. Both feature excellent foldable displays, but the Z Fold2's brightness gives it a slight edge for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Z Fold2 5G generally produces slightly better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Both have a versatile setup with multiple lenses, including ultrawide and telephoto options. Video recording capabilities are comparable on both devices.

Performance

The Z Fold2 5G's Snapdragon 865 5G+ chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the Galaxy Fold's Snapdragon 855. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Z Fold2's CPU also has a higher clock speed, further contributing to its speed advantage.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Fold 5G edges out the Z Fold2 5G in battery endurance, achieving an 81h rating compared to the Z Fold2's 90h rating. However, the Z Fold2 5G supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the Fold's 15W charging, mitigating the battery life difference somewhat.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is ideal for power users who prioritize performance, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and faster charging. The Galaxy Fold 5G is a good option for those who value exceptional contrast and slightly longer battery life, and are less concerned with the absolute latest processor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Z Fold2 5G worth the upgrade from the Galaxy Fold?
If you prioritize performance, a brighter display, and faster charging, then the Z Fold2 5G is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're happy with the Fold's excellent contrast and longer battery life, the upgrade might not be essential.
❓ Which foldable phone is more durable?
Both phones have improved durability compared to the original Galaxy Fold, but they remain delicate devices. The Z Fold2 5G has a slightly redesigned hinge which is considered more robust, but both require careful handling.