Samsung today officially unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip5, and it’s packed with exciting upgrades that are set to challenge its competitors. As the successor to the Z Flip4, this cutting-edge smartphone boasts a 3.4-inch cover screen, a significant improvement from its predecessor’s 1.9-inch front display. While it may still seem small compared to modern smartphone standards, the expansion of the cover screen opens up a world of possibilities for users.

One of the most notable enhancements in the Galaxy Z Flip5 is its new hinge design, which allows the phone to close completely flat. This new “teardrop”-style hinge elegantly solves a persistent issue seen in previous models, leaving no gap when the phone is folded. This not only enhances the device’s aesthetics but also contributes to improved durability, making it better equipped to handle the impact of accidental drops.

Under the hood, the Z Flip5 is powered by Qualcomm‘s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, specifically tuned for Samsung. Combined with the generous 256GB of storage in the base model, this smartphone is ready to handle the demands of modern users, ensuring seamless multitasking and ample space for photos, videos, and apps.

The Z Flip5 maintains its reputation for versatility with its 6.7-inch 1080p OLED inner screen, offering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The outer screen, now rebranded as the “Flex Display,” is a 720p OLED with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Though slightly smaller than the Motorola Razr Plus’s front screen, Samsung’s Flex Display covers most of the phone’s front panel, excluding the two large camera cutouts.

Samsung’s commitment to water resistance continues with the Z Flip5 boasting an IPX8 rating, capable of surviving full water immersion of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. On the other hand, the Motorola Razr Plus’s IP52 rating only offers splash resistance and minimal protection against dust. Considering the delicate nature of folding phones, protection against dust intrusion is crucial, and Samsung has taken measures to minimize such risks, even without an official dust resistance claim.

In terms of functionality, both the Z Flip5 and Razr Plus feature small-screen-friendly widgets on their cover screens, allowing users to access essential information without unfolding the phone. However, Samsung takes it a step further by enabling users to run full apps on the cover screen. For those who prefer a more adventurous approach, the Good Lock app provides access to this feature. Additionally, the Z Flip5 cover screen now offers a full-size keyboard, allowing users to type responses to texts, a feature absent in the Flip4.

Beyond these improvements, the Z Flip5 retains the reliable 3,700mAh battery, supporting 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. Alongside 8GB of RAM, the smartphone boasts a 12-megapixel f/1.8 main rear camera with optical image stabilization, accompanied by an enhanced lens coating to reduce flare. The device also features a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the inner display.

As the Z Flip5 enters the market with its impressive array of upgrades and features, it poses a considerable challenge to its competitor, the Motorola Razr Plus. Despite the Razr Plus’s nostalgic charm, the Z Flip5’s cutting-edge technology, and Samsung’s extensive experience in creating folding phones, give it a distinct advantage.

For those eager to get their hands on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, pre-orders have already begun, with the official release scheduled for August 11th. The device comes in four stylish colors: mint, graphite, cream, and lavender. For those seeking even more options, Samsung.com offers exclusive colors, including blue, gray, green, and yellow.