Galaxy S24 Vs Galaxy Z Fold5

Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24
Starting at

Refurbished price:323.00

Versus €956.40 new

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Galaxy Z Fold5
Galaxy Z Fold5
Starting at

Refurbished price:591.00

Versus €1,899.99 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 (released January 2024) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 (released August 2023) represent distinct approaches to modern smartphone design within the Android ecosystem. While the S24 offers a traditional, compact flagship experience, the Z Fold5 introduces a foldable form factor, transforming from a standard smartphone into a tablet-like device. Both run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, but their core functionalities and user experiences diverge significantly due to their fundamental designs.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its physical resilience and the duration of software support it receives. These two devices offer different timelines for expected usability.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S24 was released in January 2024, making it a more recent device compared to the Galaxy Z Fold5, which launched in August 2023. This difference in release date impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S24 is part of Samsung's commitment to providing seven years of operating system and security updates, extending its software lifespan significantly. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is scheduled to receive four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S24 has demonstrated a high repairability score, with some assessments giving it a 9 out of 10 or 9.5 out of 10. Key components like the battery are designed for easier replacement, though screen replacement can be challenging. The Galaxy Z Fold5 features an improved hinge design and easier battery replacement compared to its predecessors, contributing to its practical lifespan.

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

Both devices are equipped with powerful internal components designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking, though their form factors influence how this power is utilized.

  • Processor Capabilities: Both the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z Fold5 feature current-generation processors, enabling smooth performance across various tasks. The Galaxy S24 handles demanding apps and multitasking fluidly, while the Galaxy Z Fold5 is also noted for its ability to run intensive games and manage multiple applications simultaneously without lag.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S24 offers a responsive experience for everyday use, app switching, and gaming. The Galaxy Z Fold5, with its larger internal display, is particularly well-suited for extensive multitasking, allowing users to run several applications side-by-side efficiently.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S24, with its 4000 mAh battery, typically provides reliable all-day performance for most users, often achieving 4-6 hours of screen-on time. The Galaxy Z Fold5, featuring a 4400 mAh battery, offers impressive battery life for a foldable device, with some users reporting close to two days of operation under a light performance profile.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a primary differentiator between these two Samsung smartphones, offering distinct visual environments.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing a vibrant and clear viewing experience in a traditional smartphone form. The Galaxy Z Fold5 offers a dual-screen setup: a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED cover display for quick interactions and a large 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main foldable display for an expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The S24's display has an FHD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels), delivering sharp images and text. The Z Fold5's main display boasts a resolution of 2176x1812 pixels, offering a high level of detail across its larger surface, while its cover display has a resolution of 2316x904 pixels.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24's display can reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and power efficiency. The Galaxy Z Fold5's main display offers a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1750 nits, providing a fluid and bright visual experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1812 x 2176

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both devices are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of photos and videos, catering to different user preferences.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S24 features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy Z Fold5 also comes with a triple-camera array, comprising a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens.
  • Front-Facing Cameras: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S24 has a 12-megapixel front camera. The Galaxy Z Fold5 offers two front cameras: a 10-megapixel camera on the cover display and a 4-megapixel under-display camera on the main foldable screen.
  • Photography Performance: Both phones are capable of capturing detailed images in various lighting conditions. The S24's camera system is designed for consistent performance across its lenses. The Z Fold5's cameras deliver good quality, with the flexibility of its form factor allowing for unique shooting angles.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

4 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these smartphones.

  • Dimensions and Weight: The Galaxy S24 is a compact device, measuring 147.00 x 70.60 x 7.60mm and weighing 168 grams, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a more substantial build due to its foldable design; when folded, it measures 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4mm and weighs 253 grams. When unfolded, it is 154.9 x 130.1 x 6.1mm.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The S24 features an IP68 rating for dust and water protection and utilizes Gorilla Glass for screen protection. The Z Fold5 is constructed with an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its cover screen and back panel, offering IPX8 water resistance.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi (including Wi-Fi 802.11 ax for S24 and 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax for Z Fold5), Bluetooth (v5.3 for S24, v5.2 for Z Fold5), and GPS. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.

Weight

167 g

253 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

7.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z Fold5 cater to different user needs, each excelling in its own domain. Users frequently praise the Galaxy S24 for its extended software support, ensuring long-term access to the latest features and security updates. Its bright, vibrant display and compact form factor are also common points of appreciation. Some users, however, might find its battery life sufficient but not exceptional for very heavy usage.

The Galaxy Z Fold5 is often lauded for its innovative foldable design, which provides an expansive screen for multitasking and an immersive gaming experience. Its improved hinge and robust performance are also frequently highlighted. Common criticisms often revolve around the visible crease on the main display and the under-display camera's quality compared to traditional front cameras.

Users prioritizing a traditional, highly portable smartphone with the longest possible software longevity will find the Galaxy S24 well-suited to their needs. Its consistent performance and excellent display make it a reliable daily driver. Conversely, users who value a large, adaptable screen for productivity, media consumption, and immersive gaming, and are comfortable with a thicker, heavier device, may lean toward the Galaxy Z Fold5. Both devices offer a premium Android experience, and choosing between them depends on whether a conventional form factor or a versatile foldable design aligns better with individual usage patterns. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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