Galaxy S24+ Vs Galaxy Z Fold5

Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:399.00

Versus €1,167.06 new

See options
Galaxy Z Fold5
Galaxy Z Fold5
Starting at

Refurbished price:568.00

Versus €1,899.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, released in January 2024, offers a traditional high-end smartphone experience, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, launched in August 2023, presents a unique foldable design. Both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, but their distinct form factors cater to different user preferences and interaction styles. The primary distinction lies in the Z Fold5's ability to transform from a compact phone into a larger, tablet-like display, contrasting with the S24 Plus's conventional, unibody design.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of these devices differs primarily due to their release timelines and inherent design characteristics.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S24 Plus benefits from Samsung's extended software commitment, promising seven years of OS updates and security patches from its release, ensuring a longer period of current features and security. The Galaxy Z Fold5, being an earlier model, offers five years of software support.
  • Physical Durability: The S24 Plus features a robust slab design with IP68 dust and water resistance, offering comprehensive protection against environmental elements. The Z Fold5, while water-resistant with an IPX8 rating, does not have official dust resistance, and its foldable hinge and inner screen are generally more susceptible to wear over time.
  • Repairability: Traditional smartphones like the S24 Plus generally present fewer complexities for repairs compared to foldable devices, which often involve more intricate components and specialized repair processes.

Year of Release

2024

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

Both devices deliver strong performance, though the S24 Plus benefits from a newer generation of internal components.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with a more recent processor, providing an edge in speed and efficiency, particularly for demanding applications, advanced AI features, and future software. The Galaxy Z Fold5, while still very capable, uses the previous generation's top-tier processor, which handles multitasking and most applications smoothly.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking across various applications. The Z Fold5's large inner screen enhances the multitasking experience by allowing multiple apps to be viewed simultaneously with greater ease. The S24 Plus provides a consistently fluid experience across all tasks on its single, high-resolution display.
  • Battery Behavior: The S24 Plus features a larger 4900 mAh battery, designed to handle a full day of heavy usage with efficient power management. The Z Fold5 packs a 4400 mAh battery, which also keeps up with intensive daily tasks, though some users have reported that recent software updates have improved its battery life.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a primary differentiator between these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S24 Plus features a single 6.7-inch QHD+ display with exceptional sharpness and brightness, reaching up to 2600 nits peak. The Z Fold5 offers a 6.2-inch cover screen and a large 7.6-inch main foldable display, both with excellent clarity, though the main screen has a visible crease and a slightly lower peak brightness of 1750 nits.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both displays offer an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The S24 Plus's display can dynamically adjust from 1Hz to 120Hz, while the Z Fold5's main screen also offers a similar range, and its cover screen adjusts from 48Hz to 120Hz.
  • Viewing Experience: The S24 Plus provides a traditional, immersive viewing experience on its single, bright display. The Z Fold5's foldable design offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded, ideal for media consumption and productivity, though the crease on the main screen is a notable characteristic.

Resolution

1440 x 3120

1812 x 2176

Screen type

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S24 Plus and the Galaxy Z Fold5 offer versatile camera systems suitable for everyday photography.

  • Rear Camera System: Both devices feature a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S24 Plus, with its newer processing capabilities, may offer slight enhancements in image processing, particularly in challenging lighting conditions and with its integrated AI photography features.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: Both phones are capable of capturing detailed images in low light, leveraging their large main sensors and software processing. The S24 Plus's newer hardware and software optimizations might provide a marginal improvement in noise reduction and detail preservation. Both models support high-resolution video recording, offering stable and clear footage.
  • Front Cameras: The S24 Plus includes a 12MP front camera for clear selfies and video calls. The Z Fold5 has a 10MP cover screen camera and a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen, with the latter being less ideal for high-quality photos.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

4 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two devices.

  • Connectivity Options: Both support 5G for fast mobile data and Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless internet. The S24 Plus also supports the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering potential future-proofing for even faster wireless connections. Both include Bluetooth 5.3 for accessory pairing.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices use a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. The S24 Plus features an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, while the Z Fold5 integrates its fingerprint sensor into the power button on the side.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The S24 Plus is a sleek, traditional slab phone, weighing 196g, offering a familiar and comfortable grip. The Z Fold5, at 253g, is heavier and thicker when folded, but transforms into a very thin device when unfolded, providing a unique ergonomic experience. The S24 Plus introduces advanced on-device Galaxy AI features for tasks like real-time translation and photo editing. The Z Fold5's primary unique feature is its foldable form factor, enabling enhanced multitasking with its large screen and S Pen support (S Pen sold separately).

Weight

197 g

253 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

7.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User sentiment often highlights the Galaxy S24 Plus for its consistent performance, excellent display, and extended software support, making it a reliable choice for a traditional smartphone experience. Some users appreciate its robust build and the integration of new AI features. Conversely, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is frequently praised for its innovative foldable design, offering a unique tablet-like experience for productivity and media consumption. Users often find the large inner screen transformative for multitasking and entertainment. However, some common criticisms for the Z Fold5 revolve around its increased weight and thickness when folded, and the perceived fragility of the inner screen and hinge compared to traditional smartphones. The S24 Plus, while highly capable, is sometimes seen as a more incremental upgrade over its predecessor by some users.

Users prioritizing a long-lasting software experience, a highly durable traditional form factor, and a top-tier camera system in a conventional smartphone will find the Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its bright display and newer processing power make it ideal for everyday use and demanding applications. On the other hand, users who value a versatile device that can switch between a compact phone and a large-screen tablet for enhanced multitasking, content creation, or immersive media consumption may prefer the Galaxy Z Fold5. Its unique form factor offers a distinct interaction style for those seeking a different kind of mobile experience. Both devices represent premium offerings in the Android ecosystem, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons