Galaxy Z Fold 5 Vs Iphone Is The Foldable Phone Finally Worth Ditching Apple

The smartphone market has long been dominated by two titans: Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy lineup. But with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Samsung isn’t just competing on specs—it’s redefining what a phone can be. The question now isn’t whether foldables are cool, but whether they’re practical enough to convince loyal iPhone users to switch. After months of testing both devices side by side, the answer is more nuanced than you might expect.

For years, foldables were seen as experimental—prone to creases, fragile hinges, and inconsistent software. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 changes that narrative. It’s thinner, faster, and more durable than any previous model. But does it outperform the refined ecosystem of the iPhone 15 Pro, or does it still fall short in critical areas like longevity and app optimization?

Design and Build: Flexibility vs Familiarity

The most immediate difference between the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the iPhone lies in their form. The Fold 5 unfolds from a compact 6.3-inch cover screen into a 7.6-inch tablet-like display. This dual-state design offers versatility no traditional phone can match. You can reply to messages in your pocket, then unfold to edit a spreadsheet or watch a movie in full screen.

In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro sticks to a proven formula: a sleek, single-screen slab made of titanium and ceramic shield glass. It feels premium, fits easily in one hand, and has survived countless accidental drops thanks to its robust build.

Samsung has improved durability with the Fold 5’s redesigned hinge and ultra-thin glass, but it still carries an inherent fragility. There’s always a subconscious hesitation when unfolding it near water, sand, or tight spaces. The iPhone, meanwhile, inspires confidence through simplicity.

Tip: Always store your foldable phone in a protective case when not in use—especially around keys or coins that could scratch the inner screen.

Performance and Software: Power vs Polish

Under the hood, both phones are powered by top-tier chipsets: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and Apple’s A17 Pro. In raw benchmarks, the iPhone still edges ahead in single-core tasks and app launch speed. However, real-world usage tells a different story. The Fold 5 handles multitasking with ease, letting you run three apps simultaneously in split-screen mode—a feature iOS still lacks.

Android 13 (upgradable to Android 14) on the Fold 5 is heavily customized with Samsung’s One UI 5.1. It’s optimized for folding, with adaptive layouts that shift seamlessly between outer and inner screens. Apps like Samsung Notes, YouTube, and Microsoft Office feel native to the large display.

iOS, however, remains unmatched in smoothness and ecosystem integration. Face ID unlocks instantly, iMessage syncs across devices, and features like AirDrop and Continuity work flawlessly. For users deeply embedded in Apple’s world—Mac, iPad, Apple Watch—the convenience is hard to replicate.

“Foldables aren’t just about bigger screens—they’re about new workflows. But unless the software adapts, the hardware innovation falls flat.” — Linus Lee, Mobile UX Researcher at TechInsight Labs

Camera Comparison: Versatility vs Consistency

The iPhone 15 Pro continues to set the standard for mobile photography. Its 48MP main sensor captures stunning detail, true-to-life colors, and excellent dynamic range. Low-light performance is exceptional, and video recording supports up to 4K at 120fps with advanced stabilization.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 uses a triple-lens setup (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto), which produces sharp images but often oversaturates colors. Portrait mode works well, though edge detection occasionally falters on complex hairlines. Where the Fold 5 shines is in flexibility: you can use the outer screen as a viewfinder while the subject sees themselves on the large inner display—perfect for selfies or vlogging.

Feature	Galaxy Z Fold 5	iPhone 15 Pro
Main Camera	50MP, f/1.8	48MP, f/1.78
Zoom	10x digital (3x optical)	15x digital (5x optical)
Video	4K @ 60fps	4K @ 120fps with ProRes
Front Cameras	4MP under-display + 10MP cover	12MP TrueDepth
Unique Feature	Dual preview for photos	Action Mode video stabilization

Battery Life and Daily Usability

The Fold 5 packs a 4400mAh battery—split across two cells due to its design. In practice, it lasts about 10–12 hours with moderate use, including 2–3 hours of unfolded screen time. Charging is limited to 25W wired and 15W wireless, lagging behind some competitors.

The iPhone 15 Pro, despite a smaller 3200mAh battery, achieves similar endurance thanks to the efficiency of the A17 chip and iOS power management. It supports 20W wired and 15W MagSafe charging. While neither device excels in all-day heavy use, the iPhone feels more predictable.

Where the Fold 5 gains ground is in productivity. Unfolding it on a desk turns it into a mini workstation. With Samsung DeX, you can access windowed apps, drag-and-drop files, and even connect to an external monitor. For remote workers or students, this functionality rivals a lightweight laptop.

Mini Case Study: From iPhone to Foldable

Jessica, a freelance graphic designer and longtime iPhone user, switched to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 after her iPad stopped syncing properly with her Mac. “I needed something portable that could handle image editing,” she said. “At first, I missed Face ID and iMessage, but once I started using Adobe Express and Canva in split-screen mode, I couldn’t go back.”

She now uses the Fold 5 as her primary device for client calls, sketching on the screen with the S Pen, and reviewing layouts in full view. “It’s not perfect—some apps still don’t support the aspect ratio—but the flexibility saves me at least two hours a day.”

Is It Worth Ditching Apple?

Moving away from Apple means giving up more than just hardware. You lose seamless iCloud backups, Family Sharing, Find My network, and the privacy-first approach baked into iOS. Switching costs include re-downloading apps, reconfiguring accounts, and adjusting to Android’s notification system and messaging (especially if you text mostly with iPhone users).

But the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers something Apple doesn’t: a new category of device. If your workflow involves multitasking, content creation, or frequent media consumption, the foldable form factor adds tangible value. It’s not merely a phone—it’s a hybrid tool.

However, if you prioritize reliability, resale value, and ecosystem cohesion over novelty, the iPhone remains the safer choice. Apple’s devices hold value longer, receive updates for five years, and rarely suffer from hardware degradation.

Tip: Before switching, test Android via a friend’s device or a short-term rental to gauge comfort with Google services and app layout differences.

Checklist: Should You Switch?

• ✅ Need more screen space for work or entertainment
• ✅ Frequently juggle multiple apps at once
• ✅ Willing to accept slightly shorter battery life for innovation
• ✅ Comfortable learning new gestures and interface quirks
• ✅ Not reliant on iMessage or AirDrop as primary communication tools
• ❌ Still undecided? Try side-by-side demos at a carrier store

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy Z Fold 5 replace my laptop?

For light productivity—email, document editing, web browsing, and video calls—yes, especially with Samsung DeX. But for intensive tasks like video rendering or coding, a dedicated laptop is still necessary.

Is the crease in the screen distracting?

There is a visible crease down the center of the inner display, but after a few days of use, most users report they stop noticing it. It doesn’t affect touch sensitivity or app layout.

Will WhatsApp and other apps work properly on the large screen?

Most major apps have been optimized for foldables, but some third-party apps still appear stretched or poorly formatted. Samsung includes a compatibility layer that helps, but results vary.

Final Verdict: Innovation Meets Reality

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the first foldable that feels ready for mainstream adoption. It’s durable, powerful, and packed with productivity features that the iPhone simply can’t match. But readiness doesn’t mean perfection. It’s heavier, less consistent in camera quality, and lacks the polished ecosystem that keeps iPhone users loyal.

Ditching Apple is a decision best made by those whose needs exceed what a traditional smartphone offers. If you’re curious but hesitant, consider holding onto your iPhone as a secondary device while testing the Fold 5 for a month. That trial period often reveals whether the benefits outweigh the trade-offs.

Foldables are no longer a gimmick. They’re evolving into legitimate alternatives. And for the right user, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 isn’t just worth the switch—it’s transformative.

💬 Have you made the jump from iPhone to a foldable? Share your experience below and help others decide if it’s time to unfold a new chapter.