Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Vs Iphone 15 Plus Which Is Better For Multitasking On The Go

For professionals, students, and digital nomads, mobile multitasking isn't just a convenience—it's a necessity. The ability to manage emails, edit documents, browse the web, and respond to messages simultaneously while traveling defines modern productivity. Two of the most talked-about smartphones in 2024—the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the iPhone 15 Plus—represent vastly different philosophies in mobile design. One embraces foldable innovation with split-screen flexibility; the other doubles down on screen real estate within a traditional slab form. But when it comes to handling multiple tasks efficiently on the move, which device truly delivers?

This comparison goes beyond specs. It examines how each phone performs in real-life scenarios where speed, workflow fluidity, and interface intuitiveness matter most. From split-screen usage to app switching, notification management, and one-handed usability, we break down what makes a smartphone excel—or fall short—in multitasking environments.

Design Philosophy: Foldable Innovation vs. Expanded Simplicity

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and iPhone 15 Plus reflect opposing design strategies. The Z Flip 5 folds vertically, transforming from a compact 6.7-inch cover screen into a full-sized 6.7-inch internal display when opened. Its hinge allows for flexible angles, enabling hands-free use—a feature Samsung calls \"Flex Mode.\" In contrast, the iPhone 15 Plus opts for a conventional, non-folding 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display. While both share similar diagonal measurements, their usability diverges significantly due to software integration and physical adaptability.

Foldables like the Z Flip 5 are engineered with multitasking in mind. Opening the device often triggers dual-app layouts or split-screen modes automatically. For example, launching WhatsApp might prompt a suggestion to pair it with YouTube or Google Maps on the other half of the screen. This contextual intelligence reduces friction in setting up multitasking workflows.

On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Plus relies on iOS’s more conservative approach. While iPadOS supports robust split-view functionality, iPhones—including the larger Plus models—still lack native split-screen capabilities. Users must switch between apps manually or rely on Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for limited concurrent viewing. This limitation becomes apparent when trying to reference a document while typing an email or monitoring navigation while messaging.

Tip: On the Galaxy Z Flip 5, swipe up from the bottom while using an app to instantly open a second app in split-screen view—no menu diving required.

Multitasking Features Compared

To evaluate true multitasking performance, we assess five key areas: screen utilization, app pairing efficiency, task switching, background processing, and input methods.

Screen Utilization and App Layouts

The Z Flip 5’s foldable screen enables true side-by-side app usage. With Android 13’s improved Taskbar (accessible in landscape mode), users can dock up to three favorite apps at the bottom, dragging them onto the main screen to create resizable split views. This mimics desktop-like window management, ideal for comparing spreadsheets, watching tutorials while taking notes, or shopping while checking reviews.

The iPhone 15 Plus, despite its generous screen size, cannot natively run two full apps simultaneously. The closest equivalent is PiP, which shrinks video or FaceTime calls into a floating window. However, this only works with select apps and doesn’t allow interaction with both apps at full scale. You can’t, for instance, have Messages and Safari side by side without third-party workarounds.

App Switching and Recent Apps Management

Samsung’s recent apps menu supports tiling suggestions. After closing a split-screen session, the system remembers the combination and offers a one-tap relaunch option. This memory feature enhances workflow continuity—especially useful for recurring tasks like checking flight status while updating travel plans.

iOS handles app switching through a vertical carousel of thumbnails. While visually clean, it lacks gesture-based shortcuts for restoring previous multitasking states. Fast switching is possible via double-pressing the side button, but there’s no persistent visual indicator of active background tasks beyond the small green PiP icon.

Background Processing and Performance

Both devices are powered by top-tier chipsets—the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and Apple’s A16 Bionic—ensuring smooth operation under load. However, sustained multitasking reveals differences in thermal management and RAM allocation.

The Z Flip 5 includes 8GB of RAM, sufficient for keeping multiple apps active. Samsung’s software aggressively suspends inactive processes to preserve battery, but reopens them quickly upon return. The iPhone 15 Plus uses 6GB of RAM but benefits from iOS’s efficient memory compression. Still, users report occasional reloads of background tabs in Safari after extended multitasking sessions.

“Foldables aren’t just about novelty—they’re about redefining how we interact with information. The Z Flip 5 turns the phone into a micro-desktop.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Human-Computer Interaction Researcher, MIT Media Lab

Real-World Multitasking Scenarios

To understand practical performance, consider three common on-the-go situations:

Scenario 1: Commuting with Work Updates

A marketing manager takes the train to a client meeting. She needs to review a presentation in Google Slides, respond to Slack messages, and check her calendar—all while navigating via Google Maps.

• Z Flip 5: Opens Maps on the top half, Slides on the bottom. Uses the Taskbar to launch Slack in a pop-up window. All three apps remain accessible without switching.
• iPhone 15 Plus: Must toggle between apps. Can run Maps in PiP while viewing Slides, but cannot type in Slack without exiting the presentation.

Scenario 2: Student Studying in a Café

A university student researches a paper using Safari, takes notes in Notion, and listens to a lecture recording.

• Z Flip 5: Splits screen between Safari and Notion. Plays audio in the background without interruption. Easily copies text between windows via drag-and-drop.
• iPhone 15 Plus: Listens to audio in PiP. Must copy text manually by switching apps. No direct drag-and-drop support between Safari and Notion.

Scenario 3: Travel Planning During Layover

A traveler compares hotel prices on Booking.com, checks flight times on Delta, and texts a friend about dinner plans.

• Z Flip 5: Runs Booking and Delta side-by-side. Replies to messages using the keyboard without closing either browser tab.
• iPhone 15 Plus: Frequently loses place in booking flow when switching to Messages. Requires reloading pages after returning.

Tip: Use the Z Flip 5’s “Link to Windows” feature to mirror recent apps from your PC, maintaining workflow continuity across devices.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5	iPhone 15 Plus
Split-Screen Support	Yes – native, resizable, drag-and-drop enabled	No – only Picture-in-Picture for select apps
App Pairing	Yes – save and recall custom combinations	No
Taskbar / Dock	Yes – customizable quick-launch bar	No equivalent
One-Handed Usability	Excellent when folded; good when open	Good with Reachability enabled
Background App Refresh	Aggressive suspension to save power	Efficient but may reload after delay
Drag-and-Drop Between Apps	Yes – text, images, links	No
Typing Efficiency (Multitask)	High – split keyboard, predictive resizing	Moderate – single app focus

Step-by-Step Guide: Optimizing Multitasking on Each Device

Maximizing productivity requires setup. Here’s how to configure each phone for peak multitasking performance.

For Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

1. Open Settings > Advanced Features > Labs and enable “Taskbar” if not already active.
2. Add frequently used app pairs (e.g., Gmail + Calendar) via Multi-Window Manager.
3. Customize the cover screen to show widgets like To-Do lists or reminders for quick access.
4. Use Flex Mode to prop the phone on a table and run video calls on top, notes below.
5. Enable “Pop-up View” for apps you want to keep floating (e.g., Calculator).

For iPhone 15 Plus

1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch to create a shortcut for fast app switching.
2. Enable Picture-in-Picture in Settings > General > Picture in Picture.
3. Use Focus Modes to filter notifications during work sessions.
4. Leverage Siri Shortcuts to automate repetitive actions (e.g., “Start Work Mode” opens Mail, Notes, and Calendar).
5. Install third-party launchers or note-taking apps that support sidebar overlays (e.g., Notability).

Checklist: Choosing the Right Device for Your Workflow

Answer these questions to determine which phone aligns best with your multitasking needs:

• ✅ Do you regularly need to view two apps at once? → Choose Z Flip 5
• ✅ Is one-handed portability critical? → Both perform well, but Z Flip 5 folds smaller
• ✅ Do you rely heavily on Apple ecosystem services (iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop)? → iPhone 15 Plus integrates seamlessly
• ✅ Do you value hardware durability over cutting-edge features? → iPhone 15 Plus has proven build longevity
• ✅ Are you willing to adapt to a new interaction model? → Z Flip 5 rewards learning its gestures
• ✅ Do you prioritize long-term software updates? → Both offer 5+ years, but iOS updates are more uniform

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 15 Plus do split-screen like an iPad?

No. Despite running the same iOS as iPads, iPhones—including the 15 Plus—do not support native split-screen multitasking. Apple restricts this feature to larger devices, likely due to interface scaling concerns.

Does the Z Flip 5’s hinge wear out quickly with frequent multitasking?

Samsung claims the hinge is dust-resistant and rated for 200,000 folds—equivalent to five years of average use. Real-world reports show minimal degradation, though heavy daily folding may require cautious handling over time.

Is multitasking smoother on Android or iOS overall?

iOS excels in animation fluidity and app launch speed. However, Android—especially Samsung’s One UI—offers deeper multitasking customization. The answer depends on whether you value polish (iOS) or functionality (Android).

Conclusion: Functionality Wins Over Familiarity

When evaluating the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and iPhone 15 Plus for on-the-go multitasking, the decision hinges on workflow demands versus ecosystem comfort. The iPhone 15 Plus delivers a refined, reliable experience with excellent battery life and camera quality. Yet, its inability to run two full apps side by side limits true multitasking potential.

In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 transforms the smartphone into a dynamic productivity tool. Its foldable design, combined with thoughtful software features like resizable split screens, app pairing, and drag-and-drop, creates a mobile environment closer to a laptop than a traditional phone. For users whose days involve constant context switching, rapid information synthesis, and parallel task execution, the Z Flip 5 isn’t just better—it’s fundamentally different.

If you're ready to embrace a new way of working, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 sets a new standard for mobile efficiency. It proves that sometimes, the future of productivity isn’t bigger—it’s smarter.

🚀 Ready to rethink how you work on your phone? Try a foldable demo at a Samsung store or test split-screen workflows on a friend’s device. Share your experience below—how could multitasking evolve to fit your daily grind?