Galaxy S23+ Vs Galaxy Z Flip5

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

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Galaxy Z Flip5
Galaxy Z Flip5
Starting at

Refurbished price:£266.76

Versus £1,145.61 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, launched in August 2023, represent distinct approaches to modern smartphone design. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S23 Plus offers a traditional, expansive smartphone experience, whereas the Z Flip5 introduces a compact, foldable form factor with a prominent external display. These differences cater to varying user preferences regarding portability, screen interaction, and overall device utility.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Galaxy Z Flip5 benefit from Samsung's commitment to software support, though their physical designs present different aspects of durability.

  • Software Support: Both models were released with Android 13 and are eligible for four major Android OS upgrades, extending their software lifespan up to Android 17. They are also guaranteed five years of security updates, ensuring continued protection through 2028 or 2029.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a traditional slab design with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, complemented by an Armor Aluminum frame, offering IP68 dust and water resistance. The Galaxy Z Flip5 also uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an Armor Aluminum frame, and boasts IPX8 water resistance, but lacks official dust resistance due to its folding mechanism. The Z Flip5's hinge mechanism has been improved for enhanced durability and a gapless fold.
  • Expected Lifespan: Users can expect both devices to remain functional and receive critical updates for several years. The S23 Plus, with its rigid design, may offer a more predictable long-term physical integrity, while the Z Flip5's folding parts, despite improvements, introduce additional mechanical considerations over time.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Galaxy Z Flip5 deliver robust performance suitable for demanding applications and multitasking, powered by similar internal components.

  • Processing Power: Both devices are equipped with a current-generation processor, enabling smooth operation across everyday tasks, intensive gaming, and complex applications. Users can expect rapid app loading times and seamless transitions between multiple open applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Each model comes with 8GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking. Storage options typically include 256GB and 512GB, providing ample space for apps, media, and documents.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700mAh battery, often providing excellent endurance that can extend to two days of moderate use. The Galaxy Z Flip5, with its 3700mAh battery, offers improved battery life compared to its predecessors, typically lasting a full day for many users, though it may require more frequent charging under heavy usage scenarios.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience differs significantly between these two Samsung smartphones, primarily due to the Z Flip5's unique foldable design and secondary external screen.

  • Main Display Technology: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch flat display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. The Galaxy Z Flip5 offers a 6.7-inch foldable main screen with a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness, with the S23 Plus adapting from 48-120Hz and the Z Flip5 from 1-120Hz for potentially greater power efficiency. Peak brightness levels are high on both, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Unique External Display: The Galaxy Z Flip5 distinguishes itself with a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover screen, allowing users to view notifications, control music, take selfies, and interact with widgets without unfolding the device. The S23 Plus, as a traditional smartphone, does not feature a secondary display.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2640

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy Z Flip5 are designed for different photographic priorities, with the S23 Plus offering a more versatile setup.

  • Rear Camera Configuration: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a triple-camera system, including a 50MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a dual-camera setup on its rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens with OIS and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 Plus excels in various lighting conditions, offering detailed photos with good dynamic range and consistent color. Its dedicated telephoto lens provides greater flexibility for zoomed shots and portraits. The Z Flip5's cameras capture lively photos in daylight with pleasing colors, and its low-light performance is also capable. A notable feature of the Z Flip5 is the ability to use its higher-quality rear cameras for selfies via the cover screen.
  • Video Capabilities: Both devices support high-resolution video recording, with the S23 Plus capable of up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps, and the Z Flip5 supporting UHD 4K at 60fps. Audio recording quality for calls and videos is clear on both.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of the Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy Z Flip5.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast and stable wireless connections. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a USB-C 3.2 port, offering faster data transfer speeds, while the Galaxy Z Flip5 uses a USB-C 2.0 port. Neither device includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: Both models incorporate an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The S23 Plus also offers reliable face unlock, though it is less secure than the fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus is a larger, traditional smartphone, weighing 196g and measuring 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm. The Galaxy Z Flip5's foldable design makes it significantly more compact when closed (85.1 x 71.9 x 15.1 mm) and lighter at 187g, enhancing portability. When unfolded, it measures 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm.

Weight

196 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7 /3.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy Z Flip5 cater to distinct user needs, each offering a compelling set of features. User feedback often praises the Galaxy S23 Plus for its exceptional battery life, robust performance, and versatile camera system, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a traditional, high-end smartphone experience. Some users, however, might find its design less innovative compared to foldable alternatives.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 is frequently lauded for its compact, pocketable design and the enhanced utility of its larger cover screen, which allows for quick interactions without fully opening the device. Its performance is also highly regarded. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life, which, while improved, may not match the endurance of larger slab phones, and its camera specifications, which are considered modest compared to some non-folding flagships.

Users prioritizing extended battery life, a larger continuous display for media consumption, and a comprehensive camera system with a telephoto lens may find the Galaxy S23 Plus better suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value ultimate portability, a unique form factor, and the convenience of a functional external display for quick tasks will likely lean towards the Galaxy Z Flip5. Both devices offer a premium Android experience with long-term software support. For those considering a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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