Samsung opted for flat, not fresh, in the latest iteration of its flagship foldable phone.
The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 made its debut at the company’s Galaxy Unpacked event Wednesday (alongside the new Galaxy Z Flip 5, two new Galaxy Watches, and three new Galaxy Tabs). Its spec sheet is nearly identical to that of last year’s Mashable’s Choice Award-winning Z Fold 4 — it even has the same starting price of $1,799.99 — though it did get a redesigned hinge that allows it to close completely, sans gap. It’s also powered by a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
Available in five colors (two of which are Samsung.com exclusives), the Z Fold 5 can now be reserved at several major retailers and carriers ahead of its formal launch on Friday, Aug. 11. But a word to the wise: Not all preorder deals are created equal.
Your carrier will likely give you a free storage upgrade to the 512GB model (worth $120) and some free monthly bill credits if you reserve the Z Fold 5 directly through it, with the caveat of a trade-in and/or a new line. If you want an unlocked phone that doesn’t require a new plan or forfeiting an old device, your best bet is to go through Amazon or Best Buy.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 deal on Amazon
The online retailer throws in a free $200 gift card and the 512GB storage bump when you reserve the Z Fold 5 there — that works out to a $320 savings altogether. This is one of the biggest gift card deals Amazon has ever offered with a smartphone preorder: Earlier this year, it gave away $50 vouchers with the Google Pixel 7a and $100 apiece with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and OnePlus 11.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 deal at Best Buy
Best Buy will give you a storage upgrade, a free $100 gift card, and an extremely random one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate worth $16.99 with a Z Fold 5 preorder, for a total savings of $236.99. (You can choose between an unlocked device or one that’s activated on a Verizon plan.) If you’re ready to part ways with your current phone, you can get up to $1,000 off the Z Fold 5 by trading it in.
