By
Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor
Last updated

Samsung's next-generation foldables are here. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a case of polish and refinement. While Samsung hasn't made any sweeping changes in terms of the overall idea, the Z Fold 5 is thinner, lighter, and has a zero-gap hinge (which means it folds entirely flat).

How much does the Galaxy Z Fold 5 cost in Australia?


The Galaxy Z Fold 5 starts at $2,599 for a 256GB model in Australia. This makes it $100 more expensive than last year's Galaxy Z Fold 4. If you want to go all out, the top-end 1TB model will set you back $3,149. 

Here's the complete pricing for Samsung's new foldables: 

2023 Samsung foldable pricing
Phone RRPSee Price On
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (256GB) $1,649SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (512GB) $1,849SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (256GB) $2,599SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (512GB) $2,799SamsungAmazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (1TB) $3,149SamsungAmazon

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review: It’s time to turn the page
Computer graph comparison

Galaxy Z Fold 5 features


The Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn't reinvent Samsung's foldables, but has nice quality of life changes that make it a more polished device. 

Galaxy Z Fold 5 design

All the biggest Galaxy Z Fold 5 changes are design related. To start, the Z Fold 5 has a zero-gap hinge. This means it folds entirely flat, similar to competitors like the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra. Previous Z Fold models have had a visible gap between halves when folded shut. Similarly, the Z Fold 5 has a less prominent display crease. 

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is also 10g lighter and 2.4mm thinner last year's model. While the Galaxy Z Flip 5 got a larger external display this time around, the Z Fold 5's screens still measure in at 6.2-inch and 7.6-inch. 

There's still S Pen support, but unlike the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung hasn't incorporated its trademark stylus into the Z Fold 5's body. That being said, there's a new Z Fold 5 case that has a mostly flush storage solution for the S Pen. 

Galaxy Z Fold 5 camera

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has the same camera configuration as the Galaxy Z Fold 4 (50MP primary lens, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 10MP 3x zoom lens), but a new image sensor under the hood. In our testing, we found the camera is pretty good, but we would have liked more consistent results for the price. 

Galaxy Z Fold 5 battery

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is powered by a 4,400mAh battery - just like the Galaxy Z Fold 4. In our testing, we found the Z Fold 5 should comfortably last a full day per charge, and potentially as long as two with lighter usage. 

Galaxy Z Fold 5 processor

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. 

Galaxy Z Fold 5 5G

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 naturally has 5G connectivity.

WhistleOut's coverage checker tool has 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G. All you need to do is pop in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map. 

This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.

Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings. 

Galaxy Z Fold 5 plan providers


Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are all ranging the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Here's a breakdown of the major benefits you can expect from each provider. 

Telstra Galaxy Z Fold 5 plans

Telstra

  • Data-free access to Apple Music
  • Access to the Telstra Plus perks and rewards program

Telstra Galaxy plans are often the priciest on the Australian market, but they do come with a host of perks.

Telstra lets you pay your Galaxy off over 12, 24, or 36 months, and all plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your cap, your data will simply be slowed to speeds of 1.5Mbps, which is still fast enough to stream video in SD. But speeds may be slower during peak times.

Optus Galaxy Z Fold 5 plans

Optus

  • Discounted access to Optus Sport
  • $5 for 5GB of roaming data when overseas 

Optus Galaxy plans come with solid data inclusions. 

Higher-end Optus plans also come with unlimited international calls to selected destinations included with the plan. 

All Optus plans are contract-free, and devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months.

In addition, all Optus postpaid plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your allowance, you'll be slowed to 1.5Mbps rather than being billed $10 per gigabyte.

Vodafone Galaxy Z Fold 5 plans

Vodafone

  • Bundling options
  • Access to Vodafone's famous $5 roaming

Vodafone Galaxy plans may not come with the kinds of freebies and perks you can get from Optus or Telstra, but they have bonuses when it comes to bundling. 

If you have a Vodafone mobile plan, you can get most of the telco's internet plans - NBN, 5G home internet, and 4G home internet - at a discounted rate. 

Vodafone customers also save 5% on their total mobile bill for each postpaid mobile plan on their account after the first. This discount maxes out at 20% and doesn't include handset repayments. 

Vodafone postpaid plans are all free from excess data charges. When you go over your plan allowance, you'll be capped at 2Mbps. You'll also get access to Vodafone's famous $5 roaming, which is still easily the best way to travel with your Australian phone number.

How to choose the best Galaxy Z Fold 5 plan for you


There are a few key factors to keep in mind when picking a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 plan:

  1. Answering "how much mobile data do I use" can help you avoid overspending. Don't pay for more data than you need - there's no point going for a 100GB plan if you can make do with 30GB, for example
  2. Decide whether you want to pay off your phone shorter on a 24-month plan or get a smaller bill over a longer period of time on a 36-month plan
  3. If you're a frequent overseas traveller consider international roaming inclusions
  4. You may also want to make international phone calls so check if the destinations you may be calling are included in your plan

For a breakdown of the best Samsung plans - from unlimited data plans to plans with international calls - check out our guide. Or read more about our picks for the best Samsung phones. 

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros
Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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