June Wan and Jason Cipriani/

Samsung has spent the past half a decade building and refining its Galaxy Z Flip foldable, from mastering the delicate display technology to creating a hinge system strong enough to last through every use case imaginable. Today, the company is releasing its most polished Z Flip yet, and it fully represents the best that Samsung has to offer.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: 3 features I like (and 2 that I still wish for)

But with a new smartphone on the market comes the usual question of whether or not you should make the upgrade. If you're split between the latestZ Flip 5 and last year's Z Flip 4, you've come to the right place.

Specifications

	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Display	External: 1.9-inch Super AMOLED, Internal: 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED with 120Hz	External: 3.4-inch Super AMOLED, Internal: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED with 120Hz
Weight	187g	187g
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM/Storage	8GB RAM with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB	8GB RAM with 256GB, 512GB
Battery	3,700mAh with 25W charging, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare	3,700mAh with 25W charging, Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare
Camera	12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP front	12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP front
Connectivity	5G (sub-6 GHz)	5G (sub-6 GHz)

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You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 if...

June Wan/

1. A more dust-resistant design matters to you

One of the problems with last year'sSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 was how the clamshell design left an awkward gap between the folded display. The Z Flip 5's redesigned hinge fixes that, allowing for a gapless fit when both sides of the screen are folded shut. This passively improves the dust resistance of the phone, preventing debris and particles from easily seeping into the bend.

Also: Samsung's Z Flip 5 finally has the one feature everyone's been asking for

The Z Flip 5's revamped hinge design also includes rubberized edges along the inner display bezel, which should keep unwanted solid particles from getting wedged inside.

2. You want a larger external display

The Z Flip smartphones include a cover screen that allows users to preview photos and widgets without opening the phone. While the Z Flip 4's display window was larger than its predecessors, it still wasn't large enough for meaningful interactions.

The Z Flip 5 debuts with a larger 3.4-inch cover screen called Flex Window. The larger display allows users to respond to text messages with a full-sized keyboard, open full-screen apps, and even watch videos.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

$999 at Samsung

You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 if...

Jason Hiner/

1. Your carrier has better deals

Following the launch of the Z Flip 5, we're seeing noticeably steeper deals available for the older Z Flip 4. Right now, major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are offering trade-in and 5G-exclusive deals for last year's model.

Also: Motorola Razr Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: Which foldable should you buy?

Additionally, if you have a T-Mobile Go5G Plus Plan and trade in an eligible Samsung, Apple, OnePlus, or Google Pixel device, you can receive up to$800 off the Z Flip 4. 

2. A refurbished model is the least of your worries

Retailers like Amazon often discount almost 50% on refurbished models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Just because they're marked as refurbished or renewed doesn't make them any less viable. These phones are fully functional and in excellent condition, according to Amazon's program. They're also unlocked and compatible with major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

$799.99 at Amazon

Alternatives to consider

BEST FLIP PHONE ALTERNATIVE

Motorola Razr Plus

The Motorola Razr Plus features the same horizontal clamshell fold as the Z Flip 5 but offers dust resistance and a useful external display.

View at Best Buy

BEST GOOGLE ALTERNATIVE

Google Pixel Fold

Google's take on foldable smartphones provides a more bloatware-free software experience and a wider display for your viewing pleasure.

View at Google

Samsung Unpacked

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: Three features I love (and two that I still wish for)Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra hands-on review: Minor improvements to an already great tabletHow to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5, Tab S6 and moreSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 hands-on review: Three upgrades that make a notable differenceWe tested every foldable phone on the market. These are the best models

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: Three features I love (and two that I still wish for)
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra hands-on review: Minor improvements to an already great tablet
• How to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5, Tab S6 and more
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 hands-on review: Three upgrades that make a notable difference
• We tested every foldable phone on the market. These are the best models