Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Our Verdict: Samsung Galaxy S23 leads on the higher-resolution 50MP rear camera and the lighter 167g body, but Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 answers with the bigger screen and storage options up to 512GB. Samsung Galaxy S23 starts lower SIM-free at £209, roughly £70.99 below Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. Choose Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 if you care most about the bigger screen and storage options up to 512GB; choose Samsung Galaxy S23 if the lower cost is the priority.

Over a full contract, the S23 5G works out around £549 all-in, about £149 less than the Z Flip5 5G.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.7"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1080 x 2640
Pixels Per Inch
422 426
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Battery
3,900 mAh 3,700 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Android 13 Android
SIM Type
Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm -
Weight
167 grams 187 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts
£20.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £54.83/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£219.99 £299.99

Prices updated 9 August 2026

Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.7"
Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2640
Pixels Per Inch 422 426
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Battery 3,900 mAh 3,700 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB 256GB, 512GB
OS Android 13 Android
SIM Type Nano SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm -
Weight 167 grams 187 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Contracts £20.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£54.83/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £219.99 £299.99
Prices updated 9 August 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S23

24 Months

128GB

Phantom Black

Refurbished

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£20.99 per month, £19 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

12 Months

256GB

Graphite

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£54.83 per month, £30 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper on contract at £548.76 over the life of the deal from £20.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 422 pixels per inch, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 has a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £219.99.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 20g lighter at 167 grams.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.