Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

Our Verdict: Comparing Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, the choice mostly comes down to display quality versus portability. The Z Fold5 gives you a larger 7.6-inch screen, its Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, and a larger 4,400 mAh battery, while the S23 is more appealing for a sharper 422 PPI display, its Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, and a higher-resolution 12MP front camera. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Choose the Z Fold5 for display quality; choose the S23 if portability matters more.

The S23 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £552 over a typical contract, £348 less than the Z Fold5 5G.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Screen
6.1" 7.6"
Display
Dynamic AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1080 x 2340 1812 x 2176
Pixels Per Inch
422 373
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset
Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
Battery
3,900 mAh 4,400 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 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm
Weight
167 grams 275 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) £71.50/mo (£30.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£239.00 £359.99
Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Screen 6.1" 7.6"
Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1812 x 2176
Pixels Per Inch 422 373
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 4 Megapixels
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
Battery 3,900 mAh 4,400 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 5.2 with A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm 158.5 x 67.5 x 14.5 mm
Weight 167 grams 275 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
£71.50/mo
£30.00 upfront
SIM-free £239.00 £359.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S23

24 Months

128GB

Phantom Black

Refurbished

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£20.99 a month, £19 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

12 Months

512GB

Phantom Black

Refurbished

5GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£71.50 a month, £30 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper on contract at £552.36 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 Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has the bigger screen at 7.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 373, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has a Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has a 50 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 Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.

What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 use?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 uses the Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 108g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is rated IPX8 - water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins).

What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 run?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.