Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23
Starting at
£235.29£1,019.00 new
Galaxy Z Fold5
Starting at
£402.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Fold5?
Galaxy S23 vs Z Fold5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 starts at £235.29, £166.71 less than the Galaxy Z Fold5.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold5.
- The Galaxy Z Fold5 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5 specs
The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Fold5 both run Android and come from 2023, but they suit different needs. The Galaxy S23 is a straightforward smartphone with a 6.1 inch screen, 8 GB of RAM, and a 3900 mAh battery, making it well suited for everyday use with a compact design. The Galaxy Z Fold5 folds open to offer a much larger 7.6 inch screen, 12 GB of RAM, and a bigger 4400 mAh battery, ideal if you want a device that works as both a phone and a mini tablet for multitasking and media. The S23 has a higher resolution front camera, while the Z Fold5 offers more storage options and a distinctive foldable screen that changes how you interact with apps.
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5 price
Colour
- BlackStarting at £250.85
- BeigeStarting at £241.85
- LimeStarting at £250.85
- GreyStarting at £250.85
- GreenStarting at £235.29
- PurpleStarting at £241.85
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- BeigeSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design. They differ in battery capacity and form factor, which influence daily use and handling.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a 4400 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S23's 3900 mAh. This means the Z Fold5 can offer longer usage between charges, which suits users who spend more time on their device or use its larger screen extensively. The S23's battery size is still sufficient for typical daily use without frequent recharging.
Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Fold5 is foldable, allowing it to switch between a phone and a larger, tablet-like screen. This suits users who want a versatile device for multitasking or media consumption. The Galaxy S23 is a traditional smartphone shape, favoured by those who prefer a simpler, more compact design.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5 performance
Performance depends on processor power, RAM, and storage options. Both phones share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, ensuring strong processing ability. RAM and storage vary, influencing multitasking and space for apps and files.
RAM Capacity
The Galaxy Z Fold5 comes with 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open at once and supports heavy multitasking, especially useful on its large foldable screen. The Galaxy S23 offers 8 GB of RAM, which is enough to run everyday apps smoothly for most users.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions, while the Galaxy Z Fold5 starts at 256GB and goes up to 1TB. This makes the Z Fold5 a better fit if you need more space for photos, videos, or apps, particularly if you use the device for work or media.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with apps. Both devices have a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The screen sizes, resolution, and type differ, shaping the user experience for media and multitasking.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a 7.6 inch foldable screen, which creates a spacious display perfect for watching videos, reading, or using multiple apps side by side. The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1 inch screen which fits comfortably in one hand and suits everyday phone use.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy S23 offers a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, delivering a crisp view on its smaller screen. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a resolution of 1812 x 2176 pixels on its foldable screen, balancing sharpness with the much larger display area for detailed visuals.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S23 uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, known for bright colours and deep blacks. The Galaxy Z Fold5 features a foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, providing similar quality but with the added flexibility of folding to change how you use the device.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5 camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras, important for selfies, video calls, and photography. Both devices share the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera specs.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S23 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls, making it a good choice if front-facing photography is important. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a 4 megapixel front camera, which is functional but offers lower resolution.
Main Camera
Both the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Fold5 have a 50 megapixel main camera, capable of capturing detailed photos and videos. This means either device can meet the needs of users who prioritise high-quality main photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5 size and design
Miscellaneous details cover size, weight, network compatibility, and connectors. These affect comfort, portability, and ease of use in daily life.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Z Fold5 is larger and heavier at 154.9 mm tall, 67.1 mm wide, 13.4 mm deep, and weighing 253 g. This suits users who prioritise a large screen and don't mind extra bulk. The Galaxy S23 is more compact and lighter at 146.3 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, 7.6 mm deep, and 168 g, fitting comfortably in a pocket and hand.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G mobile networks, so you can use either with a variety of carriers and enjoy fast mobile internet speeds.
SIM and Connector
Both the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Fold5 support a physical SIM and eSIM, and use USB-C connectors. This makes them flexible for connectivity and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 or Galaxy Z Fold5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £235.29, £166.71 less than the Galaxy Z Fold5
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 4 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (168 g vs 253 g)
Buy the Galaxy Z Fold5 if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4400 mAh vs 3900 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who choose the Galaxy S23 say it looks and works like new, with many praising its strong battery life and fast performance. They highlight how the screen is perfect and the camera captures detailed photos. Buyers appreciate the value for money in refurbished condition and find the phone suits everyday needs well. A few mention the phone feels fast and stylish and suits travel apps and daily tasks with ease.
Galaxy Z Fold5 customers enjoy the phone's large foldable screen, calling it excellent for watching videos and multitasking with multiple apps open. Many comment on how clean and like new the device looks, with some noting the crease on the inner screen is barely noticeable. The battery life is praised for lasting nearly two days with optimisation and the phone is described as fast and versatile. A few buyers mention the weight but still enjoy the device's features and size.
The Galaxy S23 suits those who want a compact, reliable smartphone with good battery and camera quality for everyday use. The Galaxy Z Fold5 is better for users who want a large, foldable screen for multitasking and media and who value extra RAM and storage.
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy Z Fold5 FAQs
Galaxy S23 vs Z Fold5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold5. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S23 is cheaper refurbished, from £235.29 compared with £402 for the Galaxy Z Fold5.
The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 gets updates until Feb 2028. The Galaxy Z Fold5 gets updates until Aug 2028.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Galaxy Z Fold5 in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
