Why You Can Trust CNET Galaxy Fold vs. Z Fold 2 vs. Z Flip: Comparing Samsung's current foldable phones
We could see updates to Samsung's foldables soon with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. But, for now, here's how the Galaxy Fold, Z Fold 2 and Z Flip stack up against each other.
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Samsung has a growing collection of foldable phones. The company's portfolio includes the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the Galaxy Z Flip and original Galaxy Fold. Although Samsung already has a substantial collection of foldable phone lines, we could see new additions to Samsung's collection for the company's August Unpacked event this week. It's rumored the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 could be revealed during the event. But, in the meantime, how do Samsung's current foldables compare to each other?
Read more: How to watch Samsung Unpacked for Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3 and more
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 was revealed in 2020 as a sequel to the original Galaxy Fold. Samsung refined a number of the original Fold's features for the Fold 2, including fixing one of its biggest issues: the front display. It's also bumped up the battery capacity, added 5G and redesigned the hinge that was introduced in the Z Flip. Like its Samsung-made foldable predecessors, the Fold uses a refined sweeper technology to repel dust and dirt particles that can gather under the display.
Read more: Galaxy Z Fold 3: Samsung foldable gets S Pen support, water resistance and a price drop
Apart from numerical specs, the Fold family of phones is fundamentally different in design from the Z Flip. The former opens and closes like a book, and features two screens: One on the front cover of that you can use when it's closed, and a much larger "Infinity Flex" display you can use when you open up the device. The Z Flip, meanwhile, has a lighter more compact clamshell design that unfolds vertically.
The second-gen Fold is the heaviest and most expensive Fold, and Samsung has reduced its storage capacity. Unlike the original model, which came with 512GB of storage, the Fold 2 has 256GB. It doesn't have a microSD slot.
For more details, take a look at CNET's specs chart below.
Read more: Top foldable phones: Galaxy Z Flip, Motorola Razr, Huawei Mate X and more
Galaxy Fold 2 vs. Fold vs. Z Flip
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 | Samsung Galaxy Fold | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display size | Internal: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED; external: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED | Internal: 7.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED (plastic); external: 4.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED (Gorilla Glass 6) | Internal: 6.7-inch Dynamic OLED) with folding glass (UTG); external: 1.1-inch Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2,260x816 + 2,208x1,768 pixels | 2,152x1,536 + 1,680x720 pixels | 2,636x1,080 + 300x112 pixels |
| Pixel density | 386ppi + 373ppi | 362ppi (internal screen) | 425ppi (internal); 303ppi (external) |
| Dimensions (Inches) | Folded: 2.67x6.26x0.6 in (hinge) ~ 0.54 in (sagging); unfolded: 5.04x6.26x0.27 in (frame) ~ 0.23 in (screen) | Folded: 6.3x2.5x0.6 in; unfolded: 6.3x4.6x0.3 in | Folded: 2.99x3.44x0.62 ~ 0.68 in; unfolded: 2.99 x6.59x0.27 ~0.28 in |
| Dimensions (Millimeters) | Folded: 68.0x159.2x16.8mm (hinge) ~ 13.8mm (sagging); unfolded: 128.2x159.2x6.9mm (frame) ~ 6.0mm (screen) | Folded: 62.8x161x15.7mm ~ 17.1mm; unfolded: 117.9x161x6.9mm ~ 7.6mm | Folded: 73.6x87.4x17.4mm; unfolded: 73.6x167.3x7.2mm |
| Weight (Ounces, Grams) | 10 oz; 282 g | 9.7 oz; 276 g | 6.45 oz; 183 g |
| Mobile software | Android 10 | Android 9 | Android 10 |
| Camera | 12-megapixel (main) + 12-megapixel (wide angle) + 12-megapixel (telephoto) | 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 16-megapixel (ultra wide-angle), 12-megapixel (telephoto) | 12-megapixel (main), 12-megapixel (wide angle) |
| Front-facing camera | 10-megapixel, 10-megapixel | Two 10-megapixel, 8-megapixel | 10-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K | 4K (HDR 10 Plus) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 Plus | Snapdragon 855 | Snapdragon 865 Plus |
| Storage | 256GB | 512GB | 256GB |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB | 8GB |
| Expandable storage | No | No | No |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 4,380 mAh | 3,300 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | Side | Power button | Side |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | No | No | No |
| Special features | Foldable display, 120Hz refresh rate, wireless charging support | Foldable display, wireless charging, fast charging | 5G, reversible wireless charging, foldable display |
| Price off-contract (USD) | $1,999 | $1,980 | $1,450 |
| Price (GBP) | £1,799 | £1,900 | £1,399 |
| Price (AUD) | ~AU$3,280 converted | AU$2,999 | AU$1,999 (Galaxy Z Flip 4G) |