Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Green 256GB 2023 Review

The Galaxy Z Flip5 refurb offers killer performance and a stunning foldable screen in a super compact package. But its cameras are mediocre and durability is a real question mark. Worth it only if you really, really want that flip.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is a refurbished foldable that's all about the form factor. You're getting that compact, clamshell design that folds into something that actually fits in a pocket, which is the whole point. It's not the latest model, but as a refurb, it offers flagship-tier specs from a couple years back at a more palatable price point, assuming you're cool with the foldable life.

Performance is a major strength here. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is still a beast, landing in the 95th percentile in our database. It'll handle any game or app you throw at it without breaking a sweat. The 6.7" AMOLED main display is gorgeous and super responsive, scoring in the 98th percentile. Just know that the battery life is merely good, not great (80th percentile), and the cameras are a clear step behind modern flagships, sitting down in the 37th percentile.

At around $700 for a refurbished unit, the value proposition is tricky. You're paying a premium for the folding form factor itself. For that money, you could get a brand new, non-folding phone with better cameras, better battery life, and more peace of mind on durability. The value is only there if the flip-phone compactness is a non-negotiable feature for you.

Stacked up, it's a niche play. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE at a similar price gives you a better overall package—superior cameras, better battery, and a flat screen—but in a larger body. The Google Pixel 10 will run circles around it in photography. Even the Apple iPhone 16e offers a more polished and reliable daily driver. The Z Flip5 only wins if you absolutely must have a phone that folds in half to fit in tiny pockets or purses.

Skip this phone if you take a lot of photos. Its camera scores in the bottom third of phones we've tested. Also, if you're rough on your gear or work in dusty environments, the low ruggedness score is a major red flag. Look at a traditional flagship or a rugged phone instead.

Buy the Galaxy Z Flip5 refurb if you're deeply enamored with the flip phone nostalgia and compact form factor, and you prioritize raw performance and screen quality over camera prowess and ruggedness. It's for the style-conscious user who wants a conversation starter and values pocketability above all else.