How I Found Out If The Galaxy Z Fold 5 Is Better As A Tablet Or A Phone?

I had two phones on hand — my iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Galaxy Z Fold 5. When I use the iPhone, it’s like any other phone. However, with the Galaxy Z Fold 5, I treat it more like a small tablet.

That may not seem too strange, especially since this is my first time with a foldable device, and I’m enjoying the novelty of the large 7.6-inch main screen.

However, I noticed it actually limits how I use it. I rarely want to take the Galaxy Z Fold 5 out with me or use it for anything besides watching videos or reading articles.

To test it more like a regular phone, I switched my SIM card from my iPhone to the Galaxy Z Fold 5. This gave me new insights into how I use phones and how device shapes can affect that.

Is the Galaxy Z Fold 5 Bigger Than Expected

One of the main differences between a foldable phone and a regular one is the screen size — it’s larger on the foldable. But there's more to it. Until you hold a foldable phone like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in your hand, you may not realize just how thick it is when folded.

For comparison, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a thickness of about 7.85mm, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is 13.4mm when folded.

This added thickness impacts how portable the device feels. Walking around with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in my pocket, I could feel its presence, and people nearby could probably see it, too. If you’re someone who prefers a more subtle device, this might be a drawback, especially if you’re carrying such an expensive piece of technology.

The thickness was also very noticeable when I used it for phone calls. These days, many people use wireless earbuds, so holding a phone up to your ear may be rare, but if you do, you'll feel how thick the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is. Plus, it feels secure in your hand, even if it’s a bit heavier than most standard phones.

How to use the Front Screen of Galaxy Z Fold 5

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a 6.2-inch outer screen that’s noticeably slimmer than typical phone displays. If you want to avoid unfolding the device each time to access the larger inner screen, you'll need to adapt to this narrow cover display.

Typing on this outer screen can be tricky. Even without a case, hitting the right keys can be a challenge, as they’re close together.

My case sometimes caused half the keys to misfire, but even without it, typing was still awkward. Thankfully, the phone offers typing suggestions, which help somewhat, though typing still feels slow and cramped.

While not ideal, the front display is usable for smaller tasks, like watching short videos or quickly checking messages. Over time, I adjusted to the narrower screen for casual use. When I needed more space for work, I could simply unfold the phone to access the larger main screen inside.

(Interestingly, rumors say the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 may feature a wider cover display, similar to other foldables like the OnePlus Open and Google Pixel Fold, which could make typing and overall use easier.)

Experience with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 Main Screen

Using the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s large main screen in public can feel a bit awkward, especially for quick tasks like checking messages or emails. The wide display doesn’t offer much privacy, so you might feel uneasy using it on a crowded train or in other public places.

However, the bigger screen does have its perks. It’s great for multitasking, letting me open two apps at once, like responding to messages while reading an article or using the Kindle app. (For e-books, foldables are simply unmatched.) But for some apps, like Google Maps, the unusual screen size can make navigation feel clunky.

Even though the large display is handy, it also adds an extra step whenever you need to use it. My iPhone, while more minor, is much easier to type on than the front screen of the Z Fold 5, which makes quick replies or texts smoother.

Samsung’s continuity mode lets you start an activity on the outer screen and continue it on the inner one, but this also means facing the outer screen’s limitations again.

Galaxy Z Fold 5: Would I Use It as My Main Phone?

If the Galaxy Z Fold 5 were my only device, I’d be fine using it as my main phone. But honestly, a standard phone still performs slightly better than a straightforward phone. The Z Fold 5 offers a great blend of phone and tablet features, though it doesn’t fully replace the strengths of either one.

That said, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from getting a Galaxy Z Fold 5—or even the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 if it addresses the limitations of the front display. I’ll definitely be tuning in to Galaxy Unpacked next week to see what new features Samsung has planned for their foldables.