FunThomas · 12/04/2021
Test · build, displays, camera, battery and price
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G suits heavy users who need a big screen and is worth its price, but not those wanting a small phone with long battery life.
Likes- Very fast and smooth performance
- Very good build quality
- Large display useful for work and photo editing
- Good sound from the speakers
Dislikes- Battery not enough for more than a day
- Non-Gorilla Glass display feels different and smudges
- At 282 grams, it is heavy
- Camera is good but not perfect
Smartphone Test · 03/02/2021
Hands-on test · camera samples and performance review
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G has a strong build, camera and speakers, but it is heavy, thick and pricey, with no water protection.
Likes- Very high-quality build and finish
- Main camera photos and videos rated very good
- Fast performance with the Snapdragon 865 Plus
- Stereo speakers are well placed for watching media
Dislikes- Heavy and thick, which gets annoying in daily use
- No water or dust protection
- No microSD storage expansion
- Higher price than regular smartphones
mobiFlip · 11/10/2020
Final verdict · everyday use over several weeks
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G shows no real weak points in camera, battery or display, and earns a buy recommendation despite the high price.
Likes- No real weak points in camera, battery or display
- Design and handling feel good
- Works very well at home as a large device for reading and videos
Dislikes- Still too thick for jeans pockets
- Software and apps need better support for the wider screen
- Still a very expensive product category
techloupe · 06/10/2020
Hands-on review · two weeks of daily use
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G has strong battery life, performance and speakers, but it is too expensive and awkward to carry, so the reviewer would not buy it.
Likes- Battery life better than expected
- Smooth performance with the fast processor and 120 Hz display
- Good to very good camera results, especially for video
- Top-tier stereo speakers
Dislikes- Price is too high for the value offered
- Thick and heavy, like a brick in the pocket
- Front display too narrow for comfortable daily use
- Many apps not yet adapted to the large inner screen, such as Instagram
Technikfaultier · 19/09/2020
Two-week test · daily use, display and app tests
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is a good device with some limitations, but too expensive for most buyers.
Likes- Excellent displays and loud speakers
- Enjoyable to use, especially for gaming
- Good everyday performance with a fun multitasking setup
Dislikes- Very thick and awkward when folded
- No IP water resistance rating
- Many apps not yet adapted to the large screen
- Camera is not top-tier
CHIP · 14/09/2020
Short hands-on test · cameras, battery and price
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G offers strong performance and cameras, but average battery life and the high price are the main hurdles.
Likes- Fast performance with the Snapdragon 865 Plus
- Camera results in daylight and low light
- Outer display is now big enough to use
- Wireless charging and 5G on board
Dislikes- Battery life is only average with the large screen
- High launch price
- No expandable storage and no water or dust protection
Technikfaultier · 02/09/2020
First look · setup and first impressions
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G makes a very positive first impression, though the high price and missing extras are hard to ignore.
Likes- Setup with face unlock and adaptive brightness works smoothly
- Slimmer and more compact feel than the previous model
- Strong display and performance on first use
Dislikes- Price is high, and no case or free earbuds are included
- Many apps not yet optimised for the folding layout
- Some features, such as dual SIM, still need a software update
Technikfaultier · 02/09/2020
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G makes a very positive first impression despite flaws in the camera module and SIM setup.
Likes- Inner display with high refresh rate and small punch hole
- Fast chipset and wireless charging on board
- A clear improvement over the predecessor, in the reviewer's view
Dislikes- Camera module sticks out and wobbles when tapping the screen
- Physical SIM not yet active in Germany, and only one SIM slot
- Heavy, over 200 grams, and still thick when folded
01net · 21/09/2020
Full review · two weeks of daily use and battery tests
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is recommended without hesitation for those who can afford it, despite weak battery life and software.
Likes- Large screen is excellent for reading, videos and games
- Sturdier build and much better finish than the first model
- Top-tier Snapdragon 865 Plus performance
- Smooth, reassuringly solid hinge
Dislikes- Battery life is weak under heavy use, often dropping to about 15 percent
- Android not adapted to the folding format, with display glitches in apps
- Very high price
Les Numériques · 18/09/2020
Hands-on review · battery tests and daily use
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is clearly the best foldable on the market, though camera and battery life have downsides.
Likes- Large outer screen now usable for everyday tasks
- Book-style foldable is more useful than a clamshell
- Outer screen lasts about 19 hours in tests
- Polished, unique experience with little competition
Dislikes- Camera falls behind flagship phones in low light
- Inner screen drains the battery in about 12 hours
- No IP68 water resistance or headphone jack
TheiCollection · 01/09/2020
Hands-on review · a few hours of use
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G comes close to perfection and is a big step up, though very expensive and not for everyone.
Likes- Very premium look with thin, flat borders
- Feels good in the hand and not too thick in the pocket
- Hinge and screen fix the main complaints about the first model
Dislikes- Very expensive, not aimed at everyone
- Battery life not yet tested in depth
FRED · 06/09/2020
First look · hands-on impressions after press event
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is a clear step up and gets close to what foldable phones should offer.
Likes- Excellent multitasking with up to three apps side by side
- Flex mode splits the screen for videos and apps
- Stereo speakers with good spatialisation for gaming
- Finish is a clear step up from the first model
Dislikes- Outer screen cannot switch camera modes when used as a viewfinder
- Price is high, limiting it to buyers with bigger budgets
TheiCollection · 06/09/2020
First look · unboxing and first-day impressions
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is an interesting foldable with a few drawbacks, and a full test is still to come.
Likes- Hinge lets the screen stand in any position
- Outer screen works well for watching videos
- Battery seems fine after the first day
Dislikes- Thick and heavy when folded, uncomfortable in a pocket
- Fold crease still noticeable under the thumb
- Instagram not adapted to the large screen
Jojol · 01/09/2020
First impressions · one hour of hands-on use
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is better finished than the first model, but the camera falls short of expectations.
Likes- Premium design with a more finished look
- Thinner body and smaller gap when folded
- Hinge that can stop at several opening angles
Dislikes- Camera quality falls short of expectations next to the Note 20 Ultra
- Very heavy device
Frandroid · 01/09/2020
First look · hands-on impressions of design and interface
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G feels like a finished, well-built phone, worth it mainly for buyers with a large budget.
Likes- Larger folding screen that is more comfortable to use
- Finished, well-designed product rather than a tech demo
- Folded position works well for video calls and watching videos
Dislikes- Not certified water or dust resistant
- No headphone jack
- Price is high for most buyers
Michele Capuozzo - Tech TV · 21/01/2021
Hands-on review · cameras, battery and foldable use
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is confirmed as an excellent smartphone, like Samsung's flagships, with minor reservations about battery.
Likes- Full feature set with the latest technologies
- Three 12-megapixel rear cameras with a versatile range
- Battery endurance held up in outdoor use
- Comfortable once you adjust to the form
Dislikes- 4500 mAh battery is only sufficient and could be better
- Unusual form factor takes getting used to
- Central hinge line can feel hard to handle at first
Techprincess - Fjona Cakalli · 17/10/2020
Hands-on review · daily use, camera and app tests
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is among the best foldables available now, but it is expensive and not for everyone.
Likes- Premium build quality
- Strong performance, and the battery lasts the day
- Good camera results, close to the flagship
- Works well for calls, music and email
Dislikes- Inner screen sticks slightly when swiping
- Instagram and some apps not optimised for the folded screen
- Calls can only be made on the inner screen, not when closed