Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review (2026): Is It Worth Buying Refurbished in the UK?

Last updated: 26 May 2026 -- by RefurbPhone Editorial. Our UK-based engineers test every Z Fold 5 we refurbish across 30+ functional and cosmetic checks before sale.

Quick verdict: Should you buy a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 in 2026?

Yes -- for the right buyer. 3 years after launch, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 delivers what it always promised -- the new flex hinge eliminated the air gap when closed and finally felt like a properly engineered foldable -- now at a fraction of its original GBP 1,749 RRP. Refurbished is the smart way to own this productivity Fold in 2026, especially with the newer foldable models now driving prices down across the older Samsung foldable range. This Z Fold 5 is best for buyers who want the gapless hinge and S Pen support at a price well below current Fold flagships.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 at a glance

• Launched: August 2023
• Inner display: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,750 nits peak
• Cover display: 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
• RAM: 12GB
• Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Cameras: 50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto rear, 10MP cover + 4MP under-display selfie
• Battery: 4,400mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless
• Weight: 253g (10g lighter than Fold 4)
• Water/dust rating: IPX8
• Key features: New gapless flex hinge (closes flat with no gap), S Pen support, lighter body
• UK launch RRP: GBP 1,749
• RefurbPhone refurbished price: Significantly less than RRP -- see Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 for current pricing

What we like about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

After refurbishing dozens of Z Fold 5 units, here’s what consistently impresses our engineers and customers:

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is comfortably fast

The Gen 2 for Galaxy chip ages well. Three years after launch, you still get smooth Android performance, fast app switching and competent on-device gaming.

The Fold form factor genuinely replaces a tablet

The large inner display means split-screen multitasking actually works. Two browser tabs side by side, a video over a chat window, Outlook and Teams together -- this is the productivity case for a Fold, and the Z Fold 5 delivers it well.

50MP main camera takes proper photos

The 50MP main sensor with Samsung’s computational processing delivers sharp, well-exposed images that hold up against most non-Ultra Galaxy phones.

The new gapless flex hinge is the headline upgrade

The Z Fold 5 was the first Fold whose two halves closed completely flat with no air gap -- a meaningful engineering step up from the Fold 4 and earlier.

What’s not so great about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

The original RRP was hard to justify

At GBP 1,749 new, the Z Fold 5 sat in luxury smartphone territory. That’s exactly why refurbished is the right way to buy it in 2026 -- the value proposition only makes sense once the price drops.

Cameras were carried over from the Fold 4 unchanged

This isn’t a deal-breaker but it’s worth being aware of before you buy. Most owners adjust within a few weeks.

It’s heavy in the hand

At 253g, the Z Fold 5 is significantly heavier than a regular smartphone. After a few hours of one-handed use, you notice. The unfolded reading position is far more comfortable.

No dust resistance rating

The IPX8 rating covers water only, not dust. Folding mechanisms and dust are a long-term reliability concern. If you work in dusty environments, the newer IP48-rated models (Flip 6, Flip 7, Fold 6, Fold 7) are more robust.

No native Galaxy AI

Galaxy AI features that Samsung promotes today were added to newer models from 2024 onward. The Z Fold 5 doesn’t get them natively, though Samsung has back-ported some features via One UI updates.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 -- what changed?

The Z Fold 4 is the predecessor to the Z Fold 5, launched in August 2022. Here are the main differences worth knowing if you’re weighing which to buy refurbished:

• Chip: Z Fold 5 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy vs the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Z Fold 4.
• Hinge: Z Fold 5 closes completely flat with the new gapless flex hinge; Z Fold 4 has a visible gap.
• Weight: Z Fold 5 is 253g, 10g lighter than the 263g Fold 4.
• Wireless charging: Both support wireless, but Samsung emphasised 15W wireless on the Fold 5.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 -- what changed?

The Z Fold 6 is the successor to the Z Fold 5, launched in July 2024. Here are the main differences worth knowing if you’re weighing which to buy refurbished:

• Chip: Z Fold 5 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy vs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy in the Z Fold 6.
• Cover display: Z Fold 5 has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz compared to a wider 6.3-inch 22:9 panel on the Z Fold 6.
• Galaxy AI: Supported on the Z Fold 6, not natively on the Z Fold 5.
• Water/dust resistance: Z Fold 5 is IPX8 compared to IP48 on the Z Fold 6.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Galaxy Z Flip (2023) -- which form factor is right for you?

If you’re torn between a Flip and a Fold, here’s the decision in plain terms:

• Buy a Z Fold 5 if: you want a tablet-sized inner display for multitasking, productivity, S Pen note-taking and media -- think productivity power.
• Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 if: you want a compact, pocketable phone that folds in half -- think style, portability and one-handed use.

Both refurbished foldables save you hundreds vs buying new at RefurbPhone.

Is the refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 reliable in 2026?

The reliability concern foldables get tagged with is bigger than the reality. Here’s what 3 years of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 units passing through our refurbishment process actually shows:

• Samsung rates fold hinges for 200,000 fold cycles -- roughly 5 to 7 years of typical daily use
• The user-replaceable inner-display screen protector can lift at the edges after 12 to 24 months of use -- we replace it during refurbishment when needed
• Battery health on returning Z Fold 5 units typically sits at 85 to 92% at the 3-year mark
• Hinge mechanism failures are uncommon in our refurbishment testing

Every refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 at RefurbPhone is tested across the inner display, cover display, hinge mechanism, all cameras, biometric sensors, speakers, microphone, charging and battery health. Any battery below 85% capacity is replaced before sale, and you get a 12-month UK warranty on the whole device.

How much does a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 cost in the UK?

Refurbished Z Fold 5 prices vary by storage capacity and condition grade. At RefurbPhone we grade every device as Premium Refurbished, Very Good or Fair so you know exactly what cosmetic condition to expect before you buy. Check Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 for current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 released in the UK?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched in August 2023 with same-day UK availability through Samsung UK and major carriers including EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. UK launch price was GBP 1,749.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 worth buying refurbished in 2026?

Yes -- for the right buyer. 3 years on, the Z Fold 5 delivers the new gapless flex hinge and a properly engineered foldable feel, at a fraction of the GBP 1,749 RRP. The Z Fold 5 is best suited to buyers who want the gapless hinge and S Pen support at a price well below current Fold flagships. With Samsung’s 4 years of software support, a refurbished Z Fold 5 bought in 2026 has years of supported life ahead.

What chip does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 use?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. It’s a generation or two behind the latest flagships but still comfortably handles modern Android use.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 unlocked?

Every Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 at RefurbPhone ships unlocked and SIM-free, ready to use on any UK network including O2, EE, Three, Vodafone, Tesco Mobile, giffgaff and Sky Mobile.

How long is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 hinge rated for?

Samsung rates the Z Fold 5 hinge for 200,000 fold cycles -- roughly 5 to 7 years of typical daily use. In our refurbishment testing, hinge failures are uncommon.

How long will Samsung support the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 with software updates?

Samsung committed to 4 years of OS and security updates for the Z Fold 5 at launch. That means major Android updates and security patches through to at least 2027.

What warranty do I get with a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5?

A 12-month RefurbPhone warranty covering hardware faults, screen, hinge, battery and charging issues, plus 14 days no-quibble returns from delivery.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 waterproof?

The Z Fold 5 is rated IPX8. It’s rated against freshwater immersion only -- not against dust. The IP rating may degrade over time on a folding device, so treat it as splash-resistant rather than fully waterproof in 2026.

Where can I buy a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 in the UK?

RefurbPhone stocks refurbished Z Fold 5 devices in Premium Refurbished, Very Good and Fair conditions, all unlocked with a 12-month UK warranty and free next-day UK delivery. Browse Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or explore all refurbished Samsung Galaxy phones in our range.

Bottom line

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 was Samsung’s 2023 flagship foldable, and 3 years on it’s aged well. The new flex hinge eliminated the air gap when closed and finally felt like a properly engineered foldable, with Samsung software support that runs through at least 2027. At a refurbished price from RefurbPhone, it’s genuinely good value for buyers who want the gapless hinge and S Pen support at a price well below current Fold flagships.

Ready to shop? Browse Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or compare it against the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 or our full refurbished Samsung Galaxy range.