Galaxy Z Flip5 • Unlocked vs OnePlus 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, released in August 2023, and the OnePlus 12, launched globally in February 2024, represent distinct approaches to modern smartphone design. The Galaxy Z Flip5 offers a compact, foldable clamshell form factor, while the OnePlus 12 is a traditional slab smartphone. These devices cater to different user preferences, with the Flip5 emphasizing portability and unique usage modes, and the OnePlus 12 focusing on a large display, robust performance, and extended battery life.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both offer substantial software support, though with some differences in duration and the nature of their physical design.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 launched with Android 13 and is committed to receiving four major Android OS updates, extending its support up to Android 17, along with five years of security updates. The OnePlus 12, released with Android 14, is slated for four years of Android OS updates, meaning it should receive updates until at least Android 18, and five years of security patches.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a foldable design with an IPX8 water resistance rating, indicating protection against submersion, and its cover screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The OnePlus 12 has an IP65 rating, offering splash and dust resistance, but not full waterproofing, and its display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
• Repairability: The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a moderate repairability score, with improvements over its predecessor due to the inclusion of battery pull tabs. The OnePlus 12 also has a moderate repairability score, with some components like the battery being easily accessible, though screen repairs can be complex.

Both smartphones are equipped with powerful processors designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking, though they feature different generations of chipsets.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy Z Flip5 utilizes a current-generation processor that provides smooth performance for daily tasks and can manage demanding applications effectively. The OnePlus 12 incorporates a newer generation processor, offering enhanced speed and efficiency for intensive gaming and complex multitasking.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy Z Flip5 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs. The OnePlus 12 offers higher RAM configurations, starting at 12GB and going up to 16GB, providing more headroom for extensive multitasking and resource-heavy applications. Both devices offer 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, with neither supporting expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a battery capacity that generally lasts through a day of moderate use, though heavy users may find themselves needing to charge more frequently. The OnePlus 12 features a larger battery, which users report can often last for up to two days on a single charge, even with significant usage.

The visual experience on both devices is distinct, primarily due to their form factors and display technologies.

• Main Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The OnePlus 12 boasts a larger 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display, also known for its rich colors and contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Flip5's main screen has a resolution of 1080x2640 pixels, providing clear and sharp visuals. The OnePlus 12 offers a higher resolution of 1440x3168 pixels, resulting in a slightly sharper image, particularly noticeable with fine details.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy Z Flip5 can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, while the OnePlus 12 can achieve an impressive peak brightness of 4500 nits, making it exceptionally visible in bright outdoor conditions.
• Cover Screen (Flip5 only): The Galaxy Z Flip5 includes a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED cover display, which is larger than its predecessor and allows for more interactive widgets and quick access to functions without opening the phone.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they are designed with different strengths and features to suit various photography needs.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy Z Flip5 is equipped with a dual-camera setup, featuring a 12MP wide-angle main lens with optical image stabilization and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Users praise its ability to capture sharp details and vibrant colors, even in low-light conditions. The OnePlus 12 features a versatile triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 64MP periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Its main and telephoto cameras are noted for producing excellent images.
• Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy Z Flip5 has a 10MP front camera, but its foldable design allows users to utilize the higher-quality rear cameras for selfies and vlogging, previewing shots on the cover screen. It supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second. The OnePlus 12 comes with a 32MP front camera and supports video recording up to 8K at 24 frames per second with its rear cameras, and 4K at 30 frames per second with its front camera.
• Photography Performance: While the Flip5 excels in creative photography due to its form factor, some users note the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens. The OnePlus 12's camera system is generally strong, though some reviews suggest its ultra-wide and low-light selfie performance could be improved compared to its main and telephoto capabilities.