Galaxy Unpacked 2023: Everything on the Z Flip5, Z Fold5, Galaxy Watch6 and Tab S9

Samsung’s new lineup with the Galaxy Z Flip5, Z Fold5, Tab S9 and the Galaxy Watch series is here. I got to hold the new devices at the Galaxy Unpacked event and try them out. Here is the quick rundown: what is new, and what should you know? Detailed reviews of all the devices will follow.

Galaxy Z Flip5

In my opinion, the Flip5 is the highlight of this year’s lineup and brings clear improvements.

• Cover display (Flex Window): three times larger than on its predecessor and covering the entire front. There is a full keyboard for replying to messages and emails, and selected apps can be used entirely on it. That was my biggest hope: you no longer have to unfold the device to reply quickly. It is also much easier to use for selfies and widgets.
• Camera: 12-megapixel wide-angle and 12-megapixel ultra-wide.
• Processor: the latest Snapdragon for Galaxy. The battery is 3,700 mAh like its predecessor, but with the new processor you can expect better battery life.
• Hinge: the new zero-gap hinge. The device closes completely and is 2 mm slimmer when folded. The display bezels are narrower, and the 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED display is more robust.
• Colors: Graphite, Cream, Lavender and Mint, with more colors exclusive to the Samsung Online Store.
• Price: There is no 128 GB model anymore, and the smallest version has 256 GB and starts at €1,199. There was no price increase as such, only the cheaper model is missing. I find that regrettable, it is just another way of making more money.

I will definitely get the Flip5.

Galaxy Z Fold5

Here the updates are unfortunately less extensive. The form factor is unchanged, so there is no wider cover display for easier typing.

• The new zero-gap hinge makes the device 2 mm slimmer, and it is 10 grams lighter. That can improve comfort when carrying it.
• The Snapdragon for Galaxy is supposed to improve camera shots, but the camera itself is identical to the Fold4.
• The CPU cooling is 38% larger, and ray tracing is added. Gamers will like that.
• The display is brighter at 1,700 nits, so it is much easier to read in sunlight.
• Software: quick access and simplified drag and drop.
• New partnership with GoodNotes: the app is preinstalled on the Fold5 and the new Tab S9 devices and can be used free for one year.
• For the first time there is a 1 TB version, exclusive to the online shop.
• Price: smallest version with 256 GB for €1,899, so €100 more. I think that is pretty lame.

Galaxy Tab S9, S9+ and S9 Ultra

The changes on the tablets are also modest. There are three versions: the Tab S9 with 11 inches starting at €899, the Tab S9+ with 12.4 inches, and the Tab S9 Ultra with 14.6 inches starting at €1,339. All come in Graphite and Beige. All three have a 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED display and a Snapdragon processor and are protected against dust and water to IP68. GoodNotes is preinstalled and free for one year.

Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic

A big one: the Galaxy Watch Classic is back, with a real, physically rotating bezel. Many people have been waiting for this. In return, there is no new Pro version, only the regular Watch6 and the Classic.

	Galaxy Watch6	Galaxy Watch6 Classic
Sizes	40 and 44 mm	44 and 47 mm
Price (Bluetooth)	from €319	from €419
Colors	Beige, Silver, Black	Silver, Black

Both have a 20% larger display and a 30% smaller bezel, so the watch has not gotten bigger but looks much more modern. The Exynos W930 offers 18% more performance, the battery is slightly larger, and battery life is supposed to improve. I will test that for you. Sleep coaching has been optimized, and later a heart rate warning for irregularities will arrive, as you know it from the Apple Watch.

Who should upgrade?

In my opinion, an upgrade is really worth it for the Flip5, because of the cover display and battery, and for the Galaxy Watch6 or 6 Classic, hopefully because of the longer battery life and for anyone who wants the rotating bezel. For the Tab S9 series and the Fold5, it depends on your personal needs. Even if you have the direct predecessor, you can think about the Flip5 and the Watch6. I am so looking forward to testing them.