Samsung Eyeing a Slimmer Galaxy Z Fold 5 with a New Hinge Design
South Korean tech giant Samsung is reportedly introducing a slimmer Galaxy Z Fold 5, aiming to trim the device’s thickness by about 3 millimeters. The update is said to come with a redesigned hinge, and the information is attributed to 9to5Google and corroborated by industry observers.
Previously, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 measured roughly 16 millimeters at its thickest point. In comparison, typical smartphones sit around 7 to 9 millimeters in thickness, making the Fold models noticeably bulkier in everyday use. The forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to be much closer to standard device profiles, easing grip and handling for many users.
News outlets note that the new hinge design is central to this reduction. By eliminating a persistent gap found in earlier Fold models, Samsung is able to achieve a closed thickness target around 13 millimeters, bringing it in line with many non-foldable smartphones.
In parallel industry coverage, the Oppo Find N2 adopts a similar waterdrop notch hinge approach, resulting in a closed thickness just over 16 millimeters. The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 already delivers an even thinner closed profile, at about 11.2 millimeters. These comparisons help frame Samsung’s ambition to balance the foldable form with practical everyday usability.
Past leaks and renderings have circulated within the tech community, including high-quality visuals of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 that helped illustrate evolving foldable design language. The broader conversation around these devices centers on how hinge engineering, screen folding mechanics, and thickness interplay to shape durability, comfort, and user experience.
As the foldable category matures, manufacturers continue to refine how much thickness can be shaved without compromising hinge reliability or display integrity. Samsung’s strategy appears to focus on a tighter closed profile, a more compact hinge mechanism, and the goal of delivering a more conventional feel in a form factor that remains revolutionary for multitasking and portability.
Industry observers also point to ongoing discussions about moisture resistance, panel materials, and overall weight as key factors that accompany any thickness reduction. While the exact specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 are not officially disclosed, the move toward a thinner, more pocket-friendly design signals Samsung’s intent to broaden appeal for mainstream users in Canada and the United States.
Overall, the shift toward a slimmer Fold 5 aligns with a broader trend in foldables: engineers are pursuing smoother, more reliable hinges, reduced bulk, and a more seamless hybrid experience that blends laptop-like multitasking with a compact smartphone form. The industry will watch closely how Samsung’s approach stacks up against peers in real-world usage, battery life, and long-term durability.
Notes: The information above reflects reporting from industry sources and analysts and is presented with attribution to the cited outlets where indicated. (Source: 9to5Google)