Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 could get a ‘retro’ edition

Good Lock app showing off full apps on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Flex Window cover screen.
(Image credit: Future)

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is Samsung’s most modern-looking phone. While there are drawbacks to the clamshell design (especially in terms of battery life), for those that prioritize style, it’s one of the best Android phones you can buy.

But Samsung apparently wants to give the cutting-edge, modern design an old-school makeover. According to MS Power User, Samsung is planning a new color scheme marketed as a “retro edition.”

You can see what that purportedly looks like below. It’s essentially the same phone but with a different color and finish.

Renders of the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Retro Edition

(Image credit: MS Power User)

The shiny, glossy frame of the current model will be replaced by a matte aluminum, while the back of the phone will be a stylish, austere dark blue. As a result, it looks a bit less playful than some of the current options available for the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which can be had in cool mint, gentle lavender, light blue, vibrant yellow and cream shades, alongside the safe and familiar graphite black.

For now, it’s not clear if this retro reskin is only skin deep or whether Samsung is planning on adding some aesthetic software tweaks to the phone’s operating system. In the past, such special edition handsets have often come with additional sound effects, icons, ringtones or wallpapers to fit the theme — like OnePlus’ unexpected Pac-Man edition of the Nord 2.

The images certainly look authentic, but as ever, this remains a rumor until it’s officially unveiled by Samsung. We should know soon either way, however as MS Power User says the handset will arrive “in the coming weeks”.

Even if you like the look of the pictures, should you buy one? That’s a tough one to answer objectively, as despite its significant generational improvements, the foldable remains an acquired taste that isn’t for everyone, especially given its $999 starting price.

In his three-and-a-half star Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review, our Senior Channel Editor for Phones John Velasco praised the larger external screen and camera improvements, while lamenting the poor battery life and limitations of the device when closed. 

“The collective improvements may not be a giant leap for foldables, but they're enough to propel the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 back into the conversation,” he concluded.

TOPICS
Alan Martin

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 tipped for a huge outer screen upgrade — here’s what we know
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 features on outer cover display
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE may arrive 'months' after the Z Flip 7 — here's why
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE teased by Samsung — and the leaked specs sound promising
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 in-hand with outer display showing
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 leak claims big design changes could be on the way — what we know
Infinix tri-fold foldasphone phone concept
Tri-fold flip phones are coming and this concept device shows how they could work
Motorola Razr Plus 2024 cover display
Motorola Razr Plus 2025 leak reveals a new color — meet 'Rio Red'
Latest in Samsung Phones
Showing the front of a Galaxy S25 Ultra held in hand
One UI 7 will arrive late for US Samsung users — here’s when it’ll launch for you
samsung galaxy s25 edge mockup at galaxy unpacked
Galaxy S25 Edge is overhyped — I want Samsung to make this phone thinner instead
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
The iPhone 16 Pro Max (L) and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rear cameras
I took 200 macro photos with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro — here's the winner
Try Galaxy home screen on iPhone 16 Pro Max
You can now try Samsung's latest One UI 7 software on your iPhone — here's how
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge back
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge price comes into focus with latest leak
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Thursday, March 20 (#648)
A phone with the Plex logo in front of an out-of-focus background of movie posters
Yikes! Plex is getting a price hike and this key feature is going behind a pay wall
Richard Gere in Arbitrage
5 must-see mystery movies on Prime Video you (probably) missed I'd stream right now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders delayed due to 'component quality issue' — here's when you can get one
An open lock depicting a data breach
Half a million teachers hit in major data breach with SSNs, financial data and more exposed — what to do now
Sony A95K QD-OLED TV in front of windows in a living room
This new TV breakthrough looks like a game-changer for OLED TVs