The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is poised to headline Samsung Unpacked on June 26, but before the Foldable's big debut, we think it's important to remember the device that saved the Z Fold series from a disastrous start: the Galaxy Z Fold 2.

When the first Samsung Galaxy Z Fold appeared in September 2019, it didn't take long for the phone to become controversial. Reports that the phone was broken watered down what was supposed to be a memorable new venture for Samsung's smartphone business. The company was forced to recall the review unit and postpone its launch. And when the phone actually arrived, it was not worth the $2,000 price tag.

While version 1.0 handsets are rarely flawless, the Z Fold had significant challenges. So much so that when Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in August 2020, many were skeptical that it would make up for its lapse and become considered one of the best phones.

Samsung made two significant design improvements in the Galaxy Z Fold 2 compared to the Galaxy Z Fold: first, the external display was enlarged from 4.6" to 6.2", making it more usable when folded; second, the hinge now features Samsung's new " Sweeper System," which effectively prevents dust and debris from getting under the phone's screen by using hairs.

These improvements, coupled with a price cut to $1,800, the standard starting price for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Fold 2 proved that Samsung's foldable phones are more than just a novelty.

Since the launch of the Z Fold 2, its predecessor appeared in the summer with further improvements; the Galaxy Z Fold 3 added Samung's S Pen stylus to the product line and officially discontinued the long-time favorite Note series. If you were drawn to Samsung's foldable for the portability of a smartphone and a tablet-sized workspace, the S Pen is a must-have.

Then the Galaxy Z Fold 4 caught up better with the Galaxy S series phones, delivering the camera improvements we were craving for a phone of this price. While it still falls short of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which has the best overall camera performance, the Z Fold 4's camera is at least on par.

The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to see further changes that will show how far the Z Fold concept has evolved; the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to maintain the basic book-like design, but rumors suggest that the new version will be the thinnest and lightest version to date.

Samsung is also reportedly developing a more durable water-drop hinge. This will minimize creasing while increasing the overall durability of the phone. Additionally, when the device is closed, the space between the two halves could provide a gapless effect.

As for the camera, the 108MP camera on the S22 Ultra could be included in the Galaxy Z Fold 5. If so, the Z Fold 5 would likely be Samsung's best photography-enabled foldable phone to date, but we have yet to make a decision on that rumor. If one were to do a photo comparison between the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the difference would be dramatic.

Price remains a big question mark, as the Galaxy Z Fold series has not seen a price change since the Galaxy Z Fold 2. There are rumors that the Z Fold 5 will be more affordable, while others say it may be slightly higher. Google Pixel Fold is facing increasing competition in the market, Samsung will have a big advantage if it can lower the cost.

This article is part of Tom's Guide's new series "The Fold Down" Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts have videos of the folding or flip phones mentioned above being unboxed Galaxy Z Fold For the 2, AT&T loaned us the unit, which we can watch on TikTok, where we embedded it.