Samsung continues to focus on foldability with the new Galaxy Z Flip, its second ‘foldable’ that joins the Galaxy Fold, announced last year, in offering a different, more compact shape. Instead of a smartphone that turns into a tablet this time, we have one that, folded in half, becomes more compact and easy to keep in a pocket.
First Contact
The Galaxy Z Flip, unlike Motorola’s RAZR flip phone we tried a few days ago, has high-end hardware specs, starting with its processor, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ backed up by 8GB of RAM and 256 GB of non-expandable internal storage.
But the main feature of this smartphone is undoubtedly its internal screen, the Infinity Flex, as the Korean company calls it commercially, with a 22:9 ratio FHD resolution, a diagonal of 6.7 inches and an AMOLED panel. HDR10+ certified.
Unlike all other folding screens used so far, Samsung has used an ultra-thin glass coating, making it much more scratch resistant. A 10-megapixel front camera with an aperture of f/2.4 is integrated into the screen.
Resolution And Pictures
Outside, there is a second small screen. It is a Super AMOLED panel offering 1.06 inches diagonally and a resolution of 300 x 116 pixels, protected like the entire rear surface, by Gorilla Glass 6 glass. The photographic part corresponds to what is found on smartphones of the current ranges on the market.
Here, exit the 108-megapixel or other sensors. The primary lens is a 12MP wide-angle camera with an aperture of f/1.8. The second camera has a 12-megapixel sensor as well but with a 123° ultra-wide-angle lens and an aperture of f/2.2. Videos can be up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.
To complete the specifications of this foldable smartphone, a dual battery with a total capacity of 3300 mAh with fast charging at 15W and wireless charging at 9W. Bluetooth 5, Wi-Fi 6, NFC connectivity, a USB Type-C port, and a “By AKG” dual stereo speaker are included. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip uses the Android 10 operating system with the OneUI 2.0 overlay.
Ergonomics And Software
Samsung points out that the portability of its Galaxy Z Flip is similar to that of a wallet. It is, as expected, Samsung’s first flexible glass display. Do not imagine a very thick layer; we are the thickness of a hair! The hinge of the Z Flip guarantees a smooth and stable closing of the device and allows it to be held open at different angles. Samsung has taken advantage of the experience gained with the Galaxy Fold and promises perfect sealing this time.
The new One UI Flex interface was developed with Google, based on Android 10. When the screen is placed at 90°, the device is equipped with 2 4-inch screens: the upper part is dedicated to content creation, and the lower part to control and navigation. A true multi-tasker. So you can watch and browse YouTube, casting content at the top of the screen while you search for other videos, read descriptions, or write comments at the bottom. Very intuitive!
The camera can also be used creatively, from any angle you want. With the Hyperlapse Night function, you will have impressive videos even in low light. When the smartphone is closed, you can always check the date, time and battery status on the Z Flip’s external screen, which also indicates notifications. Importantly, you can also answer calls without opening the device, similar to an SMS.
Releases And Prices
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will be available in limited quantities in Mirror Purple and Mirror Black colors, starting February 14, for 1,520 euros. Contrary to what one might have hoped, it is not much cheaper than the Galaxy Fold at its marketing time. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will also be available in a special Thom Browne edition, priced at 2,580 euros.
Read Also: Flip Phone: The Three Advantages
