Fashion phones. How can you say ‘no’ to it? Doomscroll-killer. How can you say ‘no’ to it? Pocket-friendly in every way. And I repeat the question again. The new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 is all this and much more.
Clamshell phones are having their moment because the form factor cranks up the fashion quotient. Plus, it acts like a bridge between the traditional smartphone and a future-forward Galaxy Z Flip5. When open, it feels like a normal smartphone. And it's adorable. Just throw in the cat face on the outer screen!
The ubiquitous slab phones are in a predictable groove, so it’s the foldables with their quirky character are doing all the talking. Whether you are 20 years old or 40, the Galaxy Z Flip5 speaks to a wide range of audiences.
Out and about
Samsung has done what the tech world predicted — change the outer display completely. Now a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED display accompanies the main 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
What can you do on the outer screen? Or should we say what you can’t do on the outer screen? It’s more informative and the graphical elements are unmissable. Even with the phone closed, there is enough screen estate to achieve several tasks.
From the Flex Window, quickly and effortlessly access useful information. With Widgets, users can check the weather, control music playback and listen to their favourite music with Media Controller, or catch up on the latest global stock market updates with the Google Finance widget.
Without ever opening the device, browse through call history to return missed calls, and reply to texts on-the-go using Quick Reply with a full keyboard and visibility of chat history.
Plus, access Samsung Wallet to pay on-the-go, access QR codes and coupons, as well as boarding passes, membership cards, digital keys and health passes.
What do I like most about the Flip5? The new Flipsuit Case provides device protection with a changeable NFC card, so users can match their Flex Window design and case design for even more personalisation options. I tried the Spider-man card and wow!
Think of your digital health
I would highly recommend the Flip5 for two reasons. It’s a badass phone when you want to end the digital connect. Your boss calls you with five minutes of rambling but you will have the option to end the call with a thwack… the phone shuts and you are free to enjoy the world around you.
Second, you are getting a chance to do everything on the outside screen. Usually, when you unfold to make a call, you end up doomscrolling for hours. That won’t be the case here. Since there won’t be incessant usage of apps on the main display, you can expect fantastic battery life.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 (and Fold5) feature a wider variety of recycled materials than their previous generations
Design perfection
Like on the Galaxy Z Fold5, Samsung has managed to do away with all the gaps when the phone is shut. Folded, it’s just 15.1mm thin. Weighing only 187g, it will certainly be light on the pocket. Here’s a phone that isn’t trying to slide out of your hand or bulge in your pocket.
Ooh, that cam
On the rear are two cameras — each 12MP while on the front it’s 10MP. The specs are just right and, once again, Samsung has taken a lot from its playbook involving Galaxy S series, so you can expect some of the best cameras the Android world has to offer.
But it’s not just about specs; it’s how you can use the camera that matters. Take high-quality selfies with the rear camera thanks to the larger Flex Window or capture stunning hands-free photos from creative angles with FlexCam. It’s quick and simple to view and edit shots in Flex Mode too. When taking a photo of a friend, Dual Preview lets them see themselves in the Flex Window so they can make adjustments in real-time for the perfect shot.
The AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm corrects any visual noise that typically spoils low-light images while enhancing details and colour tone. Even from a distance, photos are clearer with the digital 10X zoom.
The outer screen on the Galaxy Z Flip4 is massive and can handle any task
Rivals will have a tough time
There are flip smartphones from other brands, like Motorola and Oppo. What Samsung is offering is excellent software integration and in the short time we had with the Flip5 phone, there were no software glitches.
Also, Samsung has been offering updates (security and OS) constantly, differentiating the brand. Flip5 and Fold5 come with five years of security updates and four generations of OS upgrades, helping to extend the product lifecycle.