Galaxy Z Flip 5: First Thoughts on Samsung’s New Clamshell Foldable

Of Samsung’slatest foldable mobile offeringsunveiled at itslatest Unpacked event , the most spectacular changes we ’ve go steady come viathe Galaxy Z Flip 5 . Not only do we at long last have a full flat silhouette and a redesigned hinge , but Samsung has get on that people like more blind , so it stick a larger display on the telephone set ’s exterior .

Perhaps there are more hoi polloi out there wishing for a salvo of nostalgia from the flip phone days of yore , but a lot of my hope for the foldable rest on the exterior screen , which Samsung calls its “ Flex Window . ” A lot of versatility comes with a smaller , glanceable presentation that fits well into short pockets or dish .

My first few days with the Flip have n’t been eventful . So far , it has n’t made me reconsider how I think about smartphones , or even how I use my twist day - to - day . Some of the same widgets seen on the Z Flip 4 ’s much humble 1.9 - inch screen are available here , but now you could actually interact with your full calendar and get the weekly weather report , akin to a less feature - rich smartwatch . you could also read electronic mail and substance back people on other apps like Instagram or Slack . Full functionality does n’t seem to be the goal of the Flex Window — you ca n’t access your Gmail or mindlessly leaf through TikTok there .

Photo: Artem Golub/Gizmodo

This limited enjoyment would be extenuate by a wider selection of apps , but user are currently limited to a few quality beta picture and message coating that need to be enabled through the gimmick configurations . We could soon see more app availability through Samsung ’s Good Lock launcher , but in the meantime , I ’m left finger like I want more .

And it ’s not like Samsung can ride back as the only party declare oneself flip - corresponding foldables . TheZ Flip 5is go to be compete directly against Motorola withits Razr+ phonesoon . Motorola ’s reimagined flip phone looked very much like a Galaxy Z Flip , though its 3.6 - column inch exterior silver screen wraps all the direction around the rear sensors .

There are a few extra feature that make the Z Flip 5 interesting for those seeking a different experience than the traditional smartphone . There ’s a Flex Mode set when lay the phone half - folded on a desk which shows cognitive content on top and additional control on the bottom . The exterior screen also offers a few unique options for take time photos or hand-held videos . But at $ 1,000 starting price , I really wish I did n’t sense like I was giving up a good quality camera for the sake of a squashable cover .

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 lies much flatter than the previous Z Flip 4.