The much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has taken the tech world by storm, and for a good reason. With a compelling blend of innovative design and noteworthy features, this flip phone iteration has garnered considerable attention, rivaling even its sibling, the Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Z Flip series, known for its nostalgic yet futuristic flip form factor, has managed to capture the imagination of users, and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 aims to solidify this trend with some exciting enhancements.
While it’s true that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 might not feature as extensive year-on-year upgrades as some enthusiasts might have hoped for, there’s one standout feature that commands our attention – the significantly expanded cover screen. At the forefront of Samsung’s marketing campaign, this cover screen is more than just a platform for hands-free selfies. It holds several intriguing tricks up its sleeve, making it a noteworthy addition to the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Underneath the surface, the Z Flip 5 carries a series of noteworthy upgrades. Among these is a newer Snapdragon chip, widely acclaimed as the best in its class, a boost in connectivity features with Wi-Fi 6E, an increase in base storage, and, as expected, the inclusion of newer software out of the box. However, the question that lingers is whether these enhancements are compelling enough to justify an upgrade from the Galaxy Z Flip 4, a device purchased just a year ago. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into precisely that.
The Remarkable Cover Display
The cover display of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 takes center stage in Samsung’s promotional blitz, and it’s where we begin our evaluation. With dimensions of 3.4 inches, a 60Hz refresh rate, a resolution of 720 x 748 pixels, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and a peak brightness of 1600 nits, this screen makes a bold statement in terms of both specifications and design. Its unique, folder-like shape isn’t just a stylistic choice; it serves a practical purpose, housing essential navigation buttons for seamless app interaction without obstructing the user interface.
Notably, the cover screen’s capabilities extend beyond its aesthetics. It’s more than just a showcase for limited functions; it’s capable of running full-fledged apps, providing an unexpectedly impressive experience given its compact size. Applications such as Google Maps, Google/Samsung Messages, Netflix, WhatsApp, and YouTube are among the supported apps right out of the box.
Texting becomes a breeze with a familiar keyboard layout, reducing the likelihood of typing errors compared to the Galaxy Z Fold’s narrower outer screen. The cover screen also facilitates video enjoyment, especially when you want to conserve battery life or simply prefer not to unfold the phone.
Unleashing the Potential
While some apps can be a delightful surprise on the 3.4-inch display, the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s possibilities extend even further. Samsung’s Good Lock app grants users the freedom to run a range of applications, including simple games. Yet, the experience’s quality depends on the app and regional availability of Good Lock. It’s crucial to note that some apps may need updates for optimal cover screen compatibility, and that’s a variable factor.
It’s evident that Samsung’s own apps, while mostly functional, exhibit some gaps in compatibility. Apps like Samsung Gallery, Samsung Notes, or Samsung Music operate smoothly, allowing image and video viewing, sharing, and editing. However, the absence of compatibility for certain apps gives the impression that Samsung might have focused primarily on the basics, leaving room for potential improvements through software updates.
In this pursuit of expanding the cover screen’s capabilities, there is an undercurrent of software limitations that Samsung must address. This early experience highlights the need for a seamless bridge between app developers and the device’s unique form factor, ensuring that users can harness the full potential of the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover display.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 presents a glimpse into the future of flip phones, showcasing a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Its cover display, while brimming with potential, comes with certain limitations that hint at exciting possibilities with future updates. Samsung has managed to create a compelling product that embodies the evolving smartphone landscape, and as users embrace this new era of foldable devices, there’s a palpable anticipation for the ongoing evolution of the Galaxy Z Flip series.
