Samsung has just presented the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, a terminal that kicks off the company's second family of folding terminals, but which, unlike the Samsung Galaxy Fold - which we have already analyzed - is not a miniature tablet, but uses folding technology to get the device to take up much less of any current smartphone. In fact, it even fits in the palm of your hand.
We were able to test the terminal of the Korean company and we will tell you what our first impressions of use were with this device, in which Samsung, once again, has opted for design and innovation to bring us a terminal it seems that it has a lot to say.
Technical data sheet and first impressions of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
Samsung galaxy z flip| Technical data sheet and specifications | |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Open: 167,3 x 73,6 x 7,2 (mm) Bent over: 87,4 x 73,6 x 15,4-17,3 (mm) Weight 183 (g) |
| Main screen | 6,7 pollici Infinity-Flex Dynamic AMOLED FHD + (2.636 x 1.080 pixel), formato 21,9: 9, 425 dpi |
| Cover display | Super AMOLED 1,1 inch 300 x 116 pixels, 303 dpi |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 + Octa-core (1x Kryo 485 a 2,96 GHz e 3x Kryo 485 a 2,42 GHz e 4x Kryo 485 a 1,8 GHz) Adreno GPU 640 |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDRX8 |
| Storage | 256 GB UFS 3.0 |
| Operating System | Android 10 Pie One 2.0 user interface |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE dual SIM (nanoSIM / eSIM) Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac / ax, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot Bluetooth 5.0 LE aGPS + GLONASS + GALILEO + BDS NFC USB Type-C connector |
| Cameras | Rear: Dual 12 MP (wide) f / 1.8 + 12 MP (ultrawide) f / 2.2, autofocus Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, HDR, video 2160p @ 60 fps Front: 10 MP (wide) f / 2.4, autofocus PDAF, HDR |
| battery | 3.300mAh (non-removable) 15W fast charging and 9W wireless fast charging |
| Others | Gorilla Glass 6 Fingerprint reader in the side frame Sound optimized by AKG with Dolby Atmos Samsung proprietary services (Health, Payments, ...) |
Unrivaled design and comfort
I tell you already: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is a terminal that, in terms of comfort, is unrivaled. We are facing a fairly narrow cell phone, with 73mm wide, which fits any type of hand and that allows us to hold the mobile phone very securely, avoiding the risk of falling that we have in other large terminals.
But better, let's start talking about materials. This device is made in metal and glass, in to ensure a good feeling in the hand, even if, as always, the glass on the back with mirror effect is a magnet for fingerprints. Although this is easily solved by putting the cover that Samsung includes in the box of the device, which will also protect the terminal from scratches.
Well, if you look at its back, you will see that the Galaxy Z Flip has one dual rear camera consisting of a 12 megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 12 megapixel main sensor, and right next to it we have a small 1,1-inch stretched screen which has various functions that we will tell you later to prevent us from opening the device, such as the Always On Display to see the time and notifications.
We do not find a fingerprint reader under the screen or on the back, since Samsung has decided to insert it on the right side of the terminal, position that, from experience, seems comfortable and correct enough to leave the back smooth and save space inside the terminal.
This fingerprint reader - which is also the power button - is located below the volume buttons, and below that are the components that allow the terminal to fold inward and that no dust dust enters the hinge of the device. in which Samsung has worked a lot.
The terminal screen, which is a 6,7-inch Dynamic AMOLED, it's covered with a different glass than the Samsung Galaxy Fold, which makes for a better experience and feels less crappy. Although, yes, the area where the terminal folds is noticeable to the touch. Something that, personally, did not bother me because of the smoothness of the screen.
The Galaxy Z Flip has a glass that offers a better touch experience, protections in the closure and a design that dazzled us
Note that the screen has frames that protrude a little, in which the magnets that hold the device closed are located, and in these we find small rubber bands that will serve to cushion the impact that this frame could suffer when we close the Galaxy Z Flip.
And the experience with this was also very good, since, from what we could see, it has more natural colors than a usual SuperAMOLED, but it does not lose that strength in blacks and strong colors that characterize these panels.
Software to exploit the peculiarities of the terminal
It is one of Samsung's most particular devices and the Korean company has demonstrated for years with its Galaxy Note that it is able to enhance the experience offered by its most diverse terminals via software. And in this case, it's no different.
First of all, we will tell you about the small 1,1-inch screen that the terminal hosts overseas. Well, this is in this position to prevent us from opening the mobile on more than one occasion, and for that, and using the AMOLED technology of this small panel, it has Always On Display so that we can see the time at all times without needing to open the terminal.
This small screen is tactile, and by sliding your finger over it we will be able to access the notifications - of which a preview will be shown - that have reached the device, as well as the control of multimedia playback, also useful enough so that you don't have to open the Galaxy Z Flip if we want to change the song.
On the other hand, if we double-click the power button, we will activate the dual rear cameras as well we will be able to take a selfie using the small screen. In fact, if we touch this we will alternate between the normal camera and the ultrawide one, and by pressing the volume buttons we will take the photo that will go directly to the gallery.
In addition to this feature, Samsung has decided to introduce the so-called Flex Mode into the terminal. That is, we will be able to fold the terminal in various positions, until it forms a 90 degree angle, like we do with a laptop. And this can be something that, when we have the cell phone on the table, can be the most useful, for example, to make a video call.
Well, Samsung has opened the possibility to the developers of any application to take advantage of this mode to divide the contents in two and readjust the interface to be able to view these contents in a very comfortable way. Right now, apps like YouTube or the camera are compatible with this Flex mode, but Samsung has confirmed that this mode will reach all system applications, as well as any third party application, provided that the developers decide to adapt it.
Preliminary conclusions after using the terminal
I was able to use the terminal and see how it works in pretty much all aspects, from the power supply to the camera and software add-ons, that from my point of view it is one of the sections in which the company Korean did the best job. Samsung has done a lot of work in this section and it should be acknowledged.
This Samsung Galaxy Z Flip has many arguments in its favor and the truth is that, despite its great price, it is a terminal that you should consider if you are planning to change your smartphone and design and use of space are your biggest concerns. Oh, and even if you don't have a budget limit.
And this device allows us to fold it to fit in the palm of our hand, and this is something that many people really appreciate, since with the dimensions that have reached smartphones current, it is sometimes possible to carry them in your pocket. Mission Impossible
There are still you wait that we could not test, such as the autonomy of the device or the performance of the camera in other different conditions, but the truth is that, for now, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip seemed to me a very solid bet for this premium foldable mobile phone market, and more with this concept that allows us to save space in our pockets, instead of carrying a tablet in it. At the moment we await the analysis to tell you everything about the terminal.
