Today may have mostly been about the Galaxy S20 family, but three Samsung phones clearly isn't quite enough, with the manufacturer officially announcing its second foldable phone: the Galaxy Z Flip.
Much like the Galaxy Fold, the Galaxy Z Flip folds in half, but horizontally rather than vertically - in the same vein as the reimagined Motorola RAZR. Instead of getting a smartphone-sized device that opens up to be a tablet, the flip phone inspired handset is a 6.7-inch smartphone that collapses down into a small square when it's not being used.
The Galaxy Z Flip can also be used at angled positions, such as when you've got the hinge at 90 degrees. At angled positions, "Flex Mode" is activated, which will optimise compatible apps across the "top" and "bottom" screen. For example, in the camera app, the view finder appears on the top part of the Z Flip, while camera controls are relegated to the lower portion. Samsung suggests this essentially replaces the need for the tripod.
As with the RAZR, the Galaxy Z Flip has a display that's still visible when the phone is shut, but a much smaller one, measuring in at just 1.1-inches. For comparison, the RAZR's external display is 2.7-inches. The Galaxy Z Flip's external screen can be used to show time, battery life, and notifications, and to answer phone calls and take selfies. If you tap a notification on the cover screen, the relevant app will be open when you unfold the device.
Notably, the Galaxy Z Flip is the first foldable smartphone to feature a glass display, which could help with durability. To date, every other foldable device has featured a plastic screen, which tends to be more prone to scuffs and scratches. Samsung says the Galaxy Z Flip display is rated for over 200,000 folds. Of course, the real durability test for the Galaxy Z Flip will be seeing how the phone fares in day-to-day usage - especially considering how thin the glass must be in order to be flexible.
As with the Galaxy Fold, has Galaxy Z Flip will still have a slight gap between its halves when closed to avoid damaging the display. Technically the RAZR has an air gap when folded shut too, but this is hidden internally.
Key specifications for the Galaxy Z Flip include a 6.7-inch 1080p+ display, a Snapdragon 855+ processor, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of non-expandable storage, a 12MP primary and 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 3,300mAh battery. The Galaxy Z Flip doesn't have 5G connectivity.
The Galaxy Z Flip will be available in a choice of "Mirror Black" or "Mirror Purple".
Local pricing and availability has yet to be confirmed, but Samsung says the Galaxy Z Flip will launch in Australia in the coming months. Telstra has already confirmed it will stock the Galaxy Z Flip when it arrives locally.
Internationally, the Galaxy Z Flip will retail for USD$1,380. This means it will quite possibly undercut the Motorola RAZR, which retails for USD$1,499 internationally and $2,699 in Australia.
Alex Choros
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