by Galaxy Z Flip 5 coming to fix pretty much everything wrong with Z Fold 4? Now we’re talking, Samsung!
A larger outer screen, a less visible crease and a more efficient chip could make the new Samsung Flip a viable alternative to other phones.
The original Galaxy Z Flip was a groundbreaking device when it first launched in early 2022. Samsung took what was considered a “dream” and made it a reality – a regular phone that folds in half, or in other words, a modern flip phone.
That said, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the original Galaxy Z Flip was a first-generation device that Samsung rushed out the door to make a statement (nothing wrong with that, I guess; but if you ask me, I not a big fan of half-baked units). Funnily enough, back then Motorola also managed to beat Samsung to the punch, releasing the first foldable Razr in 2019.
- At $1,400, the original Galaxy Z Flip was super expensive
- Battery life was weak due to how inefficient Qualcomm’s 2020 chips were
- It didn’t come with a flagship quality camera system
- It had a main screen that was far too easy to scratch/damage
But another thing that stood out about Samsung’s first Galaxy Z Flip was the small screen on the back of the device. The Flip’s rear screen was smaller than a fitness tracking screen and barely useful enough to justify its existence – it lets you check the time, date and control your music.
Fast forward to today, the latest Galaxy Z Flip 4 has a much larger outer screen. Good. Despite the (literally) massive upgrade over the original, you could still argue that the Flip 4’s external display is far too small.
- First, the shape of the Fold 4’s outer screen seems inappropriate; is placed horizontally (if you hold the phone straight), The Galaxy Z Fold 4 doesn’t really let you frame the selfies/TikToks when using the rear cameras
- Of course, despite being larger, the Flip 4’s external screen is still… small; size matters here
- Last but not least, hardware doesn’t tell the whole picture; the way the outer screen of a foldable phone is used will depend on the software – in other words, what the phone manufacturer allows you to do and not do with the screen
The Oppo Find N2 Flip is what the Galaxy Z Flip 4 should have been (but it still has one big problem)
The Oppo Find N2 Flip puts the Galaxy Z Flip 4 in its place with a larger outer screen, no crease and a mechanism that allows it to close. But it’s not perfect!
So when we talk about external displays and how well they are used, there is no way to skip addressing the current industry standard – The Oppo Find N2 Flip and its huge outer screen, which apart from being far bigger than the one in Samsung’s Flip, is also the right orientation. The external screen of the Oppo Find N2 Flip is almost as large as the main (and only) screen of the original iPhone from 2007; so it’s like having a mini iPhone mini attached to the back of the phone
However, even large external displays on flip phones only matter when used correctly. As you may know, as of now, Oppo does not allow users to use the external screen of the Oppo Find N2 Flip only as a smaller version of the main screen, with full functionality.
It doesn’t take a genius to see that this is a missed opportunity to give those who don’t want to use big screens all the time, but still want full control over their device, instead of a bunch of pre-assigned widgets. Oppo, come on?
Massive Galaxy Z Flip 5 outer screen has the potential to change the way you use your phone; less noticeable creases and gaps will also appear
I used to say that the big foldable design makes more sense, but a Galaxy Z Flip 5 with a big outer screen could change that!
And this is where the Galaxy Z Flip 5 (and Motorola Razr 2023) comes into play. Basically, Samsung is late to the “large external screen game”, but the company still has a chance to do it better/right, which is what really counts.
Imagine being able to use the large 6.8-inch screen at home to enjoy content, but also being able to fold the phone in half, go out the door and have the option to use the phone as a… mini version of it.
I’ve talked about it before, but the sheer convenience of not having to handle a heavy phone, with a massive screen that can barely be operated with one hand, is why I still choose to use an iPhone 13 mini as my primary device. And as mentioned above, Samsung (and Motorola) could finally give people like me the best of both worlds.
That is, of course, if Samsung doesn’t go down the Oppo route and limit what you can do with the back of the Flip 5 to full screen, which would be a missed… opportunity. No need for applause.
A phone with the screen size of the Galaxy S23 Ultra and like an extra mini iPhone? It might be…one of my dream form factors, Samsung. Well, one of them.
Anyway, of course, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is not only expected to come with a revamped outer screen. We also expect:
- Greater performance and efficiency (longer battery life)
- An improved camera system (being able to make better use of the external screen viewfinder would make using the rear camera a joy)
- A less visible crease on the screen (thanks to a new water drop hinge) and no or little to no gap when the phone is closed (remember, we’re relying on leaks and rumors so nothing is confirmed yet)
- The same price of $999, which can be considered a discount, given that prices are generally going up right now
Are you excited to see a Galaxy Z Flip 5 (or a Motorola Razr 2023) with an all-screen back? I know I am! Step aside, Galaxy S23 Ultra!
