Galaxy Z Flip 5: First Thoughts On Samsung's New Clamshell Foldable

Among Samsung's latest foldable phone offerings , the most impressive changes we've seen come with the Galaxy Z Flip 5 . In addition to finally having an all-flat screen and a redesigned hinge, Samsung realized that people like screens, so they put a bigger screen on the outside of the phone.

There will probably be a lot of people looking for nostalgia for the old phone days, but I have high hopes for the complex break in the outer screen, which Samsung calls "Flex Window". Great versatility comes with a smaller, more visible screen that fits in briefcases or purses.

My first few days with Flip were not pleasant. So far, it hasn't addressed my perspective on cell phones or how I use the device on a daily basis. Some of the same widgets that appear on the Z Flip 4's 1.9-inch screen are here, but now you can interact with your entire calendar and get a weekly weather report, similar to a smartwatch with fewer features . You can read messages and send messages to other people in other apps like Instagram or Slack. Full functionality doesn't seem to be the point of the Flex window; you can't access Gmail or turn on TikTok without thinking about it.

This limited use is mitigated by the increased number of apps, but users are currently limited to a limited number of beta versions of video and messaging apps that must be enabled in the device's settings. We'll soon see more app usability through Samsung's Good Lock launcher, but until then, I'm still wanting more.

And Samsung isn't the only company offering flip flops. Z Flip 5 directly competes with the Motorola Razr+ smartphone . Motorola's foldable phone looks a lot like the Galaxy Z Flip, albeit with a 3.6-inch external display around the rear sensors.

For those who want a different experience than a traditional smartphone, there are a few extra features that make the Z Flip 5 interesting. When you fold the phone in half and place it on a table, a dynamic mode setting appears that shows the content at the top and additional controls at the bottom. The external display offers some unique opportunities for capturing time-lapse photos or hand-held videos. But at a starting price of $1,000, I hope you don't think you're giving up a decent camera for a bumpy screen.

Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 specs released: everything you need to know