Design/Display
Samsung’s first dive into the foldable world got off to a rocky start and so the launch of the Z Flip undoubtedly comes with a bit of added pressure.
Whereas the Galaxy Fold starts at normal phone size and folds into a mini-tablet, the Z Flip begins as a much smaller device. Indeed, the clamshell design has been explicitly designed to be compact, in comparison to the Fold which we struggled to use at times. This makes it perfect for carrying in a pocket or a bag, whilst the 1.1” Super AMOLED display allows you to see those all-important notifications. This makes it perfect way to control the Flip whilst it’s folded shut, whilst the unique form factor is enhanced by this colour-shifting exterior.
Open it up, and you’re greeted with the flip’s 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display. With HDR10+ certification, this is truly a cinema-grade display and with minimised bezels and no notch giving for a 82.5% screen-to-body ratio, allows for a truly immersive experience.
Contextual continuity is effective and allows you to fully interact with a notification, so, when it displays upon the front, it seamlessly appears in the relevant app when you then unfold your device.
The 12.9:9 aspect ratio is extremely tall in hand; however, Samsung has utilised this expertly in allowing compatible apps to be split. The Z Flip can sit independently at any angle between 20 and 160 degrees and so in this way, controls are used on the bottom half of the screen and the top half becomes the viewing area. Similarly, you may prefer to use two apps simultaneously, with one in the top half and the other in the bottom.
That hideaway hinge is smooth and easily adjustable to those different viewing angles. The hinge itself is actually protected by elements such as vinyl fibres which help to protect it from dust, adding to the promise of longevity. There are creases within the display, but they’re not deep enough to have any affect upon your viewing pleasure.
- 1.1" Super AMOLED outer display
- 6.7" Folding FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, HDR10+, 82.5% screen-to-body ratio
- Sits independently between 20 and 160 degrees
Camera
A fantastic photography experience is expected of Samsung devices now and the Galaxy Z Flip follows suit with a dual-rear camera setup.
This consists of a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens with a 123-degree field of view and an f/2.2 aperture and a 12MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and boasts Optical Image Stabilisation, 8x Digital Zoom, HDR+ recording and tracking auto focus.
We’ve been impressed with the images that we’ve taken, whilst intelligent added features such as scene optimiser, shot suggestions, filters and flaw detection help to give for that perfect photo every time.
If selfies are more your thing, then the Z Flip boasts a 10MP front shooter with an f/2.4 aperture and Live Focus.
The flip’s folding tech has improved the selfie experience no end, since you can now fold and stand it in a variety of different ways. This also opens the possibilities for hands-free video chat!
Alongside this, you get 4K Ultra HD video recording with Super Steady mode, which stabilises your moving images to make action shots look easy. Photo and video bokeh are also personal favourites of mine and really brings your subject to the fore.
- Dual rear camera
- 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 123-degree FOV, f/2.2
- 12MP wide-angle lens, f/1.8 aperture
- Optical Image Stabilisation, 8x Digital Zoom, HDR+ recording and tracking AF
- 10MP front shooter, f/2.4 aperture
- 4K Ultra HD video, Super Steady Mode
- Photo & video bokeh
Performance
On the performance side of things, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ processor works in tandem with 8GB RAM to make day-to-day tasks effortless. Android 10 ships in box, as well as Samsung’s One UI 2 which is both attractive and extremely easy to use.
In order to maintain that compact finish, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip houses a dual battery of 3,300mAh which allows for more charge in less space. 15W fast charging is also supported through a USB Type-C, as well as Wireless Power Share.
Alongside this, the device comes with 256GB internal storage which is made more necessary by the fact that the device does not ship with support for a microSD card.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ processor
- Android 10, Samsung One UI 2
- 3,300mAh battery, 15W fast charging, Wirelss PowerShare
- 256GB internal storage, 8GB RAM
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is shipping from Clove Technology for £1,590 including VAT in Mirror Black and Mirror Purple.