The highly anticipated Galaxy Z Flip was revealed last night in South Africa via a live stream from the US. Samsung South Africa had the units available for us to get our hands on, and it was basically confirming what we saw via the leaks ahead of the reveal.
The Galaxy Fold, issues and all, was what the company was leading towards with the Z Flip and a way forward with future devices. Any first-generation product is too new – those folding screens felt like there were being rushed to market – and there are lessons to be learnt; hopefully the Z Flip won’t have similar issues as the Fold. It is too soon to say.
This is a tweet all about how my evening got flipped… Hands on with the new @SamsungMobileSA Galaxy Z Flip, right here in Johannesburg. Selfie also taken on the Z Flip. #SamsungEvent pic.twitter.com/RJm9ahPEPh
— Nafisa Akabor (@nafisa1) February 11, 2020
I got to use it briefly, it was like a stampede in the demo zones (we had a camera woman push herself on us with no apology), a small area with the newly announced devices for the evening including the Galaxy S20, S20 Plus and the new monstrous S20 Ultra.
Anyway, as far as first impressions go, I like the Galaxy Z Flip; the novelty hasn’t worn off. I like what it feels like in my hand although it was difficult to handle with one hand while I was making a video. When you flip it shut, it feels so satisfying. Is that weird?
Size wise, it is perfect. Smartphones are getting way too big, something I’m not a fan of but getting used to because I want a new phone every year. Having a folding phone in your pocket is just better than an almost 6-inch one.
@nafisaakabor Oh snap… It’s the new Galaxy Z Flip. #galaxyzflip #zflip #samsunggalaxyzflip #southafrica #tiktoksa #tiktoksouthafrica #samsung #technology
It has a 6.7-inch display when opened, features a Hideaway Hinge and custom built UX, given that it is a new form factor. There are also hands-free modes, as displayed during the reveal; the phone sits open at any angle given its shape and you can use your hand to trigger the camera. It also has a Flex Mode where the display splits into two 4″ screens for multi-tasking.
Regarding the cameras, there are two rear 12MP ones, a regular wide angle and ultra-wide angle. On the inside, the selfie-cam is a 10MP shooter that does a pretty good job. Here’s a shot with Nadim Nyker from Mens Health (click to enlarge):
Other specs aside from the 6.7-inch OLED display with 21:9:9 ratio is another little 1.1-inch OLED display for notifications when the phone is folded; 8GB of RAM; 256GB of storage; and 3300mAh battery.
The Galaxy Z Flip will be available on 22 February in South Africa in limited quantities in purple and black at Samsung Stores in Sandton City, Canal Walk, and Gateway. It will retail for R29 999 on prepaid with contract options available from R1499. Definitely one for the early adopters.
Nafisa Akabor
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Recharged is an independent site that focuses on technology, electric vehicles, and the digital life by Nafisa Akabor. Drawing from her 16-year tech journalism career, expect news, reviews, how-tos, comparisons, and practical uses of tech that are easy to digest. info@recharged.co.za