Introduction
So, the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 is finally out now, and apart from the new hinge, and new processor, just like the leaks suggested, the new cover screen really is that big! Then again, size isn’t the only thing that matters, and luckily, Samsung also seems to know how to utilize it…
The Large Cover Display
If you’re a regular PhoneArena reader, you might know I recently wrote that I’d like Samsung to approach the large cover display of the Flip 5 as a smartwatch screen – in other words, to give it tailor-made widgets that don’t feel as awkward to use as running an app made for a larger display. Many of you disagreed, saying you think the cover screen of the Flip 5 should function just like a regular one, being able to run any app. Well… Samsung made all of us happy!
Custom-Made Widgets
Apart from having a bunch of custom-made widgets that let you run various optimized apps (Samsung says more will come soon), the South Korean company will also let you enable the option (via settings) to run any third-party app on the new cover screen of the Flip 5! Take that, Motorola. The only downside right now is that you need to download Samsung’s Good Lock app to unlock the full functionality of the Flip 5’s cover screen.
The Year of the Compact Folding Phone
Anyway… Another thing I said recently was: “Sorry, Fold fans, but this is the year of the compact folding phone”, and after seeing the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, I’m glad (and full of myself) to say… I told you so.
The Huge Cover Display
Although it might seem like “just a larger screen” on the surface, the huge cover display of the Flip 5 makes the clamshell foldable the device it was meant to be from day one, and has the potential to change the way you use your phone, which is something we, tech people, don’t get to say very often.
Why Galaxy Z Flip 5 is Different
Here’s why the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the first Samsung foldable that really makes me regret my iPhone doesn’t fold. Huge cover display makes Galaxy Z Flip 5 a completely different beast than Galaxy Z Flip 4: The only Samsung folding phone you should care about this year? Although it covers less area, the usable portion of the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover screen is more than that of the Motorola Razr+ (2023). Although I love the gapless hinge, and I think this design change makes the Galaxy Z Flip 5 much more visually appealing (I really do!), what truly sets the Galaxy Z Flip 5 apart from any other Galaxy Flip that came before it is the massive cover display, which is about 200% larger compared to the Z Flip 4’s.
Potential to Change Phone Usage
But why do I think the new cover screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has the potential to change the way you use your phone? I’m pulling out the bullet points…
Reducing Screen Time
The fact that your Galaxy Z Flip 5 will be closed by default means you’ll need to open it every time you want to use it like a “normal” phone, and considering how lazy we’re becoming, this extra step might actually help reduce your “doomscrolling” time; smartphone addiction is a real problem, and while I’m not saying the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will encourage you to “go outside and touch more grass”, I’m sure it can help some people reduce their screen time.
Improved Focus
Meanwhile, the larger cover screen on the Flip 5 might be exactly what you need to stay more focused on the things you actually need to do, as it promises to be usable enough not to be annoying but not large enough for encourage you to scroll through social media or watch YouTube videos.
One-Handed Usability
As an iPhone 13 mini user, of course, my favorite part of using the Galaxy Z Flip 5 would be that this one will now be completely usable with one hand (thanks to the large cover screen); that’s extremely convenient for one-handed typing, navigation when on the go, but also, pocketability, which is why I haven’t given up my mini iPhone for anything else (yet).
Improved Camera Usage
Weirdly enough, the massive cover screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 should also let you take better photos and videos (of yourself); a big cover screen means a big camera viewfinder – you can now easily use your back cameras to take high-quality selfie photos and videos, and even for video calls, I suppose.
Flip Phone Nostalgia
Finally, while I don’t necessarily relate to the flip phone nostalgia, I suppose the satisfactory flipping that comes with a flip phone will make a certain part of the population particularly happy; particularly those 30 years old and up.
The Problem with the Cover Screen
The cover screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has one problem but you’ll probably get over it Samsung played it cheap with a 60Hz refresh rate on the cover screen of the Flip 5.
A Bizarre Decision
So, the new cover screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is basically pure perfection, right? Well, I’ll have to enter my “nerdy” mode now, and tell you it’s not exactly perfect, and that’s thanks to Samsung’s bizarre decision to cap it at 60Hz. This means the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s cover screen won’t feel as smooth as the inner one, which refreshes twice as fast, at 120Hz.
Transitioning from 120Hz to 60Hz
While I’m well aware the average Joe might not be able to tell a 60Hz phone screen apart from a 120Hz one, things might be slightly different when we’re talking about the same phone. In other words, jumping from the fast 120Hz inner screen to the 60Hz cover display might prove to be a bit jarring for those used to a 120Hz panel.
Cheap Out on the Display
For the record, I guess I see why Samsung thought it was OK to go with an old 60Hz screen here as you’re way less likely to be scrolling on the smaller cover screen (which is when refresh rate matters most), but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a bizarre area of the phone to cheap out in, considering the Flip 5 is made by one of the world’s largest display makers itself.
Potential Future Upgrade
It seems that Samsung is thinking ahead here, and saving an “easy upgrade” for the Galaxy Z Flip 6, when I bet the South Korean company will add 120Hz to the cover display. But I’ll let it slide…
The Verdict
Galaxy Z Flip 5: The clamshell folding phone of your dreams steals the Fold’s spotlight this year, but (sadly) the folding phone of my dreams runs iOS Flip over Fold this year. But still no iOS. But that’s my problem. In the end, five years after the first clamshell foldable made by Samsung, I can finally say I’m sold on the Galaxy Z Flip form-factor, and I honestly envy those who aren’t locked into Apple’s ecosystem and can buy a Galaxy Z Flip 5 without thinking twice.
Forget the Fold 5!
Forget the Fold 5! The new Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the real upgrade this year. The new hinge that makes the phone close completely shut means you no longer have to worry about putting the Flip in your pocket with other items. Meanwhile, the more efficient chip should mean longer endurance, and the incredible cover screen makes the Galaxy Z Flip 5 the minimalist clamshell foldable it was always meant to be – of course, you can still open it and get that “normal” phone experience.
Final Thoughts
As an iPhone 13 mini user, I can say that the new cover screen in the Galaxy Z Flip 5 makes it look like this phone was made for people like me – those who want a compact, light phone that can be used with one hand at all times. Bonus points for the fact that a phone with a smaller screen should most definitely make you want to use it less, which is exactly what today’s world of smartphone addiction needs.
So, am I pre-ordering my Galaxy Z Flip 5? Well… while you might want to do so, I’m afraid I can’t say the same about myself. Unfortunately, I’d still need an Apple logo on the back of a phone…
