The future of folding phones took a step in a new direction today with Samsung’s unveiling of the Galaxy Z Flip.
Taking a different approach to folding displays than the disastrous Galaxy Fold, the Z Flip packs a screen that folds from a tiny clamshell device, into a full-size 6.7-inch smartphone. And it comes with some novel uses that could change how app design is approached.
First, let’s get the nitty-gritty out of the way. The Z Flip costs a pricey $1,380 and comes in three colors: purple, black and gold in limited countries. You won’t have to wait long to get it, either. Units should hit stores on February 14, 2020.
Z Flip details
Photo: Samsung
The main AMOLED display of the Z Flip measures 6.7-inches and sports a 21:9 aspect ratio. Its made out of Ultra Thin Glass so it should be more durable than the plastic display found on the Galaxy Fold.
On the inside, you’ll find 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, 3,300 mAh battery, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 10MP selfie camera, 12MP wide-angle camera and 12MP Ultra-wide camera. When folded, the entire body is 2.89 inches by 3.4 inches and 0.68 inches thick.
Samsung pitched the Z Flip as a device for those that see technology as a way to express themselves during its Unpacked event today. Considering its huge price tag, it’s certainly not ready for mass appeal just yet, but it points to an exciting future for folding displays if Samsung is able to avoid the issues that made the company’s first folding smartphone a fiasco.
