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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

From Alfawiki
Samsung Electronics
IndustryConsumer electronics
FoundedMarch 1, 1938; 88 years ago (1938-03-01) in Suwon, South Korea
Headquarters
Suwon
,
South Korea
ProductsSmartphones, consumer electronics
Websitewww.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-z-flip/

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip—marketed as the Samsung Galaxy Flip in select regions—is a foldable smartphone engineered and produced by Samsung Electronics within the Galaxy Z lineup. Officially launched on February 14, 2020, this device features a foldable display technology previously introduced in Samsung’s Galaxy Fold but adopts a compact clamshell form factor. Operating on Android paired with Samsung’s proprietary One UI interface, the Galaxy Z Flip marked the inaugural model in the 'Z Flip' series. Its direct successor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, debuted in 2021.

Design and Form Factor

The Galaxy Z Flip employs a rollable display that folds vertically, allowing the phone to transform from a traditional slate into a more pocket-friendly size. When unfolded, it measures approximately 167.3 mm in height, 73.6 mm in width, and 7.2 mm in thickness. Once folded, its dimensions reduce to roughly 1 mm in height, maintaining the same width at 73.6 mm and increasing thickness to about 17.3 mm. The device weighs approximately 183 grams.

Hardware Specifications

The handset is available in two variants differentiated by network compatibility: a 4G LTE model and a 5G-enabled version. The international model numbers for the LTE variant are SM-F700x, while the 5G version carries SM-F707x, with the final character varying according to carrier and region. Japanese market models include SCV47 for 4G and SCG04 for 5G under the au brand.

Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, the 4G edition features the Snapdragon 855+ chipset with an octa-core CPU configuration (1 core at 2.95 GHz, 3 cores at 2.41 GHz, and 4 cores at 1.78 GHz) utilizing Kryo 485 cores and an Adreno 640 GPU. The 5G model upgrades to the Snapdragon 865+ chipset, boasting an octa-core CPU (1 core at 3.09 GHz, 3 cores at 2.40 GHz, and 4 cores at 1.80 GHz) based on Kryo 585 architecture coupled with an Adreno 650 GPU.

Memory is fixed at 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM across all variants, complemented by a non-expandable internal storage capacity of 256 GB—UFS 3.0 for the LTE model and UFS 3.1 for the 5G version.

Display Features

The primary screen is a Dynamic AMOLED panel measuring approximately 6.7 inches diagonally with a resolution of 1080 by 2636 pixels, delivering an aspect ratio close to 22:9 and a pixel density of around 425 ppi. This display supports HDR10+ content for enhanced visual quality.

Externally, the device includes a smaller Super AMOLED cover screen sized about 1.1 inches with a resolution of 112 by 300 pixels and an aspect ratio of roughly 8:3, providing quick access to notifications and basic interactions without unfolding the phone.

Camera System

On the rear, the Galaxy Z Flip houses a dual-camera setup consisting of a primary wide-angle sensor with a resolution of 12 megapixels featuring an f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), Dual Pixel PDAF, LED flash, HDR10+, panorama capabilities, and video recording up to UHD (4K) at both 30 and 60 frames per second as well as slow-motion capture options including Full HD at up to 240 fps and HD at up to 960 fps.

Complementing this is a secondary ultrawide camera also rated at 12 megapixels with an f/2.2 aperture.

For selfies and video calls, the front-facing camera offers a resolution of 10 megapixels with an f/2.4 aperture and supports phase detection autofocus (PDAF), HDR imaging, and UHD video recording at up to 30 fps.

Battery and Connectivity

The phone is equipped with a non-removable battery rated at approximately 3300 mAh.

Connectivity options encompass Bluetooth version 5.0 along with Wi-Fi standards b/g/n/ac/6 support.

Additional physical controls include side-mounted fingerprint recognition sensors for biometric security, volume adjustment keys, and power buttons.

Additional Features

The Galaxy Z Flip delivers stereo sound enhanced by Dolby Atmos technology.

It lacks expandable storage but offers fast internal memory solutions tailored to each network variant.

The device originally shipped with Android 10 operating system layered with One UI version 2.1 but can be updated to Android 13 featuring One UI version 5.1.1.

Related Models

This foldable smartphone belongs to Samsung’s broader Galaxy Z series alongside devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy Note20, and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2. Its immediate successor is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3.

Official Information

For further details regarding specifications or support, visit Samsung’s official webpage dedicated to this model at https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-z-flip/.

History and release

The initial indication of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip appeared in a commercial aired during the 2020 Academy Awards. The device was officially introduced on February 11, 2020, simultaneously with the Galaxy S20, and became available for purchase on February 14, 2020, except in Japan where it launched on February 28, 2020. In contrast to the Galaxy Z Fold, this model folds along a horizontal axis and features a hybrid glass layer known as the "Infinity Flex Display". Upon release, it was offered in three finishes: Mirror Purple, Mirror Black, and Mirror Gold.

On July 22, 2020, Samsung revealed a 5G variant of the Galaxy Z Flip. This updated version was introduced in two new hues: Mystic Bronze and Mystic Gray. Additionally, a limited-edition "Mystic White" color was made available for this 5G model. The Galaxy Z Flip 5G launched in Japan on November 4, 2020.

Design

The Galaxy Z Flip incorporates an aluminum chassis combined with approximately 30 μm (0.0012 in) thick "ultra-thin glass" layered with plastic, similar to the technology used in the Galaxy Fold. This glass is produced by Samsung using materials supplied by Schott AG and undergoes a specialized strengthening process to boost both flexibility and toughness. A proprietary material is infused to an undisclosed depth to maintain uniform hardness throughout the display. The back panels utilize traditional Gorilla Glass. Unlike earlier foldable phones such as the Motorola Razr and Galaxy Fold which employed plastic screens, the Z Flip is the first to implement a foldable glass display. This advancement enhances screen durability and minimizes crease visibility at the fold line. The hinge assembly is fortified with nylon fibers engineered to prevent dust intrusion; Samsung rates this folding mechanism for up to 200,000 cycles.

For the LTE model, color options include Mirror Purple, Mirror Black, and Mirror Gold, while the 5G edition is available in Mystic Bronze and Mystic Gray. Availability of these colors may differ based on region or carrier. Furthermore, a Limited Edition version developed in collaboration with Thom Browne features a distinctive red, white, and blue stripe pattern set against a gray base.

Hardware

This device employs a clamshell design that conceals a 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED display with a 21:9 format, supporting HDR10+. Positioned at the top of the screen is a circular cutout housing the front camera. On the exterior, next to the camera module, there is a compact 1.1" secondary display which shows time, date, battery level, allows interaction with notifications, enables call answering, and serves as a viewfinder. Powering the device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ SoC paired with an Adreno 640 GPU, complemented by 8 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.0 storage that cannot be expanded. The phone contains two batteries combining for a total capacity of 3300 mAh, rechargeable via USB-C at up to 15W wired charging or wirelessly through Qi technology. The power key is integrated into the frame and functions as a fingerprint scanner, while the volume controls are positioned above it. On the back, a dual-camera system includes a 12 MP main sensor alongside a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The front camera features a 10 MP sensor.

Software

The Z Flip comes preloaded with Android 10 and Samsung's customized One UI 2 interface. It supports "Flex mode," a split-screen feature available in select applications such as YouTube and Google Duo.

Software lifecycle

On August 18, 2020, Samsung confirmed that the Z Flip, along with several other Galaxy models, would receive three major Android OS upgrades and continue to get security updates for four years.

In December 2020, Samsung declared that the Z Flip would be eligible for an upgrade to Android 11 accompanied by One UI 3.

Given its qualification for three Android OS generations, in January 2021 Samsung indicated that the device would obtain two additional significant Android updates following Android 11.

The second major system upgrade arrived in January 2022 with One UI 4, based on Android 12. The final major OS update was rolled out by January 2023 with Android 13 and One UI 5.

Reception

Upon its release, the Z Flip received a range of reviews, generally leaning towards positive. Critics highlighted its premium hardware, innovative form factor, user interface, display quality, and camera capabilities. However, concerns were raised about its high cost, the limited size of the external display, and an impression of overall delicacy. Sascha Segan from PC Magazine rated the device 3 out of 5, describing it as "the first folding phone that truly functions well, yet remains an expensive and somewhat fragile fashion statement rather than a widely adopted device."

Jessica Dolcourt from CNET awarded the Z Flip a score of 7.9 out of 10, characterizing it as "a well-integrated gadget that is intuitive to use immediately." She particularly commended Flex Mode as "the most distinctive, intriguing, and practical feature," while also pointing out that battery performance was mediocre and that many multimedia formats did not fit the screen’s aspect ratio properly, leading to pillarboxing effects.

Chris Velazco of Engadget gave the smartphone a rating of 78, praising its design, speed, and camera system but expressing dissatisfaction with the cover screen and perceived fragility.

Dieter Bohn from The Verge assigned a 6 out of 10 rating, summarizing that "like earlier folding smartphones, this model feels more like an expensive experiment than a practical purchase for most consumers." He lauded the device’s performance and hinge mechanism but criticized the pricing and camera quality, also noting that the plastic screen protector remained vulnerable to scratches.

Samuel Gibbs of The Guardian commended the phone’s robustness after extensive use, stating that "even after unfolding it dozens of times daily over four months, the display appears and functions as flawlessly as when it was new."

The repairability evaluation by iFixit resulted in a low score of 2 out of 10.

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