The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is now on the market and its first days of availability have been rather interesting. So far we’ve seen many reviewers and new owners express an overall positive opinion on the foldable, but not many purchase recommendations. There have also been a number of durability tests that show the device is still rather fragile despite having a number of strength and design improvements.
Various media outlets had a 24-hour test with the device before it launched February 14, but many have since purchased their own models for testing and review. Many enthusiasts noted that there are very limited quantities of the Galaxy Z Flip in stores. Various Best Buy locations have about two models on hand, while customers may have trouble finding the device at mobile carrier locations, such as AT&T stores.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip through its paces
Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything completed a detailed durability test on the Galaxy Z Flip that concluded the device still has many vulnerabilities, despite the improvement from the previous Galaxy Fold models. Primarily, Nelson determined what Samsung is referring to as “Ultra-Thin Glass” for its display likely isn’t glass at all, as the screen easily dented and scratched with a fingernail, as well as at lower scratch levels with a pick tool. He suggests the material may be a plastic polymer with glass specs blended in, as it is too soft to actually be solid glass. The display was also easily affected by direct heat, where solid glass would not.
Other observations note that the Galaxy Z Flip has a gap between two halves of the phone so that the display does not touch. The device survived forceful slams shut but a bend backward easily separated the frame. A third bend caused a snap from the frame where the handset no longer closed properly. Further bends shattered the actual glass back panel, but there was no innate damage to the display. The Galaxy Z Flip also survived being covered in dust, but direct pricks to the display killed pixels and caused bleeding under the screen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip first cracked screen
A new user has already reported the first Galaxy Z Flip casualty. The display reportedly cracked at the fold site shortly after the user removed the care instructions plastic cover. Unlike the original Galaxy Fold that had a protective film that was not supposed to be removed, which ultimately led to its demise, this plastic was in fact intended to be removed.
The care instructions detail that users shouldn’t press sharp objects against the display; should keep keys, coins, credit cards, and water away from the handset; should not put adhesives on the display; and should keep the handset away from magnets.
The user claimed that the display broke with a noise and wondered if the damage was due to cold weather. Samsung quickly responded to the user’s Tweet, but not much else has come from this story. This has made many in the comments wonder if the user deliberately damaged the handset in order to get attention. So far there have been no other consumer reports of broken Galaxy Z Flip models.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip definitely not dust resistant
Samsung has noted that the Galaxy Z Flip is mildly water-resistant but not dust resistant. The team at iFixit has shared a preview of their teardown to show exactly how the foldable is susceptible to dust. The team placed the handset in a plastic baggy with purple dust and then proceeded to do a teardown. The dusted Galaxy Z Flip struggled to open and close with loud crunching at the hinge. Once taken apart, the device had dust clearly visible in many nooks and crannies of its chassis.
This dust teardown was interesting, in comparison to the JerryRigEverything durability test. Nelson used everyday gravel and then blasted the dust away to see how the already broken device withstood the tampering. However, iFixit did not inflict any damage to the Galaxy Z Flip before placing it in the dust. Its test may be more indicative of how the foldable may react to dust over time. While Samsung has said the handset is outfitted with fiber layers at its hinge to keep dust and debris at bay, this test shows that the safeguard may not be foolproof. This test was an extreme example but it still gives hints of what could happen to the Galaxy Z Flip.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip positive opinions
More detailed Galaxy Z Flip reviews are beginning to trickle in and many common accolades about the device include its upgraded design and build quality; its camera and photo features; and the sheer novelty of the smartphone.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip has a fairly simple camera set up with 12-megapixel dual lenses, one wide-angle and one ultra wide-angle, in addition to a 10-megapixel internal camera. Camera features including Single Shot, which produces a number of stills, animated, and stylized options from a 10-second video; a Night hyper-lapse, which captures time-lapse videos in low-light situations. Reviewers have been pleased with their photo quality so far.
Reviewers are also enjoying the various display tricks the Galaxy Z Flip can perform, including its continuous scroll while in its Flex Mode, and its Split view, which allows for two windows to be open at the same time. The Galaxy Z Flip also makes for many great photo opportunities, with reviewers stacking handsets up like cards, or figuring out interesting places to fit the device.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip negative opinions
Conversely, many early users say the battery life on the 3,300 mAh Galaxy Z Flip leaves little to be desired. There have been mixed opinions on the small front display on the foldable, but many users are not fans and feel like the display is too small.
There has been some commentary on some undesirable aspects of the Galaxy Z Flip design, including its excessively tall aspect ratio and its old school mono audio setting. Some have noted that the Galaxy Z Flip doesn’t lay flat when it is face down.
Many also find the Galaxy Z Flip rather unremarkable outside of its foldable display and note that users will be able to find much cheaper options with similars specs or more advanced models with a price tag similar to the $1380 cost of the device.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip vs Motorola Moto Razr
There have now been many reviews and tests comparing the Galaxy Z Flip to the Motorola Moto Razr. Many who were originally enamored by Motorola’s attempt to cash in on some early 2000s nostalgia now appear to be leaning toward the Galaxy Z Flip as the superior clamshell foldable. The commentary indicates that the Galaxy Z Flip has a better build quality and Samsung’s device fared better in drop tests.
While its back shattered, in a similar single panel manner see in the JerryRigEverything durability test, its display made it through largely unscathed. The Moto Razr foldable; however, suffered display damage.
