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SteveJUAE

macrumors 601
Aug 14, 2015
4,513
4,752
Land of Smiles
Couple of further thoughts on the flip now I've used it for a week.

Novelty not worn off. And I kind of don't think it will. This isn't a gimmick to me, it's so cool that it folds down and fits into a pocket. I love that the screen is always protected when not in use (obviously not if in a pocket with coins, dirt etc), but generally the fold closed shut is protective.

I picked up my Pixel 4 before and found it odd pressing the lock button to turn off the screen. I'm so used to just closing the flip now...

It is also a conversation starter. I was in the petrol station the other day and stood in a queue. My phone went off with a text so I opened it and replied. The guy behind me tapped me on the shoulder and asked "how are you finding that?!" I was a bit taken back ha. I had to pay then so didn't get much chance to talk to him about it but was cool that it gets people talking!

I have found using the phone just generally really nice. I'm so impressed with the build quality and feel of the phone. I just think they've got the dimensions, weight and size spot on.

I won't go over the things I've already mentioned as downsides (outside screen etc), all I will say on that is I wish it was "always on". Other Androids have this as standard and I feel like Samsung missed a trick not allowing the outside screen to always display the time. I actually think that would make the flips outside screen bearable, as it least it would have a function. Software update perhaps?

Camera continues to be just ok. Nothing special. But it still does capture decent enough images. In lower light it is pretty good even outside of night mode...

View attachment 896706

Battery is impressive enough for me. There's no idle drain like is seen on my Pixel. It easily gets me through a day which is all I want.

The screen is not as responsive for me as a normal 'glass' screen. It's only noticeable when I am using an app that requires a double tap input - sometimes it doesn't register. Single taps and swipes are absolutely fine. Nothing major, but part of me thinks this could be one limitation to this type of screen.

In terms of One UI, I love that it's now closer to stock in terms of navigation, than ever. The swipe gestures are the same as stock but I have had to turn them off on my Flip. The raised 'bezel' does make it difficult to swipe back from either side. What is good, is that Samsung have given options within settings to increase the sensitivity of the back swipes which is great to see. But I just found it to be much easier to go back to the traditional 3-button layout on this phone, which I've been happier with since.

Biometrics could be better. The facial recognition is probably one of the worst I've used and never works properly at all. I've taken to just using my fingerprint which I don't mind doing at all. The Flip has the same option as the Pixel whereby it will let you bypass the lock screen and unlock to where you last were. Good if it worked consistently. :D.

I don't really have too much more to add. The phone is amazing. It's one of my favourite ever phone designs and if Samsung have managed to do this well on their first (technically second) fold / flip, then I can't wait to see where they take it next.

If anyone has any questions or things they want to know / test, just let me know and I'll do my best.
Lisa notes the same as you re external screen on time, sounds like a simple fix, fingers crossed
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Ha thanks! I did consider it once, but probably too expensive for all the kit! :)
I was a mod on a forum for several years that was enough YT is a much bigger commitment
 

noobinator

macrumors 604
Jun 19, 2009
7,335
6,998
Los Angeles, CA
@Aneres11 do you think the novelty will wear off in time? The honeymoon phase on this one might be longer since it’s so cool and different. I really want to try it but I’d hate to drop $1500+ and a month later be bored. Do you ever miss having it open and ready at all times like a normal phone?
 

SteveJUAE

macrumors 601
Aug 14, 2015
4,513
4,752
Land of Smiles
@Aneres11 do you think the novelty will wear off in time? The honeymoon phase on this one might be longer since it’s so cool and different. I really want to try it but I’d hate to drop $1500+ and a month later be bored. Do you ever miss having it open and ready at all times like a normal phone?
I have had my Fold for months it just becomes second nature to open it, you do not even think about it and I have a much more usable front screen :)

On occasion I even open it to answer calls when there is no need, then close it to continue

I think a nice feature of the Flip is having it in laptop mode so to speak on your table, its always ready then :)
 
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Aneres11

macrumors 601
Oct 2, 2011
4,353
9,551
@Aneres11 do you think the novelty will wear off in time? The honeymoon phase on this one might be longer since it’s so cool and different. I really want to try it but I’d hate to drop $1500+ and a month later be bored. Do you ever miss having it open and ready at all times like a normal phone?

It's a good question. And one I'm not sure I can answer. Not yet anyway.
I think even if I looked at this phone as a non-flipping phone and was to use it from now on left open like a normal slab, I'd be very happy with it.

Samsung phones have become great to use. They mix the balance of customisation with a smooth, lag free experience which is not something you could say of them a couple of years back.

The price, is obviously high, but I think Mr Mobile nailed it with his review of the S20 Ultra. Not a direct quote, bit he said something along the lines of... If you're going to call something Ultra, it needs to do EVERYTHING right. Similar to the Pro iPhones last year. Unfortunately, both those devices fall short in areas they really shouldn't for their name and price tag.
Therefore, would you rather pay big bucks to chase a spec sheet when the reality is you're only getting a small upgrade compared to last year's model, or would you rather pay those big bucks for innovation which is really where my way of thinking is.

Put it this way, I LOVE using this phone. And I don't mean I love flipping it. I mean it's a great phone to just use day to day. The fact that it flips and is the coolest piece of tech out there right now just adds to it.
If someone said to me give it back and here's an S20 Ultra instead I'd say no thank you very much. The Flip is just that good to me. :)

Sorry I waffled.
 

Aneres11

macrumors 601
Oct 2, 2011
4,353
9,551
Since when did AirPods taps work with Android phones?
Or have they always? I was watching a YT vid on my Flip and tapped my left airpod by accident and it paused the video.

Tested it with music and it did the same there. I thought this only worked with iPhones?!
 

Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
4,373
3,101
Australia
Since when did AirPods taps work with Android phones?
Or have they always? I was watching a YT vid on my Flip and tapped my left airpod by accident and it paused the video.

Tested it with music and it did the same there. I thought this only worked with iPhones?!
It’s always been like that. You get play/pause on Android, but not Tap gesture customisation.

Thanks for the measured Flip Z impressions above. Appreciated not having to read through mega-gushes & a subtle rival condescending tone you get around here. 👍🏼
 

Aneres11

macrumors 601
Oct 2, 2011
4,353
9,551
It’s always been like that. You get play/pause on Android, but not Tap gesture customisation.

Thanks for the measured Flip Z impressions above. Appreciated not having to read through mega-gushes & a subtle rival condescending tone you get around here. 👍🏼

How have I missed that all this time?! Haha ah well better late than never! :D

And no problem re impressions. There's no underlying tone from me! If the Flip was rubbish, you'd all know about it. :)
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,072
19,067
US

AppleRobert

macrumors 603
Nov 12, 2012
5,729
1,133
Probably will not keep it. I would get whole lots more for the buck with the Ultra, how long would it take for that one to be discounted anyway.
 

Lobwedgephil

macrumors 603
Apr 7, 2012
5,792
4,757

raqball

macrumors 68020
Sep 11, 2016
2,323
9,573
Mine came a few days early..

It's an interesting device for sure and here are my initial thoughts on it. My d brand skin has not arrived yet however.

-It's a fingerprint magnet! After a few seconds of use the entire device is a hot mess of smudges. The skin will stop this so I hope it come soon.
-Not easy to open and close one handed. But this is expected as the device needs to be firmer so you can use it in the stand modes.
-You can feel the crease when interacting with the phone
-The crease is not really visible when using the device
-It's fast and snappy.
-Split screen is sweet on it when you have it in stand mode
-My AT&T version came with a bunch of crapware pre-installed. Easily removed but still a bummer
-I wish the front notification screen was a little larger.
-Is it worth $1380? Maybe. The cool factor alone is pretty sweet.

I wanted the new Razr when it was 1st announced. After seeing the reviews I decided to pass on it. The Z Flip is hands down the better phone -v- the Razr.

I had the OG Razr back in the day and love the snap close and flip open feeling it gave. You can flip the Z open but it's not as easy as say the Razr.

Overall I like it. I have 2 weeks to decide if I'll keep it or not but so far, I am digging it. I got the black one and will post some photos with the skin once my d brand arrives and I get it slapped on.

A few photos

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2.jpg

3.jpg

4-2.jpg

5.jpg


Size comparison to my small thin credit card wallet.

6.jpg
 
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