Why did Samsung make a flip phone?

 

Last year, Samsung redefined smartphone design as we know it with the introduction of its first foldable device, the Galaxy Fold. While that category-defining smartphone was created with a focus on the action of unfolding (i.e., “What if you could unfold your phone to experience apps and content on a larger screen?”), the design of the company’s second foldable device, the Galaxy Z Flip, focuses on the opposite action: folding your smartphone to make it more compact.

 

As Tae-joong Kim, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business, explained, by combining a pocket-friendly form with striking style, “The Galaxy Z lineup introduces a new identity to the foldable mobile category. One that adds a fashionable touch to users’ lives.”

 

Follow along as we examine how Samsung refined each aspect of the Galaxy Z Flip’s design to offer users a whole new mobile experience.

 

 

Color-Coordinated

 

The Galaxy Z Flip is available in a choice of three stylish colors: the bold and creative Mirror Purple, the luxurious Mirror Black, which features a slight bluish tint, and the elegant and refined Mirror Gold. During the manufacturing process, Samsung combined a smooth glass finish with precise processing, resulting in layers of colors that reflect a range of hues depending on the angle at which the device is folded.

 

 

For those who like to dress simply, the Galaxy Z Flip can add an eye-catching touch to your outfit that can take your look to the next level. Created for those who want their technology to be as iconic as their wardrobe, the Galaxy Z Flip Thom Browne Edition features a pebble grey exterior adorned with the iconic New York fashion brand’s signature colors.

 

 

It’s All in the Details

 

Measuring just 73.6mm across, the Galaxy Z Flip is small enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand, and slips easily into a pocket or bag. To make the device as compact and portable as possible, Samsung tested out numerous form factors before ultimately landing on the design you see before you. No detail was overlooked. The design was contemplated down to the micrometer to ensure that it would offer users a comfortable grip.

 

 

The finished design also reflects careful consideration of usability, as evidenced by convenient features like the cover display. When the Galaxy Z Flip is closed, the cover display presents users with information such as the date, time, their device’s battery status and more, and when they’re taking a selfie, it allows them to see how they look. When the device is opened, Samsung’s intuitive One UI makes it easy to manage the Galaxy Z Flip’s spacious, 6.7-inch display with one hand.

 

“Along with size and grip, the user experience was a key focus of design,” Kim explained. “We designed the Galaxy Z Flip to make it easy to: 1) access basic information when the device is folded, and 2) multitask on its large display.”

 

 

Unfolding a New User Experience

 

Through extensive research into how consumers are using their smartphones today, Samsung identified that the ability to fold and utilize a smartphone at various angles would add a new layer of convenience to the user experience. The Galaxy Z Flip was specifically designed to be folded and used at multiple angles, which makes everything from taking pictures and video calling, to viewing media more comfortable and convenient.

 

Realizing that functionality would require a hinge that was both durable and exquisite, like a cogwheel. Through exhaustive research on hinge designs, as well as close cooperation among hardware departments, Samsung eventually came up with a blueprint for a hinge that would be capable of standing a foldable device up at any angle. The Galaxy Z Flip’s intricate Hideaway Hinge is the product of these efforts. It allows users to utilize their device at various angles, and enables the smartphone to stand completely on its own. It’s also sturdy enough to ensure that the device will not open or close by itself.

 

 

Samsung anticipates that the Galaxy Z Flip’s ability to stand on its own will change the smartphone experience. “Both the market and consumer lifestyles are constantly diversifying,” said Kim. “To address consumers’ needs, we will continue exploring ways to enrich the Galaxy Z lineup and the foldable mobile category with meaningful and enjoyable experiences.”

 

 

Once revolutionary in the mobile landscape, flip phones are now an integral part of our daily lives. From their early inception to modern iterations like the Galaxy Z Flip series, these iconic devices have transformed how we communicate, interact and express ourselves. Over the years, the Galaxy Z Flip has evolved from a compact communication device to the ultimate tool for unleashing your creativity — empowering users to unfold a world of possibilities with a simple flip. Samsung Newsroom sat down to detail the journey of how this groundbreaking series pioneered a new era of mobile innovation.

 

 

 

Following the groundbreaking launch of the Galaxy Z Fold, which redefined the mobile landscape, Samsung unveiled yet another revolutionary form factor that took the mobile market by storm. Introducing the Galaxy Z Flip: a device that folded effortlessly in half and could stand upright on its own.

 

Setting a new standard in innovation, the Galaxy Z Flip was the first foldable equipped with a folding glass screen. Unfolding the device revealed a wide 6.7-inch display while its stylish, compact design was small enough to easily fit in the palm of the user’s hand. Featuring a display ratio (21:9:9) similar to cinema screens, users were treated to an immersive world of vibrant and captivating content.

 

 

With the Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung revolutionized user interaction by introducing Hideaway Hinge. Much like a laptop, the hinge allowed users to open and position their phones at any angle. Users could securely fold, angle and position their devices, saying goodbye to shaky hands and hello to picture-perfect shots — whether they were snapping a hands-free selfie or capturing a moment with friends.

 

 

Also, Samsung released Flex mode, which automatically divided the screen into two when the device was folded. By collaborating with various partners, Samsung optimized this cutting-edge interface and enhanced usability. For example, in the camera app, users could preview the viewfinder on the top while adjusting the camera modes or lenses on the bottom. In addition, the phone supported Multi Window, enabling multitasking by simultaneously displaying different content on each screen.

 

 

 

Continuing the legacy of the Galaxy Z Flip, the debut of the Galaxy Z Flip3 took the series’ design and performance to new heights. The expanded Cover Screen was one of the phone’s most notable upgrades, now four times larger than its predecessor. Going beyond its traditional role of displaying the time and date, the device’s Cover Screen was maximized for both self-expression and productivity. Users could unlock their creativity by customizing their Cover Screen with images or GIFs and conveniently view up to eight lines of notifications and messages. What’s more, Samsung Pay transformed Cover Screens into wallets — helping users make payments in one simple step.

 

 

The Galaxy Z Flip3 also boasted a variety of camera features that elevated the user’s photography experience to capture and share moments hands-free through Flex mode. With the addition of Auto Framing, the camera detected the location and number of people or objects within the frame and automatically adjusted the format accordingly for photos and videos. Suppose a photographer and the subject of a photo wanted to view the preview of a shot at the same time. In that case, all the user needed to do was tap the Dual Preview button at the top right-hand corner of the screen. Furthermore, users never missed a shot while striking a pose with the enhanced Quick Shot.

 

 

Not only could the Galaxy Z Flip3 fit nearly anywhere, but it also offered improved durability and water resistance. The lightweight exterior was crafted from Armor Aluminum, the strongest material used in Galaxy devices to date, and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, safeguarding users’ smartphones for any condition. A new protective film placed on the main display improved durability by 80% compared to the previous generation. The Galaxy Z Flip3 was also the first to be equipped with IPX8 water resistance1 — breaking new ground for foldable phones and granting users peace of mind.

 

 

 

In 2022, Samsung released the Galaxy Z Flip4, complete with a host of practical features that effortlessly fit into daily routines. For instance, users could experience the convenience of the Flex mode panel2 which opened a touchpad that supports a range of gestures at the bottom of their screen. Similar to the cursor of a computer mouse, users could easily control various elements with a swipe of their finger — pausing, rewinding or playing videos without picking up the device. Another feature that increased productivity was the swipe gesture, optimized for multitasking. For example, if users swiped up with two fingers, the screen split into a top and bottom half to open a new app. With the swipe gesture, Galaxy made frequently used features, such as zooming in and out or turning pages, even faster and more convenient.

 

 

The Galaxy Z Flip4 also gave users more control than ever over their pictures. By simply pressing the side button twice, users embraced the Galaxy Z Flip4’s Quick Shot feature to capture moments and selfies without opening their phones. Now, they could even start a video on Quick Shot and easily transition to FlexCam without any interruptions. To capture the starry night sky, users could experience the all-new Nightography mode to take out-of-this-world shots, even in the dark — for bright, sharp photos with less image noise.

 

 

The Galaxy Z Flip4 effortlessly blended high-performance capabilities with a personalized touch, truly reflecting its owner’s style. When the Bespoke Edition launched, there were new opportunities to express individuality — users could choose from a combination of five glass colors, including Yellow, White, Navy, Khaki and Red, and three frame color options, including Silver, Gold and Black. Users could also enjoy the Galaxy Z Flip4 for even longer than the previous generation, thanks to its 400mAh larger battery.

 

 

 

This year, Samsung released the Galaxy Z Flip5, delivering the most stylish, unique foldable experience yet. Built for self-expression and complete with an innovative design and customizable functions, the prominent feature is the upgraded Flex Window that is 3.78 times larger than its predecessor’s Cover Screen.

 

 

Thanks to the larger screen, the Galaxy Z Flip5 offers more usability than ever before. With Flex Window, users can easily check and control Widgets, including the weather, stock market and music, without ever unfolding their phones. To see all Widgets at a glance, simply pinch the screen to activate the Multi Widget View function. The wider Cover Screen and fully accessible QWERTY keyboard make checking and responding to phone calls and messages even easier.

 

 

The new Flex Window provides the most versatile camera experience on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone to date. To snap a selfie with the rear camera, users can conveniently check their smile on the Flex Window before capturing stunning, hands-free photos from creative angles before correcting the color and tone. The camera-stabilizing Super Steady feature also ensures that users take smooth shots on the go. With improved Nightography capabilities to optimize photos in low lighting and digital 10X zoom, users can unleash their creativity anywhere, anytime and at any angle.

 

 

Now, there are even more ways to customize your Galaxy Z Flip5 inside and out. For instance, the new Flipsuit Case3 is equipped with a changeable NFC card, called Flipsuit Card so users can coordinate their Flex Window design and case design for even more personalization options.

 

 

The Future of Flip Phones Is Here

 

Building on its history of flipping the script, Samsung has delivered a history of mobile experiences that enhanced everyday life. Each device packed a variety of features that pushed the boundaries of mobile innovation. The Galaxy Z Flip series upended the smartphone industry with its screen folding technology and set the standard for flippable phones with every new edition. Samsung will continue to challenge conventional notions of the smartphone through the Galaxy Z Flip series as it unfolds new and extraordinary possibilities for users everywhere.

 

 

1 IPX8 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
2 Flex mode panel is also supported on Galaxy Z Fold4. Flex mode must first be activated via Labs in Settings. Certain applications may not support Flex mode.
3 Accessories sold separately. Model and color availability may vary by market or carrier.