THE COMEBACK OF FLIP PHONES
Just like in fashion where trends repeat themselves, foldable phones, too, have seen a resurgence in the tech market since we last saw them in the late 2000s.
Picture this: the year is 2005. You’re watching American Idol and texting away with your bestie on a flip mobile phone with a pre-paid line. Brings back memories, doesn’t it? In the early 2000s when smartphones were on the cusp of technological breakthroughs, basic flip mobiles, otherwise known as clamshell phones, dominated the scene. At the height of its glory, models such as the Motorola Razr, LG Chocolate and Sony Ericsson Bravia were the ‘It’ phones of their time and it’s not hard to see their appeal. These kinds of cell phones are small, stylish and pocketable, provide screen and keypad protection with their flip cover, not to mention, make a satisfying ‘click’ sound when you snap them shut, which feels especially great after an infuriating conversation.
However, with tech advancements and the introduction of modern smartphones, the clamshell lost its popularity over time and faded against the background of newer, state-of-the-art touchscreen models. Yet, did we forget about them? Not entirely. Today, more and more smartphone companies are banking on its revival, and just like with Y2K fashion, flip phones are starting to make a comeback.
A STATEMENT ACCESSORY
It’s no secret that smartphone designs have hit a plateau in recent years with their rectangular, metallic exterior, flat display and almost similar interfaces. Recognising this, tech giant Samsung shakes things up with the introduction of its latest foldable device, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, which is a full-sized smartphone that, when folded, measures 4.2 inches, fitting comfortably into tight pockets, small bags and the palm of your hand. Targeting a younger crowd such as the TikTok generation, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has an eye-catching design with four sleek colours— Cream, Phantom Black, Green and Lavender— that will match any fashionista’s style aesthetic.
Now, let’s talk details. While the flip phones of yesteryears had an outer cover that hardly provided any function aside from telling the time, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G allows you to take selfies, check your messages, play music and so much more on its
“Today, more and more smarthphone companies are banking on the revival of foldable mobiles, and just like with Y2K fashion, flip phones are starting to make a comeback.”
1.9-inch Cover Screen—without having to open up the phone.
Speaking of flexibility, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is able to stand on its own in Flex Mode, so whether you’re on a video chat or taking photos with its 12-megapixel rear cameras or 10-megapixel front-facing selfie camera, you can set the phone down, adjust the angle and step away for hands-free moments.
Scrolling is silky-smooth on the 6.7-inch 120Hz Infinity Flex Display and with Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen technology, the screen is the most vivid, brightest and smoothest in the Galaxy Z range. The sound quality is topnotch too, all thanks to Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
If you’re looking to get multiple things done at once, go ahead and split your screen into two; write an email while catching up on your YouTube playlist or text a friend while going online shopping. The possibilities are endless.
In terms of durability, the phone’s incredible strength will give you added comfort on your outdoor adventures. The main screen is made of Samsung Ultra-Thin Glass and is 80 per cent more durable than before, withstanding up to 200,000 folds. Meanwhile, the exterior front cover and back cover on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G are made of the toughest Gorilla Glass yet on Galaxy Z: Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus™. Even water is no rival to the mini-but-mighty Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. This cuttingedge device is the world’s first water-resistant foldable smartphone, with an IPX8 rating, allowing it to withstand 1.5 metres of water for up to 30 minutes.
Seeing the big strides Samsung has made to flip phones with this new model, we can expect other mobile phone makers to follow suit and continue to push the envelope in foldable smartphone design. Until that happens, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is a worthy choice to start with on your new foldable phone adventure.