I've had my Flip5 for over a year now and would like to update everyone on how it went, whether you're looking for a flip, asking for a friend, or just curious.
Screen: Has somevery minor scratches on the inner screen due to dirt build-up however, they're completely unnoticeable and haven't progressed in size for 7 months.
Hinge: Perfect condition. No dings, not even a scratch, which is surprising... here's why: I've gone through about 3 Flip5 cases ($20 on Amazon) that covers the hinge very well but tends to smack against it when closing the phone fast or pulling it out of your pocket however, it hasn't made any damage to the hinge itself.
Software: Still running smooth as butter, extra customizability with Flip features, and excited for One UI 7 soon!!!
Cover Screen: The best addition to this device is making the Cover Screen a full sized half-screen rather than the small widgets on the previous models. I use the Cover screenconsistently on a daily basis whether I'm checking the weather before going out, setting timers for dinner or alarms before bed, quickly replying to WhatsApp or Instagram DMs and I have a few games added on there thanks to GoodLock (Jetpack Joyride is awesome on the Cover Screen and Geocaching works SUPER well if you're hiking with friends! Pokemon GO is okay but the UI looks janky due to the small screen size; still, works!)
Flex Mode: The "Flex Mode" feature is awesome! If I'm watching a YouTube video on my lunch break, I just prop it up to get it ready for myself. And the multi window view is perfect on this device. Also lots of space for pop-outs / picture-in-picture. This also comes in handy to scroll through your gallery, use your camera like a makeup mirror, facetime/discord with friends, and so many more apps have their own thing! Like, YouTube has pause/play, a timeline scrubber, time skips, and more utilities to use. Check it out online if you're interested, Flex Mode is super useful.
Aspect Ratio: The 21.6:18 is very different and can take a while to get used to on many apps such as most social media platforms and low definition games. It's a big difference to get used to (especially with stories of others' aspect ratios being much smaller on flagship phones)
Final Verdict: Great phone! Definitely not for those who are prone to dropping phones often, however, I've dropped mine 4 times and with no damages (with a case).The Flip, while being a gimmick, is a great phone and conversation starter. Many tech enthusiasts have so many questions about it and I thought I'd share after my first year with the device.
I will make a post next year after 2 years for a final verdict before I get my next phone (Currently looking at S25, feel free to let me know if it's good or not below)
EDIT: Added Flex Panel and Aspect Ratio. Much needed for a review on this phone.
Thank you for sharing such a detailed and insightful review of your experience with the Galaxy Z Flip5! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience, from the durability of the hinge to the usefulness of the Cover Screen and Flex Mode. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and will undoubtedly help others considering the Flip5.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
Thank you for sharing such a detailed and insightful review of your experience with the Galaxy Z Flip5! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience, from the durability of the hinge to the usefulness of the Cover Screen and Flex Mode. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and will undoubtedly help others considering the Flip5.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
Great queation! Battery life is amazing. 3700mAh gets me a full day worth of charge, i use my phone for many hours while at work and I will come home to it being at around 30% to 15%. If I'm out not working, I usually get home with 60%. I only really charge before bed.
Doesn't seem much of a gimmick phone any longer, especially with Flex mode!
To me it's funny to read ppl calling a smartphone or it's features a gimmick like the Z Flip series from v5 onward.
Nokia made communicator style phones in the previous 2 generations of smartphones where things were more difficult to use & as well to rationalize the purchase.
Nokia E90 was the final communicator style phone using an odd double hinge but the Symbian apps were in it's time useful, as were full qwerty keyboards since touch screens where VERY expensive pre 1996 and multitouch was unheard of.
The use cases you've explained for the Flip 5 is great. I just wished Samsung Dex was supported, if so I'd be using Z Flip 5 since August 2023 vs my S23
Really wish I was a user of Dex before it shut down, seems like such a downgrade to the Phone Link we have now. I pray we have a feature in the future soon for something as good as Dex.
