Foldable phones are, slowly but surely, becoming a common sight in markets, but these aren’t the only devices that are trying to change the form of computing, figuratively and literally. Their numbers are drastically fewer, but laptops that are all screen and that can fold in half also exist if you know where to look for them. Just like with foldable phones, however, there are big reasons why they aren’t flying off shelves, reasons that don’t seem to matter much to LG. Although it is better known for its TVs and appliances, the company has also dabbled with lightweight laptops under its “Gram” brand. Now it’s expanding that roster with a not-so-lightweight laptop that is pretty much a large screen that can fold in half.
Just like with foldable phones, the rationale for foldable laptops is having a larger screen without actually doubling the size of the laptop itself, which is already quite a big device. The solution is to completely remove the keyboard, settling for a removable Bluetooth alternative, and getting the screen to fold in half so that it could still be stowed in the same space as a regular laptop. Unlike touch-centric phones, however, doing away with the essential keyboard isn’t as easy to do, which is one of the major design puzzles foldable laptops have yet to solve.
That hasn’t stopped major PC manufacturers from trying to launch such products, though with extremely limited success. These include the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, now in its second-gen, and the ASUS ZenBook 17 Fold, which seems to have evaporated from shelves. The basic design is similar: you have a large screen that you can fold into a laptop angle and then put a thin wireless keyboard on top of its lower half, or use it as a large monitor on its own.
The LG Gram Fold that was just announced in South Korea is now different in terms of design, but it seems that it will be setting itself apart in one critical aspect. It runs on a 13th-gen Intel processor, unlike its peers who are already years behind in processing power and technology. It also has some pretty solid specs, but in almost all other cases, the formula is still the same. It supports pen input, turning it into a viable digital art device, though the built-in graphics might be a little underwhelming. It also weighs around 1.2kg, which makes the Gram a misnomer yet again.
And like its peers, it is also quite expensive, running around $3,800, presuming it even launches globally. It’s an inaccessible piece of novelty, one whose usability in the real world is still highly in question. Along with the lack of activity from other manufacturers, LG’s unexpected dip into this nascent and niche market is anything but puzzling. Foldable laptops might still be the future of portable computing, but it’s questionable whether people will be willing to part ways with that amount of money for them at this point in time.
Today, the PHANTOM sub-brand of TECNO unveiled its first flip phone, the PHANTOM V Flip 5G, which marks a new era of design innovation. This foldable marvel distinguishes itself from other smartphones by combining advanced technology with a high-fashion aesthetic. Its camera trinity is at the heart of this cosmic ensemble: a powerful 64MP+13MP+32MP system. With aesthetics reminiscent of celestial bodies, its unique circular cover screen and cosmos-inspired finish are bound to turn heads and spark conversations.
The PHANTOM V Flip 5G is a remarkable device that can fit easily in a pocket. Its sleek design has received much acclaim and even earned a prestigious German Design Awards nomination. The device was unveiled during the “Flip In Style TECNO Flagship Product Launch 2023” event in Singapore, which showcases PHANTOM’s dedication to innovative design, pushing limits, and providing an unparalleled foldable experience.
Eclipsing Shadows: Illuminate Every Moment
The PHANTOM V Flip 5G’s camera has been crafted to turn low-light moments into luminescent memories. The 64MP RGBW Ultra Sensitive Sensor Main Camera is designed to swallow light, boasting an impressive 60% surge in light intake. The RGBW pixel format ensures minimal noise and enhances color fidelity, ensuring every captured moment reflects reality. With its industry-leading f/1.7 aperture, large 1.6μm (4in1) pixels, and a resolution untouched by any flip phone, nighttime photography is not just possible – it’s great.
TECNO’s Dual-camera Fusion technology ensures every image, whether shot with the 64MP main or the 13MP Ultra-Wide Angle Camera, is detailed, vast, and immersive.
Are you a fan of taking selfies? The PHANTOM V Flip 5G has exciting news for you! It now includes a 32MP Dual-flash Autofocus Front Camera that will take your selfies to the next level. This flip phone has first-of-its-kind Micro-slit Dual-flash technology and TECNO’s Super Flashlight algorithm that guarantees perfect lighting every time. The Automatic Eye-focus feature also ensures that all your selfies and vlogs capture even the smallest details with crystal-clear precision.
In the evolving smartphone world, the PHANTOM V Flip 5G emerges as a shining star, a testament to PHANTOM’s relentless pursuit of design perfection and technological brilliance. Only time will tell where they’ll take us next, but the universe seems a little brighter for now.
As dusk sets and shadows dance, the PHANTOM V Flip 5G stands poised, ready to turn every fleeting moment into a luminous masterpiece. Delving deeper into its prodigious camera capabilities, one can’t help but marvel at how it seamlessly conquers the challenges posed by low-light conditions.
Exploring the Versatility of PHANTOM V Flip 5G’s FreeCam System
The unique flip design of the PHANTOM V Flip 5G isn’t just for aesthetics—it introduces a dynamic new way to capture photos with the FreeCam System. This system provides users with a vast canvas to stretch their creativity, utilizing both front and rear lenses. With the ability to stabilize at angles ranging from 30-150˚, it offers opportunities for diverse shots: group photos, detailed rear camera selfies, and low-angle captures that provide a unique perspective. Additionally, the FreeCam Time-lapses bring a fresh perspective to traditional time-lapse videos. The phone’s capability to hover and accept both gesture and voice commands further enhances its versatility, paving the way for hands-free photography and videography.
A Design Masterpiece in Your Pocket
The PHANTOM V Flip 5G is a tech device that combines luxury with cutting-edge technology. Its cosmic-inspired design features a round “The Planet” cover screen with a deep black hue that evokes the vastness of space, making it truly eye-catching. The innovative “Asteroid Belt-Shaped” camera module is seamlessly integrated into the screen, giving the phone a sleek and unique appearance.
For those who appreciate the finer details, the phone’s exterior boasts premium lychee-pattern classic leather, a material often associated with high-end fashion and luxury cars. It brings an added layer of sophistication and tactile pleasure to the device. Available in two refined shades—Mystic Dawn and Iconic Black—the PHANTOM V Flip 5G caters to various style preferences.
In terms of form and size, the PHANTOM V Flip 5G is designed with user comfort in mind. When folded, it is 88.77 x 74.05 x 14.95mm, which fits snugly in one’s pocket and allows for intuitive thumb navigation. Unfolded, it measures 171.72 x 74.05 x 6.95mm, with a slightly narrower screen. This design decision is rooted in research, ensuring users have a comfortable one-handed experience.
The PHANTOM V Flip 5G is joining competitors with a more modern mobile design, introducing a new dimension to user experience. At the heart of its exterior is “The Planet,” a centralized circular screen designed for effortless one-thumb operation, ensuring convenience from every angle.
This innovative cover screen is not just functional but also interactive. Users can personalize it with a selection of wallpapers, interactive animations known as Tmojis, and even engaging 3D virtual pets. Importantly, this screen allows immediate access to essential functions, such as capturing photos, selecting music tracks, or sending quick replies, without needing access to the main display. The integrated “Smart Widgets” also bring a suite of utilities right to the user’s fingertips. With these, one can view the day’s weather, activate timers, record voice memos, consult their daily agenda, and set alarms without opening the device.
Upon flipping the phone open, users are presented with a pristine 6.9-inch display. This expansive screen, without distracting creases, offers exceptional clarity and detail. With advanced technology behind it, the display ensures smooth navigation and responsiveness, enhancing activities like photo browsing and gaming. In essence, the PHANTOM V Flip 5G represents a harmonious blend of innovative design and user-centric features, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both sophistication and functionality in a mobile device.
If you believe the trend of foldable is just a fad, think again with the sheer number of foldable devices launched this year spearheaded by the recently debuted Galaxy Z Flip 5, Motorola Razr+, Vivo X Flip and soon-to-be-launched Mix Fold 3 and OnePlus V Fold. Now, you can add another one to the list to raise the bar of what foldables are capable of doing.
Oppo having released the N2 Flip in late 2022 is now ready with its predecessor with more finance and conviction to gravitate prospective buyers into making the big leap towards buying a foldable device. The Chinese OEM has already proved in the past its affinity to stay on the edge of technological innovations and this new device is no different.
Oppo N2 Flip stayed ahead of the curve introducing a bigger cover display, hardware superiority and a potent set of cameras. Now, the N2 Flip builds on that with key upgrades to make the device more intuitive and powerful, especially for the cover screen. One of the noticeable upgrades is the triple camera array (Hasselblad optimized for post-processing) on the rear, the first ever to be seen on a clamshell-styled foldable phone. These include a 50MP primary sensor, 48MP ultrawide lens and a 32MP telephoto shooter.
Drawing inspiration from the OnePlus smartphones, Oppo has also included a three-position Alert Slider to the equation. Apparently, this is the first-ever Oppo phone to feature such hardware. The foldable device gets a 6.8-inch Full HD+ OLED display tuned for a 120Hz refresh rate, having 1600 nits peak brightness levels and is capable of displaying 1.07 billion colors. The secondary OLED display measures 3.26-inch and gets support for 120Hz as well.
Under the belly lies the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 processor mated to LPDDR5X 12GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage of 512GB. Powering the high-end hardware of the device with ColorOS 13.2 based on Android 13 is a 4,300mAh battery paired to a 44W Super Flash fast charging. Other specs of the IPX4-rated foldable include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, facial recognition, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC.
If you inspect the official pictures closely, the top half has a rounded-over glass back as compared to the flat one on the N2 Flip. To that accord, the sides are also polished for mirror shine and the camera module knurls around it. For now the foldable phone only debuted in China for pre-orders in three color options – Black, Gold and Rose colors.
Priced at CNY 6,799 ($932) for the 12/256GB version and CNY 7,599 ($1,042) for the 12/512GB trim, the device will be available for open sales on September 8. The global launch however is expected in October and November.
OPPO unveils Find N3 Flip: A game-changing foldable with flagship camera, elegant design, and enhanced user experiences. Anticipation builds for global launch.
Xiaomi’s third-generation foldable smartphone is slated for an August 14 release in China, with months of leaks and teasers raising the anticipation. It is certain, the device will be revealed by Lei Jun, Xiaomi CEO who already promises the device will be an all-around “flagship without shortcomings.” The teaser poster also positions the device as a “new standard for foldable display.”
The focus of the foldable smartphone is on the folding mechanism which took a chunk of the engineers to reconstruct the phone structure and the folding screen. TÜV Rheinland certified device has a 3-element connecting rod structure, and 1,800MPa ultra-high strength steel. This steel is supposed to give the screen wrap-around protection. The result, a foldable with improved durability and minimal screen creasing. It is certified for up to 500,000 folds, so you don’t have to worry for a long time to come.
Pros:
Thin lightweight design
Overclocked processor for gamers
Minimal creasing and highly durable
Stellar battery life
Cons:
Pricing could be a deal breaker
camera sensors still unknown
Designer: Xiaomi
These attributes also make it the thinnest foldable device (the current thinnest being Honor Magic V2) money can buy. In the unfolded configuration, the device is just 4.93mm thick and in the folded form it measures 9.8mm which is impressive. That effectively spices up the battle royale arena dotted with the likes of Galaxy Fold 5, Razer+, Pixel Fold, Vivo X Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip and OnePlus Open.
The Mix Fold 3 will come with an 8.02-inch foldable AMOLED display having 2k resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. 2,600 nits peak brightness level means the foldable will be a joy to interact with even with direct mid-day sunlight falling on it. For photography enthusiasts, Xiaomi has gone with a Leica-tuned quad-camera setup that comes with a dedicated periscope zoom lens and 50MP primary shooter.
The overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, LPDDR5X and 1TB of UFS 4.0 flagship hardware of this lightweight foldable will be assisted by the 4,800mAh battery that’ll last around 1.34 days according to Xiaomi. The 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging support brings it to par with the flagships that rule-the-roost currently.
Foldable phones are seemingly becoming more common, at least if you ask the major phone manufacturers. Almost all of them have one form of foldable device or another by now, trying to push the idea of these form-changing devices into mainstream consciousness. Although there’s still plenty of debate on the practicality of the larger and more expansive foldables, it seems that the smaller “clamshell” types may have already found a captive audience, or at least a more concrete demographic. These “flip” style phones seem to be squarely aimed at a younger market, around Gen Z-ish ages, with an emphasis on self-expression, selfies, and style. Of the handful of clamshell foldables, the Motorola Razr+ (2023) and the newly announced Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 seem to be taking the lead, but which of these brands is actually ahead of the race? We put the two side-by-side to find out.
Of these two foldable phones, the Motorola Razr+ (2023), also known as the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, had a head start, but only by a month. At the time of its announcement, it was largely hailed as the poster child for a good small foldable, particularly because its external display practically covered all of the top half of the phone’s rear. This meant more space for content, not to mention less cramped interfaces for regular Android apps. Although some of the hardware looked last-gen on paper, the overall package still seemed acceptable, especially when you consider the price tag.
For a time, it seemed that Motorola is giving Samsung a run for its money, at least with this singular device, and that the Korean tech giant would need a lot of work to reclaim its crown. Its next foldable phones looked more evolutionary than revolutionary, making some wonder if ol’ Sammy has lost its touch or is letting its competitors leave it in the dust. Things seemed to be looking up for Motorola, one of the world’s oldest mobile brands, with the Razr brand poised to regain its iconic fame. And then the Galaxy Z Flip 5 finally arrived.
What is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5?
Truth be told, Samsung was left with very few surprises when its Unpacked event finally came around. Most of the specs of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and its larger sibling, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, have already been leaked to death, and the official announcement only served as confirmation. Yes, Samsung’s foldable clamshell does have a much larger Cover Screen, now called Flex Window, and, yes, it is now using the gapless “teardrop” hinge, officially branded as Flex Hinge. And, yes, the cameras have not been upgraded, at least the two on the outside.
Of course, the devil is in the details, especially in the way that Samsung is taking advantage of the oddly-shaped external display. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is also more than just the sum of its hardware parts and it promises a very different experience from the Motorola Razr+, especially for its more youthful customers.
Flip or Razor?
From a cursory look, the Motorola Razr+ (2023) and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 seem almost too similar, with just a few differences here and there. It’s not an unfair comparison, but there is definitely a lot more than meets the eye. Here are some of the finer details of how the two stand head-to-head.
Specs
Right off the bat, the Motorola Razr+ (2023) loses for running last year’s silicon, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, versus the latest and greatest Gen 2 mobile processor. In practice, the two aren’t really worlds apart, so most people might not be able to tell the difference anyway. It just means that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a bit more future-proof than its Razr counterpart. Speaking of future-proofing, both do come with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, but Samsung offers a 512GB storage option, albeit at added cost (after pre-orders). These days, storage size is extremely important because you can no longer expand that capacity with microSD cards, so at least having that option goes in Samsung’s favor.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5, however, has a slightly smaller 3,700mAh battery than the Motorola Razr+ with its 3,800mAh pack. Considering Samsung is running more powerful hardware and more complex software, you’d think it would want more capacity as well. Making matters a bit worse is that it charges slower at 25W compared to Motorola’s 30W. It’s not a lot, but every bit counts when it comes to battery life and charging speed.
Design
Both of these “flip phones” have slightly similar “base” designs, especially now that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 can close flat without any visible gap. They both look stylish, though Samsung seems to prefer softer pastel colors over Motorola’s sharper hues. The Motorola Razr has a classier bent, but both can look elegant, depending on your tastes. But while both companies seem to be trying to woo the young and young at heart, Samsung might have the upper hand when it comes to appealing to their aesthetic tastes and inclinations.
That’s largely thanks to the Flipsuit cases that Samsung has designed for this particular generation of its small foldable phone. At face value, the concept is nothing remarkable, just a bumper for the upper half of the phone and a clear case for the lower half. The ingenuity comes in the form of NFC-enabled “interactive cards” that you can sandwich between the phone and the clear case which would set a special wallpaper or lock screen on the Flex Window (formerly Cover Display) to match the design of the card.
Definitely a gimmicky feature, but one that opens the doors to many brand partnerships, especially those favored by consumers. Imagine all sorts of collectibles and tie-ins, allowing brands to provide a whole theme package that lets owners easily switch just by swapping NFC cards. It might be a cheaper alternative to producing a complete case for both halves, though the Flipsuit system definitely leaves room for that design. It’s a potential gold mine for marketing, especially considering Samsung’s brand clout.
Cover Display
The biggest “innovation” that these two foldable phones have is their larger external display, but the two brands clearly have different plans in mind. With the Motorola Razr+, its External Screen is simply just a larger version of its predecessors. It has the exact same capabilities, which means you can still run any regular Android app on a now larger display. The catch, however, is that screen wraps around the cameras, so any part of the app’s interface covered by those will be unreachable. Of course, you could do the old notch trick to push the display up, but that leaves wasted space that has little practical use anyway.
In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 features an actual cutout, creating a shape that looks like a folder tab. You won’t notice this uneven appearance when the display is off, but it might annoy some people who are particular about those details. The two phones also differ greatly in terms of functionality, with Samsung limiting the Flex Window to a selection of “widgets” ranging from a music player to messaging to Google Finance. This allows Samsung to create a more fine-tuned experience but also limits the usefulness of such a large screen. There is word that an extension from Samsung’s “Good Lock” suite of utilities will make it possible to run regular Android apps, but that collection isn’t available in all markets yet.
Durability & Sustainability
One of the biggest concerns people have over foldable phones is their durability or rather their fragility. Moving parts like a hinge increase risk factors like dust and liquid ingress, and a soft touch screen that could be scratched by fine particles also add to their fears. That’s why manufacturers have been trying to calm those worries with promises of increased resilience and reliability, and this is where Samsung and Motorola diverge paths once more.
The Motorola Razr+ (2023) has an IP52 rating, which means it has quite a lot of dust protection but can only withstand light sprays of water. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is IPX8 rated, so it will survive a dunk in a pool but all bets are off when it comes to dust and sand. The two devices both promise protection but place importance on different things, so consumers will be left to decide on their priorities.
Samsung has been playing the sustainability game far longer than any other manufacturer, and it definitely has a wide lead over Motorola in this race. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 steps up the game with increased use of recycled plastic, glass, and aluminum, in addition to more eco-friendly packaging. Motorola does have some sustainability commitments, but it hasn’t had much visibility as Samsung.
Other Features
Beyond these major points, there are also a few smaller details where the two flipping clamshells differ. The Motorola Razr+, for example, has a bigger 32MP selfie camera, while the Galaxy Z Flip 5 remains very conservative with only a 10MP shooter. Despite being at the forefront of providing a “desktop mode” experience, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 curiously doesn’t support Samsung DeX. Surprisingly, Motorola’s oddly-named “Ready For” is available on its latest foldable.
Both phones currently run Android 13, with promises of an Android 14 update once that’s out. Samsung, however, is guaranteeing one year more than Motorola when it comes to both major and security updates, and now has a better track record of actually making that happen. Samsung’s One UI might be “heavier” in customizations compared to Motorola’s Android skin, but it is better and longer supported, which means you won’t have to worry about software updates for at most four to five years.
Price & Availability
Another reason for people hesitating to even consider foldable phones is their prohibitively high price tags. Thanks to their smaller sizes and less complex designs, however, foldable clamshells like these two can push their prices a bit down to more palatable levels. In fact, both the Motorola Razr+ (2023) and the Galaxy Z Flip 5 retail for $1,000, though the latter has a 512GB model that will go for $1,120 once the pre-order phase ends. At the moment, Samsung’s special promo sells that 512GB model for the same $999 price, significantly undercutting Motorola.
In terms of availability, both phones can be purchased easily either unlocked or with carriers, at least in the US. In other markets, however, Motorola has a more limited reach, so it might be a “no contest” against Samsung anyway. Samsung also has more retail partners and service providers, making it easier to find support for the phone should it meet an unfavorable fate.
Final Thoughts
For a brief moment, it seemed that Motorola finally won the crowd, at least as far as foldable clamshells are concerned. But although there are points that go in its favor, the overall package and experience seem to tip the scales in Samsung’s favor. In terms of specs alone, you would be getting a bit more for the same price, making the Galaxy Z Flip 5 a more worthwhile and future-proof investment over the Motorola Razr+ (2023). Samsung’s small foldable is far from perfect, but it checks most of the right boxes, especially when it comes to presenting a more reliable device.
But smartphones have long gone past being just pieces of tech. They pretty much have become lifestyle choices, and Samsung is in the position to really play up that aspect. With customizable, fun designs and features that appeal to younger generations, Samsung is establishing the Galaxy Z Flip 5 as the hip choice of today’s social media-centric society, and it’s a strategy that might just work in its favor.
Daytime isn’t the only time you can enjoy the freedom that summer brings. The night can also be a source of adventure, fun, or even relaxation, especially when experienced outdoors and away from your usual abode. Staying outdoors at night, however, can bring up a few anxieties, not least of which is having a convenient light source or, more importantly, a power source for your indispensable gadgets. That often means lugging along some lantern or lamp in addition to a power bank, two things you need to be mindful of and two things you could potentially lose. Consider your worries now calmed with an innovative and sustainable travel companion that will illuminate your darkest nights, save your dying phone, and even protect you from mosquitoes!
MEGAPUFF is easy to open and goes flat pack with a quick twist! The origami design is simple and elegant.
They say that looks can be deceiving, and the MEGAPUFF definitely lives up to that aphorism, but in a very good way. At first glance, the white box looks like a simple yet beautiful paper lantern, not so different from traditional lanterns used in Japanese festivals, except perhaps for its cubical shape. The MEGAPUFF is, of course, quite literally a lantern, but that’s just the proverbial tip of the iceberg of what this is capable of. Because despite its minimalist appearance, it packs quite a lot of features that will make any activity more memorable, day or night, indoor or outdoor, no matter the season.
MEGAPUFF is both a portable lantern and power bank and unlike other combination products, it makes no compromises on either. A 4,000 mAh battery delivers all the power you need to charge up your mobile device through a USB-C port or deliver sufficient light to let you see in the dark of night or the darkness of your room. MEGAPUFF can be juiced up via the same USB-C connection, or you can charge it under the sun, providing you with a sustainable way to enjoy the conveniences of modern life, wherever you might be.
Seven light settings.
The light that MEGAPUFF provides is nothing to scoff at either, reaching a maximum of 300 lumens at its brightest. You won’t blind yourself, of course, especially with seven different settings for different light temperatures and intensities, including warm or bright, low or high, or a combination of both. There’s also a blinking red light setting that you won’t find in any portable lamp. This unexpected feature helps keep you safe in the dark, whether you’re riding a bike or signaling for an emergency. Red light therapy is also cited to help treat anxiety, depression, and PTSD, but it seems to have the opposite effect on mosquitoes and drives these bloodsuckers away instead.
Best of all, MEGAPUFF won’t take up much space in your car or camping gear. Thanks to origami technology, the 6.2×6.2 inch cube collapses down to a 0.75-inch high flat-packed square with a simple twisting motion. You don’t even have to turn the light off before collapsing or expanding the lantern, making it trivial to pack up or set up in a flash. This transforming cube is made from durable and eco-friendly sail cloth, leaving you with no worries about the product’s longevity or its effects on the environment. Whether you’re enjoying the great outdoors or lounging indoors, the MEGAPUFF collapsible lamp and battery will give you both light and power so that you can stop fretting and start enjoying your time.
The video gaming landscape in the past years has changed considerably. We’re seeing a rise in “portable PCs” designed specifically for gaming purposes, while traditional consoles have become as powerful as or even more powerful than our desktop computers. For all intents and purposes, these home gaming machines can meet almost all our digital entertainment needs, though they have one design peculiarity that makes them a little less convenient for that. Most gaming consoles need to be hooked up to a display and a speaker, which puts some limits on how and where you can use them. That’s why there have been both concepts and actual mods that transform consoles into more standalone and sometimes even portable entertainment machines, but this PlayStation Capsule definitely takes the cake by mashing gaming, video, and audio entertainment together in a single, innovative form.
Right off the bat, this machine looks like no other console, not even those modded consoles that masquerade as very hefty suitcases. The foldable pyramid form might look alien to most people today, but more seasoned designers and tech pundits might be familiar with the JVC Video Capsule from 1978. Similar to that vintage appliance, the PlayStation Capsule concept encapsulates, pardon the pun, everything you’d need to immerse yourself in your favorite digital content. You don’t even need to plug anything in, except the PlayStation controllers, of course.
When the capsule is closed and the pyramid is whole, the device functions as an eye-catching speaker, a refreshing break from the cylinders and rectangles of today’s breed. Beyond just the unique shape and 360-degree audio, however, the PlayStation Capsule’s most notable feature in this Speaker Mode is its controls on its front. It has a touchscreen panel that acts both as a way to display visuals like album art as well as an interface for the speaker’s functions. That said, the capsule also features two physical knobs that give better tactile feedback and pay homage to the physical dials of the video capsule of old.
Swing the top upward, and you’ve switched to Console Mode, which can also be Video Mode if binge streaming is the name of your game. It reveals an integrated display so that you can start gaming or watching right then and there, removing the middle man of navigating the TV first. What makes the PlayStation Console special is the built-in mechanical keyboard, the type that gamers love for their tactile feedback and sound, as well as a MacBook-like Touch Bar for instant access to often-used functions. This is especially useful for games that require you to chat with others or to quickly toggle features on or off without having to dig through menus.
Although it’s not something you’d carry with you on your travels, the PlayStation Capsule’s compact and integrated design still makes it portable to some extent. It doesn’t prevent you from hooking it up to a larger TV or more powerful speakers, but it can also function completely on its own when the circumstances call for it. More importantly, it gives the gaming console a striking and memorable design, one that looks to the future while paying respects to past innovations and creativity.
Samsung will unpack the load of its foldable phones and other new devices, including the next iteration of the Galaxy Watch, at the customary annual event in Korea in late July. While new chipsets and playful camera tweaks are a given, what we are really looking forward to is, whether the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 will fold completely flat in the middle.
Rumors of the waterdrop hinges affirm the likelihood of the new hinge technology incorporation, which will shake up things in the flip-form factor foldable smartphones on the market.
The competition has been stiff for Samsung, since the Korean tech giant penetrated the foldable market, but with its innovative stance, the stalwart has made eyes turn; and if the new flip does arrive with the new waterdrop-shaped hinge – which is assured for the Z Fold 5 – a new paradigm shift in the industry is likely.
What the leaked renders do reveal includes a much bigger cover display on the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which is a stark deviation from the previous iteration that had a cover display just for the sake of it. The screen here takes up almost the entire half of the phone’s back, rumored to measure 3.4-inch with a resolution of 720 x 748 p, and features side-by-side camera module adjacent to it.
On the inside, the Z Flip 5 is likely to feature a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED main display, while it would get a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 under the hood paired with 8GB of RAM. The renders show the new likely device with flat sides, while we assume the central punch-hole camera on the display inside will be retained in the new look. To be powered by a possible 3,700mAh battery, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 will have dual 12MP cameras on the outside and a 10MP selfie camera on the inside.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 will be unveiled alongside the Z Flip 5 and it is likely to land with a sizable 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED main display and a 6.2-inch display on the outside. Also expected to draw power from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip under the hood, Z Fold 5 will boast a 4400mAh battery. The phone’s triple camera array will be spearheaded by a 50MP main camera, while you will not notice the under-display camera on the main display so easily.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is rumored to arrive in Lavender, Mint, Cream, and Graphite colorways, while the Z Fold 5 will arrive in Phantom Black, Cream, and Icy Blue options. Even though the inventive waterdrop-shaped hinge mechanism is going to smoothen the things in the center for both the Samsung 2023 flagship foldable, durability of these chieftains will be something to watch out for, despite the phone arriving with for water resistance rating.
Smartphone as a smart digital tool has changed the complexion of human lives in the last decade or so. Unfortunately, for most of us, the pocketable gadget now rules our lives more than ever, sucking us into the lucrative world of entertaining content, social media and constant information overload. A gadget that initially made us smarter than the average Joe, is now becoming the cause of anxiety and sleep deprivation, thus affecting our lifestyle more than ever.
To counter this, there are countless apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play, to curb screen time. For those who can’t resist the restrictions and break them more often, a full-proof option comes in the form of a minimalist smartphone that has the bare minimum a phone actually needs to have. Yes, I’m talking of the Wisephone and Light Phone II that give you no option to cheat around your own rules. Even better, giving the minimalist phone a good bump in aesthetics, feel and functional practicality is this 0/1 minimal foldable phone.
Designer: Andrea Mangone
Still in the concept phase, the phone is a hybrid of a normal smartphone and a no-nonsense device that lets you take a break from the lure of mindlessly scrolling through app feeds or playing games. This makes complete sense as people who have used minimalist phones eventually had to switch back to normal phones as some apps are required professionally or even during the normal course of life.
0/1 phone offers the best of both worlds, giving the user flexibility to switch between the two modes. Open up the device to reveal a flexible display with 1080×2640 resolution to enjoy social media, multimedia content and video games. As soon as you feel the need to go minimalist, close down the screen for a distraction-free interface. The e-ink display on the outside now becomes your main screen, showing only the most important stuff that doesn’t suck you into mindless scrolling. The interface can be customized with stylish analog or digital clocks, music player, calendar, or other simple apps.
If you want to go a step further, place the 01 phone in a vertical position (just like a bedside clock) when folded down. This activates the zen-like mode with no distracting notifications, and the thick form factor makes it feel like another desk gadget. Only calls, event reminders and a clock mode are active, thereby, converting your smartphone into a smart clock of sorts.
Coming onto the design, the phone gets an upbeat mix of materials and finishes inspired by “home décor, fashion and lifestyle accessories.” The body is crafted out of aluminum and the biopolymer coating lends it a warm, natural feel. The back panel gets a layer of rubberized vegan leather for a secure grip and the colorful hues of the nylon weaved tag integrated into the SIM card tray provide a visual contrast.
