Wider, more ergonomic Samsung foldable phone might be in the works

Posted on 05/02/2024 by JC Torres

Samsung might be one of the pioneers of the whole foldable phone craze, but the disadvantage of being the first is that you risk getting things wrong the first time around. In contrast, hindsight is 20/20, as they say, and many of its competitors have used that advantage to catch up and even overtake Samsung at its own game. Of course, the tech giant isn’t content to just sit around while others outrun it, and it has been catching up with “innovations” like a hinge that lets the phone fold flat. Now it seems that Samsung will be catching up in another aspect, with a Galaxy Z Fold that’s a little bit wider when folded and, therefore, easier to use as a regular phone.

Designer: Samsung (via Pigtou and David Kowalski/xleaks7)

To be fair, Samsung was sailing on uncharted waters, so it was bound to miss a few marks. For its inaugural foldable phone, Samsung aimed for a tablet that was like a mini iPad mini or, closer to home, a smaller Galaxy Tab A, which meant it adopted a vertical or portrait format when unfolded. That meant it would have an extremely narrow phone when folded, which was heavily criticized for being awkward to hold and nearly unusable as a regular “candy bar” smartphone.

In contrast, foldable phones like the OPPO Find N and the Google Pixel Fold aimed for a more “traditional” horizontal or landscape tablet design, which had a few direct benefits in terms of consuming content like videos or even books. More importantly, however, it also meant that the folded form of the phone more closely resembles regular smartphones with a wider and sometimes shorter design. In over five generations, Samsung has never changed its design on that front, but that might not be the case with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or later models.

OPPO Find N3

OPPO Find N2

Vivo X Fold 2

Google Pixel Fold

A recent patent filed by Samsung reveals a foldable design that is significantly different from its status quo in more ways than one. First, it is noticeably wider when folded, giving it a shape that will feel more natural to use compared to the recent crop of Galaxy Z Fold models. Additionally, it’s also significantly thinner, both folded and opened, which would go a long way in increasing the usability of an otherwise heavy and bulky device. In other words, it would be the foldable that Samsung should have launched in the first place if it had the benefit of hindsight five years ago.

Of course, a patent doesn’t immediately mean it will be implemented, whether in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or future incarnations. It is at least proof that Samsung is aware of the shortcomings of its current design and is taking steps to correct its course. It would definitely be grand if it could launch such a sleek foldable this year, but such a thin design would also go against calls for bigger batteries or a built-in S Pen. For now, other brands still have an advantage over Samsung in some aspects, including and especially the price of such a premium piece of technology.

The post Wider, more ergonomic Samsung foldable phone might be in the works first appeared on Yanko Design.

The limited-edition Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro is inspired by the classic SGH-E700 flip phone

Posted on 31/10/2023 by Gabriel Moss

The clamshell-like Galaxy Z Flip5 is an interesting device, combining modern smartphone specs and features with a holistic design approach that heavily borrows elements of flip phones from the early 2000s. It’s also the best of its class, thanks in part to very little competition from Apple — but also because of its robust internals, like a primary 1080×2640 AMOLED display (collapsing into a 720×748 front display when closed), a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 8 gigabytes of RAM, and a 3700 mAh battery.

As of October 30, Samsung announced a limited-edition version of the Galaxy Z Flip5, called the Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro, and it looks peculiarly like 20-year-old SGH-E700, which launched around the same time as (and was ultimately overshadowed by) the behemoth Nokia 1100. Still, as Samsung’s first mobile phone containing an antenna, the SGH-E700 was a triumph in cellphone design for its time, and it’s celebrated in the stylized Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro, which sports the original SGH-E700’s indigo blue and silver color scheme.

Designer: Samsung

The tributary Flip5 Retro also comes with an interface makeover which itself is a throwback to the SGH-E700’s stock interface, complete with the blue lettering on the Flex Window that you can even show off alongside a pixel-art animation of a city skyline punctuated by shooting stars streaming across the night sky. It’s awfully pretty looking, and it’s certainly reminiscent of 16-bit screen savers and mobile games that were playable on cell phones in the early 2000s.

It sounds like the Flip5 Retro is shipped in a package containing several extra goodies, including: “three Flipsuit cards featuring logos from different eras of Samsung’s history, a Flipsuit case and a collector card engraved with a unique serial number that will add to the product’s collectible value for purchasing customers.”

Unfortunately for those of us in the United States, there is no planned launch window for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro over here. It’s also not exactly clear how “limited” the limited edition release will be, as Samsung has yet to disclose how many will be produced. You may still be lucky enough to nab one for yourself from the Samsung online store at the Flip5 Retro’s MSRP (roughly $1,240) if you’re in the UK or Australia, where shipments are set to go out on November 1 — or, if you’re in Spain, Germany, or Korea, where shipments are set to go out on November 2.

The post The limited-edition Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro is inspired by the classic SGH-E700 flip phone first appeared on Yanko Design.

TECNO PHANTOM V Flip 5G Unveiled: Tech Marvel Meets High-End Design

Posted on 22/09/2023 by Vincent Nguyen

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.

Designer: TECNO

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.

The post TECNO PHANTOM V Flip 5G Unveiled: Tech Marvel Meets High-End Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

Mi Mix Fold 3 will be the thinnest foldable courtesy of reengineered hinge that’ll last 500,000 folds

Posted on 12/08/2023 by Gaurav Sood

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.