The smartphone was created first and foremost to be used as a phone – one that receives and makes calls, even if you are not in the office or at home. As technology advances, the bulky devices of the early days have shrunk and been replaced by much smaller devices, some even folding clamshell-style. But since those days, content consumption and social networks have become the center of life, and these are activities that require a large screen – and smartphone manufacturers have puzzled over – how to make the device smaller, without compromising the usability required today.
In 2020, Samsung brought the clamshell configuration back to the market, only this time it was integrated into a smartphone. Galaxy Z Flip is part of a series of foldable devices made by the company, and its next generation, Galaxy Z Flip 4, will be introduced according to the official announcement, on August 10, 2022.
What is it expected to look like? Not much has been officially released, but various leaks on the web have revealed what appear to be images of the next device. In one of the images, the device is characterized by a more distinct purple color, it looks thicker – which could hint at a larger battery, when according to the rumors it will arrive with a working capacity of 3,700 mAh. The camera area, which in the new device sticks out in relation to the back of the device, will contain 2 cameras with sensors with a resolution of 12 megapixels.
The technical specifications have not been officially published either, but it seems that it will be based on a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, with a storage capacity of 256 GB and a working memory of 12 GB. The main screen will be of the sAMOLED type, 6.7 inches in size and will operate at a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The external screen of the device will also probably be of the sAMOLED type, when it will be 2.1 inches in size.
Who needs a folding device?
So who needs a folding phone anyway, and why? First of all – everyone. It’s not for nothing that the clamshell devices were the stars of the previous decade, and it’s not for nothing that Samsung has seen an increase in demand for its Galaxy Z Flip devices in recent years. First, they fit easily in your pocket and take up less space, but they also allow you to perform a lot of actions thanks to the external screen: from receiving notifications, through selecting cards to pay by snapping, to choosing a fashionable watch that will appear there at all times.
When the Z Flip is half open, you can place it on different surfaces and take selfies without contact, without the need to use a tripod or rest the device on different surfaces. In addition, the user interface allows you to adjust the applications according to the folding of the screen, and those who like to work in multitasking mode will find the device particularly useful.
“The world is more connected than ever and is progressing at an incredibly fast pace. Work and leisure life are mixing, and the boundaries between the real world and the digital world are blurring,” says Dr. T.M. Rowe, President and manager of Samsung’s mobile division. “The space in which we engage in work, entertainment, physical and mental health, and other activities has consolidated into one place – our phone. That’s why our users need a flexible device that can meet their day-to-day needs.
“Foldable devices provide that answer. Last year, 70% of users of Galaxy foldable phones switched to a Flip device in order to see the world from a different angle. Flip users love a device that offers the possibility of self-expression, whether it’s choosing a bold color for the device or taking photos in a new way With Flex mode,” adds Dr. Rowe.
improving the best
Samsung’s journey towards foldable devices did not start in recent years. Already in 2011, the company presented a prototype of a flexible display, and over the last decade laid the foundations for the series of foldable devices. In 2019, it introduced the Galaxy Fold, its first foldable device. The Galaxy Z Flip followed soon after, with its sleek and nostalgic clamshell design making it an instant status symbol.
The unique structure of the device made Samsung engineers think outside the box when it comes to the placement of the internal components of the device. This challenge included designing a new internal cooling system as well as a battery pair system. There is also a mechanism that prevents the entry of dust particles into the axis, and in 2021 the company’s folding devices received an IPX8 water resistance rating.
Last year, Time magazine named the Z Flip3 as one of the 100 best inventions of 2021, writing: “In recent years, manufacturers have tried to combine the functionality of smart phones with the portability of the folding phones of the 2000s – but the results have been mediocre at best But with the Galaxy Z FIip3, Samsung has finally succeeded. The Z Flip is as compact as devices from two decades ago, only instead of a tiny display and physical dial keys, you get a vibrant 6.7 display. With an additional screen on the front of the device, you can easily read messages or have a video call When the device is folded. The $999 price tag makes the device the first mainstream phone with a foldable screen under the $1,000 mark.”
Samsung will surely make the Flip4 even better. “This year we made progress in every detail, opening up the new experiences with the devices that lead to behavior change. I’m excited that people are discovering new ways to enjoy a greater variety of favorite activities with the help of the new foldable phone,” adds Dr. Rowe.
The device of fashionistas
As mentioned, not much official information has been released regarding the design of the next generation in the Galaxy Z Flip series, but judging by the previous generation – then black, light cream or metallic green devices will be brought to Israel – it seems that the device brings the last cry to those who love more than just functionality but also style.
Also in the series “Emily in Paris” they chose to cooperate with Samsung, when the device was included in the flagship series. Sylvie Greteau, the marketing director of the advertising agency Savoir, which according to the script dominates the Parisian fashion market, uses a Galaxy Z Flip3.
And the device’s popularity spills over into the real world as users begin to embrace the foldable devices. According to a figure published on the Samsung website: in 2021, almost 10 million units of foldable devices were sold, a 300% jump compared to 2020. “We are reaching a moment when foldable devices are becoming more and more common, and are taking a larger share of the smartphone market,” says Samsung.
So will you also decide to adopt the new foldables? The announcement is just around the corner, and it’s worth waiting for the official details. “At our upcoming Unpacked event, which will take place on August 10, you will be able to see that our innovations affect not only the technological capabilities. But also your capabilities. Once again we drew our inspiration from the most important source – Galaxy users – to break the boundaries of what is possible,” the company concludes .
Written in collaboration with Samsung