I was one of the first to try Samsung’s two brand new Galaxy smartphones – why I’m tempted to ‘flip’ sides from iPhone

SAMSUNG is showing no signs of giving up on flip and fold phones anytime soon.

The South Korean tech giant has launched its fifth version of the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold.

We managed to get hands on with the two new handsets for an early taster – and first impressions are largely good.

You’ll be forgiven for thinking there isn’t much different from the last models that came out last year, especially the Fold 5.

But there’s a real evolutionary journey with both handsets that makes sense, particularly if you’re completely new to the range.

Which, judging by Samsung’s slogan “join the flip side”, is what the company is now angling towards.

It may not convert iPhone loyalists but Android fans will surely be tempted with the refined offer we have today.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: First impressions

The first thing you notice about the Galaxy Flip 5 is the screen on the front (ie when it’s flipped shut) is much bigger.

It now takes up much more of the space, sleekly around the camera lenses.

The feature was already great for hands-free selfies, arching the device in a 45 degree-ish angle, but now it’s even better.

Not only that it’s ideal for all those handy glanceable widgets like your calendar.

Speaking of the hinge, it now feels a lot smoother when folding and yet still very sturdy and strong.

There’s also no annoying gap.

However, there’s still a noticeable crease along the middle when you unfold it.

It doesn’t ruin the experience, nor is it overly obstructive – but it’s very much visible.

As an iPhone user myself, I can’t help but fall for alluring compactness of the Flip even more now that most of my earlier concerns seem to have been ironed out – though I’ll have to do a full in-depth review before committing for sure.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: First impressions

The bulky Fold 5, on the other hand, is a lot harder to see much difference to previous builds.

It’s noticeably lighter and thinner, which is welcome.

The hinge opens and closes with much better ease too.

And there is no visible gap at last either.

But aside from that, it doesn’t appear to have evolved that much judging by this brief encounter.

What you don’t see is the more powerful chip on the inside, which also needs further in-depth testing to see if it really makes a difference.

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