Samsung Galaxy Z Flip review: Should you buy it?

I've shattered my phone screen once, and effectively cracked the glass-back mobile casing twice. So you can imagine my trepidation when handed a device with foldable glass. Don’t get me wrong; I’m happy to relieve the memories any unnecessarily proud millennial has of their old clamshells.

It even looks like a mini Gameboy SP (here's where we effectively weed out the boomers). In fact, I'm pretty sure the whole reason for making the phone is to acquaint the next generation with our past ways, which will certainly explain the 'Z' in its name.

Samsung introduced its first-ever foldable smartphone (the creatively titled Galaxy Fold) not too long ago. It was more of a tablet that folded into a hefty mould of two phones glued together. Oh, and it broke when folded. That, and the comeback of Motorola Razr AKA the holy grail of '00s flip phones shortly after, guaranteed that Galaxy Z Flip had expectations to meet.

How is it different?

Weighing 183g with a full length of 167.3mm, the phone nicely folds into the size of your palm. It operates on Android 10 OS, with the typical battery (3300mAh), internal storage (8GB, 256GB) and charging specs (15W Fast Wired). The 10MP front camera is matched with a 12MP wide and ultra wide dual rear cameras with night mode. In other words, the biggest difference is its folding selling point.

What we like

The hinges are markedly sturdy that it feels stable at any possible degree within the obvious 180, rather than having a default angle you feel obliged to leave it at for safety. The easily adjustable handsfree photo and video taking is surely useful, because while you can purchase a tripod nowadays for much less, setting up with an external prop will take approximately five minutes more. And in this day and age, you have to ask yourself; is that five minutes you can afford to lose?

Another cool thing the phone can do is allow you to preview texts and even answer calls when closed through its little cover display. Though, the answered calls will be on speaker. Seems reasonable because can you imagine how funny it would look holding the small square up to the side of your face?

What we didn't like

The dual hinges are so robust that you are robbed of the ability to flick open the phone or slam it shut like you used to with vintage clamshell; which was pretty much one of the greatest advantages of that built. You can open and close it with one hand but it's not the swiftest movement.

Some have an issue with the 'line' on the screen where the phone folds, but it's not especially distinct when the screen is on. My issue, as a convicted screen breaker, is the question of getting a proper screen protector for this. It will definitely be available in the market, but it will definitely also have a matching price point.

So, should you get it?

There are two logical reasons; if you are either a true narcissist (the type that sets their face as screen wallpaper) or are constantly on solo travel, because let's face it; selfie sticks are the devil's rod, and how many times can you ask strangers to take photos of you?