Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Review
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip ($1,380) is the first folding-screen smartphone that incontrovertibly works. It's still a bit clunky, a big square that says "niche luxury item" rather than "everyone's next smartphone." But that's OK. After all, expensive, uniquely designed clothing exists, and people pay for and enjoy it. Here at PCMag, we review flashy desktop PCs where you're definitely paying extra for the clear case and blue coolant fluid, but they rate highly.
So given that the Galaxy Z Flip works, and it does, I'm happy to give it a salute while at the same time not recommending it for most people. We've now seen three generations of folding phones, and they're improving fast. The Galaxy Fold had some serious initial build issues. The Motorola Razr doesn't actually work very well as a smartphone. Yes, the Z Flip has a scratchable screen and costs $1,380, but at least it does everything you want it to. So if you love the design and can foot the bill, take it to Fashion Week. Every...
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is the first folding phone to really work, but it's still a costly and potentially fragile fashion object rather than a mainstream hit.
Solid all-around performance; L-shaped mode is good for taking photos
The utility of the folding screen doesn't justify the high price