5 Things to Know Before Buying a Flip Foldable

Since I’m a big fan of book-style folding phones, I thought I’d also love flip foldable phones. However, after getting my hands on one, I’ve noticed several quirks that make me eager to return to my Galaxy Z Fold 5. While flip foldables look stylish and have their own appeal, there are some things you should consider before making the switch. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Flip Foldable.

5 Things to Know Before Buying a Flip Foldable

Flips Are Too Tall When Open

Modern smartphones are already tall usually more than twice as tall as they are wide. Flip foldable phones make this even more noticeable. For example when I unfolded Motorola Razr 2024 & compared it to Google Pixel 9 Pro, I saw it was about half an inch taller. It’s even taller than Pixel 9 Pro XL!

You’d think having long fingers would help with tall phones but even I find it uncomfortable to reach the top of the screen. It’s even harder on a flip foldable, where you often have to stretch to access the top half. Simple tasks like tapping the clock widget or pulling down the notification bar can feel awkward especially when using one hand.

One solution to this issue would be to rely on the outer display when you don’t want to fully open the phone. If a flip phone has a large external screen, it can feel like you’re using a smaller, more manageable device, making quick interactions easier. However, not everyone wants or needs a big cover display on a flip phone. Some people prefer the compact nature of the device without the added complexity of a large external screen.

In the end, the tall design of flip foldables is unique but think about if it works for you. The extra screen space is nice but it might be uncomfortable if you’re always stretching to reach the top. Before buying, make sure you’re okay with the size and how it fits into your daily use.

Get Ready to Use Both Hands Frequently

One of key differences between Motorola Razr and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the outer screen. Razr boasts a larger external screen that mimics much of the functionality of the inner display. However, despite its size, most people will still need to open the phone to use many apps.

Opening a modern flip phone isn’t as easy as older flip phones. While you could open the old ones with one hand, flip foldable phones usually need two hands. You can try using your thumb and body to open it, but it feels awkward. Using both hands is much easier.

For tasks that could easily be done with one hand on a regular slab phone, you’ll likely find yourself using both hands on a flip foldable. Even though I often open my Galaxy Z Fold 5, I can still quickly check messages or lists with one hand using the cover screen. For example if my family sends a long grocery list while I’m at the store, I can easily read the entire message on the outer screen with one hand.

On Motorola Razr, though, I’d have to open the phone to see the whole message since the outer display doesn’t show all of it at once. After opening it, I often find myself needing to use both hands to reach the top part of the screen, as the tall design makes it tricky to interact with the upper half comfortably.

So, if you’re thinking of switching to a flip foldable, be prepared to use two hands more frequently than you would with a standard phone. This design can take some getting used to especially when you’re multitasking or need quick info on the go. While larger outer screens help, you’ll still need to open the phone for many tasks and use both hands for better control.

Buttons Are Higher Up Than Expected

Smartphone makers typically place buttons on the side of the phone, usually the right side. On my daily phone, Galaxy Z Fold 5, the power button and fingerprint reader are about halfway up the right side, with the volume buttons just above.

Flip phones are different. They have a hinge in the middle, so buttons can’t be placed there. The buttons are placed above the hinge, meaning I have to reach higher than expected to unlock or power on phone and stretch even more to adjust the volume.

While it’s possible to get used to this layout it can still be uncomfortable. Even though I’ve used tall phones before, I always wished for a shorter one. A flip phone, with its higher buttons, makes me want a more compact device even more.

Aspect Ratio Not Ideal for Videos

Foldable phones may promise a bigger screen but they have their limits. A book-style foldable might seem like it should offer a large, landscape screen for videos but it needs to be closer to a square shape to stay pocket-friendly. This means videos on these foldables aren’t much larger than on regular phones.

Flip phones may have even worse issue. Videos on their tall, narrow screens are frequently cropped to make them look smaller. A movie on Motorola Razr 2024, for example might be marginally smaller than one on Pixel 6.

It’s not even optimum to hold a flip phone to watch videos. Viewing in the upper half of screen while the controls are below is not a very pleasant experience.

It Still Feels Bulky in My Pocket

When I first considered a flip phone, I expected it to be much more compact and pocket-friendly compared to traditional slab phones. Indeed, flip phones are smaller in height, about half the size of the phone they’re replacing.

However, there’s a trade-off. Flip-style foldables are roughly twice as thick as standard phones. Instead of a slim rectangle, you end up with a bulky square in your pocket. So, while a flip phone is indeed more pocketable than a regular slab phone, it’s not as compact as I initially thought.

If you appreciate minimalist phones like the Light Phone II or basic dumbphones for their small size, flip foldables will feel bulkier by comparison. They’re closer in size to standard smartphones than to those ultra-compact devices.

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Conclusion

Flip phones can be more compact in height compared to regular phones but they tend to be bulkier in your pocket. They might not be as sleek as you’d expect, feeling thicker & more cumbersome.

Compared to regular phones, flip phones provide a different, enjoyable experience. If you enjoy their design, they might be a terrific option but be aware of the added bulk and decide if it meets your demands.