Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 5, debuted at the company’s Unpacked event last week, revealing design changes that include a wider cover screen and a redesigned hinge. The new Z Flip 5 faces competition from Motorola’s Razr Plus and the Oppo Find N2 Flip, both of which use a similar flip-phone design combined with larger cover screens of their own.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a new cover screen that extends across most of the phone’s front panel, except for a camera bump cutout. Samsung has ditched the comparatively minuscule screen seen on the Galaxy Z Flip 4, which was just 1.9 inches vs. 3.4 inches on the Z Flip 5. This change lets you use certain apps and widgets without having to open the phone, and it’s large enough to accommodate a full keyboard, allowing you to send a quick text.
Unlike the Razr Plus, which allows for nearly any Android app on its cover screen, Samsung takes a more curated approach by only allowing apps and widgets that are tailored for use on its smaller screen. Some of the supported apps include YouTube and messaging apps like WhatsApp. Other apps can only be used when the Z Flip 5 is unfolded. Whichever approach you prefer will likely come down to personal preference, but more apps could make their way to the Z Flip 5’s cover screen later this year.
