Editor's note: Samsung is no longer manufacturing and selling the first iteration of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. You may still be able to find it from retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.
Article Summary
The hottest feature on smartphones in 2019 was foldable screens, but only the limited-quantity Galaxy Fold made it to the Canadian market. In 2020, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip and followed up with wide distribution.
Despite its diminutive size, the Galaxy Z Flip packs some of the best hardware found in any device. It’s priced at a steep $1,819 in Canada, so shop around these carriers to find the best deal.
The annual Samsung Unpacked event this year highlighted the flagship Galaxy S20 family of 5G-enabled smartphones. However, the most exciting addition to the wireless market is their new Galaxy Z Flip foldable phone. Even though it’s not the first foldable smartphone to come to Canada, it’s the first to be available on carrier plans.
There’s no compromise on hardware either. It boasts a fast processor, lots of storage, large screen when open and pocket-size profile when folded. The exterior is stunningly beautiful and justifies a similarly breathtaking price; the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip retails for $1,819.99 CAD. Even on leasing plans that reduce your payments, this device will add at least $60/month to your bill for two years.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Hardware
Announced in 2019, the Samsung Galaxy Fold offered premium hardware with a tablet-sized screen inside smartphone dimensions. Later, Motorola announced a new Razr with midrange hardware and a smartphone screen that folded like a clamshell into a pocket-sized profile. The Galaxy Z Flip combines the best of these two premium devices into the first foldable smartphone that gets wide distribution in Canada.
Galaxy Z Flip Displays
The Galaxy Z Flip’s display is its most impressive feature. A 6.7” AMOLED screen with FullHD+ resolution and HDR10+ puts this screen in the same category as top-tier smartphones like the iPhone 11 Pro or Galaxy S20+. Of course, what those screens can’t do is fold in half. The Galaxy Z Flip uses “Ultra Thin Glass” that gives the display a more durable feel than the plastic covering found on other foldables. It remains to be seen whether this coating will be more durable.
Once it’s folded closed there’s a small, interactive 1.1” display beside the cameras on the back of the Galaxy Z Flip. It’s perfect for notifications, picking up (or dismissing) calls, and can even help lining up a selfie on the phone’s primary camera.
Galaxy Z Flip Cameras
On the back of the Galaxy Z Flip you’ll find two 12 MP camera lenses; one for high-quality photos even in low-light conditions, and an ultrawide angle lens for getting everyone in the shot. That secondary display makes it easy to line up your selfie.
Inside, there’s a front-facing 10MP camera that can record up to 4K video. That might seem like overkill, but it comes in handy when on a video conference. The Galaxy Z Flip uses a freestanding hinge that lets you set it to any angle then put it down to free up your hands. Video chat apps can then track your face while still offering high-quality video.
Galaxy Z Flip Sound
The Galaxy Z Fold doesn’t have a headphone jack, but the newest headphone technologies are available. There’s a USB Type-C port for digital headsets and Bluetooth 5.0 to support your favourite wireless earbuds.
Galaxy Z Flip Performance
While the Galaxy Z Flip is one of the most powerful smartphones on the market today, there have been compromises make it fit in your front pocket. The processor and RAM are better than the ones in last year’s Samsung flagship smartphones, but the Galaxy Z Flip performance lags behind this year’s Galaxy S20 smartphones.
Galaxy Z Flip Battery Life
There’s 3300 mAh of battery power in the Galaxy Z Flip. A lot of high-end devices offer more battery life but also take up more space in your pocket. Fast 15W charging is supported and wireless charging makes it easy to keep your phone full of power. It also supports reverse charging to keep your new Samsung Galaxy Buds+ juiced up.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip support 5G?
Samsung’s newest foldable phone features a lot of the newest tech, but it’s not 5G compatible. If you’re hoping to get on the 5G bandwagon then you’ll need to find another phone. The Galaxy Z Flip currently supports up to high speed 4G LTE-A on all major Canadian networks, so you can use it with whichever carrier you like best.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip vs Motorola Razr
The other clamshell folding smartphone on the market is the new Motorola Razr. While the Motorola device has a lot going for it, the hardware isn’t as powerful, the price is higher, and it’s not available to buy in Canada yet.
The Galaxy Z Flip, on the other hand, is already available for purchase through major Canadian carriers. If you want a Motorola Razr, you’re still going to have to wait; it was announced in 2019 but there still no preorders nor a confirmed release date in Canada.
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