"Galaxy Z Flip3 5G" Review-Full functions that can make full use of folding!

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G with a folding style that is reminiscent of a folding mobile phone from a long time ago

There are two models of Samsung's foldable smartphones, the horizontally folded "Z Fold" and the vertically folded "Z Flip". Of these two models, which have the same fold but different styles, positions, and targets, the one that is easier to use is the "Galaxy Z Flip3 5G." [Image] If you place it on a table, you can take a selfie as if you were using a tripod. It can also be operated with gestures from a remote location. It will be released by NTT DoCoMo and KDDI (au). The price is 148,896 yen for the docomo version and 148,925 yen for the au version. Even though it is a large screen smartphone, the Z Flip3 is a foldable smartphone that can be easily carried around and conveniently used. It can be opened and folded into a compact size. It has the same style as the folding mobile phone that was in the feature phone era, and by folding the vertically long body vertically from the center, the long side is halved and it can be carried around. The difference from the feature phone era is that it is easy to watch the content because the entire surface is displayed when opened. Since the display is folded inward, you can safely carry the large screen, and when you open it, you can use it normally as a smartphone. The display is a 6.7 inch FHD + Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex display, the size and resolution are the same as the conventional model, but it supports a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Games and screen scrolling have become smoother. The size of the main body is a little more compact than before, with a size of 72.2 x 166.0 x 6.9 mm when opened and 72.2 x 86.4 x 15.9 to 17.1 mm when closed. Weight is 183g. As for the smartphone size when opened, for example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max with the same screen size is 78.1 × 160.8 × 7.65 mm, 238 g, so it is a thin and lightweight smartphone with a slimmer body. However, when you carry it, it will be smaller (although it will be a little thicker) if you fold it, and it will be about the size of a compact makeup, so even a small female bag will fit well. Larger cover display The new "cover display", which is the rear display beside the camera, is a major change. Previously, the cover display was 1.1 inches long and slender, but with the Z Flip 3, it has grown to 1.9 inches. The resolution ranges from 300 x 112 dots to 512 x 260 dots. Visibility has improved due to the larger screen. The time is usually displayed on the cover display, and you can change the illustration and background image from the settings to set it to your liking. Since it is possible to display two clocks at the same time, it may be convenient when you want to check the time difference with overseas (I would like to say that it is convenient when you want to check the time in Japan while traveling abroad). By swiping left or right on the cover display, you can also use functions such as music control / weather forecast / today's schedule while playing music. It's a pity that we can't display the app. Besides, it can also be used as a camera monitor. This will be described later, but it is a very easy-to-use and convenient function. A new way to fold and stand on its own Z Flip 3 has the biggest feature of being able to fold the display. Compared to the horizontally folded Z Fold 3, the display is a slightly softer type, which is probably the difference for S pen support. Perhaps because of that, the bent part in the center is not so noticeable, and the touch is not so big as a dent. Therefore, as long as you use it normally, you will not feel any problems with folding it. Also supports flex mode to fix in the middle of bending. The convenience can be improved by placing the smartphone on the table and making it independent. If the app supports flex mode, the UI will be divided into upper and lower parts around the folded position, and folding can be used conveniently. For example, the YouTube app displays videos at the top and comments at the bottom. You can play the video while watching the comments, and it is also convenient when you want to watch the video in an independent state. The video size is smaller than the full screen display, but you can check the contents to some extent, and if you want to see the screen at the required point while listening to the sound while watching the sound, check it because it is independent. It's easy. Also, if you lay it sideways and bend it a little, it will stand on its own even if it is placed horizontally, and to exaggerate it, you can watch it in the style of a horizontally long curved display for desktop. It is convenient to be able to use your smartphone anytime, anywhere. A dual camera is mounted on the back of the folding smartphone Z Flip 5G that expands the range of shooting. Both adopt a 12MP sensor, and there are two types of cameras, ultra-wide-angle and wide-angle. The in-camera is 10MP, but the advantage of Z Flip 5G is that you can take a selfie comfortably without using the in-camera. When the power button on the side is pressed twice in the closed state, the camera starts up and the cover display becomes the monitor. You can check the display of the main camera on the cover display, so you don't have to open your smartphone and use the in-camera. The shutter button is replaced with the volume button. Since the screen size is small, you can't check the overall composition, but it works well as a monitor, and once you get used to it, you can use it for selfies and shooting using a tripod. It is a useful function in various scenes because it can be taken faster than opening the terminal and can be fixed. Even when it's open, the camera UI changes in flex mode, making it easier to shoot when placed on the ground or on a table. In low-angle mode, the live view is displayed at the bottom of the screen, so you can shoot while checking the composition even when it is closed to the limit. You can put it on the ground and shoot it from below, but it is more convenient for you to take a picture that looks up at the waist level. The camera is a 12MP dual camera, and it has the impression that it is a normal smartphone camera without any strangeness. It is suitable for SNS because it has a thick eye color like Galaxy, but it does not have a new shooting function that is characteristic compared to the past. Still, the wide range of shooting in flex mode is unique to foldable smartphones. The fun and convenience of such shooting shines. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is more than just "folding your smartphone." The compact and easy-to-carry body is especially recommended for those who want to achieve both a large screen and portability, but it is characterized by the fact that it is easier to use than conventional smartphones by folding it. .. There is also an Osaifu-Keitai on the back, so you can touch it as it is even when it is folded, so you can make non-contact payments as if you took out a small wallet and touched it as it is. It is also waterproof, so you can comfortably place your smartphone while taking a bath and enjoy SNS and videos. Pop accessories such as cases are also available, and it seems that it is aimed especially at women, but it is a terminal that both men and women want to experience the convenience of folding.

Yasuhiro Koyama