I’ve never received Samsung dummy phones before, so I can’t really speak to their reliability in proving what is about to be announced in the same way that I have great confidence in Apple iPhone dummies – but, if the sample devices I received today are close to real, we need to brace for disappointment next week at Samsung Unpacked.
What I have here are two non-functioning dummy phones. They appear to be next generation folding devices from Samsung. That would make them the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5.
After the excitement of the Oppo Find N2 Flip earlier this year and the recent Motorola Razr launch, it really is the case that Samsung needs to smash this one out of the park.
But, inspecting this dummy model I’m worried about the wedge shape of the Z Flip 5, and how it doesn’t seem to “close flat”.
It’s really rather aesthetic, but its the principal that Motorola and Oppo have done a great job, why can’t Samsung.
Secondly, there’s the large front screen. Moto made this happen across the entire closed front, with cameras embeded within it, while Samsung appear to be running with a screen that goes around those cameras which themselves are flipped 90 degrees to be placed more like the Razr than the previous Flip.
Then there’s the Fold. I had high hopes again of a flatter design, thinner design – but not to be – this looks almost identical.
Problematically, there doesn’t appear to be a spot for the S-Pen to be inserted into the body of the Fold 5.
That’s the one big thing the device needs to step ahead, and if it’s not there – it’s a worry.
Frankly, it could mean nothing.
These may be old, incorrect and just right off the mark.
But if they are correct – I think Samsung will have a struggle to get a boost from this year’s folding generation.
Unless they can use this lack of innovation as an excuse to slash the prices. Now that might be interesting!
Samsung Unpacked is next Wednesday night in Korea, so we’ll wait and see what they have to show us in their home country.
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts two popular podcasts, EFTM and Two Blokes Talking Tech. He also appears on over 50 radio stations across Australia weekly, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show each day and appears regularly on A Current Affair.
Father of three, he is often found down in his Man Cave.
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