Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip is the best foldable phone you shouldn’t buy

After getting to use this phone for a while, I can say that this is Samsung’s best foldable phone. But it’s still not worth the money.

FOLDING THE Z FLIP

Folding and unfolding the Galaxy Z Flip is very easy. The clamshell design that feels familiar and comfortable if you’ve been around long enough to use the flip phones of the pre-iPhone era. While Motorola did beat Samsung to the punch with the vertical fold, it’s still a nice design.

But there is one disappointing thing that makes the Z Flip very different from classic flip phones: It’s hard to flip open with one hand.

Closing the phone one-handed isn’t a problem. When folding this US$1,400 device open, though, you’ll think twice without having two hands on it. This is a bit disappointing since, let’s face it, flicking open a flip phone with one hand has always looked cooler than with two.

Samsung says the Z Flip uses a redesigned hinge compared with the Galaxy Fold. The company says the new hinge has nylon "brushes" inside to help keep out dust and debris. Nothing has gotten into the hinge of my review unit, but it’s tough to say how well it will hold up over time.