When it comes to a new mobile phone that can be referred to as a “flip smartphone”, there has been widespread concern and scepticism about how fragile a brand new device could be when it comes to apparently bending glass. Nevertheless, plenty of us technology lovers seem highly fascinated by a hybrid of a flip phone from the 2000s and a standard smartphone from the 2010s [17] [27]. Alternatively, they also seem infatuated with a computer tablet that can be folded into a smartphone since both smartphones and computer tablets have been so commonly used throughout the 2010s [8] [13] [20] [37]. Remember those touchscreen laptops you saw and possibly tried out back in about late 2012 and 2013 [12]? If you thought that was quite ambitious, let us take a look at the concept of a new type of mobile phone that appears to have brought two generations together, along with the idea of technically combining a tablet with a smartphone.
To me, a phone that has a touchscreen and can be folded combines the simplicity of the flip phones from the 2000s and the temptation of touchscreens we all gave in to in the 2010s. [11]An earlier example of a foldable smartphone from Samsung was the Samsung Galaxy Fold from 2019 [8] [37]. It is quite remarkable to see a tablet being safely folded into a smartphone as a sign that technology is still progressing as time goes on. Unfortunately, the outcome has been considered to be a failure due to how plenty of Galaxy Folds had a bulge in the hinge that was deadly enough to cause an ambitious concept to tragically backfire [4] [23]. Looking deeper into what also went wrong, the consumers who witnessed the horror of an unresponsive screen should NOT have peeled off the layer that looked like something that will protect a brand new phone from fingerprints in shops as it was actually meant to be a protective layer, otherwise, the screen would blackout and never function again [4] [9] [14] [25] [30] [39]. There can always be a second chance for a tablet that can be folded into a smartphone if the company vows to do plenty of testing for a fairly long time before releasing a second version of the Galaxy Fold. Speaking of Galaxy, another foldable phone from Samsung seems to have gathered more appeal and a higher chance of selling successfully.
A foldable phone? Heck yes! [37]A broken screen?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! [23]Behold, the Galaxy Z Flip! Looking at its overall design, I can say that I have witnessed quite a mystical combination of a flip phone and a smartphone [11] [16] [36]. Or better yet, it can be described as a modernised Game Boy Advance SP by plenty of gamers out there [32]. I adore the colour of the metallic purple Galaxy Z Flip and so could my mother and sister. I am fascinated at how the device expands on its functionality by allowing notifications to appear and be swiped through in a small touchscreen next to the camera lens [15], along with how the user can even take a selfie when it is closed and the power button is tapped twice [40]. If two screens were completely separate, the Galaxy z Flip would not have received as much attention. Furthermore, the way the ultra-thin glass can be safely bent inwards without a crack or a corrupted screen between the boarders under the protection of a plastic layer is sure to be the sign of our technology still steadily progressing proactively and practically by encouraging the mainstream crowd to try something new without such risks of trying to make ultra-thin glass bendable on its own [21] [29] [30].
The Galaxy Z Flip’s design is quite stunning. It can also be described as the 2020’s equivalent of the Nintendo DSi [34]. [11]An example of a notification being shown on the tiny screen next to the camera lens on the back of the Galaxy Z Flip. [36]What about the Galaxy Z Flip’s competitor, the reboot of the Motorola Razr V3? I do not doubt that plenty of fellow 2000s teens will live the way the shape of another foldable smartphone resembles its 2004 counterpart [17] [28] [35] [43]. Slightly taller than the Galaxy Z Flip and seemingly as functional, it has a much bigger notification screen that is better to read notifications on [7] [17] [43]. Unfortunately, it does not have a stiff hinge that can make it half-open. Furthermore, it does not seem practical for filming as if it were a camera on a tripod [7] [15]. Despite that disadvantage, I would dig a pink one to somewhat relive the simplicity of my childhood [24] [26] [28] [38], despite never actually owning an original Motorola Razr V3 and keep moving forward with touchscreen technology as an adult, even when I miss those good old days. I do not doubt that Apple Inc. may soon compete as well by producing a foldable successor of the iPhone that might as well come in a great variety of colours, similar to the fifth, sixth, and seventh generations of the iPod Touch and the iPhone 5c, iPhone XR, and iPhone 11 [5] [6].
Remember one of the coolest phones back in the day? Good times. [28]Apart from its nostalgic shape, some people may prefer the Motorola Razr for its water-resistant coating and the texture on one side that can save the user from the trouble of firstly seeing their open phone upside-down [17]. Additionally, its design may suit the description of two eras of the mobile phone colliding better, according to those who remember owning an original Motorola Razr [24] [26] [28] [35]. [43]As honourable mentions, two other examples of a foldable tablet and smartphone hybrid from 2019, besides the Galaxy Fold were the Huawei Mate X and the Royole FlexPai [13] [18] [20]. The rather futuristic devices were seen being bent outwards by careful human force, compared to how the Galaxy Z Flip and new Motorola Razr can bend inwards like flip phones. In the special form of a Huawei Mate X or a Royole FlexPai, the other screen would remain off until the user unfolds the device back into a tablet, which is what I would expect as I remain aware of its concept. To be honest, I think I prefer a new foldable phone to only be folded inwards to recapture that feeling of opening and closing a flip phone in the 2000s unless I chose to still comfortably play mobile games with a tablet that can be bent outwards into a smartphone, just like how I played games on my iPod Touch and played some others on my iPad back in my college years. Moreover, I believe that foldable smartphones that can be bent inwards would be more appealing for those who prefer to put their phones in their pockets sometimes.
Royole Flexpai’s folding phone seems to work excellently in its “smartphone” form… [13]…and its “tablet” form. Unfortunately for Huawei’s foldable phone, it will not be a best seller in the West due to the fact that several countries outside of China have banned associations with the company [2] [10]. Why? There has been some speculation about Huawei using their technology to spy on unsuspecting members of governments outside of China [2] [10]. [13]As much as I enjoy taking selfies with my iPhone SE, I believe that playing games like Mario Kart Tour and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp can be just as enjoyable as playing them on a standard smartphone [31] [33]. Or better yet, could there be mobile games with specific aspects that are exclusive for a type of foldable smartphone in a certain position in the future? I can only think of one practical and enjoyable method, but I guess there could be a few more possible methods if foldable smartphones become a hit. On the other hand, I suppose some of us will be too busy playing monochrome games with the Playdate later this year [45] [46], along with some more of us roaming and slaying in the second season of Fortnite’s second chapter with Deadpool and Harley Quinn [19] [22] [42]. If many apps ought to make it to foldable phones later this new decade, please do not re-release an app that was deplorably homophobic like the Exoudus International app or an app that was impartially foolish like S.M.T.H., which stood for “Send Me To Heaven” and encouraged some people to recklessly throw their phones as high as possible for a high score [3] [44].
“Foldable smartphones? Next, I could be using foldable guns and foldable katanas…as long as they won’t backfire like a bunch of Galaxy Folds did [23] [39]. Where did their guardians go? By the way, thanks for featuring my perspective again, my little Laurapop [47]. I knew I could help you stay motivated! You’re a gem. Those app developers better listen to your wishes or Daddy Deadpool will have to ground them.” [19]The merc with a mouth from Marvel is very welcome. The only concept I think can work for a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip in this position so far is an application that allows a user to put videos they filmed with their device in a timeline, add filters and other special effects, and publish the final results on YouTube or any other social media website. [7]In conclusion, I see the foldable smartphone as possibly the next stage in the mobile phone’s evolution timeline, especially Galaxy Z Flip and the new Motorola Razr [7] [36] [37]. Who would have thought two touchscreens merged into one can eventually be safely bent without damage? It is all thanks to the actuality of ultra-thin glass being protected by clear plastic [29] [30]. However, I believe that my statements will only stand if many foldable smartphones remain practical with plenty of strength to keep both sides of the screen fully functional for a lifetime and do not end up like the first version of the Galaxy Fold [4] [9] [14] [23] [25] [39]. Additionally, I believe the companies willing to sell foldable smartphone should positively and realistically state their most notable feature with more honesty. If flip smartphones eventually become successful later in the 2020s, we can say that two generations of the mobile phone have collided spectacularly. I suppose getting back into some old technological habits can blend in with today’s common standards sometimes. It worked for the Instax Mini camera, right [1]? The mobile phone sure has come a long way since the days it was commonly seen as a brick with buttons and an antenna back in the 1980s [27] [41].
As long as that protective layer remains where it is, the Galaxy Z Flip can still be one of the inspirations for foldable smartphones in the future… [40]NOOOOOOOOOOOO! NOT AGAIN!!! [30]References
Adorama. (2017). Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Film Camera, Toy Story 4.Available: https://www.adorama.com/fjim9ts4.html. Last accessed 20th Feb 2020.
Ezarik, J. (2019). Samsung Galaxy Fold – A FAIL?!.Available: https://youtu.be/P1j5nqNWcyE. Last accessed 19th Feb 2020.
Ezarik, J. (2020). 😱 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip – Hands On!.Available: https://youtu.be/tuqNmGrytD8. Last accessed 19th Feb 2020.
Ezarik, J. (2020). The Hunt for a Galaxy Z Flip…. Unboxing and first impressions!.Available: https://youtu.be/3u7jP3U01-A. Last accessed 19th Feb 2020.
Fisher, M. (2020). Galaxy Z Flip vs Motorola Razr: Real-World Test.Available: https://youtu.be/fh_40e2safE. Last accessed 19th Feb 2020.
Judkins, J. (2019). GALAXY FOLD IS A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE.Available: https://youtu.be/SeFehF0TPSk. Last accessed 19th Feb 2020.
laxman2211. (2010). Motorola RAZR V3i – Pink (Unlocked) Mobile Phone Refurbished UK 🇬🇧 STOCK•.Available: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143097775426. Last accessed 20th Feb 2020.
Greetings and welcome to another one of my humble portfolios. My name is Laura Williams and it is nice to meet you. This is where I will be expressing my ambition in video game journalism, along with my blog on Blogger. You are more than welcome to read them. :)
I am also interested in voice acting, games design, screen acting, concept art, cosplaying, comedy, fashion modelling, photo manipulation, poetry, literature, scriptwriting and nail art.
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7 thoughts on “Two Generations Collide With The Flip Smartphone As Another Form May Await”
Laura's Ambitious Writing 
7 thoughts on “Two Generations Collide With The Flip Smartphone As Another Form May Await”