How and what does one improve on when what they have been consistently deliver appears to be very close to what is physically and technologically possible? When the Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 were released last year, both devices received a warm welcome followed by rave reviews. Many issues pointed out in the models preceding them were addressed alongside incremental improvements which came from years of market research and understanding. This resulted in near-perfect products which had both their fans and critiques ended up asking for more.

Improving when you’re at the front is harder than playing catch-up. Its status as the pioneer of folding screens has made Samsung a “victim” of its own success.

They somewhat found themselves in a hole. A conundrum. With the reveal of the latest iterations of its Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold devices, how does Samsung build upon past success? Easy: by just making it bigger and better.

Flip Out, Fold In

Earlier today, Samsung unveiled the latest iterations of their folding handheld devices. Having started the folding screen trend several years back, Samsung is now no longer the only player in the market and their task is no longer to convince the viability of the product; it’s to maintain their lead in the market.

Starting with the “smaller” model of the two, the Z Flip 5. Clearly addressing requests for a larger cover screen and responding to rivals co-opting the suggestion into their recently released models, this year’s Z Flip 5 sports a significantly larger outer screen. Now called the ‘Flex Window’, a 3.4-inch screen now adorn the outer part of the Z Flip 5 allowing users to run more operations on it without the need to flip the phone open.

Answering texts will not be limited to just stock replies but instead, a full-sized keyboard is laid out. Sure there are some limitations on a significantly smaller screen but this definitely beats whatever was possible on last year’s model. A larger screen also shows more when using the outer screen as a preview window when taking photos using the main cameras. While Samsung did not specify which apps can be used on the smaller screen, viewing streaming services such as Netflix appears to be possible and you can include quick shortcuts for e-wallet and payment apps.

Another issue often raised with last year’s model was that the Z Flip and Fold 4s didn’t completely close, leaving a tiny gap between the folded screens. The Z Flip 5 eliminates this gap altogether thanks to a newly-engineered hinge which folds the screen into a teardrop-like shape when closed. This technology is also present in the larger of the two, the Z Fold 5.

As for the larger sibling, the Z Fold 5 have trimmed down this year thanks to the elimination of the gap when the phone is folded. It has shed about 10g from last year’s model making it a much more manageable device. Unlike the Z Flip 5 where it is easily distinguished from the model it is replacing, most of the improvements on the Z Fold 5 happens underneath the screen. But all the good stuff from the model it is replacing either makes a comeback or comes with significant improvements be it performance or simply quality of life.

The inner screen is still S-pen compatible and the designs of the new official casings are also more streamlined. Updates to the software make multi-tasking even more intuitive and the benefit from the widescreen is maximized with seamless interaction between simultaneous windows of apps operating at the same time.

Despite sporting slimmer looks, both phones appears to carry same-sized battery capacities as their predecessors. However, given that both will be running the latest and fastest chip in the market, expect noticeable improvements in battery life performance.

We had a brief time fiddling with these devices at Samsung’s closed media event recently and from what we’ve gathered, both devices show market improvements from the models they are replacing. Starting at RM4,499 (256GB), the Z Flip 5 comes in four main colours; mint (hero colour), lavender, cream and graphite with exclusive colours of grey, blue, green and yellow being online-exclusive colours. Unlike on the Z Flip 4, there’s no option to customize the cover plates. However, Samsung did show off an NFC plate which when attached to the back of the phone, prompts the phone to produce a matching wallpaper background. We foresee a ton of brands capitalizing on this and selling brand-inspired NFC plates.

As for the Z Fold 5, be ready to set aside at least RM6,799 (256GB) if you plan to get one of these. It will be available in icy blue, phantom black,  and cream with grey and blue being online-exclusive shades.

These are just several standout points based on our first impressions of these two new models. Of course, once we get our grubby paws on the actual products for more in-depth reviews, we will be sharing more thoughts on other elements such as the battery, overall performance and not to forget, the camera. Until then, stay tuned to Kakuchopurei.com.

Meanwhile, you can already pre-order the devices starting today, 26th July to 17th August. You stand to save a top when you register your interest for these devices, with vouchers up to RM400 waiting for you as well. The Z Flip 5 can be pre-ordered here while the Z Fold 5 can be locked in here.