At Samsung’s Unpacked earlier this year Gizmodo Australia was given a first-glimpse of the Galaxy Z-Flip – the company’s new clamshell foldable that is actually the size of a real phone. While it went on sale in the U.S. almost immediately, Aussies were landed with the customary ‘TBA’. Now the wait is over. Not only do we know when it will hit Australia, the price significantly undercuts other foldable devices that are about to be released here.
The Galaxy Z-Flip is the second foldable that Samsung will be releasing in Australia, and it seems to have learned some lessons from last time around.
Rather than a phone-tablet hybrid, the Z-Flip is a comfortable phone-size. This will most likely cut down on certain issues, like the issues the original Samsung Galaxy Fold had back in 2019.
Samsung has also reduced the price. While the Samsung Galaxy Fold cost $2,999 when it finally hit Australia, the Z-Flip is significantly cheaper and more likely to tempt those who are still on the fence when it comes to foldables.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2020/02/the-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-is-the-first-foldable-phone-worth-caring-about/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/awbajwqoaeuja9bunsjz.jpg” title=”The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Is The First Foldable Phone Worth Caring About” excerpt=”With all the hazards and issues found on previous foldable phones, it’d be hard to blame anyone for writing off flexible screen tech completely. But that sentiment might be a bit premature, because with the Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung has made the first foldable phone worth caring about.”]
Samsung Galaxy Z-Flip Specs
You can read a more in-depth look at the features here as well as check out a list of the key specs:
- Inner Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED Display(21.9:9) Infinity Flex Display 2636 x 1080 425ppi
- Outer Display: 1.1-inch Super AMOLED Display 300 x 112 303ppi
- OS: Android 10
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB (no expanded memory option)
- Camera: Dual rear 12MP Ultra Wide F2.2 and 12MP Wide-angle Camera F1.8 lenses. 10MP Selfie F2.4 camera.
- Battery: 3,200mAH with fast charging and wireless charging
- Connectivity: 4G and Wi-Fi
- SIM: SIM or eSIM
- Dimensions: 73.6 x 87.4 x 17.3mm (Hinge) ” 15.4mm (Sagging) for folded and 73.6 x 167.3 x 7.2mm ” 6.9mm (Screen) for folded, 183 g
- Colours: mirror purple, mirroe black and mirror gold
We’re particularly interested in checking out the ‘Flex Mode’, which allows you to use the device like a mini laptop. For example, you could be watching twitch on the top display while typing into chat via the bottom display.
How Much The Samsung Z-Flip Costs In Australia
Here in Australia the Samsung Galaxy Z-Flip will cost $2,199. While pricey, this is actually better than we expected. And it’s a smart move.
$2,199 is significantly cheaper than its soon-to-be rivals in market – the Motorola Razr and Huawei’s Mate Xs.
While the Razr was supposed to have launched by now, the coronavirus outbreak delayed its launch and there hasn’t been an update in three weeks.
If and when it does launch it will cost $2,699. While we enjoyed the Razr during a local hands-on event, we concluded the price was going to be a barrier for a lot of people.
It really feels like Samsung is undercutting Motorola in market with stronger specs across the board, more premium brand recognition and a price tag that is a whopping $500 cheaper.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2020/01/motorola-razr-foldable-first-look-australian-price-specs-release-date/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/razr-folded-1-410×231.jpg” title=”Motorola’s Foldable Razr: Epic Phone, Terrible Price” excerpt=”Australia is about to get another foldable, and this time it’s the size of an actual phone. Motorola has resurrected its beloved Razr to transform is classic clamshell design from being hinged to having a folding screen. There’s a lot to love and it might even surprise some foldable sceptics, but it’s really hard to get past the $2,699 price.”]
As for Huawei, we can’t see how they’re going to adequately compete against Samsung in Australia. While the recently announced Mate Xs has impressive specs and a camera setup we fell in love with last year, it’s going to cost an eye-watering $3,999. That’s almost double the price of the already-expensive Z-Flip.
Considering that Huawei’s offering won’t have Google apps or the Play Store, and has taken a reputation hit thanks to the U.S. trade bans, Samsung will probably have it beat as well.
So while the Z-Flip isn’t cheap, it will be the most affordable foldable in Australia by a significant margin.
Samsung Z-Flip Australian Release Date
The Samsung Galaxy Z-Flip will be available for pre-order from March 20 from Samsung, Optus, Vodafone, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. The device will go on sale on April 3 and will also be available from Telstra from that date onwards.
[referenced url=”https://gizmodo.com.au/2020/03/huawei-mate-xs-price-australia-specs-release-date/” thumb=”https://gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mate-Xs-Creative-Shots-3-410×231.jpg” title=”Huawei Launches $3,999 Foldable In Australia With No Google Apps” excerpt=”It’s been a year since Huawei debuted its first foldable phone on the world stage. A lot has happened since then. The U.S. trade ban had a significant impact on the software inclusions Huawei can have on its phones. This didn’t stop the company from selling its Mate 30 here, but on a much smaller and odder scale than previous generations. Despite nothing changing on the software front, Huawei is forging ahead with launching a foldable in Australia… and it’s pricey.”]