Are Smartphones Out and Flip Phones In?

Long before the iPhone craze and Generation Z grew up, we lived in a time of Blackberry’s and flip phones. Now it seems as though the 2000s are making a comeback with the latest release of Motorola’s Razr and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip phone. Some of you may be reminiscing on your hot pink or gray Razr, but a lot has changed since the release of the original Razr, starting with its price. Earlier this month Verizon began selling the Razr at $1500, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip sells for $1380.

So, what’s so special about these phones? As Joanna Stern, from the Wall Street Journal puts it, “both are modern takes on the old-school design.” Both phones have screens that bend and fold without breaking. Unlike its predecessors, when you flip them open you don’t see a tiny LCD screen on top and a keypad at the bottom, but a full android screen.

So, what’s their appeal? They’re small and fit perfectly in your pocket, unlike iPhone’s or the Samsung Galaxy. You’re able to end a call by simply closing the phone, never having to worry about dialing someone on accident again. Also, both phones have small touch screens that display the essentials time, date, weather, and notifications.

With all this mind, and the realization that smartphone sales have begun to decrease over that last few years. Are flip phones the next great thing? There is still a lot to consider. For instance, they are a tad bit overpriced, not because they have the greatest picture quality or processor, but because of its foldable screen. Also, they are the first of its kind to hit the market, and we don’t know how durable or how they will hold up over time. Lastly, Samsung has proven its worth with its constant release of high-end quality products over the last decade, being Apple’s greatest competitor in the era of smartphones. Will the Motorola Razr be enough to establish Motorola as the next big competitor in the smartphone industry? Guess we will have to wait and see.

Musical Review of Motorola Razr vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip https://www.wsj.com/video/series/joanna-stern-personal-technology/motorola-razr-vs-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-the-musical-review/67FEDC2A-57BA-4826-A245-AD2CDBA3BBAD

References:

Cipriani, J. (2020, February 13).  Motorola razr vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip: The battle of foldable flip phones. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/13/cnn-underscored/flip-phone-comparison/index.html

Stern, J. (2020, February 15). Motorola Razr vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip: The Flip Phone Is Back and it’s Not a Total Flop. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/motorola-razr-vs-samsung-galaxy-z-flip-the-flip-phone-is-back-and-its-not-a-total-flop-11581742810?mod=business_lead_pos10