Samsung workers: the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a "boring" design

[midian182]

Rumor mill: You know things aren't looking good for a product when company employees criticize it ahead of release. But such are the rumors surrounding the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which Samsung workers reportedly say has a "boring" design that is almost indistinguishable from the current Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 are expected to launch in just over a month. In the case of the former, the rumor, which comes from prolific leaker Ice Universe, is that Samsung employees have been complaining about a design so similar to its predecessor that "it can't even be called the Galaxy Z Fold 4s."

"It can't even be called the Galaxy Z Fold4s"

– ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) June 13, 2023

We're used to seeing new phones that bear a striking resemblance to the previous-generation models, of course. But there will be some, if subtle, changes in the Z Fold 5's look, including the use of a droplet-style hinge that allows the center of the display to form a teardrop shape when closed. Not only should this enable the display to be folded completely flat, as opposed to having a slight gap like the Z Fold 4, but it also means a reduction in the crease visibility when the display is fully opened.

The center crease is probably the worst element of the Z Fold 4, which we loved apart from that issue and the high price. Reducing its visibility would definitely make the device more appealing, but Ice Universe believes that it will only be reduced by around 15%, which isn't a lot and means it will still be more prominent than those on other foldables – though it's worth noting that some say the crease in the Pixel Fold is even more pronounced than the one in the Z Fold 4.

Barring the lack of design changes, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is expected to come with plenty of improvements. An IP5x dust rating is predicted, making it the first foldable to hold this certification, and previous leaks point to new camera sensors, a brighter screen, and, naturally, a more powerful SoC.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/99062-samsung-workers-galaxy-z-fold-5-has-boring.html

 

[SirDigby]

All phone designs are boring, the formula has barely changed in a decade. No one buys a phone for its design.
"Oooh smaller bezel, we've shaved off 0.03mm from the bezel!", "introducing teardrop/holepunch selfie cameras! What a gamechanger!".
I hate to be negative, but does anyone actually care? Maybe the odd super-enthusiast, but even a phone-nerd like me couldn't really care less.

 

[Nobina]

Imagine what they must think of iPhones then.

 

[Burty117]

No one buys a phone for its design...

This.
Unless a phone is particularly ugly, you don't pick your phone based on it's looks.
Is it even possible to make an "ugly" phone? They're all mainly screen these days, its only the edges and backside you can really "design" differently and even then, the rear is slowly getting covered in camera's or wireless coils further limiting design chances.

 

[Blqckout]

Imagine what they must think of iPhones then.

the outside and inside isnt even appealing

 

[emmzo]

All phone designs are boring, the formula has barely changed in a decade. No one buys a phone for its design.
"Oooh smaller bezel, we've shaved off 0.03mm from the bezel!", "introducing teardrop/holepunch selfie cameras! What a gamechanger!".
I hate to be negative, but does anyone actually care? Maybe the odd super-enthusiast, but even a phone-nerd like me couldn't really care less.

Maybe you don`t care, but phones have also become fashion and status accessories for most people. That`s because everybody is using it all the time and who doesn`t like to brag or feel in any way "special"? I know it`s stupid, but that`s how it is. Phones have been redesigned successfully many times already. Design also means slight improvements, they`re not going to make it a circle. Apple still has an edge over the competition in that respect atm, imo. Now, any boring and uninspired design should be called out, especially if you`re trying to sell a 2k phone. The workers already complaining is bad news indeed.

 

[nismo91]

At this point people are more concerned about software updates than phone design.

I actually don't mind weird form factors such as foldables. what worries me is that with just a single accidental drop a $2000 phone can become "totaled". I mean do I need to apply for phone insurance on top of home and car insurance now?

honestly looking at phone importer's listings are more interesting now. phones like Cat S22 flip, unihertz titan, ulefone with flir camera, fxtec phone, balmuda phone from japan really reminds us of what android phones could look like if manufacturers decided to go their own way.

 

[p51d007]

After the first "smartphones" came along, each new model was simply "another rectangular slab of glass, plastic and metal" but, with stylish color. They had to make them slim, sexy and stylish which is one of the first things they promote. IF you are lucky, an hour after announcing it, they MIGHT tell you how well it works AS A PHONE.
The "new" samsung fold will have on "attractive" feature that we all know....HIGHER price!
And for what? It's faster. Heck, 99% of users, other than benchmark geeks will never approach the usage to use all of that speed.

 

[Mr Majestyk]

Well we've been calling them Samesung for a good reason for years now. S21, S22 and S23 are pathetic updates too unless you buy the ultra.