After weeks of anticipation, Samsung finally unveiled its next-generation foldable smartphones on July 26 at Galaxy Unpacked 2023 which was held at its home turf in Seoul, South Korea. While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 were the standout unveilings, it is the Flip smartphone, that has got everyone talking about it. The smartphone has received some big upgrades, but is it enough to once again become the best flip phone in the market, especially at a time when there is serious competition in this segment?
After spending a few days with the Galaxy Z Flip 5, here are our first impressions.
The Flex Window
In terms of looks, there is one thing that makes the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 distinctly different from its predecessor – the large cover display. Samsung has (finally) swapped the tiny 1.9-inch panel for a bigger 3.4-inch AMOLED display called the Flex Window, and this opens up all sorts of possibilities. There are different customization options for the Flex Window such as an option to see the notifications, battery percentage, weather, and time, all in one place.
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There’s a carousel of other widgets that you can scroll through such as weather, quick dialer, alarm, health, and more. A simple swipe down opens the quick access settings which has toggles for Wi-Fi- Bluetooth, sound modes, torch, volume, and more. Oh, you can also quickly reply to messages from the cover screen itself too.
At the moment, only first-party apps are supported, but you can run other apps through the Good Lock launcher. We would’ve liked to see at least a native Spotify widget being available similar to the Oppo Find N2 Flip, but it could come out in the future, so here’s hoping for that.
Flex Hinge
It’s about time that Samsung redesigned the hinge, allowing the device to close fully, and the South Korean tech giant has managed to achieve just that. With the new Flex Hinge, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 now closes fully without any substantial gap. This has also resulted in the phone becoming a bit slimmer, although it weighs the same. Unlike the Find N2 Flip which takes quite an effort to open the device with one hand, the Z Flip 5’s operation is smooth as ever, and the phone stays put at every angle.
Samsung claims the new hinge will also improve durability as it has fewer moving parts, although we’ll only know that after months of use.
New processor
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 also gets the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC under the hood which is expected to bring performance improvements across the board. The chip is more powerful than the Z Flip 4’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen1, while also being more energy efficient. The phone feels a bit snappier than its predecessor, although the battery performance remains just about the same as of now. Since smartphone batteries take multiple cycles to get up to speed, there is still a possibility for further improvement.
Perhaps one of the most underrated upgrades is the storage capacity. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 now has 256GB as the base storage, while managing to keep the price the same (albeit only in the US). In 2023, it is about time brands start offering 256GB as the base storage option, especially as the size of Android apps is increasing day by day.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: Things that could be better
There’s not much to talk about except the new hinge, cameras, and the bigger Flex Window. On paper, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has identical cameras, battery, and display as its predecessor. One of the bigger disappointments is the crease. At a time when competitors like Oppo have managed to make it minimal, the crease on the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is still as prominent. The charging is still capped at 25W, which is nowhere near the rapid speeds featured by its competitors.
Despite these shortcomings, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is the most refined, and perhaps the most useful flip phone made by Samsung yet. But at a hefty cost of Rs. 99,999, does it offer enough to beat the likes of the Oppo Find N2 Flip and the Moto Razr 40 series? Be sure to find out when we return with our full review.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
