Technologies
How Samsung Could Take the Galaxy Z Flip 5 to the Next Level
Commentary: A bigger cover screen, more Flex Mode features and better battery life could go a long way.
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With the new Motorola Razr Plus, Samsung has fresh competition in the foldable phone arena. While last year’s Galaxy Z Flip 4 was a step in the right direction, there’s a lot Samsung could do to make its next flip phone more compelling.
With the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung fine-tuned the phone’s design, added a few new software tricks and improved staples like nighttime photography and battery life. These are all welcome upgrades that address shortcomings from previous models and make the Galaxy Z Flip easier to recommend than in years past. Now that Samsung has refined the Z Flip, I’d like to see it take things a step further by coming up with more new features that take advantage of its foldable design.
Google and Motorola, both of which are launching new foldable phones in June, have shown that they’re thinking about how to make foldables stand out with features that show how the outer and inner screens can work together.
Now, it’s Samsung’s turn. The company typically launches new foldable phones in August.
A larger cover screen
Even after spending just a few minutes with the Razr Plus, I’m convinced the Galaxy Z Flip 5 needs a bigger cover screen. Motorola’s new phone has a 3.6-inch outer display compared to the Z Flip 4’s 1.9-inch cover screen. You can do a lot with the Razr’s external display, from playing games to browsing Google Maps and typing an email. The Galaxy Z Flip 4’s smaller cover screen is much more limited and is ideal for brief interactions, like sending a canned response to a text message or peeking at your calendar.
You might be wondering why having a larger cover screen is so important if you’re planning to use the phone primarily when it’s open. Even though I haven’t used the new Razr extensively yet, the cover screen seemingly has the potential to add more on-the-go convenience. Since it’s small enough to fit in the palm of my hand when closed, I can imagine it being useful for responding to a text message or flipping through my inbox when I only have one hand free.
The new Motorola Razr Plus has a big cover screen.
If the rumors turn out to be true, Samsung may indeed give the Galaxy Z Flip 5 a larger external screen. The Twitter account Ice Universe, which has a solid history of leaking details about unreleased Samsung products, says the Z Flip 5 will have a 3.4-inch cover display.
More Flex Mode features
Samsung popularized the idea of using flip phones as a built-in tripod for taking photos and videos. Samsung calls this feature Flex Mode, and it allows the Z Flip and Fold to split apps between the top and bottom portions of the display when folded halfway. Samsung has expanded Flex Mode since the original Flip’s launch by adding new features such as the ability to use the bottom portion of the display like a mini trackpad.
While it’s nice to see Samsung brainstorming new ways to put the Z Flip’s nontraditional shape to use, the trackpad functionality isn’t terribly practical, as my colleague Patrick Holland wrote in his review. It feels like a solution looking for a problem rather than a reason to want a foldable phone in the first place.
In the Z Flip 5, I’d like to see Samsung add more functionality to Flex Mode that taps into the phone’s ability to bend and fold in different ways. Having a larger screen on the front could also open up some new possibilities in this regard.
Samsung could take notes from Google and Motorola, both of which have shown some creative uses for foldable phones. The new Razr, for example, can show a preview of a photo being taken on its external screen, enabling the subject to see what they look like before you hit the shutter button. The Pixel Fold can use its dual screens to show translated speech on the outer and inner displays during a conversation, potentially making real-world encounters in different languages less awkward.
To be sure, I won’t know how useful these features actually are until I’ve tested both phones. But the use cases that Motorola and Google are pitching seem practical rather than gimmicky, which feels like a step in the right direction for foldables.
A less noticeable crease
The Galaxy Z Flip 4’s hinge allows it to stay at various angles. When it’s close to perpendicular it can activate Flex Mode for the software.
One of the biggest challenges with today’s foldables is the crease that runs across the center of the screen. Now that Samsung is heading into the fifth generation of its foldable phones, I’d like to see a crease that’s significantly less noticeable — if not invisible. Oppo and Huawei have done a better job of eliminating the crease in their foldables in recent years, as my colleagues have noted, making me hopeful that Samsung’s next device will show similar progress.
There’s a chance that may very well be the case. Ice Universe also reports that the Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 will have a new hinge that will enable the phones to shut completely when closed, with no gap, a change that may also make the crease more subtle.
Longer battery life
Samsung improved the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s battery life compared to the Z Flip 3, and I’m hoping it continues to do so on the Galaxy Z Flip 5. As noted in CNET’s Galaxy Z Flip 4 review, the phone’s battery can make it through a full day but drains faster if you’re watching video and taking video calls — two tasks that the Z Flip is well-suited for since it can be easily propped up.
Battery life in a phone can never feel long enough, so I’m hoping to see more of an improvement in the Z Flip 5. If the Z Flip 5 runs on the same processor as the Galaxy S23 series, a version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that’s been optimized for Samsung’s devices, it’s possible we’ll see some gains in power efficiency.
Better cameras
The Galaxy Z Flip 4’s 12-megapixel wide and ultrawide cameras take decent photos, but I’d like to see Samsung bring the Z Flip 5’s cameras up to par with the Galaxy S23’s. Samsung’s nonfolding phone has a 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and 10-megapixel telephoto camera.
There are two exterior cameras on the Flip 4: a main wide-angle and an ultrawide.
I’m not expecting Samsung to add a telephoto lens to the Galaxy Z Flip 5, since doing so would make it difficult to increase the size of the cover screen. But I’m hoping Samsung improves the camera in other ways, such as by increasing the resolution or pixel size. In his review, CNET’s Patrick Holland described the Z Flip 4’s cameras as B-grade, showing there’s certainly room for improvement. But if the Galaxy Z Flip 5 inherits the Galaxy S23’s processor, we’ll likely see back-end upgrades that enhance the way photos are processed, too.
Overall, I’m hoping to see Samsung add more functionality that makes the Z Flip stand out, while cutting down on the compromises that need to be made when choosing a foldable phone over a standard phone. Changes like these could go a long way towards making foldables broadly appealing in the way that Samsung envisions.
Technologies
Smartphone vs. Dumb Phone: Why People Are Going Basic
Here’s how to ditch your smartphone for a dumb phone. It’s digital detox done right.
Over the past couple of decades, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. According to the Pew Research Center, about 91% of Americans own a smartphone. Statista reports that the number of global smartphone owners is estimated to reach 6.1 billion in 2029. For many, a smartphone is an always-on internet device that keeps us connected to the world.
But there are also significant downsides to having one. If you’re concerned about how much time you spend on your phone, you aren’t alone: Some people feel addicted to their smartphones, checking their email and social media feeds hundreds of times a day. Perhaps you find yourself doomscrolling through the news or wasting time on mindless apps and games rather than being productive at work or spending quality time with your family. Sure, you could simply limit your screen time, but that takes willpower that you might not have.
This rise in this obsessive behavior toward smartphones explains the resurgence of so-called dumb phones in recent years. Sometimes referred to as feature phones, dumb phones are essentially stripped-down cellular devices that lack the bells and whistles of modern smartphones. Some only let you call and text, while others have a few more features such as a camera or a music player. Dumb phones typically offer only the most basic of features, minimal internet and that’s about it.
If that intrigues you, read on. In this guide, we’ll highlight the different kinds of dumb phones on the market, what you should look for when shopping for one, and whether a dumb phone is even right for you.
The differences between a dumb phone and a smartphone
A smartphone is essentially a tiny computer in your pocket. A dumb phone lacks the apps and features that smartphones have. More advanced dumb phones, or «feature phones,» offer a camera and apps like a calendar or a music player. Some even have minimal internet connectivity.
Many dumb phones are reminiscent of handsets with physical buttons from decades ago. Others have a T9 keypad where you press the numbers with the letters on the keypad and the phone «predicts» the word you want.There are even feature phones with touchscreens and more modern interfaces.
What should you look for when getting a dumb phone?
The dumb phone that’s best for you will depend on the reason you’re getting it. Do you want to go without internet access entirely and do it cold turkey? Then, perhaps a basic phone is what you want. Basic phones are also great if you just want a secondary emergency backup handset. Do you want at least some functionality, like Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities or navigation directions? Then look into «smarter» dumb phones that have those features.
Alternatively, if you think you still need certain smartphone apps like WhatsApp or Uber, you could look into «dumbed down» Android phones with smaller screens and keypads (sometimes called Android dumb phones). They don’t qualify as dumb phones technically, but they’re often seen as an in-between solution for those who can’t quite commit to a lifestyle change.
What are the different kinds of dumb phones on the market?
As more people seek smartphone alternatives, a large number of modern dumb phones have emerged on the market. If you’re on the hunt for one, we recommend using Jose Briones’ excellent Dumbphone Finder, which lets you filter and browse a dizzying array of choices based on your preferences and network provider. We also suggest perusing the r/dumbphones subreddit, where you’ll find a community of dumb phone enthusiasts who can assist you in your dumb phone journey.
Here are a few different kinds of dumb phones that caught our attention.
Smarter dumb phones
If you have a tough time letting go of your smartphone, there are a few smarter dumb phones on the market that might be a good gateway into the smartphone-free world. They often have touchscreen interfaces and more features you’d find on smartphones, like a music player or a camera.
Perhaps the smartest dumb phone on the market right now is the Light Phone 3, which has a 3.92-inch OLED screen and a minimalist black-and-white aesthetic. Its features include GPS for directions, Bluetooth, a fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, a flashlight, a 50-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front-facing camera and a music player. It also has 5G support, which is something of a rarity among dumb phones.
However, it’s expensive at around $700, which is almost the same price as a higher-end smartphone. Light also sells the Light Phone 2, which lacks cameras and a flashlight, but it’s much cheaper at $300 (about the price of a midrange smartphone). It uses an E Ink screen instead of OLED. However, some reviews have said that the texting speed is pretty slow.
Another touchscreen phone that’s similar to an e-reader and is fairly popular with the dumb phone community is the Mudita Kompakt. It has wireless charging, an 8-megapixel camera, GPS for directions, a music player, an e-reader and basic apps including weather, a calendar and more.
Barebones phones
On the other hand, if you’re ready for a full digital detox, then you could consider just a basic phone that lets you call, text and not much else. Simply harken back to the phones of decades ago and you’ll likely find one that fits that description.
One of the major brands still making basic phones is HMD Global, which also makes Nokia-branded handhelds like the Nokia 3210 and the Nokia 2780 Flip. HMD makes its own line of phones too, such as the iconic pink Barbie phone, complete with a large Barbie logo emblazoned on the front. It even greets you with a cheerful «Hello Barbie» each time it powers on. We should note, however, that HMD has said it’s exiting the US, so the only way to get one might be through third-party reseller in the near future.
There are still basic phones being sold in the US. The Punkt MP02 is one of the more interesting models, thanks in part to its unique slim design and clicky buttons. You can even send messages via Signal with it, though you’ll have to text via the old-fashioned T9 method.
Android dumb phones
Some dumb phone purists might argue that anything Android doesn’t belong in this list, but if your main goal in quitting your phone is to be free of the social media algorithm, then perhaps a scaled-down smartphone is a good halfway point for you. A couple of examples are the Unifone S22 Flip phone (formerly the CAT S22 Flip phone) and the Doov R7 Pro candy bar (available outside of the US), both of which are Android handsets but have traditional cell phone designs (The Unifone S22 Flip runs Android Go, a simplified version of Android).
This way, you still have access to your «must-have» apps, and might be able to better withstand the temptation of social media because of their tiny size and shape (or at least that’s the theory).
Should you buy an old or used dumb phone? Will it work on a carrier’s 5G network?
There’s nothing wrong with buying an old or used dumb phone, but you should make sure that it works with your cellphone network. Not all phones work with all networks, and certain carriers in the US aren’t compatible with every device, so check their restrictions. AT&T, for example, has a whitelist of permitted devices and you generally can’t use something that isn’t on that list.
As for 5G support, that’s pretty rare when it comes to dumb phones, mostly because they often don’t really need it (they typically won’t see the benefit of faster data speeds, for example). Some, however, do have 5G support, such as the Light Phone 3, the Sonim XP3 Plus 5G and the TCL Flip 4. If 5G support is important to you due to network congestion concerns, then that’s something you can keep an eye out for.
What if I’m not able to give up my smartphone just yet?
Maybe you need your smartphone for work or emergencies, or maybe you just don’t find any of the existing dumb phones all that appealing. If you don’t mind exercising your willpower, there are existing «wellness» tools on both Android and iOS that could help limit your screen time by allowing you to set app timers or downtime modes.
You could also disable and uninstall all your most addictive apps and use parental control tools to limit your screen time. Last but not least, there are several apps and gadgets designed to help you cut back on doomscrolling, like the Brick and the Unpluq tag.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Friday, Nov. 28
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Nov. 28.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Happy Black Friday — and that’s a fitting theme for today’s Mini Crossword. Read on for the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Major tech purchases on Black Friday
Answer: TVS
4A clue: Hit the mall
Answer: SHOP
5A clue: When many arrive at stores on Black Friday
Answer: EARLY
6A clue: «Buy one, get one ___»
Answer: FREE
7A clue: Clichéd holiday gift for dad
Answer: TIE
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Number of days that the first Thanksgiving feast lasted
Answer: THREE
2D clue: Small, mouselike rodent
Answer: VOLE
3D clue: Intelligence bureau worker
Answer: SPY
4D clue: Traditional garment worn at an Indian wedding
Answer: SARI
5D clue: Movement of money between accounts, for short
Answer: EFT
Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Nov. 28, #431
Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Nov. 28, No. 431.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
Today’s Connections: Sports Edition is a pretty tough one. If you’re struggling with today’s puzzle but still want to solve it, read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is published by The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by The Times. It doesn’t appear in the NYT Games app, but it does in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can play it for free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: Shoes.
Green group hint: Think Olympics.
Blue group hint: Kick the ball.
Purple group hint: Family affair.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Basketball sneaker brands.
Green group: First words of gymnastics apparatus.
Blue group: Women’s soccer stars.
Purple group: Basketball father/son combos.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is basketball sneaker brands. The four answers are Adidas, Jordan, Nike and Under Armour.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is first words of gymnastics apparatus. The four answers are balance, parallel, pommel and uneven.
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is women’s soccer stars. The four answers are Bonmatí, Girma, Marta and Rodman.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is basketball father/son combos. The four answers are Barry, James, Pippen and Sabonis.
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