Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 undergoes testing: introducing a surprising cinematic turn
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: A Game-Changer for Mobile Video Streaming
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, the latest addition to Samsung's line of foldable phones, boasts a unique feature: a 21:9 aspect ratio screen. This feature offers specific advantages and disadvantages for video streaming, making it a standout choice for movie enthusiasts on the go.
A Cinematic Experience on the Go
The 21:9 ratio is considered practically perfect for watching many films, as most movie content is close to this cinema-style widescreen format. This means videos shot in this ratio fill the screen fully without black bars on top or bottom, providing an immersive viewing experience. The Galaxy Z Flip 7's 6.9-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support further enhances this experience, delivering smooth motion and vibrant colors.
The resolution of 1080 x 2560 pixels at 21:9 offers a sharp display (about 397 ppi), which keeps video images clear and detailed enough for a premium experience. With a peak brightness up to 1500 nits (internal display measured), plus up to 2600 nits as claimed by Samsung for outdoor visibility, videos are easy to watch even in bright environments like direct sunlight.
Pillarboxing Concerns
However, when watching standard 16:9 videos (which are still very common), significant black pillar bars (vertical strips) appear on the left and right sides of the screen, because the content does not natively fit the extra-wide 21:9 screen. This reduces the usable picture area for such videos and can be less immersive.
The slightly wider but shorter (compared to the previous 22:9) screen shape may not be ideal for some content types or apps optimized for taller ratios, potentially creating letterboxing or interface scaling issues in some cases.
A Foldable Clamshell with a Twist
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a foldable clamshell phone, featuring a new design called Armor Flexhinge for improved durability. It also has an IP48 rating for better protection. The device is thinner than its predecessor, the Z Flip 6 (which was 14.9mm), with the thickness of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 being 13.7mm.
When watching content that matches the 21:9 aspect ratio, such as the Ironheart series on Disney, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 can be zoomed in to fit the screen, ensuring no action is missed. However, it's worth noting that Netflix automatically zooms in 21:9 content to fill the screen, while Disney+ does not, potentially causing black bars around the content.
A Niche but Noteworthy Feature
The move by Sony to embrace the 21:9 screen format for its smartphones, such as the Xperia 1 VI, seems to be more for film-makers than everyday users. In 2009, it was hard to get 21:9 video onto the LG BL40 Chocolate due to the lack of an app portal and video player.
The cinematic experience offered by the 21:9 ratio screen on the Flip 7 is noteworthy, especially for those who like watching videos on the go and have invested in higher-end streaming services. However, it may not be the ideal choice for those who primarily consume standard 16:9 content.
[1] Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Specifications (2023) [2] The Advantages and Disadvantages of the 21:9 Aspect Ratio on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 [3] The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: A Foldable Clamshell Phone with a Twist [4] The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: A Game-Changer for Mobile Video Streaming [5] The Challenges of the 21:9 Aspect Ratio on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 for Standard Video Content
Maximizing Entertainment on Your SmartphonesThe cinematic experience provided by the 21:9 screen on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, coupled with its high-quality technology features, makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy mobile video streaming, particularly movie enthusiasts.
Technology Paving the Way for Widescreen GadgetsWith Sony also incorporating the 21:9 screen format in their smartphones like the Xperia 1 VI, it's evident that technology is paving the way for a more immersive video streaming experience on gadgets, blurring the lines between portable devices and home theaters.
