Features
Samsung’s Flip Phone Innovation Over The Years
All before the Galaxy Z Flip craze took the world by storm
Admit it or not, most of us have become so used to smartphones looking a lot like one another. Some spec bumps, design refreshes, camera cutout changes, that’s about it. That’s all in a span of a year or as short as six months.

While smartphone designs won’t be as exciting as how it was before with feature phones, Samsung made jaws drop when their foldable prototype became a retail product as a result of years of R&D (research and development).

Outer displays of the Galaxy Z Flip4, Nori F, W2015, and W2017
In a crowd full of slender glass and polycarbonate slabs, Samsung has created the Galaxy Z Flip not just to make a new breed of smartphone, but also to bring back what people miss — the excitement in phone design.

The Galaxy Z Flip4, Nori F, W2015, and W2017 when unfolded
It started when people suddenly missed the weirdly-addictive feeling of clamshell phone clasps every time someone ends a call conversation. This 2022, it’s satisfying as it is on the new Galaxy Z Flip4.
It’s the nostalgia kicking
Back when I was in grade school, I’m quite different than kids of my age. While most 7-year-olds enjoy their time with crayons, coloring books, or games (either physically or digitally), my mind and eyes were focused on gadgets like phones. Whenever we go to malls, I collected a lot of phone brochures to the point where a salesman scolded me.
Also that specific period in time, most people prefer Nokia phones over anything else. Still, I dreamt of having at least one Samsung phone — a Samsung slider, not the flippy ones.

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
The phones above are just some of the Samsung phones I fantasized to have — i620, G800, E870, U700, S8300 UltraTouch, and most especially, the U900 Soul.
While I became more interested in tech due to Nokia and their XpressMusic plus N-series phones, Samsung’s slider phones were the game-changer for their classy and sleek designs that other manufacturers failed to bring to the table. It even came to a point when Samsung became obsessed with having the thinnest phone — the Samsung U100 Ultra Edition II at just 5.9mm.

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
But what about flip phones? If memory serves me right, the first Samsung phone I’ve ever seen in real life was my late aunt’s Samsung X640. It wasn’t as appealing to me but for a 2005 clamshell, it’s decently-looking compared to the Nokia 6101 with that bulging antenna that my third-grade professor in computer class flexed a lot. Albeit, that Nokia was a seller with its two displays.

TMI but I just thought that if my aunt is still alive, she would be rocking the latest Samsung phone — either the Galaxy Z Fold4 or the Z Flip4. Just putting this here since she contributed a lot to why I became a gadget nerd.
To All The Samsung Flip Phones I’ve Loved Before
Right before the foldable craze started, Samsung was already in the game for their fashion-forward feature flip phones. So why not take a trip down memory lane with me and mesmerize yourself with some collection of Samsung’s best-looking clamshell phones over the years.

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
For the classy
From 2008 all the way to 2019, flip phones with gold accents paired with faux leather or replicated diamonds are the classiest-looking phones ever — at least in Samsung’s phone-folio.
Samsung E500 (2006)

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
It may not be as popular as it looks in 2006, but it’s definitely one rare phone. It’s perfect for making a bold statement with gold and jewelries.
Samsung L310 (2008)

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
While it heavily reminds me of the Nokia 7390 from 2006, during this time, it’s already one of (if not the) Samsung’s classiest-looking phones ever.
Samsung i9230 Galaxy Golden (2013)
The first Android flip phone title probably goes to the Samsung W999 that came in 2011, but the Galaxy Golden still made huge waves overseas as an elegant-looking Android phone trapped in an old clamshell body. It may not be the best Android phone of its time but hey, at least you get twice the Super AMOLED display and a pseudo-premium leather feel and look.

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
Fun fact: Samsung is the only phone company that still manufactured more than five foldable phones past the “dumbphone” era. Thus, there were already Android-powered Samsung flip phones right before the debut of the Galaxy Z Flip line in 2020 — the W999, i9230, W2014, W2015, G9198, plus the W2016, W2017, W2018, and W2019 in the succeeding sections below.
Samsung W2016/W2017

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
Ditching the faux leather backs and trimmings, the W2016 and W2017 are the Flip phone versions of the ever-popular Galaxy S6 and S7. As evident as how the gold shines on their glass front and back up to the frame, these phones were popular in China that only a handful can afford — from CNY 9999 to a huge jump of CNY 20,000 (roughly US$ 1402~2804 / SG$ 2017~4034 / PhP 82,132~164,281).
Samsung W2018/W2019
Samsung brought back the black and gold combination with the W2018 and W2019 — which are also the Flip phone variants of the Galaxy S8 and S9 due to the similar hardware — such as the dual-variable aperture camera found both on the W2019 and Galaxy S9+.

The W2018 alone had a retail value of a jaw-dropping CNY 15,999 (US$ 2200 / SG$ 3227 / PhP 132,000 in today’s conversion rate). Fortunately, the first Flip (that made its debut a year after W2019 was launched) wasn’t as pricey and not limited to the Chinese market anymore.
For the quirky ones
Some may find them weird, others may think they are attractive. Either way, Samsung still sold these phones towards a niche market.
Samsung Nori F (2010)
The LG Lollipop (2009) took the interest of many young Asians because of how cute the phone is. Paired with the ever-eargasmic hit song ‘Lollipop’ is by 2NE1 and BIGBANG (which is also nostalgic to me as a veteran K-Pop fan), Samsung decided to create its direct rival with the Nori F.

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
Nori might mean “seaweed” in the Japanese context but 놀이 (nor-i) means “play” in Korean. Cool enough, Samsung made four playful colors, each highlighting one’s style while still showcasing the quirky three-array LED panel that can do sorts of pixelated, animated magic.
*It’s the loudest phone I have today as my alarm. The alarm works even if the phone’s off 🤯
Samsung P900/P910 (2006)

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
Feature phones during 2006 were either basic-looking or just plain “weird”. With swiveling phones becoming one of the go-to designs, Samsung has made a clever way to not just take and display landscape photos, but also to create a pocket-friendly product that can also broadcast TV shows directly.
Samsung Serene (2005)
One of Samsung’s most historic collaborations is making a phone with the popular audio company Bang & Olufsen (or commonly referred to B&O).

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
While Nokia continued to make waves with their XpressMusic phones and Sony Ericsson had Walkman phones, this particular venture resulted to the creation of Samsung Serene as a special-designed music device and flip phone in one. I’m just guessing the wordplay came from “Serenity” or the state of calmness and peace — which is also correlated to music.
Back then, it costed as much as US$ 1275 (roughly SG$ 1834 or PhP 74,692), a price tag no one would bat an eye due to the ever-growing list of affordable feature phones.
For the ultra-sleek and minimal
There are these clean-looking flip phones, too. You might have even seen them before but you just can’t tell because Samsung just had confusing phone names.
Samsung E870 (2006)

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
As said multiple times, 2006 phones are either basic-looking or just fascinatingly weird. But the Samsung E870 was compelling due to its cleaner, more minimal design with flat edges and larger, squarish keypad. Flip phones that time were nothing but bulging wedges with most having their thick antennas sticking out — Samsung neither an exception.
Samsung X520 (2006)

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
While the E870 is a clean slate, the X520 is more eccentric and irresistible due to its curves and a tempting color scheme that reminds you of wine and chocolate. Even the duotone keypad reminds you of a chocolate bar of some sort. I’m just guessing that their E-series stands for “Elegance” and X is for “Xtraordinary”.
Samsung U300 (2007)
And while already on the topic of Samsung’s past phone naming schemes, the U-series definitely stands for Samsung “Ultra Edition” series of phones — way before they used it on the Galaxy S20 Ultra.

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
The U300 stood out to me mainly because Samsung highlighted its thin form factor at a measly — you’ve guessed it — 9.6mm. If you’ve paid attention earlier, this is the flip phone that joins the Ultra Edition II series of Samsung: the U100 (5.9mm candybar), U600 10.1, and the U700 12.1 (the sliding phone I wanted to have) altogether.
Samsung S3600 (2008)

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
A year after, Samsung has released a flip that’s as classy as the U300 with its chic, brushed metal cover. But instead of the thin form factor and a “better” 3.2MP camera, you instead get a 1.3MP camera, microSD card slot, and a bigger battery at a more enticing price range.
Samsung Master Dual (2014)
For the record, 2014 was when Samsung launched the Galaxy S5 and the Galaxy Note 4 (also the year when the first GadgetMatch video on YouTube was released). But in South Korea, some people just can’t seem to adapt to the oddly-large smartphones — especially the elderly.

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
The Master Dual running Android was Samsung’s answer. It was then followed by the Galaxy Folder and Folder2, just without that nice external AMOLED display.
For the Fashion-Forward
F means a lot in Samsung’s vocabulary: Flip, Fashion-Forward, Female, or just those with utmost Fascination to anything Floral.
Samsung C3520 (2011)

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
This is the same year when the Galaxy S II and the first-ever Galaxy Note were released. Samsung launching this floral-studded flip phone is just a testament that large smartphones are really not for everyone — at least in 2011.
Samsung S5150 Diva Folder (2009)
Back in the time when companies wanted to catch the attention of female consumers, fashion-centric phones like the Diva folder would make the cut.

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
Love it or hate it, this clamshell phone is definitely made for the true diva. The ultra-reflective and glossy plastic material of this phone reminded me of the trending smartphone cases that looked puffed and inflated.
Samsung E420 (2006)
Another 2006-born phone that made it to this feature is none other than the Samsung E420.

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
During its launch, it’s one of the most affordable in the “La Fleur” line — which happened to be Samsung’s fashion-inclined line of phones. However, looks can really be deceiving as it only offered looks without support for Bluetooth and MP3 while its rivals considered them as necessities.
The new breed of Flip phones
Almost fifteen years apart, we are now in the time where smartphone technology is continuously evolving while the foldable technology is still in its young stage. Still, Samsung has truly paved the way in making the foldable dreams come to a reality.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip / Z Flip 5G (2020)

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Z Flip 5G are one of the pioneers in the clamshell-type foldable category. While the first Samsung foldable title goes to the Galaxy Z Fold line that cater the business-minded and professionals, the Z Flip was made with the youth in mind. However, its steep launch price of US$ 1380 / SG$ 1998 / PhP 79,990 isn’t really meant for the Gen Zs and borderline millennials (like me).
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 / Z Flip3 (2022/2021)

by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch
Ah, finally! The Galaxy Z Flip4 (together with the similarly-looking Z Flip3) are Samsung’s latest line of foldables, or rather, folding flip phones. With a more cutting-edge design, tougher hinge and display, longer battery, and better cameras all in a compact foldable form factor, the Galaxy Z Flip4 can surely stand out from the crowd.
Best of all? It’s more within the reach at US$ 999.99 / SG$ 1398 / PhP 53,990 — a lot cheaper than the Samsung Serene, W2018, and most definitely, the overly-priced W2019.
Phones flip and fold. Now webcams do too.
Foldable screens have found their way into phones, tablets, and laptops in recent years. Now, OBSBOT is taking that idea in a considerably smaller direction: the webcam.
The OBSBOT Meet Flip is the company’s first foldable 4K webcam packing:
- 1/2-inch stacked CMOS sensor
- intelligent audio
- a collection of AI-powered meeting tools
All of these inside a body weighing just 37.7 grams.
A fold that does something, not just a gimmick
The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t foldable just to make it easier to throw into a bag.
Closing the webcam physically blocks the lens and puts the device into sleep mode. Open it when you want to be seen, flip it shut when you don’t.
A physical privacy cover isn’t novel in itself. What’s clever here is how it’s part of the folding design.
As someone with a love-hate relationship with data privacy, I almost always keep some physical barrier over my laptop webcam. And if I can avoid having a webcam there entirely, even better.
Serious camera hardware in a pocket-sized webcam
Despite its size, OBSBOT hasn’t treated the Meet Flip like a basic laptop-camera replacement.
Inside is a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology, capable of recording 4K UHD at 30 fps or 1080p at 60 fps. It also packs an f/1.8 aperture, HDR, PDAF autofocus, ISO 100–6400, and up to 4x digital zoom.
At its core is a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology.
It can record:
- 4K UHD at 30fps
- 1080p at 60fps
You also get:
- f/1.8 aperture
- HDR
- PDAF autofocus
- ISO 100–6400
- up to 4x digital zoom
On paper, that gives the Meet Flip a better shot at handling the situations built-in laptop webcams often struggle with: dim rooms, harsh backlighting, changing lighting conditions, or simply moving around in front of the camera.
HDR helps keep faces visible against bright backgrounds, while PDAF autofocus continuously adjusts focus as you move closer to or farther from the lens.
The wider f/1.8 aperture should also help in less-than-ideal lighting.
The point is that once the Meet Flip is set up, you shouldn’t have to spend much time thinking about the camera itself.
It listens differently depending on the room setup
The Meet Flip also uses an intelligent dual-microphone system combining omnidirectional and directional microphones.
Instead of relying on one pickup pattern for every situation, it offers four audio modes for different setups:
Directional Mode focuses on sound coming from the front, making it the obvious choice for solo calls.
Dual-Directional Mode listens to both the front and rear of the webcam, which could be useful for interviews or conversations between two people sitting across from each other.
Smart Omni Mode is designed for group meetings, picking up voices from around the room.
And Pure Audio Mode provides unprocessed left and right stereo channels for users who would rather handle the audio themselves in post-production.
Auto Gain and AI Noise Reduction also work across the first three modes, helping clean up audio without requiring much manual adjustment.
It gives the Meet Flip more flexibility than a typical webcam microphone, especially if you regularly switch between solo calls, interviews, and group meetings.
AI that doesn’t intrude
AI has become an almost obligatory addition to new hardware in 2026, but several of the Meet Flip’s features put it to work on real-world meeting annoyances.
AI Auto Framing keeps you in frame, with options for:
- Group
- Single Close-up
- Upper Body
- Full Body
Gesture controls can also toggle Auto Framing or adjust the zoom without reaching for a keyboard or mouse.
More interesting is AI Magic Notes.
Through OBSBOT Center, it provides real-time transcription and can automatically generate meeting summaries with key points, decisions, and action items. It works across Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Although AI Magic Notes is offered as a subscription service, every Meet Flip includes 120 complimentary minutes to get started.
MORE with OBSBOT Center & OBSBOT Live
There are plenty of other software features as well. OBSBOT Center includes:
- Background Blur and Background Replacement
- Real-Time Beauty Mode
- Picture-in-Picture overlays
- Smart Eye Tracking
- Teleprompter support
- Detailed image adjustments
The Meet Flip isn’t limited to laptops or desktops either. Through OBSBOT Live, it can connect directly to smartphones and tablets over USB-C for mobile streaming and content creation.
Flip it open. Fold it away.
None of those features reinvent the webcam on their own.
Taken together, though, they make the Meet Flip a more thoughtful take on a piece of hardware whose basic design and features have barely changed.
The flip may grab your attention first, but it’s how OBSBOT uses that design alongside its camera, audio, and software features that makes the Meet Flip interesting.
The OBSBOT Meet Flip is now available at US$ 119 and is currently available through OBSBOT’s official store, Amazon US, and select retailers.
&
@gadgetmatchPhones flip. Now webcams do too. 👀 Meet the OBSBOT Meet Flip, a tiny foldable 4K webcam with a lot packed inside. ✨
If you buy one, here’s what you’ll get out of the box!
Features
Getting the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 at 0% Interest with Maya Mini Payments
What convinced me to upgrade and how Maya Mini Payments made paying for it easier~
I don’t upgrade simply because there’s a newer model on the shelf.
Last year, I upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 after spending three years with the iPhone 13 as my daily driver.
Even then, the decision wasn’t about chasing the latest release. It was about finding a device that better matched how I work.
I’m a firm believer that every upgrade has to earn its place in my pocket, especially when there are already perfectly capable phones sitting on my desk.
So when I decided to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, the decision wasn’t simply about getting the newest device.
It came down to two questions: It came down to two questions: Is this a smart upgrade? And if it is, what’s the smartest way to own it?
The first question was answered by the device itself. The second is where Maya Mini Payments entered the conversation.
For me, the Flip8 addresses the reasons to upgrade. Maya Mini Payments addresses one of the biggest reasons people hesitate: big purchases that could be paid in 3, 6, 9 or 12 monthly payments.
Changing how I shoot and use my phone
I spend most of my day switching between shooting, editing, and posting, sometimes all within the same hour.
One of the biggest reasons the Galaxy Z Flip8 caught my attention is the cover screen. It’s finally useful enough that I can shoot, preview, and interact with content without constantly opening the device.
That may sound like a small change, but it makes a difference when you’re trying to capture candid moments before people notice a camera pointed at them.
It also makes everyday tasks easier. I can check a script, review a shotlist, reply to messages, or glance at notifications without unfolding the phone every few minutes.
For years, foldables often felt like they required some compromise. You gained a unique form factor and flexibility, but sometimes gave up a little on the camera experience. The Flip8 feels like it’s closing that gap.
Samsung’s improvements in low-light performance and stabilization are especially noticeable for the kind of run-and-gun content I create.
I haven’t spent enough time with it to call this a full review yet, but my first impressions have been positive. The experience feels more refined and more dependable than previous generations.
Features alone don’t convince me to upgrade. They have to solve a real problem. The more useful cover screen, the improved camera experience, and the overall refinement were the first signs that the Flip8 was offering something I’d actually use every day rather than another feature to add to a spec sheet.
The battery and multitasking finally match my day
The less exciting reason I’m upgrading is also the one that affects me the most.
Between filming, reviewing footage, answering emails, coordinating campaigns, and managing social media, my phone is constantly working.
My old device usually drops into battery-saving territory before dinner. It gets the job done, but I spend too much time thinking about charging instead of working.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 feels better equipped for that reality. The battery efficiency is improved, and multitasking feels more natural when juggling multiple apps throughout the day.
Those aren’t flashy features, but they’re the kinds of upgrades that quietly improve everyday productivity. They’re also the features that convinced me this wasn’t simply a want. It was an upgrade I could actually justify.
Once I was convinced the Flip8 was worth upgrading to, I realized the decision wasn’t really over. A smart upgrade also deserves a smart way to pay for it.
Making a big upgrade more manageable
Of course, deciding a device is worth upgrading to is only half the equation. The other half is figuring out how to pay for it.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 is a premium device, and for most people, the upfront cost is what gives them pause. That’s often where upgrade decisions get delayed, even when the device itself makes sense.
That’s why Maya Mini Payments stood out to me. Any Samsung purchase paid with a Maya Credit Card can be converted into Mini Payments directly through the Maya app, making it easier to spread the cost into monthly installments instead of paying for everything upfront in one go.
You can choose installment plans of up to 12 months at a fixed monthly add-on interest rate of 1%.
For Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8 purchases, cardholders can enjoy a 3-month Mini Payment plan at 0% interest, making the upgrade more manageable without additional interest costs on the installment plan.
What I like about the concept is that it mirrors the reason I like the Flip8 itself.
The Flip8 makes it easy for me to shoot, edit, communicate, and multitask throughout the day. Maya Mini Payments makes it easy to purchase by turning one large expense into a payment plan that fits more naturally into a monthly budget.
Both are practical solutions to real-world problems. Also, the entire process can be managed directly within the Maya app, making it easy to track and manage installment conversions without additional paperwork.
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Still on the fence?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 feels like one of the strongest cases yet for upgrading to a foldable.
For me, the cover screen is more useful, the camera experience feels more capable, and the battery and multitasking improvements better match how I actually work every day.
If you prefer a larger screen for productivity, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 follows the same philosophy while giving users even more room to multitask and create.
If you’ve already decided Samsung’s latest foldables are your next devices, there’s also a smarter way to make that upgrade happen.
All your Samsung purchases made using a Maya Credit Card can be converted into a 3-month Mini Payment plan at 0% interest, with zero processing fees until September 30, making it easier to enjoy Samsung’s latest innovations without one big upfront payment.
Pre-orders run until August 13, with devices available in-store beginning August 14.
Apple Pay is officially in the Philippines!
Pushing the country forward into a cashless and cardless future, Apple has now brought its contactless payment system to the Philippines. As with other countries, Apply Pay will work seamlessly and easily even for those who have problems with technology.
Now, despite how easy it is, sometimes we need to be pointed in the right direction. Here’s how you can set up Apple Pay on your iPhone:
Everything starts with the Wallet app. First, open your Wallet app. Tap the “+” button on the top and select “Debit or Credit Card.”
Normally, this is where you can input your card details (which you can still do, by the way), but the default method now is to just tap your card on the back of your iPhone. Your phone does the rest. You might need to confirm with your bank, but it’s as easy as a single tap.
Pick which cards to use. Once you have your cards online, you might need to change which one is the default card. Again, it’s easy. Just drag your preferred card to the front.
Afterwards, you can tap to pay in supported stores by priming the Wallet app for use. Tapping to pay is also available for Apple Watch. Meanwhile, online transactions can also work on MacBook.
Secure, all the time. If you’re worried about your security especially with online transactions, Apple keeps your information only between you and the seller. They don’t store your data.
Also, it’s not easy to make a transaction without your consent. You need Face ID, Touch ID, or your password. If you lose your phone, you can easily shut your phone down with the Find My app to prevent malicious parties from making transactions.
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