ZTE has become the first company to launch a truly budget-friendly foldable smartphone, known as the ZTE Libero Flip. This device could be described as a cheaper version of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, with a pre-order price of $265, which later increases to $420. In comparison, Samsung’s mobile starts at $999, making the Libero Flip very affordable.
Of course, in order to be cost-effective, certain compromises must be made, including reduced processing power. However, most people don’t need the best SoC on the market, especially for a foldable device featuring the classic clamshell design. As a result, the ZTE Libero Flip’s specifications are more than adequate for its price point.
The Libero Flip features a 6.9-inch foldable OLED display with a full HD+ resolution of 2,790 x 1,188 pixels. On the exterior, there is a secondary 1.43-inch OLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, perfect for notifications and taking selfies using the device’s main camera.
These displays are powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC, accompanied by 6 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. While not the most powerful hardware, it is sufficient for 99.99% of users. The device is fueled by a 4,310 mAh battery, which supports 33W fast charging and is compatible with the Quick Charge 4+ and PD3.0 charging standards.
Running on Android 13, ZTE has customized the Libero Flip’s software to accommodate the device’s foldable capabilities. The smartphone also features a dual rear camera set-up with a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Upon opening the device, users will find a 16-megapixel selfie camera housed in a hole-punch cutout on the screen.
Measuring 170 x 76 x 7.3 mm when unfolded (88 x 76 x 15.5 mm when closed) and weighing 214 grams, the Libero Flip meets IPX2 and IP4X specifications, offering resistance to light water (rain) and dust particles. In terms of connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, a USB-C port, support for a nanoSIM alongside an eSIM, and 5G capabilities. Available in three color options, the ZTE Libero Flip offers an excellent performance-to-price ratio for those looking to experience the convenience of a foldable smartphone.
For now, the device is listed exclusively for the Japanese market, with sales starting on February 29th. Given ZTE’s innovation, it is only a matter of time before we see a diverse range of similar devices available at reasonable prices.
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