What’s in a hinge?
Both Samsung and Google have made big to-dos about their respective hinges. Samsung is calling theirs the Flex hinge. Unlike previous generations, there’s no longer an inner crease to worry about, so you can close the phone without leaving the softer inside screen vulnerable to sharp objects on the outside. The Z Fold 5 opens between 75- and 115 degrees.
Google’s hinge on the Pixel Fold is called a “fluid friction hinge.” It offers 180-degree positioning, and it’s had some mixed resultsout in the real world.
Technically, the Fold beat the Z Fold 5 to the punch with the gapless middle, which Google was particularly proud of during the initial launch. But after handling both devices, I prefer the satisfying shut of the Z Fold 5’s two narrow screen panels folding closed over the Pixel Fold, which offers enough resistance that it feels like closing and opening a big book.
