Own the new Galaxy Z Flip? Try these cool features
If you are one of the owners of the Galaxy Z Flip, chances are you have already done the unboxing, carefully read the care instructions, ignored the crease in the middle, and wiped the smudges off your device. With that out of the way, it's time to try some really cool features that will enhance your experience with the much-hyped $1,500 worth foldable phone.
Use the fingerprint sensor as a scroll wheel
The Z Flip's 6.7-inch screen doesn't offer a way to access the notifications page/control panel with a single hand. However, there is a trick. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Motions and Gestures and turn on Finger sensor gestures. Now, a single swipe down on the fingerprint sensor will reveal the notifications drawer while a double swipe will open the control panel.
Master the tiny external display
Then, there is the external display. You can use the 1.1-inch pill-shaped external touchscreen as a viewfinder to click selfies using the main cameras. Double-tap the power button to activate the camera and press the volume button to click. You can also trigger a self-timer by showing your palm to the camera. But primarily, the screen is for viewing date, time, battery percentage etc.
Try the exclusive Flex mode
Most interestingly, the "Freestop folding" hinge allows you to open the handset at various angles for different use cases. Samsung has already optimized some apps to help you take advantage of the novel form-factor. You can just prop up the handset on a flat surface to make Google Duo video calls, stream YouTube videos and simultaneously view comments, or take images/videos with tripod-like stabilization.
Use navigation gestures for improved single-handed use
Thanks to Android 10, you can enable navigation gestures on the Z Flip for improved single-handed use. Go to Settings, Display, select Navigation Bar and turn on Full screen gestures. To use these gestures, swipe up from the bottom to go to the Home screen, swipe up and hold to view recent apps, and swipe from the right/left to go back.
You can simultaneously run two apps on the screen
The Z Flip is also great for simultaneously running two apps. Go to Recent apps view and long press on the app icon you want to place on top, and tap Open in split-screen view from the pop-up menu. Now, select the second app that will go in the bottom half. You can press and hold on the divider to re-size the app windows.
