Japan’s New Affordable Foldable Flip Phone ZTE Libero Flip: Available for $420 or $265 on Sale

The flip-fold phone trend continues in the year 2024, with a fresh introduction of ZTE’s first and new flip phone — the ZTE Libero Flip in Japan. The new ZTE Libero Flip was nothing fresh in the market, and it indeed looked like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip, yet what made it stand out was the ‘Affordable’ label.

In Japan, the recently released ZTE Libero Flip is retailing for a mere $420, or $265 during the preorder period. This price point stands in stark contrast to the Galaxy Z Flip, which commands a hefty $1,000 price tag. Additionally, it approaches the affordability of refurbished older flip models available at clearance sales on platforms like Amazon. Let’s take a closer look at the new flip phone.

Introducing the ZTE Libero Flip

Main Highlights

Powering the ZTE Libero Flip is the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, falling within the upper mid-range category. Although it may not match the performance of Snapdragon 8 series chips, it adeptly manages most everyday applications and games. Coupled with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, the device accommodates numerous large files and moderately demanding applications.

@isa_marcial El primer plegable de ZTE #celulares #smartphones #smartwatch #android #tecnologia #isamarcial #review #unboxing #elrecuento#noticias #zte #plegable #zteliberoflip ♬ sonido original – Isa Marcial

However, what truly catches the eye of the ZTE Libero Flip is its display setup. Featuring a 6.9-inch internal screen and a 1.43-inch screen on the outer shell, this vertically folding smartphone offers a unique design. ZTE has maximised the utility of the circular secondary screen, enabling functions like taking selfies with the rear cameras, making quick audio recordings, tracking steps with a widget, and more.

Regarding its camera capabilities, the ZTE Libero Flip boasts a 50 MP main camera on the rear, accompanied by a 2 MP depth sensor, with a 16 MP selfie camera located on the front. Additionally, notable specifications of the foldable phone encompass a 4310 mAh battery supporting 33W QC4+ charging, along with features like WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC.

ZTE have listed the ZTE Libero Flip as having an IP42 rating, indicating that it can withstand light rain but should be kept away from dust, unlike the Galaxy Z Flip, which boasts IPX8 water resistance.

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What’s Special

An Extra Disc

Although the device bears a relatively high resemblance to the Galaxy Z Flip, it features an interesting disc on its back, setting it apart from the Z Flip. The circular area of the disc houses a 50-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel depth camera.

The Affordability

ZTE Libero Flip is the world’s most affordable flip phone that’s exclusive to Japan #ZTE https://t.co/BZsleE4aiH

— Express Technology (@ExpressTechie) February 21, 2024

Looking at an overall aspect between all flip and fold phones, the ZTE Libero Flip comes at a notably budget-friendly price of approximately $420, considerably cheaper than Samsung’s flip folding devices. However, being a mid-range folding phone, it doesn’t boast the high-end specifications seen in flagship offerings like the Samsung Flip, Motorola Razr, or Oppo Find series. Additionally, it lacks a large secondary display. Nevertheless, considering its affordability, ZTE’s debut flip phone presents an intriguing option for consumers.

Release Date

The ZTE Libero Flip comes in three colours and is currently available in Japan. But it should soon make its way to the Chinese market. There’s no information on global release yet.

Growing Competitive Market of Foldable and Flip Phones

It’s a new step for the ZTE Libero Flip in the flip phone sector as this is not just their first flip phone, but also a rare mid-range priced flip phone. Flip and foldable smartphones often come with a relatively higher price tag compared to normal smartphones, thus the set price tag for ZTE Libero Flip is considered an affordable one. The starting availability of such affordable smartphones in Japan may also prompt many to wonder when will its coverage expand outside Japan to worldwide.

Speaking of its similarity to the Samsung Z Flip, in November, a Samsung leaker named Revegnus hinted that the company had established a price target of $400 to $500 for their midrange foldable device. It wouldn’t be unexpected if the ZTE Libero Flip is serving as a trial run for foldable within that price bracket. Samsung Display typically supplies these screens, but it caters to numerous customers beyond Samsung Electronics.

The upcoming Mobile World Congress Barcelona, the largest mobile exhibition globally, commences next week. If Samsung indeed planned to unveil a $400–$500 Z Flip, the device will probably make its debut at the event.

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