As an alternative of zoom ranges, Nubia lists focal size (the space the place lens and sensor converge) measured in millimeters, and smaller numbers imply a wider subject of view and depth of subject. The Flip 5G digital camera provides you an choice of fifty mm or 26 mm. There is no such thing as a telephoto lens, so zooming tends to scrub out particulars. The processing is usually heavy-handed, typically taking a second or two and leading to an oil portray impact.
Most non-compulsory modes, together with portrait, are poor, and the ensuing photographs by no means look pure, however you possibly can obtain an inexpensive bokeh impact with the common digital camera. Depend on the automated settings and you’ll be upset commonly. It really works higher when you flip off the AI and greatest in case you are ready to tinker with Professional mode, however there’s plenty of gimmicky fluff within the digital camera app. There isn’t a lot name to make use of the 16-megapixel front-facing digital camera exterior of video calls, but it surely’s satisfactory.
Software program Worries
The Nubia Flip 5G will get off to a foul begin on the software program entrance, with the already outdated MyOS 13 on prime of Android 13. It’s pretty near inventory Android, however there’s some bloatware and pointless shortcuts to obtain apps and video games you nearly definitely are not looking for.
It’s vital to notice that the duvet display screen doesn’t assist third-party apps. It may possibly show notifications, music controls, climate, your calendar, a pedometer, a stopwatch, or a voice recorder, and it lets you take selfies with the primary digital camera, however that’s about it. The “interactive” pets are tremendous cute (my daughter cherished the cat), however they aren’t actually interactive; they’re simply animated wallpapers.
Nubia has a poor observe file for updates. Once I requested the corporate for readability, it couldn’t present a particular timeline for Android 14 or subsequent updates. Primarily based on previous telephones, you’ll be fortunate to get three years, and that’s woeful when you think about Google is providing seven years for the equally priced Pixel 8A.
{Photograph}: Simon Hill
The closest competitor is the Motorola Razr (2023) and, sadly, Motorola can also be dangerous at software program updates. There isn’t a lot to separate the 2 past the completely different designs. I choose the look of the Nubia Flip 5G. It costs quicker and comes with extra storage. However the Razr helps wi-fi charging and scores an IP52 score. One ultimate consideration which may swing it for Motorola is community compatibility. The Flip 5G ought to be principally OK on T-Cell or AT&T within the States, however cross-check supported bands along with your service before you purchase.
In case you can reside with out the fold, decide one thing higher from the best cheap phones. In case you are set on a folding flip telephone, attempt to discover an additional $200 or so for one thing just like the Motorola Razr+ (7/10, WIRED Recommends) or Samsung Z Flip5, which each provide a extra helpful cowl display screen. In the end, I loved utilizing the Nubia Flip 5G, and it’s cute sufficient that my 11-year-old daughter requested to commerce it for her Pixel 6.
