As an alternative of zoom ranges, Nubia lists focal size (the gap 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 digicam offers you an possibility of fifty mm or 26 mm. There isn’t any telephoto lens, so zooming tends to scrub out particulars. The processing is commonly heavy-handed, generally taking a second or two and leading to an oil portray impact.
Most optionally available modes, together with portrait, are poor, and the ensuing images by no means look pure, however you possibly can obtain an inexpensive bokeh impact with the common digicam. Depend on the automated settings and you can be disillusioned commonly. It really works higher in case you flip off the AI and finest if you’re ready to tinker with Professional mode, however there’s quite a lot of gimmicky fluff within the digicam app. There isn’t a lot name to make use of the 16-megapixel front-facing digicam outdoors of video calls, but it surely’s satisfactory.
Software program Worries
The Nubia Flip 5G will get off to a nasty begin on the software program entrance, with the already outdated MyOS 13 on prime of Android 13.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 actually don’t want.
It’s necessary to notice that the quilt display doesn’t assist third-party apps. It might probably show notifications, music controls, climate, your calendar, a pedometer, a stopwatch, or a voice recorder, and it allows you to take selfies with the principle digicam, however that’s about it. The “interactive” pets are tremendous cute (my daughter liked the cat), however they aren’t actually interactive; they’re simply animated wallpapers.
Nubia has a poor monitor report for updates. After 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 can 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 totally 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 ranking. One remaining consideration which may swing it for Motorola is community compatibility. The Flip 5G must be principally OK on T-Cell or AT&T within the States, however cross-check supported bands along with your provider before you purchase.
When you can reside with out the fold, choose one thing higher from the finest low cost telephones. If you’re 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. Finally, 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.