Nubia Flip 5G Review: Affordable Foldable with Compromises

Nubia is offering a more affordable entry point into the world of foldable phones with the Flip 5G, a device that aims to deliver the foldable experience without the premium price tag. The phone boasts a solid OLED display and capable performance, though it does come with some compromises.

Foldable smartphones, reminiscent of early 2000s flip phones, are gaining traction as a unique form factor. When closed, these devices are roughly half the size of a traditional smartphone, easily fitting into a pocket despite offering a large screen when unfolded. However, models from manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola typically fall into the high-end price bracket.

The Nubia Flip 5G, released last year, presents a more accessible option, currently available for around $329. It features a 6.9-inch, 120Hz foldable OLED display and 5G connectivity. This review examines whether the device lives up to its potential as a budget-friendly foldable and where it falls short.

When unfolded, the Nubia Flip 5G measures approximately 5.51 x 2.99 x 0.29 inches, and 3.46 x 2.99 x 0.61 inches when folded. This makes it comparable in size to competitors from Samsung, Motorola, and Blackview, though slightly thicker. Weighing 7.58 ounces, it feels noticeably heavier in the hand.

The build quality appears solid, with the hinge snapping shut with a satisfying click and initially conveying a sense of stability. However, some creaking and slight wobble are noticeable during everyday use when unfolded. A minimal rattle can be detected when shaking the upper portion of the device – not a major flaw, but an indication that the hinge mechanism isn’t as refined as those found in more expensive foldables.

The Nubia Flip 5G features a 6.9-inch foldable OLED display with a resolution of 2790 x 1188 pixels. The screen supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and boasts a pixel density of 439 PPI – high enough that individual pixels are virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye.

The panel delivers a sharp, high-contrast, and evenly illuminated image, but doesn’t quite match the brightness and dynamic range of foldable phones from Samsung or Motorola. The maximum brightness reaches approximately 550 nits manually, and around 1100 nits with automatic adjustment. This allows for comfortable viewing in daylight, though it can be challenging in direct sunlight.

The external, circular OLED display measures 1.43 inches with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. It clearly and vividly displays widgets with notifications, time, and camera previews.

The Nubia Flip 5G utilizes a simple camera setup. The main camera has a resolution of 50 megapixels, while a secondary 2-megapixel sensor is solely for depth sensing and offers limited practical benefit – it’s not a true dual-camera system. There’s no ultrawide or macro lens.

The main lens covers two focal lengths (26mm and 50mm), effectively providing a simple 2x zoom without significant quality loss. However, images become pixelated with stronger magnification. Photos taken in daylight are decent, though sharpness could be improved.

Optical image stabilization is absent, which negatively impacts low-light performance and longer exposures. The dynamic range is limited, and colors can appear somewhat flat. Noise increases noticeably in darker environments. Videos can be recorded at 4K at 60fps or Full HD at 30fps. Selfies can sometimes appear pale but are usable. Compared to the Blackview Hero 10, the Nubia Flip’s camera performance falls short.