Samsung To Roll Out Dual-Display Quad- And Hexa-Core Flip Phone Androids In China

Way before the spate of flip Android phones released for the South Korean market, Samsung already released a dual-screen Flip Phone in 2013. The Samsung Golden came and went without much notice, in spite of its killer looks and good specs. This year, Samsung seems to want to tread the Flip Phone path once again, with not one, but two, whole new dual-screen flip phones. The Samsung SM-G9098 and the Samsung G9198 smartphones are coming to the Chinese market this month.

Here are the specs for the Samsung SM-G9098:

Processor/Chipset: Quad-core, 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400

RAM: 2GB

Connectivity: WiFi, GSM, HSPA and TD-SCDMA connectivity

Android Version: Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Expandable Storage: Yes, microSD up to 64GB

Display: 2 3.67-inch WVGA displays with a resolution of 480x800 pixels

Cameras: 13MP with flash for the Primary Camera; 2MP for the Secondary Camera

Battery: 1900 mAh non-removable battery

Goodies: Dual Micro-SIM, GSM on SIM 1, CDMA on SIM 2, and 2 3.67-inch WVGA displays

And here are the specs for the Samsung G9198:

Processor/Chipset: Hexa-core, 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor

RAM: 2GB

GPU: Adreno 418

Internal Storage: 16GB

Connectivity: 4G, LTE, WiFi

Android Version: Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

Expandable Storage: Yes, up to 128GB via a microSD card

Display: 2 Super AMOLED screens, each at 3.90 inches, 720p, and capable of rendering 768 x 1280 pixels in resolution

Cameras: 16MP with flash for the Primary Camera; 5MP for the Secondary Camera

Battery: 2020 mAh non-removable battery

Goodies: Dual micro-SIM cards, both GSM, two 3.9 Super AMOLED screens

As you can see, the Samsung G9198 is definitely a capable Android. While the SM-G9098 packs a little less power than the other model, and it even sports an older-generation Android, if the user just wants a decent dual-screen Android flip phone, it fits the bill well enough. With a quad-core chip powering the unit, it should be able to handle basic functions, a little multi-tasking, and possibly some games. As for the Samsung G9198, its hexa-core chip would certainly let it run circles around entry-level models. However, remember that both of these models may be available on the Chinese market only.

It’s a little puzzling why Samsung chose to release interesting, intriguing phone models in specific markets only. Is it the demand? The niche? If they made the models available in international markets at limited stocks, at least, those who are interested in these models could snap these up if they’re keen on decently-powered Android flip phones.

But that’s Samsung’s strategy, and the rest of the world can just drool on what China or South Korea can enjoy.

Please check out our other articles on flip Android phones released this quarter:

- LG Rolls Out A Flip Phone With Android Inside

- The Samsung Galaxy Folder: Samsung Rolled Out A Flip Phone Too