Product test
Samsung Flip gets a thumbs up from the flip chart averse
by Kevin Hofer
Samsung Flip 2: Digital flipchart with a fun factor
4.2.2020
Translation: machine translated
Samsung has revamped its digital flipchart, which is designed to banish paper from meeting rooms. The manufacturer has improved the Flip 2 in key areas: there are now no more tripping hazards.
Too big feet, too small wheels and the connection that only works with Samsung devices - these were my biggest criticisms when reviewing the original Flip from Samsung. It's noticeable at first glance: The Flip 2 stands on new feet.
This is new
My criticism of the original model was that the legs stuck out too far. I always tripped over them. The Flip 2 stand does this better: nobody trips over them any more. The castors, on the other hand, have remained small, which makes moving it on carpeted floors a pain. The new stand lacks a small shelf under the display. Visually, I don't notice any other major changes.
As with its predecessor, the aim of the Flip 2 is to digitise company meeting rooms. Samsung is now offering the Flip not only in a 55-inch version, but also in a 65-inch version. The resolution of both is 3840 × 2160. In addition to its own ecosystem, the Korean manufacturer has integrated Microsoft services such as Office 365 into the Flip 2. However, video conferencing is still not possible with the device as it lacks a webcam.
Mobile phones, notebooks and other devices are connected either via Wi-Fi or now also via Bluetooth. Thanks to the integration of Microsoft services, Word, Excel or PowerPoint files can now also be displayed. A web browser is also on board.
Instead of just one pen, Samsung supplies two magnetic pens that can be attached to the sides of the panel. In principle, you can write on the Flip 2 with any pen-like object, just like on its predecessor.
The other key data:
- Resolution: 3840 × 2160 (16:9)
- Brightness: 350 nits
- Contrast: 4000:1
- Viewing angle (H/V): 178°
- Ports: USB, LAN, two HDMI In and 3.5 jack
- Optionally, a so-called tray can be attached at the bottom right. This provides additional USB and HDMI ports
Hands-on
After having a blast with the first model, I can't resist giving free rein to my "creativity": writing and drawing on the Flip 2 is still fun, precise and reliable. And it's not just me. Within a short time, the Flip is full of beautiful and less beautiful works by my work colleagues.
The principle for writing has remained the same: The pens supplied are different thicknesses on both sides. This gives the pen two different modes. This allows thicker lines to be drawn with the fat end and thinner lines with the slim end. Pressing and holding the pen on the display opens the pen options. In addition to the font thickness, the colour is also set there.
A new feature is the so-called brush mode, which is aimed at creative people. In this mode, you can simulate painting with oil or watercolours. You can mix the colours as you would in real life, as long as they have not yet "dried". This works amazingly well, even with a real brush.
After my work colleagues and I have left various "outpourings" on the Flip 2, I want to know whether mobiles from brands other than Samsung can now also connect. I select "Wireless projection" from the drop-down menu on my Huawei smartphone. On other devices, this is also called "Cast" or "Smart View". With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth activated, I can now connect to the Flip 2. This works perfectly. I can even control my smartphone via the flipchart. To make sure this isn't a coincidence, I try it with my colleague Livia's Xiaomi smartphone. It works too. With MacBook and iPhone, however, the connection didn't work even after several attempts.
Although the Flip 2 has an integrated browser, this is more of a makeshift solution. It cannot display certain pages due to a lack of plugins. You can forget about watching Netflix, it can't play the videos. However, you can work around this problem by streaming from your mobile. Since the connection - if you're not in the Apple universe - is so easy with the Flip 2, the rudimentary browser doesn't bother you.
Importing and exporting files is also child's play. Be it from a smartphone, PC or USB stick. To do this, I simply select the relevant source via the Flip 2, connect to it and import the desired file.
Unfortunately, it still doesn't work to move what you've written yourself. At least not directly: Photos can be created from the screen content. These can then be moved. Not quite what I wanted, but at least it works.
Conclusion: Better, but it's not worth switching
Cool, Samsung has improved the Flip 2 where it counts. If you already have the old version, you don't necessarily have to switch. If you're flirting with a Flip, the second version is the better choice. If you don't have that much money to spare, the first Flip is a good alternative.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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