Using a Z Flip 5 as a minimalist phone

In an attempt to use my phone less I decided to do a little experiment: could I use only the 3.2-inch front screen of the Z Flip 5 as my daily driver for a week, with no shortcuts to social media apps up front to distract me? In theory, it would allow me the full phone I need (by flipping the thing open) when I had to and the minimal phone I wanted for everything else.

Spoiler alert: when there is simply less to do on a screen, your screentime will significantly drop. Tune into the video above to see how it went and for more tips on cutting back on mindless scrolling. #Technology #Samsung #Smartphone

0:00 the reason
0:42 the idea
1:35 the setup
2:15 everything that went wrong
4:25 everything that went right
5:20 other ways to use your phone less
6:40 a lil’ 2023 reflection

[TheVerge]

Big new year's resolution energy here. What are y’all trying to do?

[brahmy]

These videos are so good. We need more Becca content in 2024. She’s so incredibly knowledgeable and grounded in her perspective.

[jeremyude]

I just spent my entire day binge-watching YouTube videos and ho-ly do I feel terrible. This video is a great wake-up call to focus on what's happening around me again, because I'm too often one of those people staring into their phone screen. Have a wonderful year everyone and thank you for the consistent quality content you're putting out at The Verge.

[jolness]

Becca’s enthusiasm is infectious. I love the videos she makes so much.

[GraDays]

I always love how Becca is still able after tons of gorgeous videos to give us techies new perspectives. Great content, great on screen.

[labmeeting]

I've had the Flip 5 from launch. Got it for the exact same reasons, found the same frustrations, and seriously love it overall. I would only add that the uniqueness of the phone is surprisingly satisfying, and watching videos in flex mode is more convenient than expected when I'm mostly just listening while doing other things. Great video Becca, happy 2024!

[itsalexclark]

Ooo. I like that launcher that displays how much time you’ve been on the app next to it. I feel like that visual cue would prevent me from opening apps. If only they had that feature on iOS.

[samsicles_jr]

one of the best ‘content creators’ imo, appreciate the self reflection at the end

[PaulLembo]

Becca, you are one of the only voices that makes the Verge worth checking. You and Deiter were my big two. I don't think I'm unusual in that regard! Keep at it, here or on your own.

[markojokanovic]

This is by far the most unusual yet brilliant way of controlling your screen time. Great video

[koltennay]

Not sure if Becca will see this as it’s an older video, but her manner of speaking and preparation for this video is SO refreshing compared to other tech reviewers. It’s genuine, with actual anecdotes, and she just has good energy overall. Awesome video and great job covering the ever increasing screen habit many of us have.

[markgreenwood]

I'm only here for Becca content. It's always informative, so keep it coming!

[zemlanin]

6:23 On iOS, you can add multiple Siri Suggestions widgets to a Home Screen. Apps in widgets don’t (seem to) duplicate after applying the change, so it’ll basically shuffle everything quite frequently

[RafaelRoden]

Maybe the Motorola razr+ would have been the better device to try to do this with as well as allowing yourself to use the full screen for a camera. Just a thought.

[ajmrs]

I love Becca so much, I want to be her friend lol. She is so good at what she does. Much love for her work.

[WaterlessWine]

conclusion: we need small phones again

[reyhanpradantyo]

I found what actually kept me away from my phone was use a smartwatch! I have a 12 mini which is already a small screen with not so good battery life, and I use an apple watch se which relieves that fomo anxiety from receiving important notifications. But instead of opening up a notification on my phone and get sucked in and scroll endlessly, I just glance down at my watch and most of the time it's not even an urgent notification so I get on with my day immediately. For this reason alone I find it so tough to go back and wear analog watches from my collection lol

[AlexAndrade_axllive]

Loved the video and the tips! Lovely message ❤❤❤

[bzboy]

Great little piece, made me think how I am truly controlled by my phone! Thats strange saying (writing) it loud! I enjoy watching all your video pieces and think that you do a great job reviewing cameras and enjoy watching you talk about photography and taking pictures! Will continue to watch whatever content you make in 2024 (now). Happy New Year ….

[wimi]

The theme and script of this video make me think about the nothing phone 2, and like, this is a good chance to revisit that phone ( I know it's not the usual in this channel doing those kind of videos ) see how software has mature to this point since launch and how can help you out with that goal, looking forward for more Becca video's with this kind of editorial, is really great (just as all the content) happy new year everyone!