When Samsung announced the Flipsuit Case, others and I thought it was a fantastic concept that would allow Galaxy Z Flip 5 users to express themselves through fun case designs without breaking the bank. The Flipsuit Case is a great product on paper. In practice, my worst fears that Samsung wouldn't be able to maximize its potential are sadly coming to pass.
Upon finding out about the Flipsuit Case a few months ago, it was easy to let our imaginations run wild and see all the possible interchangeable NFC card designs that might exist. It wasn't hard to picture other brands flocking to the Flipsuit Case to try turning Galaxy Z Flip 5 users into walking ads. Every flip phone user could express themselves and show off their favorite movie, band, video game, brand, product, car company – you name it – through the Flipsuit Case.
I thought the Flipsuit Case was a great way to create a new product line and revenue stream that is fun for everyone involved. At the same time, I was afraid that Samsung would be unable to maximize the Flipsuit Case's potential, miss the hype train, and then let the product slowly become just another half-hearted idea destined to fade into obscurity. Unfortunately, the latter scenario seems to be happening right now.
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Galaxy Z Flip 5 Flipsuit Case is not as great as it could've been
Some of the most interesting Flipsuit Case designs were demonstrated at Galaxy Unpacked a few months ago, and then they were never seen again by most prospective buyers.
If, like me, you were imagining the Flipsuit Case to reach its maximum potential and inspire dozens or hundreds of interchangeable NFC cards from countless companies, brands, and creators, you probably know that's not how things panned out so far.
As of now, some of the cases and NFC cards you can find on sale in key markets are:
- Standard Flipsuit Case and the Artist Collection Case on sale at Samsung USA.
- In the Netherlands, Samsung offers the standard case and the TOILETPAPER Flower, Smiley Balloon, and Keith Haring Music NFC cards.
- In the UK, Samsung is selling the standard case, the Artist Collection case, and NFC cards: TOILETPAPER Roses with Eyes, Smiley “Blue,” and Keith Haring Music.
- In most Eastern European markets, you might find listings for some NFC cards, but good luck finding the price tag or the buy button.
Where's the Spiderman / Marvel NFC card? Where is the Mickey Mouse one? How about the Pringles cards? Has anyone bought the Squid Game case yet? If you did, you're among the very few lucky Galaxy Z Flip 5 users. In most markets, Samsung barely released any NFC cards for the Flipsuit Case.
I think it's a shame that this idea's potential hasn't been fully realized, even a few months after the Galaxy Z Flip 5's release. And at this rate, it might never be. The hype is all but gone. And I can't help but wonder if Samsung could've done a better job promoting its Flipsuit Case, selling the idea to more brands, and making more designs available to prospective buyers in many more markets. Better luck next time? Perhaps Samsung will ramp things up for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 Flipsuit Case if there will ever be one.
