Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3, styled after PokeMON, serves as a real-life PokeDEX.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3, styled after PokeMON, serves as a real-life PokeDEX.
Switch places, Thom Browne, and your high-class leather accents! Samsung has a superior collaboration lined up next. The Pokémon Edition of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is official, and it comes with a variety of accessories that convert the foldable phone into an authentic Pokédex in the real world.
When was this team-up introduced during the Z Flip 3's launch last summer? It's so adorable and fits perfectly with Pokémon Go, as it manages to stay relevant after six years since its debut. The set includes the Galaxy Z Flip 3 enclosed in a special box, filled with Pokémon-themed accessories. If the default Pikachu isn't your starter, you can opt for a picture case with interchangeable cards. (I'm more of a Squirtle Sun with a Bulbasaur Rising, myself.) There's also a clear cover set, a pouch shaped like a Pokédex with a lanyard strap, a Pikachu tail keychain, and a PokéBall stand. As for the Z Flip 3, it comes pre-installed with Pokémon ringtones, themes, and wallpapers. (I'm intrigued if the interface elements will be separately available through the Galaxy Apps store, because if they are, I'm all in.)
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a charming compact folding phone. It boasts premium specifications and a powerful camera system, and it easily transitions into a pocket-sized gadget. However, the best feature of the Z Flip 3 might be its foldable form factor, which allows it to mimic a device from a beloved nerd franchise better. It's a shame Samsung didn't consider creating a cover (for the phone itself) that makes the Z Flip 3 look like an actual Pokédex. When combined with an app like DataDex, it's almost like the real thing.
I am thrilled about this collaboration and what it might signify for the fourth-generation Z Flip and future branding. Pokémon has been a lifelong favorite of mine, to the point that I have a themed Pop Socket for every smartphone that passes through my hands for review. Samsung has a history of launching phones with brand partnerships like Thom Browne, although they tend to appeal to a more business-oriented crowd. In contrast, the Z Flip 3 has been marketed toward a younger user base from the outset, so it makes sense for Samsung to embrace it fully here.
It's also disappointing to be an Android user and not have access to the same variety of cases as iPhone users. The other day, I was bemoaning that Casetify's latest Pokémon collection doesn't cater to Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy users. (Although they recently added a selection of cases for the Z Flip 3 and Samsung's other phones.)
The Pokémon collaboration appears to be limited to South Korea, and Samsung remains tight-lipped on pricing. But if you're curious and have a compatible phone number, you can sign up for a text message notification when the special edition Z Flip 3 goes live on April 25. If you're a fan of Star Wars, The Simpsons, and Marvel, Samsung also offers other themed Z Flip 3 accessories through its US online store.
This upcoming Pokémon Edition of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 aligns well with the technology of Pokémon Go, showcasing Samsung's innovative approach towards tech collaborations in the future. With the release of the themed Z Flip 3, Samsung is embracing the branding of popular nerd franchises to appeal to a younger market.