In the evolving landscape of mobile technology, foldable phones, particularly Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series, have carved out a unique niche. Their innovative design offers a compact form factor that unfolds into a full-sized smartphone, while a highly functional cover screen provides quick access to essential features. The Galaxy Z Flip 7, in particular, boasts a generous cover display that’s almost the entire front when closed, allowing users to interact with widgets, run apps, snap high-quality selfies, and even manage phone calls without ever flipping it open. This convenience, however, has come with a subtle, yet significant, privacy challenge – until now.
While handling calls directly from the Z Flip 7’s cover screen offers unparalleled ease, it traditionally routed audio through the phone’s external speakers. This posed an understandable dilemma: imagine taking an important call in a crowded cafe, a quiet library, or on public transport. The lack of a dedicated earpiece on the exterior meant your conversation could easily be overheard, compromising your privacy or disturbing those around you. Unfolding the device or simply avoiding the call defeats the very purpose of having such a capable external display.
One UI 8.5 Galaxy Z Flip 7 Cover Display: A Smart Solution for Call Privacy
Thankfully, Samsung is addressing this user experience friction head-on with the upcoming One UI 8.5 update. According to tests conducted on an early build, this software enhancement introduces a clever and much-needed feature to the call screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 7’s cover display: a ‘Low Volume’ button. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a thoughtful addition designed to empower users with immediate control over their call privacy.
With a single tap, the ‘Low Volume’ button instantly reduces the call audio to the lowest possible level achievable through the physical volume buttons. Should you need to revert, another tap restores the previous volume setting. It’s a simple yet highly effective shortcut, eliminating the need to fumble with side buttons when you suddenly realize your call is too loud for your surroundings. An added bonus? The phone intelligently remembers your low-volume preference, saving you from repeatedly pressing the button for subsequent calls on the cover screen.
It’s important to clarify that this feature doesn’t introduce a new audio mode; rather, it’s an intelligent shortcut designed to enhance user convenience and discretion. The ability to quickly and seamlessly adjust call volume without opening the phone is a testament to Samsung’s continuous efforts to refine the foldable smartphone experience. While this specific enhancement has been confirmed for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 running an early build of One UI 8.5, it remains to be seen if older Flip models will also receive this thoughtful update, though no technical limitations appear to prevent it.
For those eagerly anticipating the next big thing, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 could see a One UI 8.5 beta release in the coming weeks, though Samsung has yet to make an official confirmation. This new privacy feature underscores a commitment to user-centric design, making the already versatile Z Flip 7 even more practical for everyday use. As software innovations like this continue to refine the functionality of our devices, the future of mobile communication looks brighter and, thankfully, more private.
Image Credit: SamMobile
