The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 ought to win an award for launching essentially the most boring improve of 2022. I talked smack concerning the iPhone 13’s less-than-exciting enhancements from the iPhone 12. However you already know what? Samsung’s new-gen foldable snatched the “unremarkable improve” medal from Apple’s trophy cupboard.
“However you shouldn’t repair one thing that’s not damaged, proper?” you’re possible pondering. Sure, however in addition they say, “If you wish to stand out of the gang, give individuals a cause to not overlook you.” And sadly, save for one or two alluring tweaks, the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s enhancements are positively forgettable.
I could sound a bit robust on the Galaxy Z Flip 4, main you to imagine that I don’t adore the cutesy foldable, however that couldn’t be farther from the reality! I love that I can drop the Galaxy Z Flip 4 into my denims’ entrance pocket — and it’s not uncovered in a manner that may make pickpockets salivate. Plus, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 has a powerful leap in battery life over the Z Flip 3.
After taking my Galaxy Z Flip 4 with me on a number of day journeys (from Yosemite Nationwide Park in California to Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York), I’ve a fairly good thought of its strengths and weaknesses. I could not crown this Samsung foldable as one of many finest smartphones of the yr, however I’ve concluded that it’s ultra-beneficial for a selected area of interest (trace: it’s good for these with wanderlust). Keep tuned to seek out out whether or not you’re part of that cohort.
Galaxy Z Flip 4 value and configurations
No, I’m not a type of people who will complain about how “expensive” the $999 Galaxy Z Flip is. Within the grand scheme of issues, its price ticket just isn’t that unhealthy. The launch value of Floor Duo 2 was $1,499, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 has a beginning value of $1,800, and the Motorola Razr 2022 has an MSRP of $1,399. In comparison with the remainder of the foldable market, that $999 appears quite a bit sweeter now, doesn’t it?
All Galaxy Z Flip 4 configurations function 8GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. That $999 base mannequin comes with 128GB of storage. An improve to 256GB of storage requires you to shell out an additional $60, however as of this writing, Samsung is providing this mannequin on the similar value because the 128GB variant. It’s a candy deal! Extra storage for much less.
Desire a maxed out Galaxy Z Flip 4 (512GB of storage)? That can be $1,180, please! Nonetheless, should you personal a good-as-new cellphone, you may get a stunning quantity of credit score towards your buy (as much as $900). For instance, should you personal the Z Flip 3 or the Galaxy S22 Extremely, and it’s freed from cracks, you’ll get a trade-in credit score of $900. Which means snagging the entry-level Z Flip 4 will solely price you $99.
Granted, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 doesn’t have a cornucopia of flagship-tier options, so I perceive the “too costly” claims, however I’d argue that Samsung is aware of that “top-of-the-line specs” are not its strongest promoting factors. As an alternative, its progressive splashiness and engineering marvels are its best seductive powers.
You’ll be able to pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 4 now through Samsung.com. (opens in new tab)
Galaxy Z Flip 4 design
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a two-toned eyesore. Yeah, I stated it! I can’t stand this new color-blocking pattern. I blame the Google Pixel collection. Smacking two contrasting colours collectively just isn’t enticing — until you’re Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in The Bodyguard.
When totally prolonged, my Galaxy Z Flip 4’s high half (above the hinge) options two colours: black for the duvet display screen and Bora Purple for the remaining. The underside half (beneath the hinge) is blessed to not sport the two-toned nightmare; it options Bora Purple in all of its lilac glory. It must be one or the opposite — all black or all purple. The 2-toned design cheapens the look of such an costly machine.
The funky foldable reportedly includes a “stronger” armor aluminum body (I’d do a drop take a look at to find out how true that’s, however I don’t assume Samsung would admire that). The duvet display screen, essentially the most susceptible show on account of its exterior placement, additionally has some fortification enhancements, due to its model spankin’ new Gorilla Glass Victus+ show. Samsung boasts that the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s edges are glossier than its predecessor — er, that’s nice, I suppose. I’m certain there’s somebody studying this who cares about that.
Its IPX8 water resistance could enchantment to some readers, although, permitting for submergence of as much as 5 toes for half-hour. It is value noting that the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is not mud resistant, so please do not go trekking within the Sahara Desert with it.
Drab design apart, the engineering group behind the Galaxy Z Flip 4 deserve a pat on the again. Pocketability is what makes this foldable spectacular — arms down. From a 6.7-inch slate, this unhealthy boy can fold right into a compact type issue that’s as grippable as a pack of Put up-it notes.
I do know this sounds a bit dramatic, however as I hinted on the outset, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 brings with it a life-style change. You not must accommodate your cellphone as a result of it calls for an excessive amount of area. Au contraire! It completely molds itself into your life-style. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 can match into most small compartments and pockets; at this time’s space-hungry telephones may by no means!
As a cherry on high, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 harkens again to the golden age of flip telephones after we’d satisfyingly slam our clamshell gadgets shut with an air of “cool aggression” — however there’s only one drawback.
With the Z Flip 4, you can’t do the ol’ one handed, badass maneuver of flipping the highest lid open. Why? The hinge is just too inflexible, however that is by design. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 might be positioned between the angles of 30 and 120 levels (ish) — and its tightly wound hinge helps lock these poses into place. Whereas I perceive the Z Flip 4’s hindrances, I used to be extra disillusioned than I believed it will be. What good is having a flip cellphone if I can’t do the one-handed whip again so I can stunt on my “haters”?
Whereas folded, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 includes a “energy button” (you will see why that is in quotes quickly) that doubles as a fingerprint sensor on the correct aspect; there’s additionally a quantity button. The SIM card slot is on the other aspect. The USB-C port is on the underside edge. Whereas we’re on the topic, I hate that Samsung configured the facility button as a Bixby invocation by default. In different phrases, urgent the facility button alone solely brings up the Bixby app. If it’s essential shut down the Galaxy Z Flip 4, it’s essential to maintain down the facility button whereas urgent the down-volume button on the similar time.
Unfolded, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is 0.2 inches thick. Folded, it bulks as much as 0.6 inches. It weighs 6.6 ounces. Now, let’s check out the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s opponents: the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Microsoft Floor Duo 2. The previous has a thickness of 0.24 inches (unfolded) and 0.62 inches (folded). The latter is 0.21 inches (unfolded) and 0.43 inches (folded) thick. The Fold 4 weighs 9.3 ounces whereas the Floor Duo 2 weighs 10 ounces.
Galaxy Z Flip 4 show
Does the crease on the show trouble me? Under no circumstances. I overlook it’s even there. And that is coming from a nitpicker who can’t stand the notch on the iPhone. What does trouble me is that the 6.7-inch, Dynamic AMOLED 2x, HDR10+ show is “skinnier” than what I’m used to — I’ll dive into this in a second.
I fired up the Black Panther: Wakanda Endlessly YouTube trailer and it was sharp sufficient to spotlight the delicate wrinkles that embellished Letitia Wright’s left eye as she adorned a white veil. Winston Duke’s brow furrows have been putting on the Galaxy Z Flip 4 as he appeared as much as the sky with a frightened expression. I may spot tiny tufts of white hair poking out of Angela Bassett’s Isicholo (a Zulu hat).
The panel recreates colours nicely, nevertheless it’s not as vivid as different shows. The Dora Milaje’s warrior costume, emanating beautiful hues of wealthy reds, golds and browns, appeared barely muted on the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s show, nevertheless it’s nothing that may catch your consideration (until in contrast side-by-side to the Galaxy S22 Extremely).
It’s additionally value noting that, on YouTube, movies are noticeably much less “display screen filling.” In comparison with my Galaxy S22 Extremely, wider letterboxing flanked movies on the 1080 x 2640-pixel show, regardless of which video I watched. Nonetheless, I didn’t expertise this on Netflix. Arcane, the online game adaptation of League of Legends, took up your entire display screen. Peacock had some letterboxing as I watched The Workplace, Black Telephone and The Ebook of Eli, nevertheless it’s a lot narrower in comparison with YouTube.
To sum it up, watching YouTube will remind you that the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s show is narrower than at this time’s hottest flagship telephones, making you miss the additional display screen actual property featured on different gadgets. On the plus aspect, I cherished flipping by the house display screen apps with the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s adaptive refresh fee matching the velocity of my gestures. After I fired up cellular Android video games akin to Good day Neighbor and Subway Surfers, the refresh fee skyrocketed to as excessive as 120Hz.
Now, let’s get into the show benchmarks! The Galaxy Z Flip 4 has a DCI-P3 coloration gamut protection of 132.2% on Vivid (its default setting). This beats the Duo 2’s measly 87% scope, however would not measure as much as the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s spectacular 158% protection.
So far as brightness is worried, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 can attain a peak of 772 nits. Its pricier foldable sibling, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, hovers round a peak of 905 nits. The Floor Duo 2 continues to disappoint, nonetheless, with a peak brightness of 672 nits.
Galaxy Z Flip 4 cowl display screen
The Galaxy Z Flip 4’s 1.9-inch, 260 x 512-pixel cowl display screen options the foldable’s most noteworthy upgrades, together with further widget controls, Samsung Pay assist and launching calls. It even helps you to reply to textual content messages with out opening your cellphone.
It’s additionally handy in that you just don’t must undergo the trouble of unfolding the Galaxy Z Flip 4 to verify notifications, emails, missed calls and extra. You’ll be able to pause, play and skip Spotify tracks through the duvet display screen, which I admire.
The duvet display screen doubles as a selfie viewfinder, however ugh, let’s discuss this as a result of I’m baffled. What the hell is Samsung pondering? You can not see a lot of something on that tiny 1.9-inch panel, so this function is totally ineffective.
As an alternative of squinting to excessive hell, I’d moderately unfold the cellphone (which takes lower than a second) and make the most of the 6.7-inch show as a viewfinder as an alternative. Samsung additionally boasts that the duvet display screen now provides previews of your pictures and movies of their correct side ratios, however once more, I might by no means use it for that function — it’s too rattling small.
Galaxy Z Flip 4 audio
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 includes a stereo setup with a bottom-firing speaker and one other constructed into the earpiece. There’s nothing to put in writing house about in terms of the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s sound high quality — it’s merely alright.
I examined its audio system by enjoying “La Mamá de la Mamá” by El Alfa, Chael Produciendo, CJ and El Cherry Scorn. Whereas the raspy vocals of the reggaeton artists sound crisp and clear, when the drums and bass kicked in, they sounded a bit too tinny for my style, particularly at max quantity. Music on the Galaxy Z Flip 4 doesn’t sound as wealthy and well-balanced because it does on the newest Galaxy S collection telephones, however that’s alright, you possibly can at all times use one of many finest wi-fi headphones as an alternative.
Galaxy Z Flip 4 efficiency
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is filled with the newest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Based on Samsung, it has higher NPU, GPU and CPU efficiency in comparison with its predecessor’s Snapdragon 888 processor.
With its 8GB of RAM, I examined the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s multitasking muscle by opening an avalanche of apps, together with Netflix’s Stranger Issues sport, Google Chrome, Peacock, Spotify, YouTube, Gallery, LinkedIn, Outlook, Fb, and a number of other different apps. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 had no points hopping out and in of the opened apps, nonetheless, it did get heat very early into the stress take a look at. That is anticipated, I suppose; the Samsung foldable certainly has highly effective, heat-generating {hardware} underneath the hood.
After we ran the Geekbench 5 take a look at on the Galaxy Z Flip 4, it generated a multicore rating of 4,105. Surprisingly, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 shares the identical chipset because the Galaxy Z Flip 4, nevertheless it output a decrease rating of three,831. The Floor Duo 2, filled with an older Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, attained a rating of three,384.
On the Jetstream benchmark, which exams how shortly Net pages load, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 worn out the competitors with a rating of 134, dominating the Galaxy Z Fold 4 (87) and the Floor Duo 2 (93).
Galaxy Z Flip 4 battery life
Samsung slimmed down the hinge to make room for a 3,700 mAh battery, a step up from the Z Flip 3’s 3,300 mAh battery. Samsung claims that the new-gen foldable provides three extra hours of battery life than its predecessor — and it is proper on the cash.
As we talked about in a current report concerning the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s battery life, in keeping with our official battery outcomes (entails steady net browsing at 150 nits on a cellular community), the Samsung foldable lasted 8 hours and 33 minutes, a giant leap from the Z Flip 3’s 5-hour runtime.
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 additionally beat the Z Fold 4 (8:17) and the Floor Duo 2 (7:38). It’s additionally value noting that the Galaxy Z Flip 4 now helps quick charging at a max of 25 watts
Galaxy Z Flip 4 cameras
Earlier than we dive into cameras, let’s discuss Flex Mode, my favourite Galaxy Z Flip 4 function. As I discussed in my Galaxy Z Flip 3 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 4 face-off, Flex Mode is the place that allows you to remodel the foldable right into a chair-like posture. I can’t stress how helpful Flex Mode is for solitary content material creators (e.g., vloggers and Instagram influencers).
Whether or not it’s essential report your self consuming stylish dishes in a preferred restaurant or prop your machine on a rock to snap pictures of funky content material, Flex Mode makes it straightforward for people to seize significant moments for his or her viewers and followers. As you possibly can think about, Flex Mode is a life saver for solo vacationers, too, who can’t bear the considered asking strangers to take their footage.
It’s additionally value noting that Meta’s apps assist Flex Mode, together with Instagram, Fb and WhatsApp.
Huge digital camera
The Z Flip 4’s 12MP, f/1.8 broad digital camera options the identical specs because the Z Flip 3, aside from the pixel dimension. The Z Flip 4’s 1.8µm broad digital camera is an improve from the Z Flip 3’s 1.4µm broad lens. A bigger pixel dimension means extra mild is gathered. In different phrases, low-light pictures must be enhanced on the Z Flip 4.
I took the Galaxy Z Flip for a spin as I captured factors of curiosity throughout Decrease Manhattan, from Pier 35’s beautiful East River views to the full of life streets of the Decrease East Facet. I took an image of the eye-catching Metronome public artwork set up in Union Sq.. In particular person, it’s fairly odd wanting, however with the putting yellow cabs, verdant bushes, clear blue skies, and towering buildings framing the shot, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 made this creative landmark look epic. It completely captured the sprawling gold flecks on the general public timepiece whereas the taxis fought for the Metronome’s highlight with their mustardy hues.
I additionally snapped a photograph of my lunch that day, capturing the scrumptious texture of my hen tenders and crispy fries. You’ll be able to see the green-herb flakes sitting atop the fried meat and a cup of pale-yellow garlic parmesan sauce poking its head out of the tray’s nook. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 made my junk meals look delicious.
Even from afar, the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s broad lens did a wonderful job at recreating the putting red-and-white sightseeing vessel that cruised throughout the East River. Within the background, the Manhattan bridge jutted out of the salt-water estuary with sharp, crisp particulars.
Extremely-wide digital camera
No, there’s no change to the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s ultra-wide digital camera, however I’m not complaining. Sure, that is a type of, “Why repair one thing that’s not damaged?” moments. Just like the Galaxy Z Flip 3, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 comes with a 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm ultra-wide digital camera with a 123-degree area of view.
The ultra-wide digital camera is my absolute favourite, permitting me to seize extra scenic backdrops that actually seize New York Metropolis’s bustling power, jaw-dropping skylines and crowd pleasing historic edifices. At one level, I took a wide-lens image of the Empire State Constructing, nevertheless it simply didn’t do it justice.
I switched to the ultra-wide digital camera, and wow, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 lastly captured this architectural marvel’s intimidating, imposing character because it towered above busy Midtown. The broad lens framed the well-known skyscraper, chopping out the hustle and bustle of the sidewalk and streets. Nonetheless, the ultra-wide lens captured all of that and extra, providing you with a greater perspective of how commanding and grandiose the Empire State Constructing actually is.
Due to the ultra-wide digital camera, not solely did I seize the Brooklyn Bridge’s spectacular pointed arches, but in addition fashionable pedestrians whereas the Freedom Tower poked its stunning little head out within the distance. It’s a surprising shot!
Selfie digital camera
Once more, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 made no adjustments to its 10MP, f/2.4, 1.22µm selfie digital camera. On paper, it might not measure as much as the 12MP and 40MP selfie lenses on the iPhone 13 Professional Max and Galaxy S22 Extremely, respectively, however I’m nonetheless impressed.
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 leans towards hotter tones, which I admire as a result of it elicits bronze-like hues from my complexion. I can flip up the warmth much more by deciding on the Heat filter (there are 12 in whole). It’s additionally sharp sufficient to seize the wayward hairs from my messy, unkempt eyebrows. It’s so crisp, the strains on my purple high have been extremely delineated — a lot in order that they induce hypnosis should you stare for too lengthy.
One side I am keen on concerning the selfie digital camera is that its zoom out prowess supersedes the capabilities of the Galaxy S22 Extremely, my day by day driver. If I wished to seize extra background surroundings with my selfies, I’d depart the Galaxy S22 Extremely at house and produce the Galaxy Z Flip 4 alongside as an alternative.
Night time Mode and low-light pictures
Samsung says low-light pictures must be higher with its upgraded broad digital camera, so I put it to the take a look at.
I noticed a procession of 15 geese in my native park, so I snapped a photograph of the flock as they headed towards a lake. The pixel dimension improve was actually evident, gathering extra mild into the photograph. Nonetheless, needless to say evening mode requires stillness for readability (it simulates lengthy publicity for as much as 5 seconds), and sadly, the geese refused to cease waddling for his or her photoshoot. As such, the image just isn’t as sharp as I’d prefer it to be. Nonetheless, you possibly can’t deny that the beautiful reflections within the lake (the stillest a part of the photograph) add a sure je nais se quois to the image.
I additionally captured a photograph of the Valley Stream Neighborhood Middle, a park-dwelling constructing that comes alive at evening. It’s the most effective night-mode pictures I’ve ever captured of the edifice. With the bushes’ reflection dancing on the lake and the ombre blue sky including to the picturesque surroundings, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 made the NY-based neighborhood middle appear to be a country lake home in the midst of the woods.
Galaxy Z Flip 4 software program and guarantee
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 runs on Android 12 with the One UI model 4 pores and skin.
Samsung guarantees 4 years of main software program updates together with 5 years of safety updates. In different phrases, Galaxy Z Flip 4 customers will get some Samsung love all the best way as much as Android 16 (on the very least).
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 comes with a one-year restricted guarantee.
Backside line
No, I can’t flip the cellphone open in a millisecond like a badass in a late 90’s motion movie, however the Galaxy Z Flip 4 can improve my solo-travel experiences, whether or not having fun with its pocketability for lighter journeys or utilizing Flex Mode for Instagrammable snapshots.
On high of that, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is elite in terms of zoomed out selfies, capturing extra background particulars than my Galaxy S22 Extremely. So sure, I’d advocate the Galaxy Z Flip 4 for solitary content material creators and solo vacationers. However would I encourage a Z Flip 3 proprietor to improve to the Z Flip 4? I might lean towards no as a result of the enhancements are minimal, however should you’re a Z Flip 3 proprietor who desperately desires extra battery life, it could be value it for you. Plus, should you’re Z Flip 3 continues to be in glorious situation, you’d solely pay $100 for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, due to Samsung.com’s trade-in promotion. (opens in new tab)
Even if you wish to have a cool foldable machine, think about the Galaxy Z Fold 4 as an alternative. It’s a cooler technological titan that lets multitasking experts take full benefit of its twin shows.
