Samsung isn’t shy about stating that the Galaxy Z Flip 3, not the Fold 3, is the most popular foldable in the world — and we can see why. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 aims to improve on the $999 clamshell recipe that took the world by storm. These are our initial thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.
If you’ve seen this one before, please stop me.
Samsung‘s entire Unpacked lineup resembles its 2021 lineup. Almost all of the differences between this and the Galaxy Z Flip 3 are on the inside. In a nutshell, the most significant changes are below.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 New Changes:
- New chipset
- 512GB option
- 12% larger battery
- Faster charging
- More durable foldable display
- Brighter main camera sensor
- New colors
While it may appear that Samsung hasn’t changed much about the hardware here, there are a few minor tweaks. The hinge, in particular, has been made thinner. Not in terms of height when laid flat, as shown below, but rather hinge “bulk.”
Samsung claims that the internal display is 45% stronger than the Flip 3, but we’re not sure how that was accomplished. On the inside, you’ll find the same foldable 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The display crease appears to be less visible this year, but it is still far from invisible. The exterior display covering has been upgraded to Gorilla Glass Victus Plus by Samsung.
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There are new colorways this year: Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, and Blue for the exterior panels and black, silver, and gold for the frame. Samsung’s Bespoke Edition options provide up to 75 different combinations of frame and front and back panels.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset has been installed in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. There’s also a new 512GB storage variant, and if you take advantage of Samsung’s pre-order offer, you’ll get twice the storage for the same price. You can also trade in an eligible device and receive a free silicone ring case or strap case.
What’s the latest with the cameras?
Unfortunately, the cameras in the Flip 4 aren’t all that different from last year. You’ll get dual 12MP main cameras and a 10MP selfie camera once more. Most of the camera specs are the same as the Flip 3, but the primary 12MP sensor is now 65% brighter with 1.8-micron pixels.
There are some new software tricks up the selfie camera’s sleeve. When using Quick Shot to take selfies in clamshell mode, you can now preview your photo on the Cover Screen. You can even change the aspect ratio without ever opening the Flip 4. Samsung’s camera AI aids in the capture of clearer images with less shake, and AI Stereo Depth Map Technology promises to keep details in focus.
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Samsung is also emphasizing “FlexCam,” which is essentially just using the cameras on the Flip 4 while in half-closed mode. This allows you to place your phone somewhere while you gather for a group photo with a shutter delay, vlog, or stream hands-free. FlexCam is compatible with Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook when the Flip is half open with a 75-115 degree angle at the hinge.
The Flip 4’s battery life has been increased to 3,700mAh with 25W fast charging (courtesy of an optional extra charger). This will give you a 50% charge in about 30 minutes. In addition, there is 10W+ Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 on board, as well as reverse wireless charging for charging accessories.
A note about the Galaxy Z Flip 4 software:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 comes pre-installed with Android 12 and One UI 4.1. Samsung promises four Android OS updates and security patches for five years. This is the type of update commitment that all Android OEMs should follow, as we’ve said before and will say again.
The external Cover Screen has also learned a few new moves. Accessing your quick settings, responding to texts, unlocking your compatible car, making calls, and paying with Samsung Wallet are all examples. Smart Things widgets for the Cover Screen now allow you to control your connected devices.
If you’ve been looking for a way to better match your Galaxy devices, the Flip 4 is here to help. Themes can now be synced across your phone, watch, and tablet. You can also create custom clock widgets and video backgrounds for the Cover Screen. In our full review, we’ll tell you how awesome this is.
Finally, when the Flip 4 is in Flex Mode, the bottom half of the screen can be used as a trackpad. We’re not sure why you’d want to do this, but let’s go with it for the time being.
Hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: What You Need to Know
From our limited time with the Flip 4, we’re seeing a lot of what we liked about the Flip 3 with a few minor tweaks and new features. We’ll have to wait and see if that’s enough to keep the title of world’s most popular foldable. There aren’t many changes here other than iterative ones, but when last year’s model was so good, there’s only so much that can be done without raising the price we all fell in love with.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 8+128GB starts at $999 and is available for pre-order as of August 10. Take advantage of the pre-order offer to get a free double storage space.
Do you like the changes Samsung made to the Galaxy Z Flip 4, or were you hoping for something more? Vote in the poll below for your favorite new Samsung foldable and share your thoughts in the comments.