Details
Internal display: 6.7-inch dynamic AMOLED 2X
External display: 1.9-inch Super AMOLED
CPU: Snapdragon 8+ Gen1
Random Access Memory: 8 GB
Memory: Up to 256 GB
Cameras: 12MP + 12MP rear; 10 MP front
Battery: 3,700 mAh with 25 W fast power
Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4 include a Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 processor, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and an improved folding mechanism. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 starts at Rs. 89,999 for the 8GB + 12GB model. The top-end model with 256GB storage costs Rs. 94,999.
I’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 for a while now, exploring its folding mechanism, dual displays, flagship performance, improved battery, and more. This detailed review will help determine if you should ‘flip’.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Design Review: Unique and compact
The design is the key element of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Compared to previous generations, this model is more compact. I love that you can slip this phone into the smallest pocket of your jeans or purse where a regular phone comes out.
There aren’t many foldable phones out there yet, so the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is the clear winner. When you flip it in public, you’ll instantly get people’s attention! And the design is not just for show – the flip mode brings a lot of functionality.
For example, flip mode is perfect for video calls. Many applications, including Google’s suite of apps such as YouTube, are now optimized for foldable phones. You can watch the video in the upper half of the screen and read the description below. Flip mode can also be used on other apps like WhatsApp.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review: Hinge issues
This brings us to the folding mechanism of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Samsung says the hinge has been improved to make the experience better. However, when I run a few apps, I find the shutter annoying. For example, when playing Candy Crush, the slider is more sticky and gets in the way of the game.
You may also feel the hinge when texting or scrolling through apps. This bothered me a bit, but after a while I got used to it. As for visibility, the hinge can be completely ignored. For example, the fold doesn’t show up when I’m watching videos – which was my biggest concern about the foldable phone.
Many believe that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a ‘girly’ foldable. This depends from person to person. The model reviewed here is Bora Purple and the phone is available in neutral colors like Graphite. One can choose from the Bespoke version, offering more options.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 display review: Two makes it better
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 has two displays, and the outer display is a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 260 x 512 pixels. Flipped over, you get a large display with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen offering FHD+ resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels.
Let me first talk about the smaller, secondary display. It’s built to see notifications, turn off alarms, see who’s calling, and more. While you can read text messages, you still can’t respond properly on the second display or answer calls comfortably like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.
Samsung says the second display is now enhanced with more options, allowing users to control their smart devices. It can also be customized with wallpapers, themes, photos and more. What I really like about the second display is that it uses the rear cameras to take selfies, which I’ll cover later in this review.
On the surface, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a standard smartphone. The overall display experience with this phone is commendable. Its high refresh rate and FHD+ screen make it a great screen to run all apps on.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Camera Review: Just
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 packs a dual-camera setup with two 12MP lenses on the back. There’s also a flip-accessible 10MP selfie camera. It comes with the usual camera features like OIS, autofocus and so on. You can also shoot UHD 4K videos on this Flip phone, which makes it a good reason if you shoot a lot.
One of the best features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is its ability to take selfies with the rear cameras. The secondary display comes into frame to help you focus and take better selfies. I used the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 to take a few photos and videos, including night shots.
I felt the cameras were good and adequate for normal use. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 comes with a better triple camera setup with a 50MP lens. In other words, flip phones are good for casual use, but not for someone who wants a camera-centric smartphone.
How to use Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 rear camera for selfies?
Using the rear cameras for selfies is one of the best features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Make sure the phone is flipped over and the rear cameras are facing you
Step 2: Turn on the small external display by pressing the power button once
Step 3: Now press the power button twice to turn on the rear camera as a selfie sensor
Step 4: You can swipe on the display to select photo or video mode. Tap the screen and the timer will automatically set to take the photo or video.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Performance Review: Benchmark Review
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 processor paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of default storage. There’s no microSD card support, so you can’t expand the storage manually. It offers dual SIM support but you need a second SIM as well.
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 SoC makes the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 a true flagship. I ran a few benchmarks to determine the performance. First, I ran the Geekbench benchmark test and the foldable phone scored 940 points in the single-core test and 3150 points in the multi-core test.
I also tested the 3D Mark Wild Life Extreme test on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 to determine its GPU performance. The phone scored a total of 2638 points with an average frame rate of 15.80. Benchmark results beat premium flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra but not the S22 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 real-life performance review: A true flagship in every sense
I felt that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 was a true flagship without any lags or issues. As my primary device, I used the flip phone for activities such as browsing, social media, Netflix streaming, casual games, video calling, and so on.
When it comes to gaming, I’ve tried titles like Asphalt 9 – and found the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 to provide a great experience. Since most of the controls are on the right and left sides, I didn’t find the hinge to hinder my gaming session. However, when I switched to more casual games like Candy Crush, the looping sensation became more pronounced.
Other than that, the hinge didn’t bother me much for normal use. As mentioned earlier, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 fold is barely visible when you’re looking at something, and it’s very convenient for flip mode. That said, I did experience mild heating issues with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, especially after a long video call or gaming session.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Battery Review: Disappointing
While there were no issues with the performance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4’s battery was a big letdown. Samsung has included a 3,700 mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. Looking back, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 packs a 3,300 mAh battery. Despite the improvements, the battery on the new flip phone is still disappointing.
Understandably, Samsung had to switch to a smaller battery for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 form factor. However, the battery does not last a day on a single charge. Most of the time, I find that the phone runs out of fuel by midday and needs fuel soon after.
Moreover, Samsung has provided support for 25W fast charging, which is again disappointing. This requires more than an hour to fully charge the small battery. The box also does not include a charging adapter. Overall, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip phones still need a better battery or an optimized platform to save fuel.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Review Verdict: The Showstopper Smartphone
I loved using the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 as my primary device on a daily basis. The design is to take the key of the device, which will change the head when you flip it. This is true of all foldable smartphones in the market, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. So, should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4?
This depends on your budget and needs. If you’re looking for a flagship phone with a unique design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 does a great job. But if you’re looking for specific needs like gaming or a camera, it’s better to look for other options.
Also, this is an expensive smartphone, requiring at least Rs. 90,000. You should also be careful with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Despite its sturdy construction, too many drops or scratches won’t put it at risk. So, buy Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 only after considering all these factors.