Expert review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
New: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Samsung launched the 5th generation Fold and Flip smartphones in July 2023. As a result, the Flip 4 isn't available as much anymore. The new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has a larger screen on the exterior of the device.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Thanks to the foldable design, the large 6.7-inch screen is still compact and convenient.
- You can see notifications, messages, and music on the small cover screen.
- It's suitable for the most demanding programs and smoothly switches between apps.
- Samsung doesn't provide a charger, so you have to buy it separately.
- The device get hot quickly when you use it or charge it.
First impression of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Thanks to the sleek finish, the Flip 4 feels luxurious. For me, this smartphone is difficult to control with 1 hand, because it's so long. The weight is mainly at the top, to it seems to tip out of my hand. The Flip is more narrow than average. I was anxious to fold the screen the first time. Samsung does provide a cable, but no charger. Don't you have a charger with a USB-C port yet? Buy it separately.
Large screen, but still compact
Folding the Flip remains a gimmick, but you get used to it fast. It's really useful to have a large 6.7-inch screen, but you can still fold it to a compact and convenient size. It feels a lot more sturdy and I can easily hold it. It's a bit touch to open and close it, so I need 2 hands for that. After 1 week, that goes a bit more smoothly. I can see and feel the fold in the screen, but that doesn't bother me.
Quickly see notifications and music
The cover screen is the small screen on the exterior of the Flip 4. I can control it smoothly and fast. In addition to the date, I can see my incoming messages and notifications completely. I can quickly answer with standard responses. I'd prefer to answer messages with a keyboard, so I wouldn't have to open my smartphone first. This takes some effort. I can also pause my music or podcast on the cover screen. You can adjust the widgets and clock style as you like.
Hands-free selfies and video calls
The selfie camera in the screen isn't that high-quality. Luckily, you can easily take selfies with the main camera in the cover screen. On this screen, you'll see the image of the camera. When I briefly raise my hand, the Flip takes a photo. That also works when I fold the device 90 degrees and put it in front of me. This position is also useful for video calls, so I keep my hands free.
Good camera quality
The photos and videos of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 aren't bad at all. The standard camera performs well under regular circumstances. In bright or low light, the photos are still nice. The Flip 4 doesn't have a macro lens, but I can still take nice close-up photos of flowers and insects. With the portrait mode, you can really bring a subject closer. Thanks to the wide-angle lens, I can zoom out further and fit a larger part of the surroundings in the frame of the camera.
Battery life depends on the use
I can fully charge the battery of the Flip 4 in about 1.5 hours. If you occasionally answer some messages and read the news, the battery lasts the whole day. With more intensive use like social media, YouTube, or games, I see the battery life shorten. In that case, I have to charge it throughout the day. I notice that this smartphone gets very hot when it charges while it's closed. When it's open, it doesn't get as hot.
Fast and smooth in use
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is less impressive than other smartphone in this price range in some areas, but that certainly doesn't apply to speed and power. I can quickly switch between different apps without slowing down, from Instagram to a demanding 3D game. I do notice that this device gets hot when I use it, especially behind the cover screen. This happens even sooner in hot weather, sometimes when you only have the smartphone in your pocket.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a nice and luxurious device. I think that the fact you can fold it is the biggest advantage of this foldable smartphone. You have a large 6.7-inch screen, but it's easy to take with you when you fold it. A larger cover screen with a keyboard would have been nice. It's also useful that you can make hands-free calls and take hands-free selfies in a 90-degree angle. The Flip 4 is a powerful and fast smartphone with nice cameras and a smaller battery. If you like unique gadgets, this Samsung Flip 4 is really something for you.