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
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WhatsApp notification on Flip 4 cover screen
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Change music on the cover screen
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
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Raise your hand to take a selfie
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Fold the Flip 90 degrees to put it in front of your
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This is how you take selfie remotely
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
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The standard camera takes nice, bright photos
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Fit more of the surroundings in the photo with the wide-angle lens
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You can also take sharp photos with the macro lens
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.
