Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4

A Pocketful of Personality: My Take on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks putting the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 through its paces, and it's certainly left an impression. This isn't just another slab of glass and metal vying for attention; it's a deliberate statement, a blend of retro charm and modern technology. At its current price point, it sits firmly in the premium mid-range category, targeting users who crave a unique smartphone experience. After thoroughly testing its capabilities in various scenarios, from everyday tasks to more demanding workloads, I have a clear picture of its strengths and shortcomings.

Making a Statement in a Saturated Market

The foldable market is still relatively young, and Samsung has been a key player in shaping its trajectory. The Z Flip series, in particular, feels like Samsung's answer to the question: "How do we make foldable phones accessible and appealing to a broader audience?" With the Z Flip4, they've refined the formula, addressing some of the previous generation's concerns while doubling down on the "fun factor." Strategically, it positions Samsung as an innovator, willing to push the boundaries of traditional smartphone design. The price point, while still premium, makes the folding experience more attainable than its larger sibling, the Z Fold series. In my opinion, it's a smart move, targeting a segment that values both style and substance without necessarily demanding top-tier everything.

Design & Hardware: A Pocket-Sized Conversation Starter

My first interaction with the Z Flip4 was dominated by the hinge mechanism. The satisfying snap as it opens and closes is undeniably addictive – almost therapeutic in its tactility. It's clear this isn't just a gimmick; the hinge feels robust and well-engineered. When folded, the phone's compact form factor is a genuine advantage. Sliding it into smaller pockets is a breeze, a welcome change from the ever-increasing size of standard smartphones. The build quality feels premium, and the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the cover screen and rear gives a sense of durability. I appreciate the matte finish on my review unit; it feels good in hand and does a decent job of resisting fingerprints. While I haven't intentionally put its durability to the test with any dramatic drops, anecdotal evidence from my usage suggests it can withstand a few minor bumps without significant damage.

Display: Immersive When You Need It

Unfolding the Z Flip4 reveals its impressive 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. Whether I was browsing social media, watching videos, or even indulging in some light gaming, the display delivered a pleasing visual experience. The brightness is sufficient for outdoor use, even on sunny days, and the HDR10+ support adds an extra layer of immersion when consuming compatible content. The crease, while still present, is less noticeable than on previous generations and largely disappears during typical usage, especially when viewing content head-on. For media consumption, especially video, the 21.9 aspect ratio feels modern and immersive. Even for daily tasks like reading articles or emails, the unfolded screen provides ample real estate.

Performance: Smooth Operator for Everyday and Beyond

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides more than enough power for the Z Flip4 to handle demanding tasks. In my testing, I experienced smooth and responsive performance across the board. Gaming sessions were enjoyable, with the device handling graphically intensive titles without significant lag or dropped frames. Multitasking was also a breeze, allowing me to seamlessly switch between apps without any noticeable slowdown. While the phone can get slightly warm during prolonged heavy usage, the temperature management seems effective enough to prevent any discomfort or performance throttling in most scenarios. I didn't encounter any significant performance quirks during my time with the device; it simply handled everything I threw at it with commendable efficiency.

Camera System: Capturing the Moment with Flair

The camera system on the Z Flip4 is a capable performer, offering a versatile setup for capturing various types of shots. The 12MP main lens, with its larger pixels, excels in capturing detailed images, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. I was particularly impressed with its ability to capture vibrant sunsets with good dynamic range. The 12MP ultrawide lens is handy for capturing broader scenes, adding versatility to the shooting experience. Video recording capabilities are also strong, with the ability to shoot up to 4K at 60fps with HDR, resulting in crisp and detailed footage. The 10MP front-facing camera is perfectly adequate for selfies and video calls.

What truly sets the Z Flip4's camera apart is the Flex Mode. Being able to prop the phone open at various angles opens up unique shooting possibilities. Capturing low-angle shots or setting up stable time-lapses becomes incredibly convenient without needing a tripod. The ability to use the rear cameras for selfies while using the cover screen as a viewfinder is also a fantastic feature, resulting in significantly higher quality self-portraits. While the image quality might not quite match the absolute top-tier camera phones on the market, it's more than capable for most users and offers a level of creative flexibility that traditional smartphones lack.

Battery & Charging: A Mid-Day Top-Up May Be Necessary

Battery life is perhaps the most significant compromise with the Z Flip4. The 3700mAh battery, while an improvement over its predecessor, generally requires a top-up by late afternoon with moderate to heavy usage. My daily routine involved a mix of social media browsing, email checking, some photography, and occasional video watching, and I consistently found myself reaching for the charger before the end of the day. Fortunately, the 25W fast charging support helps mitigate this issue, allowing you to get a significant boost in battery life in a relatively short amount of time. In my testing, I was able to get from near empty to around 50% in about 30 minutes. Wireless charging is also supported, offering another convenient way to keep the battery topped up. While the battery life isn't class-leading, the fast charging capabilities make it manageable for most users.

Software: A Familiar and Functional Experience

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 runs on Samsung's One UI, based on Android. It's a mature and feature-rich interface that most Android users will find familiar. The software is well-optimized for the foldable form factor, with features like Flex Mode seamlessly integrating with various apps. I found the interface to be intuitive and responsive, and Samsung's commitment to software updates provides reassurance regarding long-term support. The cover screen offers useful widgets and notification previews, allowing you to handle some basic tasks without needing to fully unfold the phone. While there aren't any groundbreaking software innovations specific to the Z Flip4, the existing One UI experience is polished and functional.

Value Analysis: Uniqueness Comes at a Price

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 occupies a unique space in the smartphone market. Its foldable design and stylish aesthetics set it apart from the crowd, and for many, that in itself justifies the price. If you're looking for a phone that's a conversation starter, offers a satisfying tactile experience, and provides a surprisingly practical foldable form factor, the Z Flip4 is a compelling option. However, if your priorities lie solely with having the absolute best battery life or camera performance, there are undoubtedly other phones in this price range that might better suit your needs.

This phone is ideal for the fashion-conscious, the social media enthusiast, or anyone who appreciates innovative design and a touch of personality in their tech. Those who demand all-day battery life without needing to think about charging or require the absolute pinnacle of mobile photography might find themselves looking elsewhere. Compared to traditional flagship smartphones at a similar price point, the Z Flip4 offers a distinct user experience, trading some raw specifications for a unique form factor and the associated benefits.

Conclusion: A Stylish Statement with Minor Compromises

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is a well-executed and enjoyable smartphone. It successfully blends a unique and stylish design with solid performance and a capable camera system. While the battery life could be better, the fast charging helps to mitigate this drawback. The folding mechanism is robust and adds a layer of fun and practicality that traditional smartphones simply can't match.

If you value a distinctive design, appreciate the compact form factor when folded, and enjoy the immersive experience of the unfolded display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is definitely worth considering. It's a phone that makes a statement, both in its appearance and its functionality, and for the right user, it offers a compelling and genuinely enjoyable smartphone experience. It’s a device that has certainly earned its place in the current mobile landscape.