Samsung does not want to lose the pull of foldable or foldable phones. It seems that the campaign and last year’s proposals are working, getting that this 2022 has increased exponentially the sale of folding phones. More specifically the Galaxy Z Flip3 seems to have conquered the market. 10% of the mobiles sold worldwide by Samsung already belong to this family. So now presents the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, which repeats the same formula but improves small details in their finishes and user experience.
We will not find a great generational leap. Rather, it seems that Samsung has fine-tuned the formula and tweaked some of the user complaints. Better cameras, a more compact body, and many more features to take advantage of the mobile both folded and unfolded. And even half folded. We tell you about it here.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Datasheet
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | |
|---|---|
| Screens | – Interior: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display with FHD+ resolution (2,640 x 1,080 pixels), 22:9 format and 425 dpi, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate – Exterior: 1.9-inch Super AMOLED with 512 resolution x 260 pixels and 303 dpi |
| Main Camera | – Main camera: 12-megapixel Dual Pixel, with OIS and aperture f / 1.8 – Secondary camera: 12-megapixel wide-angle f / 2.2 |
| Front Camera | 10 megapixels f/2.4, pixel size 1.22 μm |
| Internal memory | 128 / 256 /512 GB of type UFS 3.1 |
| Extension | Nope |
| Processor and RAM | Octa-core processor (unspecified at the moment) 8 GB of RAM |
| Battery | Dual 3,700 mAh battery |
| Operating system | Android 12 |
| Connectivity | 5G WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 USB C 3.1 NFC GPS |
| SIM | Nano SIM or eSIM |
| Design | Purple, graphite, rose gold, and blue |
| Dimensions | – Unfolded: 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm – Folded: 84.9 x 71.9 x 17.1 mm – Weight: 187 grams |
| Featured Features | IPX8 resistance, fingerprint sensor on the side button, stereo sound |
| Release date | August 26 (pre-order) |
| Price | From $999 |
Lighter Clamshell Format
Although the clamshell format designed by Samsung for the Z Flip already means having a cell phone that occupies half the size of any other device, it seems that there is room for improvement. In this Z Flip4, we find a small redesign that outlines details such as its contour or improves the viewing experience of its folding screen.
First of all, we have to talk about a more compact or smaller mobile. The change is subtle and is especially noticeable in the part of the hinge, which has reduced its size and is more integrated into the body of the mobile. Here it is already reduced by 1.2 mm in height (folded). But the exterior, when the phone is still folded, has also reduced its overall size. In total, we find a mobile 1.5 mm lower to further reduce size when it is in your pocket.
The curious and most useful thing is that it has also lost a few millimeters of the contour when unfolded. 0.3 mm in width and 0.8 mm in height. But all this without reducing the screen. Here who lose are the inner frames. So much better use is made of the space to display the screen. In other words, it is a more evolved product that perfects what we have already seen in terms of design. No major changes but notable improvements.
And speaking of design, they have not forgotten the creative possibilities and colors for the casing. This Z Flip4 comes in black, rose gold, purple (their star color for 2022), and blue. But they also offer more possibilities through the Samsung website, with up to 75 possibilities between shades of front and rear casings (yellow, red, navy blue, and white) and sides and hinge (gold, silver, and black).
All this without neglecting important issues such as durability. According to Samsung, this mobile is tested to be bent more than 200,000 times without problems. In addition, its body is made of improved aluminum and protected with layers of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ glass both front and back. It is also certified IPX8 resistant, which allows it to be submerged up to 1.5 meters deep in freshwater without stopping working. Although it is not recommended for use on beaches or in swimming pools.
More Options When Device Is Folded
Where you notice more evolution in this Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is in the user experience. And here Samsung has returned to refine and enhance this shell design with new features when folded. On the one hand, there are decorative possibilities, which are enhanced with avatar templates and new colors to choose more freely. Or even themes that share or match designs between the inner and outer screen. In short, more options for users are more concerned about this aspect.
On the other hand are the new functions of the outer screen itself. Now, in addition, to view notifications and consult data such as calendar alerts we can respond to text messages with the dictation function. Or with emoji emoticons. So you don’t have to open the phone at any time. In addition, there is now quick access to issues such as WIFI, brightness, airplane mode, flashlight, sound controls and even unlocking the terminal before deploying it. Both by camera and fingerprint. There are also advanced controls to indicate up to 3 common contacts to make quick calls or even control smart home devices connected via SmartThings. And the Samsung Pay service is maintained but updated to Samsung Wallet to have in this virtual wallet all kinds of cards at hand.
And More options for Flex Mode
Flex mode is an experience that Samsung developed thanks to its hinge technology. As it allows to keep the mobile folded to any degree, it is possible to divide the inner screen into two parts. A position that helps not to use tripods, for example, or to divide the panel space to use two apps at once. Well, now there is one more twist, demonstrating the perfection of this mode to one more degree.
One of these new tools is the FlexCam. Which is nothing more than using the mobile in flex mode to hold it comfortably as if it were a video camera of the 2,000 with a screen. Thus we can hold the mobile comfortably by the lower part and frame with the upper part.
Even more useful is that more well-known applications have joined the flex mode experience. Facebook and Instagram now allow you to use your phone as a stand and record short videos in this format. And the auto framing or auto framing that was already seen in the previous edition has also been improved. It now extends the margin up to 5 meters away and 10 people in total to reframe. Ideal for those who record themselves dancing with their cell phones. And be careful, now the self-framing can be used with third-party apps.
Along with this, the list of apps that allow this flex support when streaming video or taking pictures has been extended. Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, YouTube, and more work flawlessly when we half-fold the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. And apps that are not supported now add a new experience at the bottom of the screen. Along with the quick controls buttons, you can also use this space as a touch control so you don’t have to touch the top of the screen that is displaying content.
Finally, accessing the multi-window in Flex mode now only involves sliding two fingers from the bottom of the screen. This keeps the top part of the app open and a second app can be chosen for the bottom part.
Improved Photography with Nightography
One of the complaints about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 was the photography. A mobile focused on lifestyle without the best camera on the market lost some of the sense. Now Samsung renews this section with a 12-megapixel main camera with a wide angle and a second lens, also with 12 megapixels, but with an ultra-wide angle. Although the real advances are around the software that accompanies it. And is that it has introduced what has been seen in the Galaxy S22 in terms of what Samsung calls Nightography. The sensor is 65% brighter to capture sharper and better-colored images when light is scarce. This also applies to portraits. And also to videos, by applying this technology and image stabilization improvements.
All this also takes advantage of the clamshell format for different captures. We have already discussed the FlexCam, but you can also take selfies with the main camera when the Galaxy Z Flip4 is folded. This time you can see the photo taken in full and not cropped to the size of the external display, even though it looks smaller. There is also a new portrait mode included on the external display to take it without opening the mobile. And, in addition, it is now possible to continue recording video while unfolding the mobile to Flex mode.
More Power and Battery
To move all the features and tools of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 has opted for a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 four-nanometer processor. The most current on the market.
And, giving energy to the team has solved another of the problems of the previous generation: a somewhat meager autonomy. Now, despite compacting its body more, they have included a battery that goes from 3,300 mAh to 3,700 mAh. And fast charging is included both wired and wirelessly. So you’ll have a full battery in just 30 minutes of charging.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 will arrive in purple, graphite, rose gold, and blue colors. You can already pre-order this model for a price of $999 for the configuration with 128 GB.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.