Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review

Not surprisingly, the packaging of the Z Flip 4 is also very sparse. Inside, in fact, we find only the USB-C / USB-C cable. Any other accessory, if not already in possession. It will be bought separately.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 it is slightly more compact than the previous model, but even having both in hand it is difficult to notice the difference, as well as in terms of weight (187 grams the new model is slightly lighter). The closed smartphone is undoubtedly one of the most elegant and successful products on the market. This year it is then made with reinforced aluminum and the latest Gorilla Glass Victus +. The finish is slightly satin and is very pleasant to the touch. Slightly more squared off the profile of the metal in the shiny version. Z Flip 4 is once again water resistant with the IPX8 standard.

A new hinge was then used which makes the two parts even more stable and the smartphone more rigid once opened. However, this translates into a smartphone that is even more difficult (if not impossible) to open with one hand.

The Z Flip 4 brings with it the obvious hardware adjustments. The truth, however, is that a lot comes down to the new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. It is an octa core SoC up to 3 GHz with Adreno 730 GPU, which also brings with it new processors, such as the image one. All this translates into a perceptible improvement in system performance during daily use and at the same time to better energy optimization. The smartphone in many cases after a few minutes of intense use goes to guarantee about 60% of its power, but this does not seem to really affect daily use and also guarantees excellent fluidity and, as mentioned, a good energy balance.

We then have 8 GB of RAM and 128, 256 or 512 GB of internal memory not expandable. Good connectivity: 5GWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC and single SIM support e eSIM. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of using a second physical SIM, as well as the audio jack for headphones and the video output via USB-C port. The latter is an unpleasant detail for a smartphone of this range. Surprisingly good (considering the size) the stereo sound of this smartphone.

Although the two sensors of the smartphone remain from 12 megapixels this smartphone has received a good update for the photographic sector that really allows it to compete with the most famous competitors. What is certain is that a higher resolution sensor could (at least in theory) lead to greater definition, while for sure, for a top-of-the-range smartphone, you feel the lack of a zoom camera. The main sensor is optically stabilized and has a ƒ / 1.8 aperture, while the wide-angle sensor has a ƒ / 2.2 aperture.

Then there is also an internal photographic sensor from 10 megapixel ƒ / 2.4 which, however, turned out to be worse than we remembered. Perhaps also due to a certain tendency to get dirty quite easily.

Returning to the main sensors, the photos taken are of excellent quality, rich in detail (despite the resolution), with a good balance of colors and a good balance of lights. It is certainly a not insignificant advantage then the fact that these cameras can then also be used with the smartphone closed for selfies, taking advantage of the possibility of doing them at full resolution (which was not possible before).

Very good videos in 4K to 60fpsor at 30fps for the wide-angle camera. The images are sharp and well stabilized. Here, too, it is possible to take advantage of video recording with the smartphone closed in selfie mode, greatly expanding the creative possibilities offered by the device.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 once again uses a foldable AMOLED display a 120 Hz. It is a 6.7-inch panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2640 pixels. The screen can reach a peak brightness of 1,200 nits and is once again an excellent panel, sharp, well balanced and very bright. If you were hoping to be able to no longer see the fold you will be disappointed: it is still there. But as many owners may already tell you: from the front it is not noticeable and in any case you get used to it.

The external screen does not grow in size: 1.9 inches, still AMOLED and always at a resolution of 260×512 pixels. It’s a great display, but we admit a larger screen would certainly have given that extra momentum to the product. The panel is convenient to get information on the fly on the time, activate quick toggles, control alarms and calendar and also for notifications, which gain a very convenient quick response mode, even with voice dictation.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 arrives on the market with Android 12 updated with the patches of July 2022. The interface is obviously customized with the One UI 4.1.1 with some optimizations and new functions, although obviously many of the innovations designed for the huge screen of Z Fold 4 cannot be found here. However, we find two new quick gestures to divide the screen in two to use two different apps and the one to reduce the app to the window.

Then there is the Flex Mode (can be enabled in any app from the Labs menu), the sidebar for your favorite apps and the forced multiscreen for all apps. But what really amazes is the incredible system fluidity, probably given by the winning mix of Qualcomm processor and Samsung optimization.

The functions for using the external display have also been improved, with quick toggles, new themes and new possibilities for wallpapers and above all new quick widgets, such as the one for SmartThings scenes. However, we have not found (yet) the one for Samsung Pay, which will certainly be on the way. As we have mentioned, it is also possible to respond to notifications, with predefined messages, emojis, or with voice dictations.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 has a new battery from 3,700 mAh, 12% larger than last year. Not a little, considering that the body is even slightly smaller. However, it is the combination of this novelty with the new processor that really makes the difference. If with the last model you reached the end of the day only with an average use, now you could finally stress it out. In addition we also have the new one fast charging at 25W, however lower in terms of speed than many competitors, but still more than enough to “recover” some energy on the fly. Then present the 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.

The price rises slightly, reaching € 1149 for the 128 GB model, 1199 € for the 256 GB one and finally 1329 € for the 512 GB one. These are slightly higher prices than last year. As mentioned also for the Z Fold 4 we would have sincerely hoped for a reversal of the trend. Despite the not huge differences with last year, this would certainly have been justified, but it is probably the wrong year to hope for a turnaround, given the increase in all costs.

On Amazon is available and until 25 August you will be entitled to an extra discount for those who will trade-in their device.