I’ve been using Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip3 for a year now and I’ve noticed that it doesn’t have a high capture rate in Malaysia.
The Galaxy Unpacked event in August 2022 confirmed my observations. Samsung has shared statistics that customers are interested in foldable devices for the sake of novelty. However, I am still hesitant to charge at least RM4,000 for a clamshell phone.
One of the complaints Samsung highlighted was that customers were skeptical regarding the foldable device’s durability and functionality. However, the brand is making notable improvements with every new model released.
Earlier, I shared my first impressions of the very stylish Bora Purple Galaxy Z Flip4. After using this phone for over a week, here is a detailed review of this phone and a comparison with the Z Flip3 I’ve owned for a year.
Improved real life durability
Immediately, the Z Flip4 feels sturdier with a decent weight of 187 grams. Perhaps this is due to the shiny metal frame outside of the plastic frame of its predecessor.
Unfolded, the Z Flip4 is 165.2mm tall, and 1.5mm shorter than its predecessor.
The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display inside an ultra-thin glass screen (the foldable display) is also thicker and doesn’t feel like plastic. The Z Flip 3’s screen looks like the last, so I’m nervous to keep my nails on a little longer for fear of scratching the screen.
I’m still waiting for JerryRigEverything to confirm my hypothesis that the Z Flip4’s screen scratches at level 4 or 5 (the Z Flip3 scratches at level 2).
The scratch tester by JerryRigEverything uses the Moh’s hardness scale with levels from 1 to 10. 1 is the softest material, equivalent to talcum powder, and 10 is the hardest material, such as diamond. Glass screens are generally scratched around level 6.
Speaking of the internal screen, the curvature on the foldable part of the device is quite shallow, which reduces the hassle of scrolling SNS, playing games and watching videos.
However, by optimizing the hinge of the device, you might think that Samsung might have reduced the gap a bit when the phone is folded.
The Z Flip4 carries an IPX8 water resistance rating, which is supposed to withstand 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, the device is not yet dustproof. However, in my experience, dust does not damage the internal screen as much as you might think.
Overall, the Z Flip4’s durability is also helped by the tight feel of the hinge when opening and closing.
More functions that take advantage of foldability
With the Z Flip3, there were a few areas where I felt the phone’s ability to flip might allow for more. So you’re basically getting two screens in one phone, so you can also get the most out of it, right?
Samsung seems to be responding to these demands for the Z Flip4.
For example, the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus cover screen has additional features. Samsung has expanded its cover screen options with more themes and watch designs to choose from.
Previously, the Z Flip3 cover screen remained limited. You can check the time and notifications, set a 10-minute timer, and start audio recording while folding. But these facilities were more than superficial.
Some of the new additions include a Quick Reply option for text, toggle quick settings (flashlight, WiFi, turn Bluetooth on and off, etc.), speed dial 3 of your favorite contacts, and more. All without having to unlock the phone.
You can still take a quick selfie with your phone’s main camera by double tapping the lock button while keeping the snapshot feature on the cover screen. In addition, Quick Shots now allows you to switch between portrait and normal mode for taking pictures.
On the other hand, Samsung has added Flex Mode to the Z Flip4. This is a productivity feature that was only available on previous Z Fold models.
Flexible mode is basically a split screen mode where the apps switch to the two halves of the screen when the phone is folded.
For example, if you bend the screen and sit at a table, the flex mode pops up and you can use the bottom half of the screen to type text while the top half of the screen plays a YouTube video.
Slight improvement for the camera and battery
The Z Flip4 carries the same camera specifications as its predecessor with a 12MP wide, 12MP wide and 10MP camera. But it seems that the upgrade takes place in the post-processing stage, as images captured with the Z Flip4 will have more depth and vibrancy.
However, some of the shots may look over-corrected.
In terms of battery life, it’s a slight upgrade from the Z Flip3’s 3,300mAh to the Z Flip4’s 3,700mAh.
It’s a small upgrade, admittedly, but it does make a difference in usability.
You can now take advantage of your phone’s 120Hz screen refresh rate. This is something you should give up on the previous model if you want a full day of battery life with regular use, such as taking photos, scrolling through social media, and sending text messages.
Technical commentators believe that the Z Flip4’s battery efficiency has something to do with its updated 4nm 64-bit octa-core processor and updated Android 12 operating system.
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There is no doubt that Samsung has made notable improvements to the Z Flip4. Some might call them incremental, but they are commendable steps.
Maybe I’m biased because I was a fan of the Galaxy Z Flip. Is the RM4,099 price tag of the lowest spec variant of the Z Flip4 with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage worth buying?
The Z Flip4 might be for those who have been eyeing the Z Flip3 for a while, as it offers slightly better specs in the same price range (at the time of the Z Flip3’s initial release).
| strong points | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Increased durability of interior screens, covers and hinges | The specifications of the camera are the same as the previous work |
| More features with flexible mode, cover and screen options | There are still noticeable scratches and gaps in the place where the phone was folded |
| Optimize image image processing | |
| More efficient battery to keep up with phone specifications |
- Find out more regarding the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 here.
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