Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: A First-Hand Experience – Is It Worth the…

When you first hold the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, it feels like you’re holding a piece of the future—not just because of its name, but because of how it redefines what a smartphone can be. While many were initially skeptical of foldable phones after Samsung’s first Fold model, the Z Flip 4 delivers everything we hoped for and then some. But with a starting price of €1,999 for the 128GB model, is it justify its premium tag compared to rivals like the Motorola Razr 2022 or the latest foldable competitors? We’ve spent time with the device to understand—and experience—everything it can and can’t do.

First Impressions: What’s Changed From the Previous Model?

Picking up the Galaxy Z Flip 4 for the first time, my immediate thought was, “This feels like a futuristic toy.” But where the original Fold seemed experimental, the Z Flip 4 feels mature, functional, and almost like a ‘normal’ smartphone—except it folds like a book.

Build and Materials: Aluminum and Glass at Their Finest

Samsung has stayed true to its philosophy of quality craftsmanship and materials. This time, the frame is made of aluminum with a glass back panel (available in Mirror Black, Mirror Purple, and Mirror Pink), making it slightly heavier than its predecessor at 208 grams, but also more vibrant and solid. The glass back features a matte finish that resists fingerprints—a small detail that makes a big difference.

• Fold Mechanism: The hinge is the best part of the entire phone. Compared to the first Fold, which had issues with smooth opening, the Z Flip 4 opens effortlessly, without resistance or noise. Samsung invested over 500 million in developing this mechanism, and it shows. It opens in one fluid motion and closes so smoothly it feels like it’s reading your mind.
• Protection: Inside the hinge, a brush system prevents dust and moisture from entering. Additionally, the microSD card slot (if you use one) is located at the top when the phone is folded, significantly reducing the risk of damage.
• Colors: Mirror Black is the most popular, but Mirror Purple and Mirror Pink bring a freshness you don’t see on most other phones.

Display: Two Screens in One—But Not Perfect

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 features a dual-screen setup:

1. Main Display (6.7″) – Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a resolution of 2636 x 1169 pixels (1169 vertically!), delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. HDR10+ support makes images exceptionally lively, even in dark scenes.
2. Cover Display (1.1″) – A small screen on the top when folded. It’s used for checking notifications, time, calendar, and receiving calls or texts. However, the 112 x 300-pixel resolution means visuals appear very close up, and text is too large for comfortable reading.

Display Issues?

• Reflections: The glass screen reflects light, so if you’re using it in sunlight, you’ll need good sunglasses.
• App Limitations: Some apps (like WhatsApp or Instagram) don’t fully support the foldable format, so the screen may look messy or have incomplete elements.

Camera: Better Than Expected—But Not Perfect

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 has three rear cameras:

• 12MP Main Camera (f/1.8) – Excellent for daylight and performs well in low light.
• 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera (f/2.2) – Great for landscapes and group shots.
• Macro Camera (32MP) – A new addition! It can shoot up close (as near as 3 cm), ideal for macro photos of flowers or insects.

We tested it in various conditions:

• ✅ Daylight: Shots are sharp and vibrant, with good color and contrast.
• ✅ Low Light: Good, but not outstanding—better than most competitors, though not at the level of an iPhone or Pixel 7a.
• ❌ Video: 4K video is stable, but autofocus sometimes struggles with moving scenes.

The Front Camera (10MP) works well for video calls, but doesn’t compare to an iPhone in terms of quality.

Performance and Battery Life: Power That Lasts

Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, the Z Flip 4 handles multitasking, gaming, and streaming with ease. In daily use, it feels snappy and responsive, with no noticeable lag even when running multiple apps. Battery life, a common concern with foldables, has improved significantly. The 3,700mAh battery provides a full day of moderate use, and with heavy usage, you might need a top-up by evening. Fast charging at 25W helps, but wireless charging is slower than on some flagships.

Software and User Experience: One UI Shines

Samsung’s One UI is optimized for the foldable form factor, with features like Flex Mode that split the screen when partially folded—perfect for video calls or hands-free photography. The interface is intuitive, and the phone receives regular updates, ensuring it stays secure and feature-rich.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Pros:

• Innovative, compact design that stands out
• Improved hinge mechanism for durability
• Vibrant main display with excellent color accuracy
• Good camera performance in most conditions

Cons:

• High price point compared to non-foldable flagships
• Cover display is too small for practical use
• Battery life, while improved, still lags behind some competitors
• App compatibility issues persist in some cases

Conclusion: Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Worth It?

If you’re looking for a smartphone that combines innovation with style, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a strong contender. It’s not without flaws—the price and some software quirks may give pause—but for those who value portability and cutting-edge design, it’s a compelling choice. As foldable technology matures, the Z Flip 4 represents a significant step forward, making it worth considering if you’re ready to embrace the future of mobile devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How durable is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4?
The Z Flip 4 is more durable than previous models, with an improved hinge and dust resistance, but it’s still advisable to handle it with care, especially the folding mechanism.

Does the Galaxy Z Flip 4 support 5G?
Yes, it supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available.

Can I use the Z Flip 4 with one hand?
Absolutely. Its compact size when folded makes it easy to use with one hand, though unfolding requires two hands for stability.

How does the battery life compare to other smartphones?
It’s decent for a foldable but may not match the endurance of some traditional flagships with larger batteries.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 waterproof?
It has an IPX8 rating, meaning it’s water-resistant but not dustproof, so avoid exposing it to sand or dust.