Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4

A pricey purchase is one of the biggest barriers to folding pleasure.

There is nothing groundbreaking about a phone that can fold. Are the tech impressive? Absolutely. Are they cool in their own way? Totally. Although these devices simplify certain tasks in some cases but they’re not able to totally change the method we make use of smartphones. That’s what I’ve seen using Samsung’s 4th generation Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold.

These phones are similar to the original models Samsung launched in the past few years but are much more durable and refined. I carried my Galaxy Z Flip4 out to the sea and emerged unharmed by salt and sand. I love that it’s small enough that it could fit in my pocket on my shirt. This Galaxy Z Fold4 was with me on a trip to Washington DC. The ability to use an app for messaging to one end of the huge display along with Google Maps in the opposite side was an awesome benefit. Do the features they offer worth the $1,800 or $1,000 price tag, especially when you can find an top-quality phone at less than $450 in the present? It’s unlikely but it tells an awful lot that, after just two weeks of use, I don’t need to part with these phones just yet.

Catch You on the Flippity-Flip

I’ve before mentioned all the improvements Samsung has made in the latest version of foldables. However, in short, they are more durable and all-around better devices. Both are fast due to the most recent Qualcomm processor, and both feature stunningly sharp screens that are bright enough in the brightest of days.

When used it’s smaller Z Flip4 is the more “normal” of these two folding phones. This is because when you unfold it in the normal way, it gives you a typical smartphone experience. Fold this device in half, and it’ll fit in tiny pockets as well as purses. It’s also cute when you customize its colors using Samsung’s Bespoke Studio.

The battery life could be one of the biggest concerns with the Flip4 as the previous model had a problem in regards to time-to-run. The capacity of 3,700 mAh in the latest model is more powerful and generally lasts for a whole day, but it’s not as long. It was at 10 percent by midnight on the day that I carried it to the beach, and I took photographs, navigation, and reading in the sunlight. It’s reliable enough, however those who are heavy users may still need to carry the small battery that can be carried around.

The IPX8 water-resistance rating ensures that dropping a drop in the freshwater or pool won’t harm it. I’ve yet not seen scratches on the screen that is now more durable than ever. While I was at the beach, was concerned that sand might have entered the hinge mechanism however it was safe. (You must be cautious however, since it’s the “X” in IPX8 indicates that Samsung hasn’t tested the device for dust resistance, however, the fact that there isn’t any testing does not mean that it’s invulnerable.).

Its 1.9-inch Cover Screen display on the Flip4 — which is visible even in the event that the phone is closed — adds more functions this time. It’s refreshing not to have for opening the phone to accomplish every single job. I’ve made quick responses to messages via my small Cover Screen, used Google Pay to pay and tap at the New York subway turnstiles and snapped group pictures with my partner and our dog. (We cute.) This isn’t something new and I like the fact that you can set GIFs as wallpapers on the Cover Screen Naturally, this is mine. I’d like to see seeing a bigger display in the near future, so that I can type in full replies to messages and view larger previews after taking an image.

One of my favourite aspects of the Flip4 which takes advantage the folding nature of it is Flex Mode. Apps that can support the mode that activates after folding both half of the Flip4 to 90 degrees, move some content to the top of the screen and the controls to the lower. As an example the time I joined an Google Duo ( er, Google Meet?) video call with my brother to prepare for his regular Smash Bros. the other night, all I had to do was fold my Flip4 in the half, then then place it on the back of my couch. My brothers could view me, and I could see him, and I did not need to prop it on anything or else.

In all honesty, I’ve not found any other apps equally useful in Flex Mode, but I like having my phone at 90 degrees when I’m working to use apps such as Instagram as well as Reddit. It’s also useful for split-screening two apps: one on top that which you interact with, and one below to watch in a passive manner, such as tracking you late night GrubHub order while you browse Reddit (no shame!).

You can transform the bottom that is the Flip4 into an actual trackpad (called Flex Mode Panel) to control an application up to the top, however I couldn’t see much reason to use this.

Below the Fold

The year before I enjoyed my Flip3 better than Flip3 much more than Fold3. The tables have changed. Although it’s still large and needs pants with plenty of pockets (figuratively as well as literally) however, the brand updated Android 12L user interface helps make the best use of the Fold4’s 7.6-inch screen. To be clear, I noticed that I was using the 6.2-inch front-facing panel of the Fold4 frequently; it’s slightly bigger, so it’s easy to use to complete most tasks. However, when you open the Fold4 to reveal its interior screen, it’s pretty fantastical.

The iPad-like task bar that sits at the lower right of the screen to begin. You can open it anytime (along with an drawer for apps) This means that it’s possible to drag an application onto any spot on the screen at decision. I’ve been tempted to open Slack, Gmail, and Google Chrome one after the other while I was replying to a coworker and checking the topic we were discussing which stemmed from an email. While I was in DC I set up Telegram with Google Maps with the display right next to each one, making it much easier to swiftly send my friend about updates about my current location prior to when I picked him up. There are plenty of ways to be multitasking — or perform a single task faster–on the Fold4 The software is able to make it very simple.

There are some issues. Instagram isn’t compatible with the huge screen, and it gets marginally removed when it’s used on the front-facing screen. Many apps do not fully take advantage of the large 7.6-inch screen, and when they do, it’s only when you set the Fold4 in the landscape view. Google Mail, for instance it doesn’t display a dual-pane view until you change the phone’s direction. I’m guessing that some of these issues will be sorted out when Google releases optimizations, like it has pledged to do for the majority of 20 applications (and when the third-party app creators adhere to suit)–except for Instagram and Instagram, which isn’t yet available as an iPad application..

Battery life hasn’t been an issue with the Fold4. I’ve not seen it drop lower than 20%, even that are characterized by heavy use. I’d like to see phones were able to charge as fast as others. I wouldn’t mind receiving more than 50 percent after just 30 minutes on the charger.

Fold and Snap

It’s hard to identify any other flaws in these phones that are designed to function. The crease remains and yes, but I found it not too bothersome. They’re still a bit bulky and the software could benefit from a bit of elegance however it’s difficult to return to a regular rectangular phone after having dipped the toes in the world of foldable phones. Samsung promises that these phones will receive 4 Android OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates. That is the most lengthy software support period on an Android phone.