Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip4's Cover Screen size is 1.9" in the full rectangle and 1.8" accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners. With the 12MP ultrawide camera, however, there’s a big drop in detail and images looked a little washed out. I rarely find much use for a wide-angle camera, especially since the trade-offs are usually too heavy for what little benefit you get for being able to squeeze more stuff in the frame but the Z Flip 4’s ultrawide images are serviceable in a pinch. The Z Flip 4’s design has actually changed a little this year, although you’ll struggle to notice much of a difference with the naked eye. According to Samsung, the phone’s hinge is slightly slimmer, and the bezels have been decreased for easier one-handed use. Again, this isn’t something I noticed while testing the phone but the frame is now a reflective silver instead of a matte plastic and that you do notice. Despite smaller proportions all around and a more compact hinge compared to its direct predecessor, the Z Flip 4 actually weighs a few grams more (187g versus 183g) than Samsung's last clamshell, but for good reason.

Galaxy Z Flip 4 review | TechRadar Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review | TechRadar

That's the same chipset you'll find in the latest Android flagships, including Asus' newest Zenfone 9, as well as the Taiwanese company's gaming behemoth, the ROG Phone 6. The learning curve shouldn't feel too sizeable for those coming from non-Samsung devices and the company dresses its interface with plenty of tutorials to succinctly teach you about how specific features work; including Z Flip 4-exclusive additions, like Flex Mode and the Cover Display. Limited to wireless charge compatible (QI standard) devices only. If battery power is lower than 30% Wireless PowerShare may not function. May not work with certain accessories, covers, other brand devices or some Samsung wearables. Wireless PowerShare may affect call reception or data services depending on your network environment. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 3,595mAh. Some of Samsung's flagships – namely the Galaxy S series – run on either Snapdragon or Exynos chips, depending on where in the world you find them. As a result, aspects like performance and camera behavior can vary a lot between the two versions, usually in the Snapdragon's favor.

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Despite the same primary screen size as the Flip 3, Samsung has managed to make the Flip 4 smaller overall. When folding the phone closed, the logo-engraved hinge doesn't protrude quite as much as it did on the last model; with a folded height that's 1.5mm shorter, thanks in part to slimmer bezels (this has also made more room for a bigger battery).

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Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Flip4’s Main Screen size is 6.7" in the full rectangle and 6.6" accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. The inner Dynamic AMOLED 2x display measures 6.7in across the diagonal, with a resolution of 2,640 x 1,080 and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the secondary “cover” screen is a slim 1.9in, 512 x 260 touchscreen bar on the rear of the Galaxy Z Flip 4, which sits below the phone’s two rear cameras, stretching across the width of the phone. Indeed, the performance improvements via the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 might be its best new feature and when you consider that one of our biggest complaints with the previous model was its less-than-stellar battery life, the stamina increase is worth the upgrade on its own. Beyond these additions and updates, which capitalize on the Flip 4's unique hardware configuration, you can expect a more familiar One UI software experience (as you'd find on Samsung's more conventional phones), underpinned by Android 12 at launch (with an update to Android 13 rolling out as of November 2022). Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on country, carrier and user environment.

Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2022.07.07–07.12 in USA with pre-release versions of SM-F721U under default setting using 5G Sub6 networks (NOT tested under 5G mmWave network). Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors.

Galaxy Z Flip4, 5G Foldable Smartphone, 8GB RAM, 6.7”, 5G Galaxy Z Flip4, 5G Foldable Smartphone, 8GB RAM, 6.7”, 5G

You can see the crease in the display when the phone is unfolded but it isn't that noticeable under-finger. (Image credit: Future) In practice, the Flip 4 proved resilient enough to repel scuffs and scrapes across its glass and metal construction over the course of the review period, with the real challenge being dust. If the phone's svelte box doesn't immediately give it away, there's no power adapter included; as there hasn't been for multiple generations of Samsung flagship, at this point. As with the Flip 3, this new model starts with 128GB of non-expandable (but speedy) UFS 3.1 storage. However, Samsung has raised the storage ceiling with a new 512GB model that wasn't previously available. Pricing has slightly increased with the Flip 4 (in some markets at least, including the UK), no doubt driven by global economic pressures and supply chain issues – problems numerous manufacturers are facing in the current climate, and the reason behind price increases across a variety of products.Battery life is significantly improved as a result. Running our in-house battery drain test, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 lasted 21hrs 11mins before dropping to zero. That’s a massive five hours more than the Z Flip 3, making it the longest-lasting foldable smartphone we’ve tested (at the time of writing). Something about the convenient nature of being able to jump into shooting without opening the phone, by relying on the main and ultrawide sensor paired with the Cover Display, ups the likelihood of snapping more selfies and makes shooting feel more fun and spontaneous.