I’ve been using Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip3 for a year now and have noticed that it doesn’t have a high capture rate in Malaysia.
The Galaxy Unpacked event of August 2022 confirmed my observations. Samsung has shared statistics that customers are interested in foldable devices for novelty reasons. However, I’m still reluctant to charge at least RM4,000 for a flip phone.
One of the complaints pointed out by Samsung was that customers were skeptical about the durability and functionality of the foldable device. However, the brand is making noticeable improvements with each new model released.
Previously, I shared my first impressions of the 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 have owned for a year.
Improved durability in real life
Immediately, the Z Flip4 feels sturdier with a decent weight of 187 grams. Perhaps this is due to the shiny metal frame on the outside of its predecessor’s plastic frame.
Open, 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 ultimate, so I’m nervous if I hold my nails a bit longer for fear of scratching the screen.
I’m still waiting for JerryRigEverything to confirm my guess that the Z Flip4 screen scratches at level 4 or 5 (the Z Flip3 scratches at level 2).
The JerryRigEverything scratch tester uses the Moh hardness scale with levels from 1 to 10. 1 is the softest material, equivalent to talc, and 10 is the hardest material, such as diamond. Glass screens are usually scratched around level 6.
Speaking of the internal screen, the curvature on the folding part of the device is quite small, which reduces the hassle of scrolling through SNS, playing games and watching videos.
However, by optimizing the device’s hinge, you might think Samsung could have narrowed the gap a bit when the phone is folded.
The Z Flip4 has an IPX8 water resistance rating, which should withstand 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, the device is not yet dustproof. However, in my experience, dust doesn’t damage the internal screen as much as you might think.
Overall, the durability of the Z Flip4 is also aided by the tight feel of the zipper when opening and closing.
More features that take advantage of foldability
With the Z Flip3, there were a few areas where I felt the phone’s flip ability could allow for more. So you’re basically getting two screens in one phone, so you can get the most out of it too, right?
Samsung appears to be responding to these requests for the Z Flip4.
For example, the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus cover screen has additional features. Samsung has expanded the cover screen options with more watch themes and designs to choose from.
Previously, the Z Flip3 cover screen was limited. You can check the time and notifications, set a 10-minute timer, and start audio recording as you fold. But these structures were more than superficial.
Some of the new additions include a quick reply option for text, turn quick settings on / off (flashlight, Wi-Fi, turn Bluetooth on and off, etc.), quickly 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. Plus, Quick Shots now lets you switch between portrait and normal mode for taking photos.
On the other hand, Samsung has added Flex mode to the Z Flip4. This is a productivity feature available only on previous Z Fold models.
Flexible mode is basically a split screen mode where apps switch to the two halves of the screen when the phone is folded.
For example, if you fold the screen and sit at a table, flex mode appears 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 has the same camera specs as its predecessor with a 12MP wide, 12MP wide and 10MP camera. But it appears that the update 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 seem overly correct.
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 update, admittedly, but it makes a difference in terms of usability.
You can now take advantage of your phone’s 120Hz screen refresh rate. This is something you should give up over the previous model if you want a full day of battery life with regular use, such as taking photos, browsing social media, and texting.
Technical commentators believe the Z Flip4’s battery efficiency has something to do with its updated 64-bit 4nm octa-core processor and updated Android 12 operating system.
– // –
There is no doubt that Samsung has made significant improvements to the Z Flip4. Some might call them incremental, but they are laudable steps.
Maybe I’m biased because I was a fan of the Galaxy Z Flip. Is it worth buying the RM 4,099 price tag of the lower spec variant of the Z Flip4 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage?
The Z Flip4 may be for those who have been observing 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).
| highlights | negative |
|---|---|
| Longer life of internal screens, covers and hinges | The camera specifications are the same as in the previous work |
| More features with flexible mode, cover and screen options | There are still noticeable scratches and gaps where the phone was folded |
| Optimize image processing | |
| More efficient battery to keep up with phone specifications |
–
- Find out more about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 here.
- Find out more about VP provisions here.
VP Verdict is a series where you personally try and test products, services, fashions and apps. Do you want to suggest something else to try? Leave a comment here or send a suggestion on our Facebook page.
–
