Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 evolve as phones, but not as much as foldables

Without a doubt; folding are of interest. Evidence of this is the desire of a growing number of manufacturers to announce devices with flexible panels and improvements in terms of format, design and screen, such as those included in Oppo Find N and its nonexistent wrinkle. Not forgetting, moreover, the success of two of the most popular foldable devices on the market, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fip 3. It is this success that Samsung wants to increase with a new generation of foldable devices: Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4.

It also does this by introducing important innovations and improving on many of the weaknesses of its predecessors; two mobile phones that, although they stand out for their screens, have not always matched other conventional mobile phones in aspects such as autonomy or photography.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 are more powerful thanks to Qualcomm, they have more battery in the case of the Flip, their cameras are even better, and they add new features at the level software to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by its flexible screens.

On the physical level, there are also some changes: slight bezel reduction, lighter weight in the Galazy Z Fold 4, and slightly improved aesthetics in the case of the Galaxy Z Flip 4. Samsung, however, seems to have forgotten about some of the changes.. These are the changes that we most expected.

More powerful, with bigger battery and better cameras

We reiterate that Samsung has improved some areas where the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 were weak. One of them: camera. Both terminals have brighter sensors. In the case of the Galaxy Z Fold 4, it captures 23% more light. On the Z Flip 4, up to 65%, according to the company. Without extensive testing, this is no doubt a big change.

We must not forget, in addition, that folding ones have additional characteristics that make the photo section much more versatile. For example, it is possible to record a video with the rear cameras of the Z Flip 4 and preview it on an external screen, or make videos directly from the camera app, using the fact that we can fold the smartphone at a 90-degree angle and place it on a flat surface.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, for its part, now has a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a secondary 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and another telephoto lens. capable of reaching 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. Again, with additional features thanks to the external screen, such as the ability to preview what the camera is shooting.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Specifications

Another improvement is seen in Battery. Particularly in the Galaxy Z Flip 4. Samsung has gone from a 3200 mAh battery in the case of the Z Flip 3 to one of 3700 mAh. A step forward that tries to solve one of the biggest shortcomings of the previous model.

All this on top with 25W fast charging and up to 15W wireless charging. As with the camera, this is an area that needs to be thoroughly tested to see improvements. However, the increase in power, as well as the alleged improvements in the optimization of its processor, already suggest a significant improvement.

And speaking of the processor. Samsung decided to include the latest and most powerful model of the American Qualcomm in the list. This, in particular, Snapdragon 8+ 1st generationa fortified version of the first-generation Snapdragon 8 that the company says is 15% more efficient and 10% more powerful in terms of graphics performance.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 have improved in everything but what we expected

There are other sections in which Samsung has hardly touched anything. Screens, for example, retain the same diagonal, technology and resolution.. This means we continue to use 120Hz refresh rate, AMOLED technology, equivalent pixel density, etc. These aren’t the most advanced screens – the S22 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro won this award – but they offer a good experience.

However, in design, little progress comes at a cost.The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is lighter and a bit more compact as its bezels have shrunk a bit.. The external screen also has a slightly wider format, although the truth is that there is not much difference compared to the Z Fold 3 in the hand. It’s still narrow compared to other regular phones and somewhat awkward to use, especially for writing or navigating the interface. On the other hand, the company ensures that its internal screen is more resistant to external damage thanks to its “optimized layer structure”.

The problem is that in the hands of Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 continues to evoke the same feeling as the Galaxy Z Fold 3. That is: a mobile phone that conveys greater fragility than a conventional mobile phone, with considerable thickness when the screen is fully folded and with some details awaiting clarification. This is something that we could accept in the first generations, but not in the fourth. First of all, given that competitors have smartphones with more successful solutions – Oppo Find N is a perfect example.

Features Galaxy Z Fold 4

Samsung nor did the aesthetics of the flexible inner panel improve. both smartphones. Both the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 retain this slight crease under the hinge when their screens are fully unfolded. Again, this is something that rival smartphones like Oppo’s Find N do better and that Samsung should have improved after so many generations.

The company, moreover, maintains that small gap between screens when the terminals are stacked, since the design of the hinge does not allow them to close completely. This is a way to prevent marks on the panel over time, but it also makes it thicker and less elegant to the eye. Samsung should have looked for a solution that would prevent further damage to the panel and in turn allow the terminal to be fully folded.

As such, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 remain two of the most advanced smartphones on the market in terms of specs, and in the absence of extensive testing of both, they could be an attractive option for those users looking for performance. But yes: Samsung missed the opportunity to make both models even more foldable.