The future is fun and flexible, at least that’s the vibe I am feeling after using Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip phones for a few years. But for most, the Galaxy Z Flip4 may well be the first foldable they will use. For a moment, forget the reviewer, the person who finds flaws with each iteration of the phone. Forget the Twitter blabber because geeky chat doesn’t sell a phone. Focus on what can actually be done with the Galaxy Z Flip4. Plenty, if you ask me.
Who is this phone for?
Perhaps the most important question because you need to know if foldable phones are at all your “thing”. Consider three phones — Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, which has the best cameras on an Android phone alongside support for S Pen; Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, which is a phone that opens up like a book to reveal a tablet-like screen; Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, which is a clamshell device that becomes half the size of your normal phone when shut.
The outer screen helps with notifications as well as the camera
There are people who simply love to enjoy a premium experience on a smartphone and don’t care about a screen size beyond 6.8 inches, which is substantial. Then there are those who want a tablet as well as a phone. For them, there is the Fold4. And then there are those who want the best camera as well as a form factor that fits in with a chic lifestyle. It’s a lifestyle where it helps to be a trendsetter, where a Flip phone makes a style statement as much as the “eyes” on the back of an iPhone.
Anyone who boasts of six-seven hours of screen time should avoid the Flip4 because the clamshell design has a certain philosophy — closing a phone shut means work is done. It’s for those who want to strike a work-life balance and don’t constantly stare at the screen… for them notifications are important, something that can be seen on the small screen on the cover.
Keep the phone in ‘tent’ mode while taking pictures
Why the Flip matters
Allow me to get a couple of questions out of the way. First, hardware. Don’t expect massive changes from the Flip3… it’s not there. The big changes are on the inside, like on the camera module which has enjoyed a massive upgrade. The big changes are on the software side, so that you can do certain tasks far more easily than before besides taking advantage of the form factor.
The dual cameras on the back are both 12MP, one being the ultra-wide. The algorithm processing the images taken on the phone now offers better contrast, clarity, less noise and excellent performance at night. You will hardly notice any difference in your photographs on this phone than on any of the Galaxy S22 series devices. It’s that good. Nightography — a technology that Samsung uses to make night photography appear acceptable — is featured on the phone and shots are not only brighter but way sharper than before. Videos too come out perfect — 4K@60fps.
The phone rocks a clean design and this time it attracts less fingerprints
But camera is not just about camera. How you use the phone to take pictures matters. For example, I don’t need to carry a tripod to take still photographs or videos. Simply put the phone into Flex mode or where the phone is half opened to rest on any flat surface. You are assured of photographs without any blurs. Or hold the phone like you may have with a camcorder. Some are saying this mode doesn’t help but I suggest you try this out before making a purchase decision. For me camcorder-style recording has helped with videos. Sure, the Galaxy S22 Ultra has a better camera but with Flip4, it’s ease of use that matters.
One of the things I enjoyed about the phone involves filming myself with the back cameras. Usually, I can’t see myself when filming this way. But with this phone, I can turn on the cover screen preview and see if I am in the frame.
The camera focus is sharp even when dealing with pets
The other thing that has impressed me is software chops. There is a beautiful 6.7-inch dynamic AMOLED 2X screen that supports 120Hz adaptable refresh rate. The Ultra Thin Glass is now 45 per cent stronger and is complemented by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. The magic happens when you have the phone half open or kept in ‘L’ shape. I used the upper half of the screen to watch videos while scanning my emails on the lower half. You can mix and match apps. Or there were times when I needed something like a mouse pointer to work; it’s very much possible here.
The outer 1.9-inch screen is equally interesting with its selection of widgets. You can get notifications to pop up and you can even use it to take photos. You can double tap and it will give you the full view so you can see everything. Just tap to take a photo. You can also take videos using the outer screen.
The amount of details captured on the Flip4 is suprisingly good
Should you buy it?
Let’s talk about the hinge. Samsung has made it sturdier so that the phone appears rock steady when open. Sturdy doesn’t mean it’s not flexible. It opens smoothly and I feel less scared to use this phone than when the Flip3 came out last year.
There is a larger 3,700mAh battery, ensuring a full day of usage. Remember, flip it shut and work is done; meaning, you are not someone who spends seven hours a day on a phone. There is also wireless PowerShare to share some of your phone’s battery with a friend. Did I mention that it’s IPX8 water resistant?
The hinge is sturdy and smooth
The phone has a matte finish, which means it’s not a fingerprint magnet. Plus, matte translates into a beautiful finish.
Even somebody who loves Apple will give this phone a second and a third and a fourth look. It’s appealing, compact and you just can’t get enough of it. If not anything, you can make your colleagues, fellow passengers during commute or those sitting at tables close to you in the café, ogle at the Flip4. The aesthetics of the phone has ‘win’ written all over it.
The phone is slim and can fit into any bag or pocket
At a glance
Device: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
Price: Rs 89,999
High notes
- The main screen can be used to work on two activities
- Battery life is better
- A lot of software upgrades
- Excellent camera performance
- Matte finish means fewer fingerprints
- A lifestyle-focused phone unlike anything in the market
- IPX8 rating
Muffled note
- No telephoto lens