The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is BETTER than the Fold 4. Here's Why.
When it comes to foldable devices, I am a virgin. But I have been spending some time with Samsung’s latest foldables and using them on a day to day basis. Both the Z Flip 4 and the Fold 4 offer something very distinct from each other.
This article is not really about putting down one in favor of the other. I’m also not going into so much detail about their specs, since a lot has been said about that already. They are IP68 water resistant, more durable screens with Gorilla Glass Victus+, slimmer hinges. And the seam is still there, a by-product of foldable screens, you will notice it whenever you’re swiping or just looking at the screen from an off angle. (Shown below) This article is just about me stating my observations having used these devices everyday, and hopefully this will help you in your purchase decision.
User Experience
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is far more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, but what you are getting here is actually two distinct experiences. When it’s unfolded, it’s essentially a tablet with an almost 1:1 aspect ratio. I love that because I can see more and do more in my apps. For me, this wider aspect ratio is perfect for multi-window screen, which I feel works a lot better when the apps are side by side, which lets me see a lot more rather than top and bottom.
I also love the new taskbar at the bottom which the previous version didn’t have. It’s a quick overview and a shortcut to some essential actions, like a desktop OS.
When it’s folded, the front screen interface feels like any other Android device, only that the aspect ratio is a lot taller and skinnier, which I like as I can easily type with one thumb. This mode is more convenient to remove from your pocket, using one hand to unlock the device and start using it right away, rather than both hands when unfolded.
On the other hand, the Z Fold 4 feels like a brick in my pocket when folded, and there were several close calls where the phone almost dropped when I was pulling it out of my pocket. So I always try to make sure that I’m gripping it extra tight when I’m taking it out. Typing in one hand should have been easier because of the aspect ratio, but the weight, the bulk, and the fear of dropping it, makes this experience more tricky and annoying. This is why I prefer the Flip 4, which is a lot easier to use just one-handed, and you still get a little more screen real estate on the sides which makes it more comfortable to hold for gaming and watching videos.
Gaming Experience
Speaking of gaming and watching videos, you will get a much better experience with the Fold 4 from an audio perspective. It’s got a bit more low end and gravity to the sound, while the Flip 4 sounds loud but also much more tinny by comparison.
When playing games with the Fold 4, you do get to use the whole screen, though it doesn’t necessarily mean you get to see more, because when it scales up, the sides get cut off. But it does blow up fine details which could be an advantage if you’re playing a competitive game like COD Mobile.
Camera Experience
In terms of shooting pictures and video, the Fold 4’s camera setup is definitely a lot better than the Flip 4, as it got more cameras, including a 50MP wide angle. When shooting pictures and video, it’s able to resolve more detail in the shot, even in darker environments. Most of the time I wasn’t even shooting in 50 megapixels, but even so, pictures appear a bit more vibrant and clean than on the Flip 4.
When shooting videos with the front camera, it’s also a lot less grainy than the Flip 4’s front camera. I’m also noticing that images shot on the Flip 4 also looks a little more washed out than the Fold 4. Check out the video comparison video here.
So if you’re looking for great camera performance, I prefer the Fold 4’s camera. But the main appeal of the Flip 4 isn’t that it’s got great cameras. It’s that you can prop it up easily, no stand required. And that means more creative angles you can play around with for your Instagram stories, and TikTok. You don’t even have to ask somebody to prop it up for you just to make your shots look more interesting.
Conclusion
But the main reason why I prefer the Flip 4 personally is its portability. It’s more discrete, and it doesn’t look so ridiculous when I put it in my pocket. It’s lighter so it’s easier to use one-handed, and I’m less likely to drop it. Now, there are users who will want a Folblet (Folding Phone Tablet) for that extra screen real estate, particularly for business use because it’s a better multitasking machine.
For me to use a device on a daily basis, it has to be way thinner, and lighter than it is right now folded. Otherwise, I’ll be happy with an actual tablet. That is why the Flip 4 makes more sense for me. To find out the latest prices of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, visit the Amazon pages through the links below.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: https://amzn.to/3Q57iPY
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: https://amzn.to/3AYEBQr
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