Samsung takes the fold.
Released at the end of the summer, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 (sold from 1109 euros) already embodies the third version of the manufacturer's flip smartphone, which also offers another folding, much larger and more expensive: the Z Fold (1799 euros).
Even if it seems to have taken a little lead in this segment, the Korean giant is seeing competitors sharpen their weapons.
Witness the Chinese-American Motorola, which recently launched a convincing flip phone, the Razr 2022. Or the disgraced Chinese Huawei, which signed the amazing P50 Pocket last year.
Does the Galaxy Z Flip 4 have the weapons to keep its competitors at a safe distance?
Answer in this test.
We liked
A design that changes everything.
This is obviously the main attraction of the Z Flip 4: its folding format.
First advantage, compactness.
When closed, the phone fits in the palm of your hand and slips easily into a pocket.
This makes it much more pleasant to handle and transport than a conventional device.
Especially since it remains quite light (187 g).
Another positive point offered by this design: the inner screen is better protected against micro-scratches, but also in the event of a fall.
Exemplary finishes.
The hinge, this essential part that links the two parts of the device, exudes solidity (Samsung guarantees 200,000 openings/closings).
The back of the phone is dressed in a matte finish that is pleasant to the touch and the borders are in shiny aluminum.
All this is very successful and gives off a reassuring feeling of quality.
Samsung also offers a high degree of customization in terms of colors, with more than 70 possible combinations.
More than a phone, the Flip 4 is a fashion accessory that wants to catch the eye.
The hinge seems very sturdy.
The Flip 4 benefits from an IPX8 certification, making it resistant to splashes and immersion at a depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes.
Flex mode.
Thanks to this feature, the software interface adapts when using the phone folded at a right angle (more or less).
For example, when using YouTube, one of the third-party apps optimized for this mode, the upper part of the screen is dedicated to video, while the lower area will display comments and other textual information.
Very convenient.
Same idea with the photo app: the screen is split in two, which allows new shots, and without having to use accessories (tripod, stabilizer, etc.).
For example, it is possible to film or take photos while holding the camera like a camcorder of yesteryear, for more stability.
A superb main screen.
Samsung equips its jewel with a beautiful flexible panel, in vibrant colors, with a definition of 2640 x 1080 pixels.
Very bright, it unfolds on 6.7 inches, in a rather atypical format, all in length, reminiscent of Sony smartphones.
Amoled obliges, the blacks are deep and the contrast tends towards infinity.
On the fluidity side, it's all good again: the refresh rate, adaptive, goes up to 120 Hz. Perfect for gamers and those who are irritated by the "scroll".
Read alsoThe battle of folding smartphones will take place
Good in photo.
The Z Flip 4 has three photo modules: a 12 MP ultra wide-angle, a 12 MP wide-angle as well and a 10 MP selfie camera.
By day, the main sensor takes beautiful photos, although a bit too saturated, especially for blue and green.
The overall rendering remains very pleasant.
The sharpness is also there, provided you don't zoom in too much on the image.
We also appreciate the trigger speed of the camera.
Photo taken with the main sensor (wide angle).
The ultra wide-angle is effective, the deformation on the sides of the image remains limited and the colors are pleasant, even if they remain a little duller than before the main module.
The details remain numerous.
Photo taken with the ultra wide-angle.
The Portrait mode is good: the sharpness is present and the background blur outlines the subjects well, while avoiding being too aggressive.
As for the selfie camera, it remains correct but does not avoid the pitfalls often observed in the competition: a skin texture that is not very faithful to reality and difficulties in managing strong lights.
At night, Samsung does a very good job: the photos taken with the main sensor are bright, sharp (provided you don't move too much).
We manage to easily restore beautiful nocturnal atmospheres.
Night mode off.
Night mode activated.
We liked less
The fold remains significant.
As we said, the screen is magnificent.
But there is a slight problem: the fold in the middle of the slab.
Yes, it is visible, especially when you are not perfectly in front of the phone, and very perceptible to the touch.
On this point, the competitor Motorola, with its flip phone Razr 2022, has done a more successful job, the demarcation being more discreet on its device.
The fold remains noticeable, especially if you do not look directly at the slab.
The absence of a telephoto lens.
Samsung has not integrated a telephoto lens into its smartphone.
A choice dictated, perhaps, by the atypical curves of the phone, which leave little margin.
Still, the pill is struggling to pass in terms of the price of the Flip 4. Cheaper competitors offer more versatility in photography.
In short, the rendering of zoomed photos, beyond X2, is very average…
Zoom X2.
Zoom (digital) X4.
Zoom (digital) X10.
A frustrating external screen.
In addition to its main slab, the Z Flip 4 is adorned with an external screen.
This can display some useful notifications and information (calendar, timer, weather, favorite numbers, etc.).
Unfortunately, the features associated with this screen are too limited: impossible, for example, to respond to SMS (except via short predefined responses), change playlists, or even watch a YouTube video.
It must be said that this slab is tiny (1.9 inches), which restricts its use.
The external screen should have been bigger.
Small battery, slow charging.
The Z Flip 4 does not shine for its endurance: the device will last about a day with moderate use.
Correct, no more.
And do not count on a flash recharge to restore its energy since it takes about an hour and twenty to go from 0 to 100%.
Logical when you know that the charge is capped at 25 W… Note also that Samsung does not, alas, provide any charger in the box.
A bit tight for big gamers.
The Flip 4 is equipped with the best chip available in our region, the Snapdragon 8 + Gen 1. It is coupled with 8 GB of RAM and 128, 256 or 512 GB of storage, depending on the configuration.
Enough to offer unfailing fluidity on a daily basis.
However, the device is less comfortable during video game sessions, during which it will be necessary to accept concessions on the graphics and slight jerks.
In question, excessive heating, which prevents the Flip from deploying its full capabilities.
Verdict
We enjoyed spending time with this Galaxy Z Flip 4, which we think is a great smartphone.
Although it is not free from flaws (average battery, slow charging, too limited for big gamers, etc.), it has a splendid main screen, exemplary finishes and can boast of being a good photophone, in despite the lack of a telephoto lens.
Above all, it is its original format that seduces: the fold offers a plus in terms of use and size.
Its main competitor: Motorola's Razr 2022.