Galaxy Z Flip4 Vs Galaxy Z Flip5

Galaxy Z Flip4
Galaxy Z Flip4
Starting at

Refurbished price:271.00

Versus €1,159.00 new

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Galaxy Z Flip5
Galaxy Z Flip5
Starting at

Refurbished price:357.00

Versus €1,470.83 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, launched in August 2023, are both foldable smartphones designed to offer a compact experience when closed and a full-sized smartphone display when opened. While they share the core clamshell design, the Z Flip5 introduces notable enhancements, particularly in its external display and internal processing capabilities. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering a familiar user experience with Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these foldable devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy Z Flip4 was released in August 2022, while the Z Flip5 followed in August 2023. This one-year difference means the Z Flip5 will generally receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Support: Samsung typically provides four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. The Z Flip4, launched with Android 12, is expected to receive updates up to Android 16, with security updates until 2027. The Z Flip5, starting with Android 13, is projected to receive OS updates up to Android 17 and security updates until 2028, offering an additional year of official software support.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an aluminum frame and IPX8 water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in fresh water. The Z Flip5 introduces a new 'Flex Hinge' design that allows the phone to fold completely flat, reducing the gap seen in previous models like the Z Flip4. The Z Flip5 also upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its outer panels, compared to the Z Flip4's Gorilla Glass Victus+.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

Yes

Yes

Performance

The performance of these devices is largely driven by their internal components, impacting everything from app responsiveness to gaming capabilities.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy Z Flip4 is powered by a processor from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 series. The Galaxy Z Flip5 features a newer generation processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. This newer processor in the Z Flip5 generally translates to faster CPU and GPU speeds, offering improved performance for demanding applications and multitasking.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the Z Flip5 may experience smoother app loading, more fluid transitions, and enhanced performance in graphically intensive games due to its more advanced processor. While the Z Flip4 handles everyday tasks efficiently, the Z Flip5 provides a noticeable boost for power users and those who frequently engage in mobile gaming.
  • Storage and RAM: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM. The Z Flip4 offers storage options starting from 128GB, with 256GB and 512GB also available. The Z Flip5 starts with a base storage of 256GB, also offering a 512GB option. Neither model supports expandable storage via microSD cards.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a critical aspect of any smartphone, and these foldable devices offer unique characteristics for both their main and cover screens.

  • Main Display Technology: Both the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Flip5 feature a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The resolution is 1080x2640 pixels, offering clear and sharp visuals.
  • Cover Screen Functionality: A significant difference lies in the cover screen. The Z Flip4 has a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover display. The Z Flip5 dramatically increases this to a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED 'Flex Window' cover screen. This larger cover screen on the Z Flip5 allows for more extensive widget use, full QWERTY keyboard replies, and a more comprehensive preview for photos and videos without needing to open the device.
  • Brightness Levels: The Z Flip5's main display offers higher peak brightness compared to the Z Flip4, which can improve visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2640

1080 x 2640

Screen type

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both Galaxy Z Flip models are equipped with camera systems designed for versatile photography, leveraging their foldable form factor for unique shooting angles.

  • Rear Camera System: Both the Z Flip4 and Z Flip5 feature a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12 MP wide-angle lens and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Both wide-angle lenses include optical image stabilization (OIS) and Dual Pixel autofocus. While the megapixel count remains the same, the Z Flip5's cameras benefit from updated sensors and improved image processing, which can lead to better overall photo and video quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Front Camera and Video Quality: Both devices have a 10 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. Video recording capabilities on both models include up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. The Z Flip5's larger cover screen significantly enhances the selfie experience, allowing users to utilize the higher-quality rear cameras for self-portraits with a larger preview.
  • Audio Experience: Both models offer stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several other aspects contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of these foldable smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Flip5 support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 (or Wi-Fi 6E for the Z Flip5), and Bluetooth 5.2 (Z Flip4) or 5.3 (Z Flip5). These ensure fast and reliable wireless connections for data, calls, and accessory pairing.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, both incorporate a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The Z Flip5 also supports reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other compatible devices.
  • Physical Characteristics: Both models weigh 187 grams. When unfolded, their dimensions are very similar, with the Z Flip4 measuring 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm and the Z Flip5 at 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm. The Z Flip5's new hinge design allows it to fold completely flat, resulting in a thinner folded profile (15.1mm) compared to the Z Flip4 (15.9-17.1mm).

Weight

183 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Flip5 both offer a compelling foldable smartphone experience, catering to users who appreciate a compact form factor without compromising on a large display. The Z Flip4, as the older model, still provides a solid foundation with its capable performance, good camera system, and durable build. Users often praise its ability to deliver a full smartphone experience in a pocketable design. However, some users noted that its smaller cover screen had limited functionality, and the hinge design left a slight gap when folded.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 builds upon its predecessor with significant upgrades that enhance the user experience. Its most lauded feature is the substantially larger 'Flex Window' cover screen, which users find much more practical for quick interactions, notifications, and high-quality selfies using the main cameras. The newer, more efficient processor in the Z Flip5 also contributes to smoother performance and potentially better battery optimization, even with the same battery capacity as the Z Flip4. The improved hinge design, allowing the phone to fold completely flat, is another frequently praised enhancement, contributing to a more refined aesthetic and better pocketability.

Users prioritizing a more advanced and versatile external display, along with the latest performance enhancements and an extended software support window, will find the Galaxy Z Flip5 better suited to their needs. Those who value a compact foldable experience and are content with a smaller, more basic cover screen, while still benefiting from a capable device, may find the Galaxy Z Flip4 to be a suitable option. Both models represent a sustainable choice when considering quality-assured refurbished options, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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