Galaxy Z Flip4 Vs iPhone SE (2020)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022, and the iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Z Flip4 offers a modern foldable form factor with a flexible display and a focus on compact portability, the iPhone SE 2020 provides a traditional smartphone experience within a familiar, compact design. Both devices operate on different ecosystems, with the Z Flip4 running Android and the iPhone SE 2020 running iOS, leading to fundamental differences in user interface and app availability.

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two devices offer different profiles in terms of longevity.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022, benefits from Samsung's commitment to four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning it is expected to receive support up to Android 16 and security patches until 2027. The iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, typically receives 5-7 years of major iOS updates and extended security patches, with current support extending to iOS 26.4 as of March 2026.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE 2020 generally receives a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, noting that common components like the display and battery are relatively accessible, and some parts are cross-compatible with the iPhone 8. The Galaxy Z Flip4 also has a repairability score around 6 out of 10, though some sources indicate it could be as low as 4 out of 10, with challenges noted due to adhesive use for the back cover and battery, and the intricate nature of replacing the foldable screen.
• Practical Lifespan: Users of the Galaxy Z Flip4 have reported concerns regarding the durability of the foldable screen and hinge over time, with some experiencing screen protector peeling or hinge issues after extended use. The iPhone SE 2020, while having a more traditional and generally robust build, has a glass back that can be impractical to replace if damaged.

Performance in daily use is a key differentiator, with both devices offering capable hardware tailored to their respective operating systems.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy Z Flip4 is equipped with a current-generation processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for gaming and intensive tasks. The iPhone SE 2020 features a powerful processor that ensures smooth operation for everyday tasks and can manage graphically intensive games, though its performance headroom is older compared to the Z Flip4.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Flip4 offers ample capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously and switching between them without significant slowdowns. The iPhone SE 2020 comes with 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical iOS multitasking, but may show limitations when handling a large number of demanding applications concurrently.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Z Flip4 houses a 3700 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of moderate use, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging. User feedback for the iPhone SE 2020 often highlights its smaller 1821 mAh battery capacity, which can lead to more frequent charging, especially for users with high screen-on time.

The display is a primary interaction point, and these two phones offer vastly different visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and animations. It also includes a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick notifications and widgets. The iPhone SE 2020 utilizes a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display, which provides accurate colors and good viewing angles, but with a standard 60 Hz refresh rate and a more traditional, non-foldable design.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Z Flip4's main display has a resolution of 2640x1080 pixels, resulting in a sharp and detailed image. The iPhone SE 2020 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, which offers sufficient clarity for its screen size, though it is less dense than the Z Flip4's display.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy Z Flip4's AMOLED display typically offers high peak brightness, making it comfortable to view in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. The iPhone SE 2020's LCD screen has a peak brightness of 625 nits, providing good visibility in most outdoor environments.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both devices approach photography differently.

• Camera System Configuration: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, offering versatility for different types of shots. It also has a 10MP front-facing camera. The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with optical image stabilization and a 7MP front-facing camera.
• Photography Performance: The Z Flip4's camera system generally produces detailed and vibrant photos in good lighting conditions, with the ultrawide lens adding creative options. Users have noted that low-light performance is generally good, though not always on par with some flagship devices. The iPhone SE 2020's single rear camera, powered by its advanced processor, delivers strong everyday photography with good color reproduction and detail, particularly in well-lit environments. However, it lacks a dedicated night mode, which can impact low-light image quality.
• Video Recording and Features: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The Galaxy Z Flip4 supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second. The iPhone SE 2020 also offers 4K video recording on its main camera and 1080p on the front-facing camera, with optical image stabilization for smoother footage.