[Experience] Once Again Targeting MZ Sensibility, 'Z Flip4' with Reduced Hinge and Increased Battery

Battery Increased by 12%... Supports Fast Charging
How About Shooting a Vlog in 'Flex Mode'... Increased Use of Cover Display

Galaxy Z Flip4. Photo by Oh Su-yeon

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] The Galaxy Z Flip4 features the design of its wildly popular predecessor while improving on its shortcomings.

With four colors?Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, and Blue?and a sleek design, it once again targets the sensibilities of the MZ generation. The metal frame has been changed to a glossy finish, which is a notable difference.

Comparison of Galaxy Z Flip3 (left) and Z Flip4 (right). Photo by Oh Su-yeon

The most noticeable change compared to the previous model is the thinner hinge. By making the hinge thinner, internal space was increased, and the battery capacity, previously considered a drawback, was increased by 12% (400mAh) to 3700mAh. According to Samsung Electronics, this allows for about 3 hours more video playback. Wired charging supports ultra-fast charging with chargers of 25W or higher, enabling charging from nearly 0% to about 50% in approximately 30 minutes, alleviating battery concerns.

The mobile application processor (AP) has been upgraded to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, enhancing performance.

When folded, the width has decreased by 0.3mm and the height by 1.5mm compared to the previous model. The thickness remains the same. The weight increased by 4g to 187g, but when holding the actual product and comparing, the difference was not perceptible.

Camera performance has also improved. Nightography, which enables bright and clear night shots, has been applied with a 65% larger image sensor and an enhanced NPU compared to the previous model. However, due to the improved camera performance, the so-called 'camera bump' is more pronounced than before.

Galaxy Z Flip4. Photo by Oh Suyeon

Additionally, the 'FlexCam' feature targets the preferences of the MZ generation. The 'Flex Mode,' available only on foldables, offers a diverse shooting experience. You can fold the smartphone and place it on a desk, freeing both hands to take photos, or take high-resolution photos with the rear camera using the 'Quick Shot' feature on the cover screen while the phone is folded. Previously, when taking photos with the cover display, images could only be viewed horizontally, causing a mismatch in aspect ratio with the actual photo, but now vertical viewing is also possible.

Galaxy Z Flip4 Flex Mode. Photo by Oh Su-yeon

The Z Flip4 supports Flex Mode even during Quick Shot, allowing users to switch from handheld shooting to placing the phone on a table without a stand. This is likely to satisfy MZ generation users who enjoy vlogging.

Flex Mode has been optimized for third-party apps such as Instagram, enhancing usability.

Usability for third-party apps that are not yet optimized has also been improved. When using Flex Mode, a Flex Panel appears at the bottom, which can be used as a touchpad or to capture the screen and immediately take notes. When receiving calls or messages, swiping up the bottom splits the screen, allowing users to watch videos while sending messages.

Galaxy Z Flip4 Flex Mode. Photo by Oh Su-yeon

Overall, the usability of the cover display has increased beyond just Quick Shot.

At the launch of the previous model, decorating the cover display was popular among users. Previously, only images or GIF files were supported, but now videos can also be applied.

Functionality has also been enhanced. Swiping down from the top allows quick settings such as airplane mode on the cover screen. Users can make calls or check messages with the device closed. Additionally, a reply function has been added, enabling replies via voice recognition or emojis, making it convenient.