
👍 Pros
- Compact, pocketable design
- Excellent main display
- Impressive software longevity (Android 16)
- Solid performance for its era
- Decent camera system
👎 Cons
- Small cover screen utility
- Mediocre battery life
- Noticeable display crease
- Slow charging speeds
- Outdated camera hardware in 2026
Expert Review & Rating
Quick Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, even in 2026, remains a testament to Samsung’s early foldable ambitions, though it’s clearly a product of a different era. Unlike its contemporary foldable rivals which have pushed the envelope on cover screen utility and camera tech, the Flip4 felt more like a refined fashion statement with a phone inside. It was never about raw power or cutting-edge photography, but rather the unique form factor. Compared to today’s sleek, almost imperceptible creases and advanced hinge mechanisms, the Flip4’s approach feels a tad quaint, yet its core promise of pocketability still holds a certain charm that many current candy bar phones simply can’t match.
The Compromises
Let’s be brutally honest: the Z Flip4 made some significant compromises. The 3700 mAh battery was a weak point from day one, struggling to get through a full day for many users. Fast charging? Not really – 25W wired and 15W wireless felt sluggish even in 2022, and it’s downright glacial now. The cover screen, while functional for notifications and quick widgets, was severely underutilized; a missed opportunity for a more interactive experience. Then there’s the camera system. A dual 12MP setup, while decent for its time, was never flagship-tier and certainly hasn’t aged gracefully. In 2026, its photographic capabilities are firmly in the budget phone category. Finally, the display crease, though improved from previous generations, was still a visible and tactile presence, a constant reminder of the phone’s foldable nature.
The Best Features
Despite its age, the Z Flip4’s core appeal, its foldable design, remains its strongest selling point. The ability to fold a 6.7-inch display into a compact, pocketable square is genuinely transformative for portability. It slips into smaller pockets and bags with ease, making it incredibly convenient. The main 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, with its 120Hz refresh rate, was and still is a beautiful panel to consume content on. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and scrolling is buttery smooth. Furthermore, Samsung’s commitment to software updates, bringing it all the way to Android 16 and One UI 8, means the user experience remains surprisingly modern and feature-rich, a testament to Samsung’s strong support for its premium devices. The Flex Mode functionality, allowing the phone to stand on its own for hands-free video calls or content consumption, was a genuinely innovative feature that still adds value.
Performance & Daily Usage
Rocking the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the Flip4 was a powerhouse in 2022. In 2026, it’s still surprisingly competent. Apps launch quickly. UI navigation is responsive. Multitasking with 8GB of RAM holds up well for everyday tasks. Gaming? It handles most modern titles at respectable frame rates, though you’ll notice it’s not quite as snappy as the latest generation chips. Thermal management was generally good; it could get warm under sustained load, but rarely uncomfortably hot. The software, now on Android 16 with One UI 8, feels polished and offers a wealth of customization. It’s a smooth experience, albeit not bleeding-edge.
Is It Worth Buying?
Considering we’re in 2026, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, at its original price, would be an absolute non-starter. However, if you can find it for its current estimated price of around 280 EUR on the used market, it presents an interesting proposition. For that money, you’re getting a unique form factor, a still-excellent main display, and a surprisingly up-to-date software experience. It’s a viable option if you prioritize the foldable design and pocketability above all else, and are willing to compromise on battery life, camera performance, and charging speed. It’s not a performance king, but as a secondary device or for someone looking for a cheap entry into the foldable world, it still holds a niche appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While Samsung improved hinge durability, the internal plastic screen is still susceptible to scratches and the crease remains a permanent fixture. Longevity can vary greatly depending on usage habits, but expect some signs of wear and tear by 2026.
The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 still outperforms many current mid-range chips in raw CPU and GPU power, especially for sustained performance. However, newer mid-rangers might offer better power efficiency and AI capabilities due to architectural advancements.
