Samsung refines flip phone with Galaxy Z Flip4

One of the new devices Samsung just launched at its Unpacked event is its new Galaxy Z Flip device. The Galaxy Z Flip4 is more of a refinement of the previous generation. But Samsung tackles some key complaints about its predecessor: that square format for shooting on the cover screen and its battery life.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 no longer defaults to recording in the 1:1 square format when you shoot with the cover screen. You can now shoot and record vertical and horizontal photos and videos without opening the phone, making it more convenient to record when you want. You can also start recording in Quick Shot from the cover screen and continue when you place the phone in FlexCam Mode without the recording stopping. (Flex Mode is when the phone is folded at an angle between 75 degrees and 115 degrees.) 

The device also gets a slightly bigger battery at 3,700mAh (over the Galaxy Z Flip3's 3,300mAh), with support for fast charging. According to Samsung, you can charge the Z Flip4 up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes.

This clamshell phone gets more optimized for some of the apps you use the most. Samsung partnered with Meta to optimize its FlexCam mode for apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The Galaxy Z Flip4 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor with 8GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and Android 12.

It maintains the Galaxy Z Flip3's 6.7-inch FHD+ 120Hz refresh rate and a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen. The camera setup is still a 12-megapixel main and ultrawide at the back, plus a 10-megapixel selfie camera. It also still has an IPX8 rating for water resistance.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 comes in Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, Blue, and other options under its Bespoke Edition. The phone is now available for pre-order for $1,259.