(Pocket-lint) - Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip 4 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro at an event on 10 August.
We've covered how the Galaxy Z Fold 4 compares to the Z Fold 3 in a separate feature, as well as how the Z Flip 4 compares to the Z Fold 4 in another feature, but here we are looking at how the Z Flip 4 stacks up against its predecessor, the Z Flip 3.
If you're wondering whether it's worth upgrading, or which of the clamshell phones you should buy, here is a rundown of how the specifications of the Z Flip 4 compare to the Z Flip 3.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 initial review
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- Z Flip 4: 84.9 x 71.9 x 15.9-17.1mm (folded), 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9mm (unfolded), 187g, IPX8
- Z Flip 3: 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9-17.1mm (folded), 166 x 72.2 x 6.9mm (unfolded), 183g, IPX8
The Samsung Galaxy Flip's design has stayed pretty much the same since it first launched, with some slight changes here and there. The Z Flip 3 brought a larger cover display to the clamshell device, which the Z Flip 4 retains.
Differences come in the form of squarer and flatter edges, more prominent buttons, larger camera lenses protruding a little more and a slimmer hinge too. Otherwise, it's a similar design to the Z Flip 3, which is no bad thing. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a little narrower and shorter, but the thickness remains the same and it's actually a little heavier than the Z Flip 3 too.
Colour options for the Z Flip 4 are Graphite, Bora Purple, Pink Gold and Blue, though Samsung offers the Bespoke Edition option too, offering 75 customisation options.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is available in Cream, Lavender, Phantom Black and Green. It too is offered in Bespoke Edition options.
Z Flip 4 vs Z Flip 3 display
- Z Flip 4: 6.7-inch main, Full HD+, 120Hz refresh rate, 1.9-inch cover (260 x 512)
- Z Flip 3: 6.7-inch main, Full HD+, 120Hz refresh rate, 1.9-inch cover (260 x 512)
Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 3 have a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 2640 x 1080 pixel resolution when unfolded.
The Z Flip 3's display has a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Z Flip 4's main display is variable between 1Hz and 120Hz. There's HDR10+ support and a centralised punch hole camera at the top on both the Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 3.
For the external display, it's a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED Always On Display with a resolution of 512 x 260 on both devices. The Z Flip 4 does have more options and themes though that run from inside the phone to the outside though.
Z flip 4 vs Z Flip 3 specs
- Z Flip 4: Qualcomm SD 8+ Gen 1, 8GB RAM, 128/256/512GB storage, 3700mAh battery
- Z Flip 3: Qualcomm SD888, 8GB RAM, 128/256GB storage, 3300mAh battery
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset with 8GB of RAM support. The Z Flip 3 by comparison, runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 platform with 8GB of RAM so there's definitely an upgrade in this department.
When it comes to storage, the Z Flip 4 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB options, while the Z Flip 3 is only offered in 128GB and 256GB models. The 512GB option is therefore a first for this device.
Battery capacity has also increased for the Z Flip 4, jumping up from the Z Flip 3's 3300mAh capacity to 3700mAh. There's faster charging on the Z Flip 4 too, with 25W wired charging that will offer up to 50 per cent battery from flat in 30 minutes. The Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 3 both have wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
In terms of other hardware, the Z Flip 4 retains a physical fingerprint sensor within the side power button, like the Z Flip 3, rather than opting for an under-display option.
Z Flip 4 vs Z Flip 3 cameras
- Z Flip 4: Dual rear (12MP main + 12MP ultra wide), 10MP selfie
- Z Flip 3: Dual rear camera (12MP main + 12MP ultra wide), 10MP selfie
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G comes with a dual camera on the outside with two 12-megapixel sensors - one of which is a wide angle lens with f/1.8 aperture and the other is an ultra wide-angle lens with an f/2.2 aperture.
There's also a 10-megapixel selfie camera with f/2.4 aperture.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 offers the same in terms of specifications - front and back, but the main rear sensor is said to be 65 per cent brighter, moving from 1.4µm pixels to 1.8µm pixels. There's also a Super Night Solution mode on the Z Flip 4 so there are improvements on a software level too.
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Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 offers internal upgrades more so than design updates. A similar, though more refined and durable design is present on the Z Flip 4 compared to the Z Flip 3 and the processor and battery get a boost too.
If you're wondering whether to upgrade from the Z Flip 3 to the Z Flip 4, then there are a few reasons that would make this worthwhile, predominately the processor and battery updgrades, camera improvements and the design refinements. These are the same reasons to opt for the Z Flip 4 over the Z Flip 3 if you're choosing between them.
The Z Flip 4 will likely feel like a similar - though faster - phone to the Z Flip 3 though so you'll need to decide whether those upgrades - which are minor on the design front - are important enough to you to part with your cash or whether it is worth waiting to see what the clamshell Galaxy does next time.
Writing by Britta O'Boyle.