**The Flip 4 Outperforms the Flip 5: A Mixed Bag**
In our testing, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 outperformed the Flip 5 in both Dolphin Emulator and Call of Duty Mobile. However, the results were not entirely consistent, with the Flip 5 performing better in Unhappy Raccoon and other specific tests. When it came to battery life, the Flip 5 had a significant advantage, lasting 18.5 hours compared to the 4's 8.75 hours. But during stress testing, the Flip 4 took the lead again, lasting 3.7 hours compared to the Flip 5's 3.7 hours.
Despite these mixed results, it's clear that the Flip 4 is still a superior device in many ways. The phone we tested was pre-release, so there may be updates or changes that could affect its performance in the future. However, at the moment, the Flip 4 seems to outperform the Flip 5 in most areas, with battery life being the only exception.
**Display Quality**
One of the standout features of the Flip 4 is its display quality. Like all Samsung displays, it features an OLED panel that produces vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 1080p resolution may seem limiting, but it's clear that the phone doesn't need to be a giant screen to deliver excellent visuals. In fact, the display is so good that you won't even notice the lower resolution.
The sound quality of the Flip 4 is also impressive, with clear and balanced audio from both earpieces. It may not have the same level of bass as some other phones, but it's definitely a step up from the Flip 3 in this regard. We compared the sound quality to the Flip 3 to see if there was any difference, and while they're similar, we couldn't really tell them apart.
**Camera Capabilities**
The Flip 4 has a pair of 12-megapixel cameras, one on each side of the phone. The main camera features Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), which should help reduce camera shake and blur. Unfortunately, the ultra-wide-angle camera does not have OIS, which may be a drawback for some users.
We threw together some photos from our test to see how they turned out. While they're certainly not bad, they're also not spectacular. The phone's 4K video capabilities are another area where it shines, with smooth and stable footage that should meet most users' needs.
**Gaming Performance**
When we used the Flip 4 for gaming, the results were impressive. We threw in a few games to test its performance, including Dolphin Emulator and Call of Duty Mobile. The phone handled both games with ease, delivering smooth and responsive gameplay.
We also tested the Flip 5's performance in these games, just to see how it stacked up against its sibling. While the results were mixed, the Flip 4 still managed to outperform the Flip 5 in most areas.
**Battery Life**
As mentioned earlier, battery life was one of the key areas where the Flip 5 excelled over the Flip 4. However, during stress testing, the Flip 4 took the lead again, lasting 3.7 hours compared to the Flip 5's 3.7 hours. It's clear that both phones have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to battery life.
**Front and Back Cameras**
On the front of the phone, we have a 10-megapixel selfie camera with no under-display camera like some other flagships. On the back, we have a pair of 12-megapixel cameras, one on each side of the phone. While these cameras are certainly capable, they're not exactly the most impressive in terms of resolution or features.
**Additional Thoughts**
Overall, I think the Flip 4 is a solid upgrade over the Flip 3, despite some performance issues. The addition of a bigger cover screen and improved display quality make it an attractive option for those who want a more usable device. However, for those who don't care about form factor and just want a good phone, there may be better options available.
One thing that's missing from the Flip 4 is some killer features to set it apart from other phones. While multi-window mode and flex mode are certainly useful, they're not unique to Samsung devices. The addition of more widgets or features could help make the Flip 4 stand out in a crowded market.
That being said, I do think that this phone has the potential to become very well-used over time. With the right software updates and support, it could become an excellent option for those who want a flip phone with all the bells and whistles.
As we wait for more competition in the foldable space from Google, Apple, and OnePlus, I'm excited to see how these phones will stack up against each other. For now, though, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is certainly worth considering if you're looking for a premium flip phone with impressive performance and display quality.