Say goodbye to your traditional, rigid smartphone, as the future is all about foldable devices. Foldable and flip phones are gaining popularity in the smartphone industry.
Among the pioneers in this technology is Samsung, which has now introduced its fifth generation of foldable phones. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5‘s flip-fold design offers unmatched convenience making it the preferred choice for many users.
Priced at $1,000, the new Z Flip 5 comes with upgraded hardware and a stunning, larger outer display compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.
The question remains – Is it worth upgrading to Z Flip 5 if you have Z Flip 4?
Let’s compare the two models to help you decide.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 4: Specifications
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 |
| Size (Unfolded) | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9mm (6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 inches) | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9mm (6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 inches) |
| Size (Folded) | 85.1 x 71.9 x 15mm (3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 inches) | 84.9 x 71.9 x 17.1mm (3.34 x 2.83 x 0.67 inches) |
| Weight | 187 grams (6.6 ounces) | 187 grams (6.6 ounces) |
| Screen Size | Main: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED (1Hz-120Hz) Cover screen: 3.4-inch Super AMOLED | Main: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED (1Hz-120Hz) Cover screen: 1.9-inch Super AMOLED |
| Screen Resolution | Main: 2640 x 1080 pixels (426 pixels per inch) Cover screen: 720 x 748 pixels (306 ppi) | Main: 2640 × 1080 pixels (426 ppi) Cover screen: 512 x 260 pixels (302 ppi) |
| Operating System | Android 13 with One UI 5.1.1 | Android 12 with One UI 4.1.1 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| MicroSD Card Slot | No | No |
| Tap-to-Pay Services | Google Pay, Samsung Pay | Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Camera | Rear main: Dual-lens 12-megapixel wide, 12MP ultrawide Front: 10MP ultrawide | Rear main: Dual-lens 12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide Front: 10MP ultrawide |
| Video | 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps, 720p at 960 fps, HDR10+ | 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps, 720p at 960 fps, HDR10+ |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Yes, side-mounted | Yes, side-mounted |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| Battery | 3,700mAh 25W fast charging 15W fast wireless charging 4.5W reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare) | 3,700mAh 25W fast charging 15W fast wireless charging 4.5W reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare) |
| App Marketplace | Google Play Store | Google Play Store |
| Network Support | All carriers | All carriers |
| Colors | Mint, graphite, cream, lavender | Bora Purple, graphite, Pink Gold, Blue, Bespoke Edition |
| Prices | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Buy from | Samsung, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart | Samsung, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart |
Design and Display
Indeed, there are many similarities between these two smartphones. Samsung has kept the same basic design, featuring a vertical clamshell fold, unlike the horizontal fold found in the Z Fold series.
The weight of both phones is identical, and their dimensions are remarkably similar. Additionally, they both boast an internal 6.7-inch display with a dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate, and they share an IPX8 rating for water resistance. However, it’s the notable differences that set the Z Flip 5 apart from its predecessor.
One of the most noticeable differences between the two phones lies in their outer screens. The Z Flip 4’s outer display, measuring 1.9 inches, allows you to view notifications, access Samsung Wallet cards, settings, and some widgets.
It also acts as a viewfinder for the main camera, enabling you to take selfies with the superior camera suite. However, it can’t match up to the Z Flip 5’s 3.4-inch display, which is undeniably better. The larger size makes it much more practical, being only 0.1-inch smaller than the original iPhone’s display.
Moreover, the Z Flip 5 supports more widgets and apps, even offering a full-size keyboard. Although you can force apps and games to work on the Z Flip 4’s outer screen, it requires some workaround, and they may feel cramped compared to the Z Flip 5’s more seamless experience.
Additionally, the Z Flip 5 comes pre-installed with several apps, including WhatsApp, Google/Samsung Messages, Google Maps, YouTube, and Netflix, allowing you to use them right out of the box.
Performance and Battery
Both the Z Flip 5 and Z Flip 4 are flagship phones that promise top-notch performance, as expected. Under the hood, they both employ premium Snapdragon architecture, with the Flip 4 using the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 and the Flip 5 opting for the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
While the Flip 5 has a slight edge in pure power due to its newer chip, in everyday use, you’re unlikely to notice much of a difference. The older chip can still handle the latest 3D games without any issues.
So, while the Galaxy Z Flip 5 may have a technical advantage, it’s not significant enough to warrant an upgrade.
Battery performance should be similar as both phones come with 3,700mAh batteries. The newer Snapdragon chip on the Z Flip 5 may offer some power efficiency tricks that the older Z Flip 4 lacks, but overall, both phones are expected to provide around a day’s worth of battery life, which is reasonable.
Additionally, both phones support the same charging specifications, with 25-watt fast wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. While not exceptional, these charging capabilities are acceptable.
Although the improvements offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor may not justify upgrading, it’s undeniable that it does offer an advantage over the older processor. Therefore, in this round, we give credit to the Galaxy Z Flip 5 for having the upper hand in terms of processing power.
Read More: Top Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Cases for 2023
Camera
Samsung’s camera performance reputation is strong, but the minimal camera improvements in Galaxy Z Flip 5 are disappointing.
Both phones sport a dual-lens setup on the back, featuring a 12-megapixel main wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens. On the main display, there’s a 10MP ultrawide selfie lens. While Samsung has made some improvements to the glass used in the Z Flip 5, the camera setup remains largely unchanged.
Z Flip 4’s camera is decent but needs a refresh to compete with top camera phones today.
One impressive feature both phones offer is the ability to take selfies using their rear camera lenses. Utilizing the outer screen as a viewfinder, you can capture high-quality selfies with the rear camera, resulting in even better shots.
Flip’s half-open position enables remote captures, a unique advantage over non-folding phones needing a separate stand for such shots.
Software and Updates
Both of these Samsung phones utilize Samsung’s One UI skin on top of Android. The UI offers a pleasant experience with customization and no bloatware or lag like earlier Samsung skins (e.g., TouchWiz).
Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Flip 4 have almost the same software, so the advantage of the newer phone is not significant.
When it comes to update speeds, both phones are expected to be fairly similar. While the Z Flip 5 may receive updates slightly faster, the difference won’t be substantial. Z Flip 5 gets more Android updates, but Z Flip 4 gets four years’ worth before upgrading.
Thus, it’s another tie between these two phones. They both run on Android 13 and offer solid assurances of future updates.
Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 will be released on August 11 and, as usual, it will start at a price of $1,000. You can purchase it from various retailers and carriers, as it will be widely available in the market.
Currently, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is already on sale, also starting from $1,000. However, you might see some price reductions once the Z Flip 5 is released. Like its successor, the Z Flip 4 is available in many stores and works with most carriers.
The main difference is that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 has 256GB base storage, while Z Flip 4 has 128GB.
Final Verdict
Hence, both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 offer compelling options for smartphone users. Both Z Flip 5 and Z Flip 4 showcase Samsung’s commitment to smartphone innovation. For more in-depth tech reviews and comparisons, visit Hazehunt for the latest insights and updates.
