Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 has recently launched and this phone has sent ‘90s babies everywhere into orbit, with its mega versatile camera, four official colourways (although if you decide to go the bespoke route, there are over 70 colour options to mix and match from), and the most nostalgic throwback feature of all – the flip.
You read it right. The new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 opens up flat with no screen split and folds into a neat square when you’re done. But, folded shut, another mini screen shows up on the outside shell with the time, date and battery percentage. You can use it to scroll through updates, reply to texts, select songs from your playlist, unlock the car and access Samsung Pay. Plus you can use Quick Shot to take the most epic selfie with back camera quality, using the cover screen – all whilst the phone is snapped shut.
Here is what the GLAMOUR team *really* think…
The bonus is that you can keep recording even as you open the phone, which switches seamlessly to Flex mode, thanks to Samsung's FlexCam technology. You can also keep your phone half folded and place it down for a hands-free group shot or selfie, using the front camera, with just a wave of the hand. And, thanks to Samsung's partnership with Meta, all the images are optimised for Instagram, Whatsapp and Facebook.
That’s the major tea on the camera, as for functionality? Samsung is promising big things there too. The phone has a super-fast charge that lasts all day, so you don’t have to lug around a powerbank with you and the device makes multi-tasking easier. The taskbar layout allows you to swipe through your favourite and most recent apps effortlessly. And its Google and Microsoft compatibility means you can drag, drop, copy and paste links and photos between multiple apps, or enjoy co-activities via Google meet which allows you to virtually connect with others while watching YouTube or playing games together, through video call.
It makes sense. Samsung has been dominating the tech industry, staying one step ahead when it comes to software, innovation, and personalisation – and, with its ultra smart spin on the flip, this phone makes all our Y2K dreams come true.
However, how does the phone actually measure in terms of functionality. We asked five GLAMOUR staffers to give their truest and most honest opinions. Here is how the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 fared.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, from £999, Samsung
Kumba Kpakima, GLAMOUR’s Associate Social Media Manager
My favourite thing about the phone is that it folds in half and can easily fit into your back pocket, so it's portable and you can't take it anywhere with you. The camera quality on both the front and back cameras is really impressive. I do like the back camera more, though.
Another interesting feature is that when you close the phone, you can still see your battery life, time and texts, so you don't necessarily have to open the phone to catch up; you can tap the screen, and it comes up which is really handy for when you're outside or on the go. I also like the way it comes in various colours. The only downside is that it took me a while to get used to the Android software, and there are so many different features on the phone, so it was hard for me to get accustomed to the various apps, but other than that, I like it.
Rating: 8/10
Dennis Lye, GLAMOUR’s European Design Director
Having lived through the ‘90's (the first time around) the Samsung Flip4 is giving me all kinds of throwback nostalgia but with all the modern features a smart phone needs to have at a minimum. There is no denying that A LOT of thought has gone into this piece of technology; the way it feels in your hand, the smooth interface and sleek aesthetic, and let's not forget about the camera!
My favourite thing about the Flip4 is no more awkward selfies looking strained from trying to stretch your arm too far, just a simple show of palm will take the perfect snap, what's not to love?
Rating: 9/10
Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR’s Commerce Editor
I always thought I'd never be swayed away from my trusty iPhone – but the epic camera on the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 might just have me tempted. The photo quality is as *crisp* as anything, and I loved playing around with the portrait, zoom and brightness settings. Beyond that, the cute folding feature had me feeling like I was back in the playground with my flip-down Motorola – and it fit in my pocket perfectly.
Rating: 8/10
Luca Wetherby-Matthews, GLAMOUR’s Social Media Manager
As a lifelong iPhone user (minus the golden Blackberry days), I was super intrigued by the Samsung Flip4. I was mostly excited to live out my nostalgic Y2K lifestyle, touting a flip phone around. The flip part wasn't as slick as I thought it would be, and required a little more effort to flip open with the sass required, but I quickly got used to it. I was impressed with the multitude of features the camera had. The end result was bright imagery and videos.
Rating: 7/10
Elle Turner, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor
The beauty editor in me got straight on board with this phone. It’s like a makeup compact, except instead of a mirror, you get a crisp selfie reflected back at you. I like that, semi-folded, it fits comfortably into the palm of my hand but it flips all the way open for a more traditional smartphone interface. And snapped shut, it still gives you access to everything you'd need.
I was impressed by the bright picture quality on both sides, but as a longtime iPhone user, it took me a while to get to grips with the Android software – that wouldn't stop me switching, though.
Rating: 8/10
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
