When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
- Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 4 starts at $1,799.99, and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 starts at $999.99.
- The foldable phones have better cameras and faster processors than their predecessors.
- Both phones are available to preorder and will become available to buy on August 26.
The foldable phone concept is here to stay as Samsung is showing no sign of backing out. The company announced the fourth generation of its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip at its Unpacked event on August 10, and while both share similar design traits as their predecessors, the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 are all about continued refinements and enhancements.
In the US, Samsung is the only company making any effort with foldable phones. The Galaxy Z Fold opens to create a larger screen, while the Z Flip closes for compactness. While the early generation Galaxy Fold was expensive and puzzling, later models proved the concept has some viability. In fact, we called the Galaxy Z Flip 3 the first foldable phone we would actually recommend. Albeit still pricey for most people.
The lifestyle-centric Z Flip 4 now has improved cameras, larger battery, and more customizable options. The Z Fold 4, which Samsung touts as its most powerful phone to date, gets new features that make it more effective for productivity, as well an upgraded camera.
Pricing remains the same: The $1,799.99 Galaxy Z Fold 4 and $999.99 Galaxy Z Flip 4 are available for preorder now and will go on sale on August 26.
Samsung also unveiled two new Galaxy Watch wearables and Galaxy Buds 2 earphones that support hi-res audio.
When is the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 release date?
Both the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4 are now available for preorder on Samsung's website, Samsung Experience Store, and major carriers and retailers. The preorder period ends on August 25, and the phones will be widely available to buy on August 26 from Samsung's website, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and other authorized carriers and retailers.
What are the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 prices?
Prices for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 remain the same as their predecessors. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the most expensive, starting at $1,799.99, while the Z Flip 4 starts at $999.99. As we said last year, while the Z Flip 4 is more affordable than earlier versions, it's still a premium price. However, during the preorder period, expect to see deals and promotions from Samsung and carriers like AT&T and Verizon.
For example, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 comes with a storage upgrade if you preorder from Samsung. You'll also get a Silicone Ring Case or Strap Case accessory, $150 Samsung Credit, plus up to $900 off for eligible trade-ins. For the Z Fold 4, you'll get the storage upgrade, up to $1,000 off with an eligible trade-in, $100 Samsung Credit, and a Standing Cover with Pen case.
Will carriers offer any incentives for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4?
AT&T has a promotion where customers can get the Galaxy Z Flip 4 for free or the Z Fold 4 for $1,000 off when trading in any Samsung Galaxy phone in any condition. Verizon is offering up to $800 (credit off your bill) off either device with eligible trade-ins on select 5G Unlimited plans. Verizon is also offering a storage upgrade if you preorder the 128GB Z Flip 4 or 256GB Z Fold 4, and up to 50% off select accessories.
What's new with the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4?
Last year, Samsung focused on improving the durability of its foldable screens by using a new stretchable protective film, as well as overall build quality. The new Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 retain those improvements while speeding up performance and adding new features that enhance their usefulness.
What's new with the Galaxy Z Flip 4
The Flip 4 now has a 3,700mAh battery versus the Flip 3's 3,300mAh. In our Flip 3 review, we said the battery life was one thing holding it back. We don't think the bump will make a huge difference, however, the Flip 4 now supports Super Fast Charging, so you can get up to 50% battery life in approximately 30 minutes, Samsung says. The company also notes the Flip 4's slimmer hinge, straightened edges, and more customizable options as some of the design improvements.
The big highlight of the Flip 4 is the camera experience. A feature called FlexCam lets you angle the camera between 75 and 115 degrees for unique views. You can use the more powerful rear cameras for selfies, or start a video while the phone is closed and continue shooting when you open it up. Portrait Mode now supports selfies, and quality of photos and videos is improved thanks to a brighter sensor.
One caveat about the Z Flip is that you have to open it to do most things. Samsung made the Flip 3's cover display larger so that it's more informative. Now, the Flip 4 can make calls, reply to texts, and control smart home scenes via Samsung's SmartThings platform when the phone is closed.
What's new with the Galaxy Z Fold 4
Samsung continues to evolve the Z Fold as a productivity device. It looks like a typical smartphone when folded, but it converts to a tablet-like experience when opened. Last year, it added support for the S Pen stylus in the Z Fold 3. With the Z Fold 4, it upgraded the processor (also in the Flip 4), added a new onscreen taskbar for PC-like multitasking, and built-in support for new features in Google apps and Microsoft Office, like drag-and-drop. The Z Fold 4 also runs Android 12L, a version designed for larger screens.
The Z Fold 4's cameras also get an upgrade. There's now a 50-megapixel wide lens and new shooting modes, and photo quality is enhanced due to a brighter sensor. The under-display selfie camera, introduced in the Z Fold 3, is less visible than before. Samsung says the Z Fold 4 is lighter than the Z Fold 3 and has a slimmer hinge.
Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4 specifications
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 | |
| Main display | 7.6-inch QXGA+ (2,176 x 1,812) 120Hz AMOLED | 6.7-inch 1080p (2,640 x 1,080) 120Hz AMOLED |
| Cover screen | 6.2-inch HD+ (2,316 x 904) 120Hz AMOLED | 1.9-inch AMOLED |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Memory and storage | 12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage | 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB/512GB storage |
| Rear cameras | 12-megapixel ultra-wide, 50-megapixel wide, and 10-megapixel telephoto lenses | 12-megapixel ultra-wide, 12-megapixel wide lenses |
| Under-display camera | 4-megapixel | - |
| Selfie camera | 10-megapixel | 10-megapixel |
| Battery | 4,400mAh, 25W fast charging, fast wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | 3,700mAh, 25W fast charging, fast wireless charging, reverse wireless charging |
| Water resistance | IPX8 | IPX8 |
Should you buy a Galaxy Z Fold 4 or Galaxy Z Flip 4?
Overall, both the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 are more evolutionary and retain similar features and functions from their predecessors. We liked the Z Flip 3, but if you weren't sold on foldable phones then, we're not sure you would be sold on them now. However, like all newly announced products, we will reserve judgment until we get significant hands-on time with them. If you have any hesitation, we recommend waiting for reviews before you commit to preordering or buying.
