Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: latest specs, price and release date rumours
Clamouring for a clamshell phone? Samsung has something in the works
UPDATE: Samsung has now announced the Galaxy Z Flip 4
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Samsung’s range of foldable phones operate on a different calendar to that of its traditional handsets. While the Galaxy S22 made its debut in February, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 turned up last August. That means it’s finally time for a next-generation version to land.
We’ve had our ear to the ground for interesting Galaxy Z Flip 4 gossip, and as we get closer to the unveiling there’s plenty to report. Read on for everything we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, including its expected specs and price, rumoured release date and more.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 release date: it’s today
Samsung’s next event is set to kick off later today, the 10th of August, with official invites having been sent out over the last few weeks. Given the fact the Flip has been used in the official invite, we’re pretty much guaranteed to see the new device at this event.
Samsung will be live-streaming Unpacked 2022 – here’s how to tune in and watch the reveal live.
The firm also shared an official teaser trailer for the event, again showing off the Galaxy Z Flip 4 prominently alongside the Z Fold 4. The quick-fire glimpses seem to suggest a more angular, flatter design this year, which would put both handsets more in line with Apple’s recent design language. The trailer makes no mention of the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Buds Pro 2 rumoured to debut alongside the new phones.
This lines up with earlier news from serial tipsters Jon Prosser and Evan Blass. Both suggested the firm had circled the 10th of August for the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s launch, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Watch 5. Prosser, who has a good track record for reliability, said the handset will be available for pre-order as soon as Samsung reveals it, with deliveries to follow a few weeks later on August the 26th. Blass, revealed the launch invite ahead of them being sent out.
These reports tally with what Samsung has done for previous Z Flip models, which (following the original 4G version’s debut) have largely stuck to August reveals. Devices have always then hit shelves several weeks after the initial announcement. Here’s when the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s predecessors were released:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 release date: 11 August 2021
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G release date: 7 August 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip release date: 14 February 2020
By launching in August, Samsung also gazumps the annual IFA tech megashow in Berlin, meaning it doesn’t have to share the headlines with any other brands. The German event is now predominantly a hands-on opportunity for anyone that has yet to see the firm’s latest models in person.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: rumoured specs, design and new features
With much of the usual leakers’ attention on the book-style Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Z Flip 4 had largely flown under the radar – that was, until Yogesh Brar announced some juicy details on Twitter. The prolific tipster has a good track record, so there’s a high chance he’s on the money here.
According to Brar, the most prominent upgrades over its predecessor will be a faster CPU, larger battery and faster wired charging speeds. It will retain the 6.7in, vertically-folding screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 3, as well as its dual 12MP + 12MP ultrawide rear camera setup. The internal selfie camera should stick at 10MP, too.
The outer OLED display is apparently set to grow to 2.1in, up from 1.9in on the current-gen model. Otherwise, it looks like a fairly restrained update – likely to cement its place as Samsung’s ‘mainstream’ foldable offering. This should put more space between it and the pricer Galaxy Z Fold 4, which is rumoured to get more significant upgrades to its camera.
We’ve heard whisperings of four different colour options: Graphite (grey), Bora Purple, Pink Gold and Blue. More excitingly, Sammobile has said the firm’s Bespoke service will be returning in an expanded capacity. Instead of just picking an off-the-shelf colour, you’ll be able to mix and match for a more personalised device. While there’s no word on how many colour combos are on the way, leaks point to “a lot more” than the 49 available for the Galaxy Z Flip 3. The service also looks like it’s set to roll out to other territories, meaning it won’t just be Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Korea, UK, and US customers that get to add a splash of colour to their smartphone.
While it’s not quite a full reveal, the latest leaks courtesy of 91Mobiles show the phone in profile, in ‘Bora Purple’ colours. They hint at changes including larger, more pronounced power and volume buttons, rear camera lenses that protrude out further than before, and a more angular body that doesn’t taper so much towards each end. The site also suggests the hinge looks narrower, but we think that’s a tricky call given the lack of other angles.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: price rumours
While we wait for Samsung to make things official, we only have rumours to go on right now as to what the Galaxy Z Flip 4 will cost at launch. The latest comes from Korean blog Naver, which suggests the 256GB version will cost 1,299,000 won in Samsung’s home market. That’s a jump of 45,000 won, which would translate to a European increase from €1,099 to €1,160.
Going by prior launches, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 arrived at £949 SIM-free in the UK, placing it above the Galaxy S22 and alongside the Galaxy S22+, but beneath the more premium Galaxy S22 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 3. If rumours are true, we could see a £999 starting price.
There has been talk of Samsung managing to reduce the costs of producing flexible phones, which could be carried over into a price cut for the new handset, but with component shortages still a thing and global conflicts having a widespread financial impact, we’re not holding our breath.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: upgrades we want to see
As we rumble closer to a likely launch date, there are plenty of things we’d love to see from a fourth-generation clamshell foldable phone. Here’s what’s on our wish list:
Better battery life
If, as rumoured, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is getting a bigger battery, we’re hoping it actually translates to better battery life. The Z Flip 3 didn’t have the best longevity away from the mains, to the point it could be a struggle to get through a full day without needing to top up. The whispers that it’ll also come with a power-hungry Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 CPU don’t instil confidence, if we’re honest.
More Samsung Bespoke
The pick-and-choose colour options Samsung introduced mid-way through the Z Flip 3’s life were a revelation, letting you buy a bespoke handset customised to your personal tastes. Sure, it likely torpedoed any second-hand value, but who cares when you’re rocking a pink and yellow smartphone? We’d like a Bespoke service on launch day, and hopefully with a few extra colour options thrown in for good measure. Recent leaks suggest the latter is absolutely on the cards.
A sturdier hinge
The Z Flip might be approaching version 4, but it’s still undeniably early days for foldable tech. You’ve got to be delicate with the current model, and the seam is still noticeable. Any improvements Samsung can make in either of those areas will be very welcome indeed.
Tom Morgan-Freelander
Deputy Editor