Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: Better Cameras, Battery Life and Software Features

Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Flip 4 on Wednesday during its Unpacked event as part of its latest effort to popularize foldable phones. The Z Flip 4 has new software that takes advantage of its foldable design, improved cameras with better low-light photography and a bigger battery. It goes on sale on Aug. 26 and starts at $1,000 (£999, AU$1,499). 

The Galaxy Z Flip has proven to be the most popular foldable yet according to market research estimates. But across the industry, high prices, subpar cameras and battery life compared to standard phones and a lack of compelling features have hindered the general appeal of foldables. With the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung is addressing some — but not all — of those concerns. More importantly, it’s also making progress in understanding the audience for foldable devices like the Z Flip.

Samsung is trying to prove there’s more to the Z Flip 4’s appeal beyond its compactness. That’s why it’s leaning into Flex Mode — the feature that splits apps between the top and bottom portions of the screen when folded halfway. Now, you’ll be able to use the bottom half of the screen as a trackpad for navigating the top portion of the screen — an update that should make it easier to manipulate apps in Flex Mode. 

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This feature is new to both the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4, although Samsung said it would evaluate bringing it to older foldables as well. In the short time that I spent with the Z Flip 4, this seemed to work pretty easily after toggling the feature on in the settings menu. 

The Z Flip 4’s cover screen is also getting a few new additions. You’ll be able to send quick replies to text messages, make phone calls and…