Samsung Flip 4 Vs Flip 3 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series has redefined what a foldable smartphone can be—blending compact portability with flagship-level performance. As Samsung continues to refine its clamshell design, each new iteration promises incremental improvements. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 builds on the solid foundation of the Flip 3, but the question remains: does it deliver enough meaningful upgrades to justify the cost for existing Flip 3 owners?

For users deciding whether to upgrade or first-time foldable buyers weighing their options, understanding the tangible differences between these two models is essential. This breakdown dives into design, display, performance, battery life, software, and real-world usability to help you determine if the Flip 4 is truly a worthwhile step up.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements Over Radical Change

At first glance, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Flip 3 look nearly identical. Both feature the same clamshell foldable form factor, measuring similarly when unfolded (about 6.7 inches) and offering a compact footprint when closed. However, Samsung made subtle yet important refinements in materials and ergonomics.

The Flip 4 uses Armor Aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the main and cover displays—upgrades from the Flip 3’s aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5. These enhancements improve scratch resistance and durability, which matters given how often foldables are handled and folded throughout the day.

Tip: Always use a screen protector designed for foldables to prevent micro-scratches on the main display.

The hinge mechanism has also been improved. The Flip 4 features a more dust-resistant hinge rated at IPX8 for water resistance—meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. While the Flip 3 lacks any official water resistance rating, this addition makes the Flip 4 significantly more resilient in real-world conditions like rain or accidental spills.

Display and Cover Screen: Bigger, Smarter, More Functional

The primary AMOLED displays on both phones are nearly identical in quality—bright, vibrant, and smooth with a 120Hz refresh rate. But the key difference lies in the cover screen.

The Flip 3 introduced a useful but limited 1.9-inch cover display that allowed basic interactions like checking time, notifications, and controlling music. The Flip 4 expands this to a larger 3.4-inch cover screen—nearly double the size—with full app support. You can now reply to messages, check weather, view calendar events, and even use third-party apps directly from the outside screen without opening the phone.

This change transforms the way users interact with the device. For example, during a commute, you can quickly respond to a WhatsApp message or snooze an alarm while the phone remains folded in your pocket. It’s not just a cosmetic upgrade—it enhances daily usability.

“Samsung finally made the cover screen something you actually want to use.” — Marques Brownlee, Tech Reviewer

Performance and Battery Life: Real Improvements Where It Counts

Under the hood, the Flip 4 moves to the newer Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, a notable leap from the Flip 3’s Snapdragon 888. This chip delivers better performance, improved efficiency, and reduced heat generation—critical for a device with limited space for cooling.

Battery capacity has also increased from 3,300mAh in the Flip 3 to 3,700mAh in the Flip 4. Combined with the more efficient chipset, this translates to noticeably longer battery life. In typical usage—moderate social media, messaging, calls, and streaming—the Flip 4 lasts a full day, whereas the Flip 3 often required midday charging.

Charging speeds remain unchanged at 15W wired and 10W wireless, which feels outdated compared to competitors. However, the Flip 4 supports four years of OS updates (up to Android 16), compared to three for the Flip 3, extending its usable lifespan.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Galaxy Z Flip 3	Galaxy Z Flip 4
Release Year	2021	2022
Main Display	6.7\" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz	6.7\" FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz
Cover Screen	1.9\" Super AMOLED	3.4\" Super AMOLED (with app support)
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Battery	3,300 mAh	3,700 mAh
Charging	15W wired, 10W wireless	15W wired, 10W wireless
Water Resistance	None	IPX8
OS Update Support	3 years (up to Android 14)	4 years (up to Android 16)
Starting Price (Launch)	$999	$999

Real-World Example: Daily Use Scenarios

Consider Sarah, a marketing professional who owns the Flip 3. She loves the compact size for slipping into her small handbag but finds herself frustrated by the short battery life during back-to-back meetings. She often carries a power bank and avoids using GPS navigation due to rapid drain.

After upgrading to the Flip 4, she notices immediate improvements. The larger cover screen lets her glance at her schedule and reply to urgent Slack messages without unfolding the phone. During travel, the IPX8 rating gives her peace of mind when caught in the rain. Most importantly, the extra 400mAh and efficient processor mean she no longer scrambles for outlets by 3 PM.

While the core experience remains similar, these small gains compound into a significantly better user experience over time.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding whether to upgrade from the Flip 3 to the Flip 4, consider the following checklist:

• ✅ Do you frequently run out of battery before the end of the day?
• ✅ Would you benefit from replying to messages or using apps on the cover screen?
• ✅ Do you value water resistance for added durability?
• ✅ Are you planning to keep your phone for more than three years?
• ❌ Are you satisfied with your current battery life and don’t mind occasional charging?
• ❌ Did you buy the Flip 3 recently and still enjoy its performance?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the positive points, the upgrade offers tangible benefits. If you’re still happy with the Flip 3, the improvements may not justify the expense unless you're trading in or buying secondhand at a steep discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same case for Flip 4 and Flip 3?

No. Although dimensions are very close, the Flip 4 has a slightly different camera module shape and cover screen size. Cases are not interchangeable, so you’ll need a new one.

Does the Flip 4 support S Pen?

No. Unlike the larger Fold series, neither the Flip 3 nor Flip 4 supports S Pen input. The screen isn’t designed for stylus use, and there’s no storage slot.

Is the price difference justified?

At launch, both models started at $999. However, the Flip 3 is now available at significant discounts (often under $600). At that price, it remains an excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. The Flip 4 justifies its premium only if you specifically need the larger cover screen, better battery, or longer software support.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 isn’t a revolutionary leap over the Flip 3, but it refines an already compelling formula. The combination of a vastly more functional cover screen, improved battery life, water resistance, and extended software support makes it a smarter long-term investment.

For Flip 3 owners who charge multiple times a day, dislike the limited cover screen, or want future-proofing, the upgrade is absolutely worth it. However, casual users who are satisfied with their current device will find the changes incremental rather than transformative.

New buyers, on the other hand, should lean toward the Flip 4—especially if purchasing at full price. Given the identical starting cost and superior durability and functionality, it’s the better choice for anyone entering the foldable market for the first time.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your daily needs, compare trade-in values, and consider how much longer battery and smarter cover screen interactions could improve your routine. The answer might surprise you.