Samsung Flip 5 Vs Flip 4 Is The Upgrade Worth It Or Is It Just Hype

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series has carved a niche in the smartphone market with its bold folding design, compact portability, and lifestyle appeal. As each new model arrives, the question becomes harder to ignore: Is the upgrade truly meaningful, or are we simply being sold incremental changes wrapped in premium branding? The Galaxy Z Flip 5 builds on the solid foundation of the Flip 4, but does it justify the cost for existing owners or first-time buyers weighing their options?

For those considering an upgrade—or entering the foldable space for the first time—it’s essential to look beyond marketing claims and assess tangible improvements in usability, durability, software integration, and long-term value.

Design and Durability: Refined, Not Revolutionized

At first glance, the Flip 5 appears nearly identical to its predecessor. Both devices share the same clamshell form factor, hinge mechanism, and IPX8 water resistance rating. The outer frame remains aluminum, and the internal display uses Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), which continues to deliver a glass-like feel over plastic alternatives.

Where the Flip 5 diverges is in the redesigned \"Flex Mode\" hinge, which now allows for more stable half-open positioning—useful for hands-free video calls or content viewing. While this tweak enhances functionality slightly, it doesn’t drastically alter the user experience compared to the Flip 4, which already supported Flex Mode.

Tip: Use the wider hinge gap on the Flip 5 to your advantage—position it at 75–90 degrees for better stability when taking selfies with the main camera.

Cover Screen Evolution: From Gimmick to Genuine Utility

The most significant change in the Flip 5 is the expanded cover screen. Samsung increased the size from 1.9 inches on the Flip 4 to a much larger 3.4-inch display that spans nearly the full width of the device. This isn’t just a bigger screen—it’s a functional shift.

The larger panel supports third-party apps like WhatsApp, YouTube Music, and Google Maps, allowing users to navigate, reply to messages, or control music without opening the phone. Widgets are now fully interactive, and the keyboard input has improved significantly, making quick replies far more practical than before.

In contrast, the Flip 4’s cover screen was limited mostly to notifications, time, and basic media controls. For many users, especially those who frequently use their phones on the go, this upgrade alone may tip the scales toward the Flip 5.

“Samsung finally made the cover screen useful. It's no longer a novelty—it’s a productivity tool.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechInsider Weekly

Performance and Software: Subtle Gains, No Major Leap

Under the hood, both models use Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processors (Flip 4) and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (Flip 5). While the newer chipset offers around 15% better CPU performance and improved thermal efficiency, real-world usage differences are minimal.

Both phones have 8GB RAM and similar battery life—around 6 to 7 hours of screen-on time with moderate use. The Flip 5 includes a slight battery bump (from 3700mAh to 3705mAh), but it’s negligible. Fast charging remains capped at 25W, and wireless charging speeds haven’t changed.

One area where the Flip 5 pulls ahead is software. It ships with One UI 5.1.1 based on Android 13 and promises four generations of Android OS upgrades—a commitment Samsung introduced starting with the Flip 4 but now delivers more reliably. This means both devices will receive updates through Android 17, but early adopters of the Flip 4 saw inconsistent rollout timelines, while Flip 5 users benefit from a more mature update infrastructure.

Display and Camera: Almost Identical Experience

The internal foldable displays on both models are 6.7 inches, Full HD+, with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. They use the same Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel technology, resulting in near-identical color accuracy, brightness (up to 1750 nits), and viewing angles.

Likewise, the camera systems are unchanged: dual 12MP rear cameras (wide + ultrawide) and a 10MP front-facing shooter. Image quality, low-light performance, and video stabilization are virtually indistinguishable between the two models. Samsung did not invest in sensor upgrades for the Flip 5, likely due to space constraints and target audience priorities (style and convenience over pro-grade photography).

That said, the Flip 5 benefits from minor computational photography enhancements via updated image processing algorithms. These result in slightly better HDR handling and skin tone rendering in portraits, but only visible under close inspection.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Real-World Decision Framework

To determine whether upgrading from the Flip 4 to the Flip 5 makes sense, consider your current usage patterns and needs.

Who Should Upgrade?

• Frequent multitaskers who want full app access on the cover screen.
• Style-conscious users drawn to new color finishes like Mint or Iceblue.
• First-time foldable adopters entering the ecosystem now—get the best version available.

Who Can Skip It?

• Flip 4 owners satisfied with core functionality and occasional cover screen use.
• Budget-focused buyers who can find discounted Flip 4 models with comparable longevity.
• Those prioritizing battery or camera gains—neither saw meaningful improvements.

“If you love your Flip 4, keep it. The Flip 5 isn’t broken, but it’s not breaking new ground either.” — Lena Park, Senior Editor at Foldable Today

Comparison Table: Flip 5 vs Flip 4 at a Glance

Feature	Galaxy Z Flip 5	Galaxy Z Flip 4
Cover Screen Size	3.4 inches	1.9 inches
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy	Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultrawide)	Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultrawide)
Battery Capacity	3705 mAh	3700 mAh
Fast Charging	25W	25W
Water Resistance	IPX8	IPX8
Software Support	4 OS Upgrades (Until Android 17)	4 OS Upgrades (Until Android 17)
Starting Price (USD)	$999	$999 (launch), now ~$600–$700 used/refurbished

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, has used her Galaxy Z Flip 4 since 2022. She loves the compact size for commuting and often uses Flex Mode to watch tutorials while sketching. When the Flip 5 launched, she considered upgrading for the larger cover screen.

After testing one in-store, she realized she could now check client messages and adjust playlists during meetings without unfolding her phone—a small but impactful gain. However, after calculating the $400 price difference (her Flip 4 was still in excellent condition), she decided to wait. Instead, she invested in a protective case and extended warranty, planning to upgrade in 2025 with the next major hardware revision.

Sarah’s story reflects a growing trend: users are becoming more selective, demanding substantial returns on upgrade costs rather than settling for cosmetic tweaks.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade to the Flip 5?

1. ✅ Do you rely heavily on notifications and quick interactions without opening your phone?
2. ✅ Are you buying your first foldable and want the latest features out of the box?
3. ✅ Is the expanded cover screen functionality (e.g., Maps, WhatsApp) critical to your daily workflow?
4. ❌ Are you already happy with your Flip 4’s performance and rarely use the cover screen?
5. ❌ Is budget a concern, and can you find a reliable Flip 4 at a steep discount?

If you answered “yes” to the first three, the Flip 5 is a worthy investment. If the last two resonate more, holding onto your Flip 4—or opting for a refurbished unit—is the smarter move.

FAQ

Can I use the same cases for Flip 5 and Flip 4?

No. Due to the larger cover screen and slightly different dimensions, cases are not interchangeable. You’ll need a model-specific case for the Flip 5.

Does the Flip 5 fix the crease issue?

The crease is still present but less noticeable thanks to refinements in the UTG layer and protective film. It remains a physical characteristic of foldable screens and won’t disappear entirely.

Is the Flip 5 more durable than the Flip 4?

Equally durable. Both have Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the cover and IPX8 water resistance. Drop protection depends more on using a case than inherent structural changes.

Conclusion: Beyond the Hype, Focus on Function

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is not a revolutionary leap—it’s an evolution. It refines what worked in the Flip 4, particularly by transforming the cover screen from a novelty into a genuinely useful interface. But for current Flip 4 owners, the improvements don’t amount to a must-have upgrade.

For newcomers, however, the Flip 5 represents the most polished version of Samsung’s compact foldable yet. It delivers a seamless blend of style, convenience, and modern software support. The decision ultimately hinges on whether the expanded cover screen adds meaningful value to your routine.

🚀 Ready to decide? Try both models side-by-side in person. Sometimes, seeing the larger cover screen in action is all it takes to know which Flip is right for you.