Galaxy Z Flip4 • Unlocked vs Google Pixel 7 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022, is a foldable smartphone known for its compact, clamshell design. In contrast, the Google Pixel 7, launched in October 2022, offers a more traditional smartphone experience. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their form factor and their respective approaches to camera technology and software integration. Both devices operate on the Android platform, providing users with a familiar ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Software Support: The Galaxy Z Flip4 is eligible for four major Android OS updates and up to five years of security updates, meaning it is supported up to Android 16. The Pixel 7, having launched with Android 13, typically receives three major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, also extending its support to around Android 16.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a unique foldable display, which, while innovative, is generally considered less durable than a traditional smartphone screen and lacks dust resistance. The Pixel 7, with its conventional design, incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and an aluminum frame, offering a robust build with IP68 water and dust resistance.
• Expected Lifespan: Both devices are designed to receive consistent software and security updates for several years, contributing to a practical lifespan where they remain functional and secure. However, the Z Flip4's folding mechanism and screen technology may require more careful handling compared to the Pixel 7's solid-slab construction.

Both the Galaxy Z Flip4 and the Pixel 7 deliver capable performance for daily tasks, though they achieve this through different hardware optimizations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy Z Flip4 is equipped with a processor known for its efficiency and speed, allowing for smooth multitasking and responsive handling of demanding applications and games. The Pixel 7 features a processor optimized for artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks, which enhances features like photography and speech recognition, contributing to a fluid user experience.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy Z Flip4 houses a 3700 mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for moderate users and was an improvement over its predecessor. The Pixel 7 comes with a 4355 mAh battery, designed to last a full day, though some heavy users have reported varying experiences.
• Storage and Memory: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM, ensuring efficient multitasking. The Galaxy Z Flip4 is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, while the Pixel 7 offers 128GB or 256GB options. Neither device supports expandable storage via microSD cards.

The display experience on these two smartphones differs significantly due to their distinct form factors and display technologies.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display when unfolded, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. It also includes a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick interactions when folded. The Pixel 7 has a 6.3-inch OLED display, providing a consistent viewing area.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Z Flip4's main display has a resolution of 1080 x 2640 pixels, resulting in clear visuals. The Pixel 7 offers a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, delivering sharp images and text.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature high refresh rates for smoother scrolling and animations; the Z Flip4's main display can reach 120Hz, while the Pixel 7 has a 90Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer high peak brightness levels, with the Z Flip4 reaching 1200 nits and the Pixel 7 up to 1400 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.

The camera systems on the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Pixel 7 offer different strengths, catering to varied photography preferences.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The Pixel 7 also has a dual-camera system, with a higher-resolution 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The Z Flip4's main camera performs well in most lighting conditions, with improved low-light capabilities compared to its predecessor. The Pixel 7 is renowned for its computational photography, delivering excellent image processing, particularly in challenging low-light scenarios, and producing detailed and well-exposed photos. Neither device includes a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on digital zoom.
• Front Camera and Video: The Z Flip4 has a 10-megapixel selfie camera, but its foldable design allows users to utilize the higher-quality main rear cameras for selfies via the cover screen, offering unique versatility. The Pixel 7 features a 10.8-megapixel ultrawide front camera. Both phones are capable of recording video at up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, with the Pixel 7 offering notable video stabilization.