Galaxy Z Flip4 • Unlocked vs Google Pixel 8 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022, and the Google Pixel 8 Pro, launched in October 2023, represent distinct approaches to modern smartphone design. The Z Flip4 offers a unique foldable clamshell form factor, prioritizing portability and a compact experience, while the Pixel 8 Pro adheres to a traditional slab design, focusing on advanced computational photography and a long-term software commitment. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but they offer different user experiences shaped by their hardware and software philosophies.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy Z Flip4 was released in August 2022, making it over a year older than the Pixel 8 Pro, which launched in October 2023. This difference in release date inherently means the Pixel 8 Pro has a longer potential support window ahead.
• Software Longevity: Google has committed to an impressive seven years of OS and security updates for the Pixel 8 Pro, ensuring extended software relevance and security. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip4 was promised four major Android OS updates and up to five years of security updates from its release. This means the Z Flip4's software support is expected to end around August 2026 for OS updates and August 2027 for security patches.
• Repairability: The Pixel 8 Pro generally scores higher in repairability compared to the Z Flip4. The Pixel 8 Pro received a repairability score of 4.0 out of 10, with some sources giving the standard Pixel 8 a 7/10, noting ease of screen replacement and parts availability. The Galaxy Z Flip4, with its complex foldable design, received a repairability score of 6.0 out of 10, though screen replacement is noted as tricky. Samsung has made efforts to make Z Flip4 screen repairs more accessible and less costly with a Care Plus plan.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming. Both devices offer capable performance, but with different underlying hardware and battery characteristics.

• Processor Capabilities: The Pixel 8 Pro features a newer generation processor designed by Google, which provides robust performance for demanding applications and advanced AI features. The Galaxy Z Flip4 is powered by a capable processor from the previous year, which handles everyday tasks smoothly and efficiently. Neither device is expected to struggle with typical smartphone usage, but the Pixel 8 Pro's newer chip offers more headroom for future software and AI-intensive tasks.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a larger 5050 mAh battery, which typically provides about 1.5 days or 38 hours of use for many users. Some users report 5-6 hours of screen-on time, lasting a full day. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a 3700 mAh battery, which was an upgrade from its predecessor and offers up to 19 hours of video streaming or 16 hours of Wi-Fi/LTE usage. For heavy users, the Z Flip4 may require more frequent charging.
• Storage and RAM: The Pixel 8 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB in some regions, providing ample space and smooth multitasking. The Galaxy Z Flip4 offers 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 512GB, which is sufficient for most users but offers less overhead for intensive multitasking or storing very large files.

The display is a primary interaction point for any smartphone, and these two devices offer distinct visual experiences, particularly due to the Z Flip4's unique form factor.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. It also includes a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick interactions when folded. The Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and responsive viewing experience.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Z Flip4's main screen has a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels. The Pixel 8 Pro offers a higher resolution of 2992 x 1344 pixels, resulting in a slightly sharper image. The Pixel 8 Pro's display can reach a peak brightness of 2400 nits, making it highly visible even in direct sunlight. The Z Flip4's display also offers good brightness, with a peak of 1200 nits.
• Viewing Experience: The Z Flip4's foldable nature allows for a compact device that unfolds into a standard smartphone screen, offering versatility. The Pixel 8 Pro provides a consistently large, flat display ideal for media consumption and productivity without a crease.

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths and capabilities, particularly in computational photography and hardware.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Pixel 8 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The Galaxy Z Flip4 has a dual-camera system with two 12MP sensors for wide and ultrawide shots.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro excels in computational photography, offering advanced features for image processing, low-light performance (Night Sight), and video capabilities. Its larger sensors and higher megapixel count on secondary lenses can capture more detail, especially in challenging conditions. The Z Flip4's camera system provides good quality photos in well-lit conditions and includes features like Nightography for improved low-light shots and FlexCam for unique shooting angles.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording. The Pixel 8 Pro's video capabilities are enhanced by AI features and improved stabilization. For selfies, the Pixel 8 Pro has a 10.5MP front camera with autofocus, while the Z Flip4 has a 10MP front camera.
• Audio Experience: Both phones offer stereo speakers. The Pixel 8 Pro provides clear audio for media consumption and calls. The Z Flip4 also delivers a good audio experience, tuned by AKG.