Galaxy Z Flip4 • Unlocked vs iPhone 15 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022, is a foldable smartphone that offers a compact design when closed, running on the Android operating system. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, is a traditional slab-style smartphone operating on iOS. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their unique form factors and their respective software ecosystems, alongside differences in camera capabilities and overall performance.

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

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022, launched with Android 12L and is expected to receive major Android updates until Android 16, with security updates extending further. The iPhone 15 Pro, released in September 2023, launched with iOS 17 and is compatible with iOS 18 and iOS 26, with Apple committing to a minimum of five years of major software updates, extending to at least 2028. This suggests the iPhone 15 Pro will likely receive software support for a longer duration due to its later release.
• Repairability: The iPhone 15 Pro features a design that aims for improved repairability, particularly with an easier-to-replace back glass, a change first introduced with the iPhone 14. However, despite these improvements, its repairability score from some experts is noted as 4 out of 10, partly due to the complexity of internal components and Apple's part requirements. Information regarding the specific repairability score for the Galaxy Z Flip4 is less prominent, but foldable phones generally present unique repair challenges due to their intricate hinge mechanisms and flexible displays.
• Expected Lifespan: Both devices are built with durable materials, but the Z Flip4's folding mechanism introduces a different set of considerations for its practical lifespan compared to a traditional smartphone. Users of the Z Flip4 have noted the presence of a visible crease on the main display, which is a characteristic of foldable screens. The iPhone 15 Pro's titanium frame and Ceramic Shield front are designed for everyday resilience.

The performance of a smartphone impacts daily responsiveness, app handling, and gaming experiences.

• Storage Options: The Galaxy Z Flip4 is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage, without expandable storage via microSD cards. The iPhone 15 Pro offers more extensive storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and a 1TB option.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a 3700 mAh battery, which provides improved battery life compared to its predecessor, often lasting through a full day of moderate use. Some users, however, report that heavy usage might require charging before the end of the day. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274 mAh battery, and while the capacity is numerically smaller, iOS optimization often results in comparable or extended real-world battery performance, with Apple stating up to 23 hours of video playback.
• System Responsiveness: The Galaxy Z Flip4 is powered by a processor designed for high performance, ensuring smooth operation for demanding applications and multitasking. The iPhone 15 Pro features a current-generation processor with a redesigned graphics processing unit, which contributes to smooth performance for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and complex applications, and supports new AI features introduced with iOS 18. Both devices offer 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking.

The visual experience is a significant aspect of smartphone usage, influenced by display technology, resolution, and brightness.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 2640 x 1080 resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. It also has a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick interactions. The iPhone 15 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 2556 x 1179 resolution, also known for its rich colors and contrast.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Z Flip4's main display supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smoother scrolling and responsiveness, and a peak brightness of 1200 nits. The iPhone 15 Pro features ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, and boasts a typical brightness of 1000 nits, with a peak HDR brightness of 1600 nits and an outdoor peak brightness of 2000 nits.
• Viewing Experience: The Z Flip4's foldable design offers a unique compact form factor when closed, but the main screen has a visible crease. Its tall 22:9 aspect ratio is well-suited for scrolling content. The iPhone 15 Pro provides a consistent, high-quality viewing experience on its flat display, with reduced bezels for a more immersive edge-to-edge view.

Camera capabilities are a key consideration for many users, impacting the quality of photos and videos captured.

• Camera System: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle camera and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. It also has a 10MP selfie camera on the main display. The iPhone 15 Pro boasts a more versatile triple-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Z Flip4's cameras are noted for good shots with decent detail and sharpness, with improvements in low-light performance due to a brighter sensor. The iPhone 15 Pro's larger main sensor and advanced image processing contribute to strong performance in various lighting conditions, including low light, and supports super-high-resolution photos.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both devices offer 4K video recording capabilities. The Z Flip4 can record 4K at 30/60fps and 1080p at 60/240fps, with slow-motion support. The iPhone 15 Pro offers more advanced video features, including 4K recording at various frame rates, Cinematic mode, Action mode, ProRes video recording, and Log video recording. Both phones feature stereo speakers for media consumption. The Z Flip4's sound quality is generally good, with clear and balanced audio.