Galaxy Z Flip4 • Unlocked vs OnePlus 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and the OnePlus 12 are distinct smartphones, each catering to different user preferences. The Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022, is a foldable clamshell device that prioritizes a compact form factor and unique user interactions. In contrast, the OnePlus 12, launched globally in January 2024, is a traditional slab-style smartphone designed for high-end performance and a comprehensive feature set. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering a range of functionalities, but their core designs lead to varied user experiences.

The expected practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and repairability.

• Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, released in August 2022, launched with Android 12 and is eligible for four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its software longevity until Android 16 and security patches until 2027. The OnePlus 12, released in early 2024 with Android 14, also promises four major OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning its software support will extend further into the future compared to the Z Flip4.
• Repairability: The Galaxy Z Flip4's foldable design presents unique challenges for repair, generally resulting in a lower repairability score. While Samsung has made efforts to make repairs more accessible and potentially less costly for certain components compared to its predecessors, the complexity of the foldable screen remains a factor. The OnePlus 12, as a traditional smartphone, generally offers moderate repairability, with components like the battery and screen being accessible, though strong adhesives can complicate the process.
• Durability Considerations: User feedback for the Z Flip4 sometimes highlights concerns about the long-term durability of the foldable screen and hinge mechanism, with some users reporting issues after extended use. The OnePlus 12, with its conventional design and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, is built for robust daily use, though its curved display might be a point of consideration for some users regarding accidental damage.

Performance in daily use, from app handling to multitasking, is a key differentiator between these two devices, largely influenced by their internal components and optimization.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy Z Flip4, with its processor from 2022, handles daily applications, web browsing, and moderate gaming smoothly. Users generally report a responsive experience for common tasks and multitasking. The OnePlus 12, featuring a newer generation processor from late 2023, delivers a more robust performance, excelling in demanding applications, intensive gaming, and seamless multitasking, ensuring a fluid experience even with numerous apps open.
• Storage and RAM: The Galaxy Z Flip4 is available with 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 512GB. The OnePlus 12 offers higher RAM configurations, starting at 12GB and going up to 16GB (with a 24GB option in some regions), alongside larger storage options up to 1TB, providing more headroom for power users and extensive media libraries.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a 3700 mAh battery. While an improvement over its predecessor, heavy users may find themselves needing to charge it before the end of a full day. The OnePlus 12 is equipped with a larger 5400 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, typically provides extended usage, often lasting a full day or more for many users, even with intensive use.

The visual experience on both devices is shaped by their display technology, resolution, and brightness capabilities, offering distinct viewing characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy Z Flip4 features a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a resolution of 1080 x 2640 pixels, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. It also has a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick interactions. The OnePlus 12 boasts a larger 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels, offering exceptional clarity and detail.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Z Flip4's main display offers a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and a peak brightness of up to 1200 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor conditions. The OnePlus 12 features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 4500 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.
• Viewing Experience: The Z Flip4's foldable screen offers a unique, immersive experience when unfolded, and its compact folded state is convenient for portability. The OnePlus 12 provides a expansive, traditional smartphone display, ideal for media consumption and productivity, with a slight curvature that some users find enhances the viewing experience.

The camera systems on these smartphones offer different capabilities for capturing photos and videos, influencing the quality and versatility of your visual content.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy Z Flip4 includes a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12 MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. The OnePlus 12 features a more versatile triple-camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor with OIS, a 48 MP ultrawide lens, and a 64 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering greater flexibility for various shooting scenarios.
• Photography Performance: The Z Flip4 delivers reliable photos in good lighting conditions, with improvements in low-light performance over its predecessor due to a larger main sensor. The OnePlus 12, with its higher-resolution sensors and advanced processing, generally provides more detailed images, stronger low-light capabilities, and the added benefit of optical zoom for distant subjects. Users often praise its camera for producing excellent results.
• Video and Audio: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording. The OnePlus 12 offers more advanced video features, including 8K recording and Dolby Vision. For audio, the OnePlus 12 is noted for its loud and clear speaker output, enhancing media consumption and call quality.