When it comes to choosing between the Galaxy Z Flip4 and the Z Fold4, the former reignited some people’s love for flip phones, the latter catered to those looking for powerful productivity that isn’t possible on a small screen. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 won over 46% of voters with only 14% preferring foldables from other brands. Some may not have that option as Samsung is in the enviable position of being the only true foldable device supplier in much of the world. In places where there are viable alternatives, the discussion has often been limited to the form factor – the Z Fold4 is a large and heavy device. There is no way around this, but it would be a real benefit if the hinge could close without a gap. Samsung recently revealed that the hinge design is limited by the need to add dust and water resistance to the phone (the Galaxy Z models are the only foldables with an IP rating). The risk of a splash of water or a small piece of sand sending you to the shop for an expensive repair is not acceptable to Samsung. Other discussions have been about the aspect ratios of the displays, the new model’s roughly 23:9 cover display is a noticeable improvement over the Z Fold3, but some would like to see it reduced to 21:9. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 revealed an interesting divide – some were happy to see flip phones go the way of the dodo in the late 2000s, while others were very nostalgic for them. This last group is the largest, as the Flip scored better than the Fold with virtually 50% of the votes in its favor. For both foldables, a small percentage (about 5%) keep their older models. Of course, convertibles are still a new category, so the majority of owners are new buyers, not those looking to upgrade. As always, there was the consideration of price. Samsung expects the foldable Galaxy Z to overtake the Galaxy S series by 2025 in the flagship segment. Also, mobile boss TM Roh said that “foldables will become the new standard of smartphones”, which will also require more affordable models. 2025 is three years away. We’re also three years away from 2019 when the first Galaxy Fold hit the market. If Samsung is right, we’re halfway through the era of foldables dominating the market.
