As an avid tech follower, I‘ve been eagerly comparing Samsung‘s latest flagship phones – the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy Z Flip 4. Both deliver serious performance and great software in sleek packages. But with different designs and strengths, is one clearly better overall?
I‘ll cut through the confusion with an in-depth, side-by-side analysis of every key consideration – from displays and performance to cameras, pricing, and more. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge to weigh each device‘s unique advantages. Let‘s dive in!
Foldable vs. Slab: How Design Sets These Phones Apart
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 sports a high-tech folding display, collapsing neatly in half when not being used. The Galaxy S22 features a conventional flat screen surrounded by smooth glass and metal. Let‘s explore the implications of these very different designs:
Displays – Specs and Quality Comparison
| Spec | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy Z Flip 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.7" (unfolded) / 1.9" (folded) |
| Screen type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X (flat) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X (foldable) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels | 1080 x 2640 pixels (unfolded) / 260 x 512 pixels (folded) |
| Refresh rate | 48-120Hz adaptive | 1-120Hz adaptive |
| Brightness | Peak 1300 nits | Peak 1200 nits |
Despite a smaller viewable area when unfolded, the S22‘s screen packs more pixels per inch for sharpness. However, the Z Flip 4‘s folding display is hugely versatile – delivering a massive viewable canvas or ultra-compact form factor. Its hinged design does introduce fragility compared to the S22‘s Gorilla Glass Victus+ covered screen though.
In Hand Feel and Portability
Thanks to its smooth rounded corners and relatively light 5.9 oz weight, the S22 offers premium ergonomics for easy one-handed use. At 6.5oz, the Z Flip 4 is noticeably heavier but ultimately more portable when folded down. For calls, the Z Flip 4 can even stand partially open – a flexibility its rival lacks.
Durability Differences
With an IP68 rating and reinforced display glass, the S22 promises to withstand both water submersion and accidental drops better than the more delicate Z Flip 4. However, Samsung does claim improved durability for the Z Flip 4‘s folding screen compared to earlier generations.
For those wanting a true dual-screen-in-one-device experience, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 certainly brings standout functionality. But buyers prioritizing resilience, compact feel, and display quality may prefer the S22‘s slick and robust conventional design.
Performance That Packs a Punch: Benchmarking Raw Power
As 2022 flagship smartphones, both Galaxy gadgets boast serious processing muscle – but which claims the edge? Let‘s dig into the hard performance metrics:
CPU
| Spec | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy Z Flip 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| CPU Cores/Clock Speed | Octa-core (1×3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1×3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Manufacturing Process | 4nm | 4nm |
With a 100MHz higher clocked prime core and bumped speeds for efficiency cores too, the Z Flip 4‘s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip delivers tangible benchmarks advantages:
- 10-15% better single and multi-core CPU test results
- Up to 28% faster graphics processing
Memory and Storage
Both phones come equipped with 8GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM for seamless multitasking. However, the Z Flip 4 offers double the maximum internal storage – 512GB vs just 256GB on the S22.
For real world use, these minor hardware advantages do allow the Z Flip 4 to load apps quicker and run demanding games at slightly higher frame rates. But both phones handle everyday tasks and system navigation fluidly.
Battery Life and Charging Comparison
| Spec | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy Z Flip 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 3,700 mAh | 3,700 mAh |
| Typical usage runtime | 4-5 hours screen time | 5-6 hours screen time |
| Charging speed | 25W wired / 15W wireless | 25W wired / 10W wireless |
| 0-50% charge time | 30 minutes wired | 35 minutes wired |
Thanks to efficiency refinements from its upgraded processor, the Z Flip 4 manages to squeeze out nearly an extra hour of run time on average despite identical battery capacities. Still, both deliver reliable all-day performance for most buyers. And 25W fast charging can deliver a 50% top up in under half an hour.
For those focused purely on benchmarked speed though, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 does claim a modest performance edge overall.
Cameras – Big Differences in Shooting Power
While similarly swift in operation, the camera equipment on these phones varies significantly:
Rear Camera Hardware
| Spec | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy Z Flip 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0μm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4μm |
| Ultra-wide | 12MP f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4μm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12μm |
| Telephoto | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.94", 1.0μm | None |
| Optical zoom | 3x | None |
With a high resolution main sensor and both 2x telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, the S22 clearly has superior photography hardware. Megapixels certainly aren‘t everything but do allow more detailed cropping and editing flexibility.
Image Quality and Features Comparison
Thanks to that stellar camera array combined with advanced processing, the S22 captures truly stunning shots regardless of lighting:
[Example low light photo from Galaxy S22]The Z Flip 4 struggles more with noise, color accuracy, and exposure in dim scenes. It also lacks optical zoom functionality versus the S22‘s crisp 3x telephoto reach:
[Example 3x telephoto zoom photo from Galaxy S22]For video, both phones shoot beautifully stabilized 4K at a cinematic 60 fps. However, the S22 pushes things further with support for richly detailed 8K recording too.
So if photo or video quality is a priority, the Galaxy S22 certainly outclasses its lower megapixel rival. But for casual shooting, the Z Flip 4 still impress in good light.
Smooth Software and Special Modes: User Experience Comparison
The same foundation of Android 12 with Samsung‘s OneUI 4.1 skin graces both 2022 flagships. This brings loads of customization, polished performance, and exclusive features like Samsung DeX desktop experience support.
But the foldable Z Flip 4 does introduce a few new tricks courtesy of its flexible display:
- Flex Mode – When partially folded, compatible apps seamlessly adapt their layouts for enhanced multitasking productivity
- App Continuity – Open apps automatically transfer between the cover screen and larger inside display
- Cover Screen Widgets – Quickly access widgets like Samsung Pay when folded closed
Both Galaxy flagships offer a minimum of 4 years of major Android OS updates. And monthly security patches will keep each safe from emerging threats for at least 5 years after launch.
For software-enabled functionality, Samsung‘s foldable does push things further. Yet most buyers will still feel fully catered for by the S22‘s mature feature set.
Cost Comparison: Good Value or Overpriced?
On launch, the Z Flip 4 did demand around a $200 USD premium over the S22 at equivalent storage tiers:
| Spec | 128GB Galaxy S22 | 128GB Galaxy Z Flip 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Price | $799 | $999 |
However, both devices have seen major discounts in recent months. At some retailers, you can now grab a Z Flip 4 for as little as $850 – just $100 more than S22 deals.
To measure true value, we also need to account for each phone‘s expected usable lifespan:
- The S22‘s IP68 rating suggests it could better withstand years of frequent use plus environmental exposure
- The Z Flip 4‘s folding screen introduces fragility that may shorten its viability
If you don‘t need bleeding-edge foldable tech, the S22 likely delivers better bang for buck. But for those drawn to the Z Flip 4‘s futuristic form factor, current sale prices make it enticing.
The Verdict? Galaxy S22 Wins for Most Buyers
For shoppers focused on stunning photography, enduring build quality, and wallet-friendliness – the S22 makes the most sense for 2022. Its conventional slab design conceals serious processing might, brilliant cameras, resilient materials, and years of software support.
However, buyers craving innovation and portability will delight in the Z Flip 4‘s high-tech folding talents and amazingly compact stowed size. With a blazing fast chipset too, it brings substantive power. Just beware shorter longevity and camera compromise versus Samsung‘s non-folding flagship formula.
Hopefully breaking down their distinct advantages helps you determine which phone best fits your priorities! Let me know if any other questions pop up around Samsung‘s latest and greatest.
