Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 alternatives: 5 phones to consider before you buy

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is finally here, and we’re looking at an iterative improvement over Samsung’s previous generation compact foldable for the most part. You’ve still got that pocket-friendly clamshell design, a dual rear camera system, and a cover display for selfies and notifications. But there are a few sensible upgrades like a slightly bigger battery and a much faster chipset.

Looking for alternatives to Samsung’s clamshell foldable? Well, no matter the reason, we’ve got you covered with a rundown of the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 alternatives on the market.

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 might be the hot new thing, but it’s only a minor upgrade over the Z Flip 3. Plus, Samsung’s older device should be cheaper now too, giving you another reason to buy it over the new Flip phone.

Samsung’s 2021 device brings features like a Snapdragon 888 chipset, dual rear camera system, and wireless charging. The Z Flip 3 also delivers in the durability arena, touting an IPX8 water resistance rating, ultra-thin glass, and a tougher foldable screen than prior models.

It does lose out in terms of battery capacity though, offering a 3,300mAh battery compared to the Flip 4’s 3,700mAh capacity. For what it’s worth, we thought the Z Flip 3 delivered “so-so” battery life at the time of its release. Nevertheless, this is right at the top of the list of best Galaxy Z Flip 4 alternatives.

Our verdict: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review

2. Apple iPhone 13 Mini

The iPhone 13 Mini isn’t a foldable and it doesn’t run Android, but it’s still worth considering as a Galaxy Z Flip 4 alternative thanks to its powerful, pocket-friendly nature. So what do you get for $700, then?

Apple’s Mini device packs a chart-topping A15 Bionic processor, a tiny 5.4-inch OLED panel, and dual rear cameras (12MP main and 12MP ultrawide). You’re also getting welcome features like wireless charging, an IP68 rating, and Face ID functionality.

The Mini phone does lose out in a couple of areas compared to the Flip phone though, such as the lack of a high refresh rate screen and USB-C port. Still, you’re getting access to Apple’s ecosystem as well as a lengthy update pledge.

3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Samsung also has another foldable up its sleeve for 2022 with the Galaxy Z Fold 4, launching alongside the Z Flip 4. Unlike the pocket-friendly Flip, the Z Fold 4 delivers a foldable tablet-sized display on the inside and a smartphone display on the outside.

Other notable features include a flexible triple rear camera system (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto), a respectable 4,400mAh battery, S Pen support, and an under-display selfie camera on the foldable screen. The two foldables also share an IPX8 water resistance rating, Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, and a lengthy update pledge.

It’s worth noting that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is bulky compared to traditional smartphones and the Z Flip 4. But then again, conventional phones and the Flip device don’t come with a tablet-sized screen.

4. ASUS Zenfone 9

Like the idea of a powerful, pocket-friendly phone but don’t necessarily want a foldable? That’s where the ASUS Zenfone 9 comes in, as the recently released device is one of the few compact flagship phones on the market.

The Zenfone 9 packs the same Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC as the Galaxy Z Flip 4 but also brings other features like an IP68 rating, a 4,300mAh battery, a 50MP main camera with micro-gimbal stabilization tech (in addition to a 12MP ultrawide camera), and a 3.5mm port.

There are a few notable downsides though, such as the lackluster update commitment (two OS updates) and lack of wireless charging. But you’re still getting one of the better conventional Galaxy Z Flip 4 alternatives on the market.

Our verdict: ASUS Zenfone 9 review

5. Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

You can get the Galaxy S22 Plus for the same asking price as the Galaxy Z Flip 4, and we can see why you’d want to take this route instead. You might lose out on the foldable form factor, but you also gain a respectable 4,500mAh battery, a flexible triple rear camera system, and Gorilla Glass Victus Plus on the front.

The S22 Plus is also one of the more pocket-friendly Plus releases in recent memory, although this comes at the expense of battery capacity compared to its predecessor. Otherwise, Samsung’s Plus device offers the same stellar update pledge as the Galaxy Z Flip 4.

Perhaps the only real issue with the Galaxy S22 Plus is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor runs hotter and is less efficient than the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 inside the Galaxy Z Flip 4. But you’re still getting a powerful proposition here.

If you want all that but in a more portable chassis, then the Galaxy S22 is also definitely worth a look. Just be aware that the battery life takes a hit over the Plus model.

Our verdict: Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus review

Galaxy Z Flip 4 alternatives: honorable mentions

HUAWEI P50 Pocket (€1,299): The P50 Pocket might not be available in the US, but it’s one of the few non-Samsung clamshell foldables available in Europe and other global markets. Expect a Snapdragon 888 4G chipset, a 6.9-inch foldable panel, a circular cover screen, and a 4,000mAh battery. However, the lack of Google support and the high price tag will chase most people away.

Motorola Razr 2022 (~$880): Another clamshell device makes the list in the Razr 2022. It’s only available in China right now (priced at 5,999 yuan), but we hope it eventually lands in global markets. Expect a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC, a large external screen, and a 3,500mAh battery. Moto also says the cover display can be used for a variety of tasks — a far cry from the Z Flip line’s cover screen functionality.

These are our picks for the best Galaxy Z Flip 4 alternatives on the market! Did we miss a device? Then let us know in the comments!