Alright, so we’ve got the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Fold 4 in the studio, and we’re about to put them to the ultimate test: the drop test. With all the moving parts and the fragile nature of folding phones, it’s always nerve-wracking to see how they’ll hold up in a drop. But Samsung has taken steps to make these phones more durable, using Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, implementing a new hinge system, and improving the damping material inside. Now, it’s time to find out how all these improvements translate into real-world drop performance.
Starting with the backdrop test, both phones surprisingly fare well, with minimal damage. The primary point of impact was on the hinge side, and thanks to the thin metal strip that runs across the backs of the phones, most of the damage was contained there. Although there are some scuff marks and cosmetic damage, both phones still function perfectly fine. In the hinge drop test, the Flip 4 suffered some scuffs, but both phones remain fully functional with no issues with their inner screens. With no cracks or shattering, the cover screen drop test also shows that these phones can withstand impact. Overall, Samsung’s engineering shines through as both phones come out strong after multiple rounds of testing.
Overview of Smartphone Models and Test Conditions
In this article, we will be discussing the drop test between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4. These two models are the latest additions to Samsung’s lineup of folding smartphones. We will be looking at the durability of these devices and how they perform under different drop test conditions. Samsung has made several improvements to the durability of these phones, including the use of Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, a new hinge system, and improved damping material to absorb shocks. Let’s dive into the details of each drop test and analyze the performance of these smartphones.
Initial Drop Test: Backdrop
The first test conducted was the backdrop drop test. Both the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4 were dropped from a height onto a hard surface. Surprisingly, both phones survived the drop with their rear glass fully intact. The primary point of impact was on the hinge side of the phones, and they benefited from a thin metal strip that runs across their backs. While some scuff marks were visible on the camera housing of the Fold 4, both phones remained fully functional. The impressive performance of the phones in this test sets a high standard for the subsequent tests.
Second Drop Test: Hinge Drop
Next up was the hinge drop test. The phones were dropped straight on the hinge, which resulted in significant scuffing on the armor aluminum used by Samsung. The damage was particularly noticeable on the Galaxy Z Flip 4, which went flying upon impact. Despite the cosmetic damage, both phones still functioned perfectly fine. The inner screens were fully functional, and the phones could be opened and closed without any issues. While the aesthetic results were not ideal, the hinge performance of the phones remained intact.
Third Drop Test: Cover Screen Drop
The third test focused on the cover screen drop. The phones were dropped directly onto their cover screens, and both devices survived without any cracks or shattering. Similar to the previous tests, the primary point of impact was on the hinge side of the phones. The metal strips on the hinge side seemed to provide additional protection, although they suffered some scuffing. The camera housing of the Flip 4 and a few scuffs on the outer edge of the Fold 4 were the only visible damage. The important takeaway from this test is that the screens still functioned perfectly, and the phones could fold and unfold without any problems.
Fourth Drop Test: Rotated Backdrop
In the fourth test, the phones were dropped with a twist. They were rotated 180 degrees to change the primary point of impact. Without the protection of the metal strips on the hinge side, the results were mixed. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 experienced a hairline crack along the bottom left, where the majority of the impact occurred. On the other hand, the Fold 4’s glass remained in perfect condition, with scuffing limited to the outer edge and additional damage to the camera housing. This disparity shows the effectiveness of the design choices made by Samsung in protecting the phones during drops.
Fifth Drop Test: Rotated Cover Screen
Similar to the fourth test, the fifth test involved dropping the phones with a twist, but this time focusing on the cover screen. Without the metal strip to protect it, the glass on the Flip 4 completely shattered upon impact, while the Fold 4’s cover screen remained intact with no cracking or shattering. Upon closer examination, it was observed that the glass area on the Flip 4 where the camera is located protrudes out more than on the Fold 4. This design difference may explain why the Fold 4’s cover screen was more durable in this test.
Sixth Drop Test: Inner Screen Drop
Moving on to the inner screen drop test, both phones were dropped face-down to test the resilience of their screens. Surprisingly, both phones survived without any cracks or dead pixels on the displays. There were some tiny marks on the screen protectors themselves, which is expected after dropping the phones onto concrete. The raised lip design intended to protect the phones when folded proved to be beneficial, with minimal visible damage to the outer frame. The impressive performance of the inner screens showcases the durability of Samsung’s engineering.
Bonus Round: Semi-Folded Drop
To further test the durability of the phones’ hinges, a bonus round was conducted. The phones were dropped from a height of one and a half meters onto a steel surface while in a semi-folded position. Although there was some scuffing on the edges, both phones remained fully functional. The hinges held up well, and despite feeling less smooth when opening and closing, they did not affect the phones’ functionality. Samsung’s engineering proved to be robust in this test, with the phones passing a 15-point inspection with all features working perfectly.
Investigation of Phones’ Functionality Post-Drop
After the drop tests, a detailed assessment of the phones’ post-drop conditions was conducted. Despite the cosmetic damage suffered during the tests, both phones remained fully functional. Features such as GPS and cameras were tested and found to be working properly. Samsung’s design and engineering impressed by ensuring the phones maintained their performance even after enduring multiple drops.
Conclusion: Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 4 Drop Test Results
In conclusion, both the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4 performed admirably in the drop tests. The phones demonstrated their ability to withstand drops from various heights and angles while still retaining their functionality. When comparing the two models, the results were generally consistent, with some variations in performance depending on the drop test condition. The performance of the hinge and the durability of the screens were commendable in both devices. Samsung’s dedication to improving the durability of their folding phones is evident through these tests, and their engineering deserves recognition.
Overall, the drop test results indicate that Samsung’s latest folding phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4, are equipped to withstand real-world drops and continue to perform reliably. For users seeking a durable and innovative smartphone, either of these models would be a solid choice.
