It’s time to ‘Flip’ once again with Samsung having recently released their new models within the ‘Z’ series.

Pretty much owning the foldable market, Samsung has taken what was great with the Flip3 and bolstered the features even more, while staying true to its clamshell design.

The Flip4 is the Android based foldie that easily fits in your pocket with a cover screen measuring 1.9 inches.

The super tough cover screen has a few functions. When folded it’s your notification viewer, but when using the rear camera you can take selfies by propping up the phone on a table or similar surface and use the cover screen as a preview window.

This brings me to the camera specs.

There are two cameras on the back both the wide and ultra wide coming in at 12MP each.

The front pinhole is a 10MP.

Powering the Flip4 is a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor (same as the Galaxy Z Fold4) combined with 8GB RAM on the 128GB storage model (reviewed).

Sure it’s not a multitasking powerhouse as its bigger folding sibling – but you can multitask away on the Flip4 by split screen (two apps split on lower and top half of the screen).

Gaming the Flip4 was able to stand up to the best of them here too with it’s delicious looking 120Hz refresh.

PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty and Diablo Immortal all played exceedingly well, with Call of Duty chomping the low spec 3700 mAh battery.

But don’t be put off by the smaller powercell – generally speaking when your Flip4 is idle you’ll likely have it in it’s clamshell phase – this means that all the battery needs to power is the cover screen, and by doing this Samsung have made sure that the Flip4 is going to last you a full work day, if not a little bit more.

I am a heavy smartphone user. I probably punish them a little bit more than anyone else I know. If I get a spare 5 minutes I jump in to Diablo Immortal.

I take a lot of calls, answer what feels like a kazillion emails and messages a day, so my phone is always nearby and always active.

When I reviewed the Fold4 the mega sized battery did get me through a day, at times only just.

However the Flip4 was a surprise. Lasting more than a full day with the same use. There were a couple of periods where I reckon it could have extended itself over a day and a half, but I didn’t want to take the risk.

If you’re a content creator, vlogger, social media queen or just snap happy with your mobile, then the Flip4 most definitely has the goods and modes for you.

The first new feature is the camcorder like recording, where you unfold the Flip4 halfway, tilt it on it’s side and use it, well, like and old skool camcorder.

The Flip4 can record in 4K at both 30 or 60 fps at 1080p.

All other camera modes from this years flagship and Fold4 are available on the Flip4. My favourite of all is the Director Mode, and of course Samsung have got the low-light Night mode wizardry sorted.

I’ve always had a love for the Flip. It reminds me of the clamshell phones before mobiles got ‘smart’.

Super light-weight and easily pocketable. It’s like a midget multimedia device that can transform in to a full sized 6.7 inch smartphone in an instant.

If you’re keen to get in to the world of the foldables but feel that the Fold4, which opens up in to tablet form, is going to be a bit too beefy and perhaps don’t need the super-sized specs, the Flip4 is definitely the one to go for.

Get yourself ‘Flipping’ and once you get in to the world of Samsung foldables you’ll likely never want to go back to a ‘standard smartphone again.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Samsung has revealed to us today the next generation of ground-breaking foldable smartphones: Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4.

Both devices feature customisable form factors, tailored experiences, and upgraded performance. Now in its fourth generation, Galaxy Z series continues to break from convention to deliver new, impactful interactions that enhance everyday life.

“Samsung Galaxy foldables are built on the foundation of our openness philosophy, enabling new possibilities with complete customisation both inside and out. Created in collaboration with our world-class partners, the next foldable devices offer unparalleled mobile experiences that meet the needs of our most dynamic users,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Through our unwavering focus and industry leadership, excitement for the foldables continues to grow. We’ve successfully transformed this category from a radical project to a mainstream device lineup enjoyed by millions worldwide.”

As a testament to Samsung’s dedication to superior craftsmanship, every component in both form factors has been thoroughly analysed to deliver a truly optimised experience to ensure that every consumer has a device to fit their needs. The Galaxy Z Flip4 builds on the success of Samsung’s iconic form factor, adding key features, including an upgraded camera experience, a larger battery and expanded customisation, while maintaining its ultra-compact design.

The Galaxy Z Fold4 opens up new possibilities for users by delivering Samsung’s most comprehensive smartphone experience to-date, offering shape-shifting design, immersive displays and PC-like multitasking features, in addition to advanced camera technology and powerful mobile processors.

The Galaxy Z Flip4 enhances our users’ favourite features, making it the ultimate tool for self-expression. Its compact clamshell design offers unique experiences not available on any other smartphone.

Shoot hands-free video or capture full group selfies at various angles by partially folding Z Flip4 to activate FlexCam.

These can even be enjoyed on users’ favourite apps. Thanks to Samsung’s partnership with Meta, FlexCam is optimised for the most popular social platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook. Do more than ever with Z Flip4 by taking high-quality selfies right from the Cover Screen by leveraging the main camera with the upgraded Quick Shot. Start high-quality video recording in Quick Shot mode and then seamlessly switch to Flex mode to continue recording hands-free without stopping the video – ideal for content creators and vloggers. The users are now able to take selfies in Portrait Mode and see preview in actual photo ratio when using Quick Shot. With an upgraded camera equipped with a 65 percent brighter sensor powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, photos and videos are crisper and more stable – day or night.

Z Flip4 is crafted to go truly hands-free – doing more without ever opening the phone. Make calls, reply to texts and even control the SmartThings Scene widget, all from the Cover Screen.

Galaxy Z Flip4 can capture, watch and connect longer between charges with the expanded 3,700mAh battery. With Super Fast Charging, now supported on Z Flip4, charge up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes, keeping users connected when they’re running low.

With the slimmer hinge, straightened edges, contrasting hazed back glass and glossy metal frames, the design is our most refined yet. The users can fully customise the Z Flip4 inside and out, with Galaxy Themes on both Cover and Main Screen to complement their style with custom fonts, icons and designs. Plus, users can create their own Cover Screen with new clock designs and backgrounds in various formats such as images, GIFs and even video.

The Galaxy Z Fold4 is the result of Samsung Galaxy’s enduring smartphone innovation and our most powerful smartphone yet. Z Fold4 combines Samsung’s collective mobile technology expertise to create a device with increased functionality whether opened, closed, or in Flex mode. Furthermore, it is the first device to ship with Android 12, a special version of Android created by Google for large-screen experiences, including foldables.

Multitasking on Z Fold4 is easier than ever, so users can get more done on the move. The new Taskbar provides a layout similar to your PC, offering access to your favourite and recent apps. Multitasking is also more intuitive, thanks to new swipe gestures. Instantly switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows or split your screen in half for more ways to multitask.

Samsung’s partnerships with Google and Microsoft take multitasking to the next level.

Google apps, including Chrome and Gmail now support drag-and-drop, allowing users to quickly copy and paste links, photos and more from one app to another. With Google Meet, users can now connect with more people while enjoying virtual co-activities, including co-watching videos on YouTube or playing games together on a video call.

Microsoft’s full Office suite and Outlook take advantage of the foldable display, providing more information on the screen and faster ways to interact with the content. The multitasking experience is complete with S Pen functionality, enabling on-the-go drawing and notetaking with streamlined storage inside the Standing Cover with Pen case.

Galaxy Z Fold4 takes stunning photos and videos with an upgraded 50MP wide lens and 30x Space Zoom lens. A variety of camera modes, including the larger Zoom map activated on Capture View Mode, Dual Preview, and Rear Cam Selfie are custom-built to take advantage of the unique form factor for increased capturing flexibility. And with the larger pixel size, a 23 percent brighter sensor, and enhanced processing power, users can capture clear images even at night.

Content is even more immersive and distinctive on the 7.6-inch Main Screen with a brighter screen, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and a less visible Under Display Camera (UDC) featuring a new scatter-type sub-pixel arrangement. Popular social media apps like Facebook are optimised for the large-screen experience to make content more enjoyable. Or open your favourite streaming entertainment service apps like Netflix and watch hands-free with Flex mode. For non-optimised apps, users can even control the device without disrupting the content with the new Flex Mode Touchpad, offering accuracy while pausing, rewinding, and playing videos, or zooming in and out of content while the device is in Flex mode.

Games are snappier too thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform and hyper-fast 5G. With a slimmer hinge, lighter weight, and even narrower bezels, the wider screen enables easier one-handed interactions while using the Cover Screen.

Samsung continues its barrier-defying innovation journey to deliver the level of durability consumers expect, both in and out. With our Armour Aluminium frames and hinge cover along with exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the Cover Screen and rear glass, Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 are our toughest foldables ever. Durability of the Main Screen panel is also enhanced thanks to the optimised layer structure, helping to reduce damage from external shock. In addition, both Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 are equipped with IPX8 water resistance, so users can worry less if they get caught in the rain.

Joining the Galaxy Z series are Galaxy Buds2 Pro – Samsung’s new top-of-the-line earbuds that provide the most immersive wireless audio experience with a new, compact design, and seamless connectivity that is perfect for any aspect of your everyday life.

Appreciate every musical interlude with superior Hi-Fi 24bit Audio, which offers high-dynamic range helping you feel connected to the content you’re listening to with crystal-clear resolution. With the new Samsung seamless codec (SSC HiFi), quality music is enabled to transfer without a pause, and the new coaxial 2-way speaker makes those sounds richer than ever.

The new compact, ergonomic design is 15 percent smaller, with a secure fit that is engineered to prevent rotation, making it the perfect fitness companion. Take calls on-the-go with powerful ANC to minimise outside noise. The new Galaxy Buds2 Pro allows users to escape into their own world and simultaneously stay connected to their life.

When you need to answer an urgent call while enjoying a gaming session or a movie on your tablet, the Buds2 Pro can seamlessly switch the audio connection to your phone with a touch of a finger. The Buds2 Pro now features Auto Switch to provide effortless transition from your favourite TV Show to take a call from your loved ones.

And if you happen to misplace your Buds2 Pro on your commute SmartThings Find now makes locating them fast and easy whether they’re inside their cradle or not.

Whether you are quickly transitioning from a lunchtime walk outside to join a meeting on your PC or gaming on your tablet and need to answer a phone call, Galaxy Buds2 Pro are the perfect companion to seamlessly connect with a touch of a finger. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro now features TV Seamless Connection for selected TVs to provide effortless transition from your earbuds to the TV to go from your favourite song to the show you are watching. Samsung seamless codec enables quality music transfer without a pause, and the new coaxial 2-way speaker makes those sounds richer than ever.

Galaxy Buds2 Pro come in three all-new soft and neutral hues – Graphite, White, and Bora Purple for a distinctive look.

The Galaxy Z Flip4, Z Fold4, and Buds2 Pro will be available for pre-order beginning August 11 2022.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 specs

The post Introducing Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 & Galaxy Z Fold4 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Both high precision and for the elite.

That’s how I have always viewed JBL audio equipment.

Having their speaker systems in luxury vehicles and going further back to the early 2000’s where you were considered a serious audiophile and home theatre aficionado if you had JBL.

Now, anyone can experience the extreme quality as JBL releases small bluetooth speaker for the mass market.

Since smartphones began the revolution of media on the go accessories to accentuate that have been releasing every year.

JBL has released a few speaker systems for portability, one of those being the Flip4, which STG was sent for review.

Designed for a rugged life, the rubber encased cylindrical portable speaker is designed to be used both indoors and outdoors… in the roughest conditions.

Waterproof and solid the Flip4 pairs up with your iOS or Android device via Bluetooth. Setup is super simple and turning the Flip4 on sees it connect and be ready every time, for every adventure.

The Flip4 will have you rocking out to your favourite tracks at extreme volume with superior clarity.

Unlike the Wonderboom JBL shies away from the deep bass a bit and tends to have a more accurate sound. This is of course highly dependant on your audio streaming device.

The Flip4 has a front grill facing set of speakers, so although it’s rounded in shape you do need to have this front on.

Also a speaker phone the Flip4 will give an uninterrupted 12 hours of party time before requiring a charge up (on full charge).

With a feature called JBL Connect+ you can pair up upto 100 of the Flip4’s to create what would be an epic audio experience and with the JBL Connect App, two smart devices can connect up and DJ the night away.

The Flip4 is built for music lovers, the adventurous and any condition and is sized correctly to fit in to your picnic hamper, bag or coolie bin.

With Christmas almost here, a Flip4 would be an ideal gift to get the festive season rocking.

The post JBL Flip4 Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.