‘Our experiences of the flip phone era are very different. Here’s what happened when we tried one for a week.’

When Holly and I learnt the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 was launching, we felt nostalgic for an era gone by, despite the fact I have never owned a flip phone.  

In the late '90s and early noughties, flip phones were considered the height of modern technology. What could beat a pocket-sized gadget that did all the things our parents' beat-up brick could do, but more? 

The only things is, I was not really... around for the flip phone era. Yes, I was alive. Yes, I knew what flip phones were since their initial release in 1996. 

Did I ever own one? No. 

Did I know how to use one? Also no. 

Watch: Galaxy Z Flip4. Post continues after video.

But when Optus invited Holly and I to try out the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 for the week, we were both buzzing. 

The idea of finally owning a flip phone really excited us, as they've levelled up big time since the nineties. The design is way more attractive, plus better functionality and usability. Sign us up.

So here's exactly how our week went after road testing the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. 

Holly, Gen X.

I have happy memories of my first flip phone but it was never like this. In fact, the folded brick I used to carry around in my fake Prada black backpack in the late '90s had nothing on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. 

For starters, this phone is pretty. And sleek, and slides into your pocket (some things never change, still love any outfit with pockets) or your bag (no longer a fake PVC Prada) easily. Also, folded flat, the screen is big. Properly BIG, and better definition than I had on my TV back then. And, most of all, the reasons that see a folding phone come into their own in 2022 didn't even really exist back then. Selfies, video, social. None of that even existed (imagine that, Shannen). 

Image: Supplied.

Anyway. Point being, times have changed. Along with my weekends. 

If you had asked me to document a weekend with a phone back when I was Shannen's age, I would have just assumed you meant I was phoning you from the pub and talking you through the conversation I had with that guy with the Michael Hutchence hair. 

Tuna. Image: Supplied.

Now, it means 25 different photos, from various viewpoints, of my new puppy, Tuna. Because I'm rock 'n' roll like that. 

Best thing about the Galaxy Z Flip4 for me? Being able to fold it, stand it up and film and photograph hands-free. Also, it just looks great. Did I mention that?

Image: Supplied.

Shannen, Gen Z.

There’s something about your first flip phone. 

My cool, older cousins all had one. They’d text their boyfriends on the bizarrely small keypads and when I would ask the time, they wouldn’t need to flip open anything. They’d just look down at their display and tell me, in a monotone voice, that it was time to get a watch. 

I understood, even then, that the moment I could get my hands on a flip phone would be a pivotal moment in time. 

Of course, the flip phone era raged on until it didn’t anymore – and just like how the world of technology is fast-paced and always on the verge of making something better, I realised the flip phone era had left me high and dry before I had even reached my teen years.

So this week was an interesting one. Mostly because I felt nostalgic for a time that I wasn’t really a part of. And a little bit because my first-ever phone had a metal exterior that resembled that of my new Galaxy Z Flip4. 

Image: Supplied.

Of course, it wasn't as sleek or sophisticated and this sturdy metal exterior is in the shade Pink Gold (don't worry; If that’s not your thing, there’s also Bora Purple, Blue and Graphite). 

It had a visual appeal that drew in my housemates as soon as I got home (I may or may not have been showing it off). 

What fascinated us was the cool cover screen. The 1.9-inch cover allowed me to respond to notifications, check the weather and make payments without even needing to FLIP the device open. It allowed me to still be present with my housemates while we chatted, but still made sure to notify me when someone had liked my photo on Instagram. Talk about not missing a single conversation or interaction! 

Image: Supplied.

While I liked how compact the Galaxy Z Flip4 is, I loved opening it up to answer calls and make what the cool kids like to call ~money moves~ (no money moves were actually made, FYI). I could do it all while still having some connection with the early 2000s that although foreign to me, also was incredibly familiar. 

I was and still am completely enchanted by the Galaxy Z Flip4 Quick Shot function, which means I can take photos without even needing to actually flip open the phone. 

By clicking the side button, the cover screen changed from a notification and time-telling hub to a front-facing camera. 

Image: Supplied.

Not only is the feature handy and easy to use, it also allows me to snap a photo of myself just by holding up my hand to the camera. In doing so, the phone gives me a countdown to get into position and ~strike a pose~. 

The best part though? Believe it or not, it’s not the actual Quick Shot mode because having a cover display on the exterior of the Galaxy Z Flip4 means I or someone I’m taking a photo of can see what they look like! 

Dog pics are mandatory. Image: Supplied.

As a slightly self-obsessed Gen Z, this feature blew me away. But I would be lying if I said this phone didn’t make me feel good when I use it – because while I may or may not have a slight obsession with snapping photos of myself, I also care about the planet I live on. 

That’s why I was so happy when I learnt of Samsung’s sustainability initiative. What it means is the device is partially made with repurposed fishing nets – or rather ghost nets – that would otherwise end up in the ocean.

One of the best things about this phone though is that it appeals to my individuality complex due to the fact the Galaxy Z Flip4 is fashion-forward technology ALL about personalisation. 

It comes in statement colours like Bora Purple, Blue and Pink Gold, and it’s the perfect way to make your phone match your own personal style. 

There is also a myriad of ways to customise the cover screen too and there are a variety if avatars, GIFs, clock styles and wallpapers I could choose from. 

All in all, I would say there were so many features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 that made my heart swoon.

From the pocket-sized cuteness that is the Flip4 device to the various camera features to the display options and usability, it sure does come packed with a punch. 

And after carrying it around with me to bars, or out to lunch, or to visit my family, it was an instant conversation starter. Everyone wanted to reminisce about the good ol’ 2000s or take it out of my hands to try out the camera features for themselves. 

Capture life with new perspective, and check out the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4.

Shop the Samsung Galaxy Z Series at the best price, guaranteed with Optus' 5G Phone Price Match Guarantee. 

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Display measured diagonally without accounting for rounded corners. Actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.

Feature Image: Supplied.