Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Review (2026): Is It Worth Buying Refurbished in the UK?

Last updated: 26 May 2026 -- by RefurbPhone Editorial. Our UK-based engineers test every Z Flip 4 we refurbish across 30+ functional and cosmetic checks before sale.

Quick verdict: Should you buy a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 in 2026?

Yes -- for the right buyer. 4 years after launch, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 delivers what it always promised -- the first Flip that genuinely felt like a polished daily driver -- now at a fraction of its original GBP 999 RRP. Refurbished is the smart way to own this compact Flip in 2026, especially with the newer foldable models now driving prices down across the older Samsung foldable range. This Z Flip 4 is best for buyers who want a foldable on a smaller budget and don’t need a large cover screen.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 at a glance

• Launched: August 2022
• Inner display: 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz
• Cover display: 1.9-inch Super AMOLED
• Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• Cameras: Dual 12MP rear (main + ultrawide), 10MP selfie
• Battery: 3,700mAh, 25W wired, 10W wireless
• Weight: 187g
• Water/dust rating: IPX8 (water resistant only, no dust rating)
• Key features: Flex Mode, hands-free photography with cover display, multi-window multitasking
• UK launch RRP: GBP 999
• RefurbPhone refurbished price: Significantly less than RRP -- see our refurbished Samsung Galaxy range for current pricing

What we like about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

After refurbishing dozens of Z Flip 4 units, here’s what consistently impresses our engineers and customers:

Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is still capable

By 2026 standards the 8+ Gen 1 is a generation or two behind, but for everyday browsing, messaging, video and social apps it still delivers smooth performance.

What’s not so great about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

The original RRP was hard to justify

At GBP 999 new, the Z Flip 4 sat in luxury smartphone territory. That’s exactly why refurbished is the right way to buy it in 2026 -- the value proposition only makes sense once the price drops.

The tiny 1.9-inch cover display was already feeling outdated by 2022

This isn’t a deal-breaker but it’s worth being aware of before you buy. Most owners adjust within a few weeks.

Battery life is the weakest spec

The 3,700mAh battery is genuinely small by 2026 standards. Heavy users will need to top up by mid-afternoon. Light to moderate users will comfortably hit end of day.

No native Galaxy AI

Galaxy AI features that Samsung promotes today were added to newer models from 2024 onward. The Z Flip 4 doesn’t get them natively, though Samsung has back-ported some features via One UI updates.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 -- what changed?

The Z Flip 5 is the successor to the Z Flip 4, launched in August 2023. Here are the main differences worth knowing if you’re weighing which to buy refurbished:

• Chip: Z Flip 4 uses the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 vs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the Z Flip 5.
• Cover display: Z Flip 4 has a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED compared to 3.4-inch Flex Window Super AMOLED (a massive 78% bigger than Flip 4) on the Z Flip 5.
• Battery: Z Flip 4 packs 3,700mAh, 25W wired, 10W wireless vs 3,700mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless on the Z Flip 5.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold (2023) -- which form factor is right for you?

If you’re torn between a Flip and a Fold, here’s the decision in plain terms:

• Buy a Z Flip 4 if: you want a compact, pocketable phone that folds in half -- think style, portability and one-handed use.
• Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 if: you want a tablet-sized inner display for multitasking, productivity, S Pen note-taking and media -- think productivity power.

Both refurbished foldables save you hundreds vs buying new at RefurbPhone.

Is the refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 reliable in 2026?

The reliability concern foldables get tagged with is bigger than the reality. Here’s what 4 years of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 units passing through our refurbishment process actually shows:

• Samsung rates flip hinges for 200,000 fold cycles -- roughly 5 to 7 years of typical daily use
• The user-replaceable inner-display screen protector can lift at the edges after 12 to 24 months of use -- we replace it during refurbishment when needed
• Battery health on returning Z Flip 4 units typically sits at 85 to 92% at the 4-year mark
• Hinge mechanism failures are uncommon in our refurbishment testing

Every refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 at RefurbPhone is tested across the inner display, cover display, hinge mechanism, all cameras, biometric sensors, speakers, microphone, charging and battery health. Any battery below 85% capacity is replaced before sale, and you get a 12-month UK warranty on the whole device.

How much does a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 cost in the UK?

Refurbished Z Flip 4 prices vary by storage capacity and condition grade. At RefurbPhone we grade every device as Premium Refurbished, Very Good or Fair so you know exactly what cosmetic condition to expect before you buy. Check our refurbished Samsung Galaxy range for current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 released in the UK?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 launched in August 2022 with same-day UK availability through Samsung UK and major carriers including EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. UK launch price was GBP 999.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 worth buying refurbished in 2026?

Yes -- for the right buyer. 4 years on, the Z Flip 4 delivers the first Flip that genuinely felt like a polished daily driver at a fraction of the GBP 999 RRP. The Z Flip 4 is best suited to buyers who want a foldable on a smaller budget and don’t need a large cover screen. With Samsung’s 4 years of software support, a refurbished Z Flip 4 bought in 2026 has years of supported life ahead.

What chip does the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 use?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 uses the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. It’s a generation or two behind the latest flagships but still comfortably handles modern Android use.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 unlocked?

Every Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 at RefurbPhone ships unlocked and SIM-free, ready to use on any UK network including O2, EE, Three, Vodafone, Tesco Mobile, giffgaff and Sky Mobile.

How long is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 hinge rated for?

Samsung rates the Z Flip 4 hinge for 200,000 fold cycles -- roughly 5 to 7 years of typical daily use. In our refurbishment testing, hinge failures are uncommon.

How long will Samsung support the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 with software updates?

Samsung committed to 4 years of OS and security updates for the Z Flip 4 at launch. That means major Android updates and security patches through to at least 2026.

What warranty do I get with a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4?

A 12-month RefurbPhone warranty covering hardware faults, screen, hinge, battery and charging issues, plus 14 days no-quibble returns from delivery.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 waterproof?

The Z Flip 4 is rated IPX8 (water resistant only, no dust rating). It’s rated against freshwater immersion only -- not against dust. The IP rating may degrade over time on a folding device, so treat it as splash-resistant rather than fully waterproof in 2026.

Where can I buy a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 in the UK?

RefurbPhone stocks refurbished Z Flip 4 devices in Premium Refurbished, Very Good and Fair conditions, all unlocked with a 12-month UK warranty and free next-day UK delivery. Browse our refurbished Samsung Galaxy range or explore all refurbished Samsung Galaxy phones in our range.

Bottom line

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 was Samsung’s 2022 flagship foldable, and 4 years on it’s aged well. The first Flip that genuinely felt like a polished daily driver, with Samsung software support that runs through at least 2026. At a refurbished price from RefurbPhone, it’s genuinely good value for buyers who want a foldable on a smaller budget and don’t need a large cover screen.

Ready to shop? Browse our refurbished Samsung Galaxy range or compare it against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or our full refurbished Samsung Galaxy range.