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jeudi 18 août 2022

Apple Watch and MacBook production could move to Vietnam

For the past few years, Apple has branched out from China, moving some of its production to other regions like India and Vietnam.  Currently, iPads and Airpods are manufactured in Vietnam. While this is a big deal for the country, it looks like the relationship could get deeper. Recently, Apple has had talks with Vietnam, as it might have it manufacture the firm’s Apple Watches and MacBooks.

Although China handles most of Apple’s products, the company has begun shifting its manufacturing to other regions. There are several reasons for this, more recently being COVID-related lockdowns and supply chain issues. While things have yet to be set in stone, Luxshare Precision Industry and Foxconn in Vietnam have started test production of the Apple Watch. It is a highly sophisticated product, with lots of technology crammed into an extremely small space. Because of this, it requires a lot of skill to produce, especially when it is being created by the millions.

According to the source, the shift for MacBook production is taking a little longer, as Apple has run into hiccups trying to set up a production line in Vietnam. These disruptions have reportedly been due to a number of variables, with some being related to the pandemic. While things could easily escalate in Vietnam, one concern is how it will keep things competitive with China in terms of cost. In addition to Apple Watches and MacBooks, it appears that Apple will also test the production of its HomePod speaker in Vietnam as well.

The company first branched out from China with the production of its iPhone in India back in 2017. While the initial order was for the iPhone SE, things accelerated, with Apple also shifting production of the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 to India. Now, the country also manufactures the iPhone 13, and there were even recent reports that it could take on the production of the iPhone 14. Vietnam has manufactured the Apple Airpods since 2020 and now produces iPads as well. These types of expansions can be big, not only for Apple but also for the countries involved, so it will be interesting to see how things move forward in Vietnam, India, and also China.


Source: Nikkei Asia

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Oppo’s ColorOS 13 brings an Aquamorphic design and several new features

At the OnePlus 10T launch event earlier this month, OnePlus unveiled OxygenOS 13 — the latest version of its custom Android skin based on Android 13. Now, Oppo has lifted the covers off ColorOS 13, which is pretty much the same as OnePlus’ Android 13 skin.

New features in ColorOS 13

Like OxygenOS 13, ColorOS 13 adopts a new Aquamorphic Design, offering fluid, vibrant, and inclusive UI and animations inspired by the way water acts in nature. It consists of a new system theme palette based on the changing color of light between sunrise and sunset at sea level, an updated font with improved readability, and a card-style layout that displays information in a clear and visually-friendly order.

Screenshots showing new font and card-style layout in ColorOS 13.

Oppo’s latest custom Android skin also brings new intuitive animations to the table that offer softer, more natural, and realistic interaction effects. It is powered by an updated Quantum Animation Engine that delivers precise feedback when interacting with the UI. Furthermore, ColorOS 13 includes a new Shadow-Reflective Clock widget that accurately shows the flow of time, new inclusive illustrations, a dedicated IoT device control module, and media playback controls in the updated Control Center.

Screenshots showing the updated Quick Settings and Control Center in ColorOS 13.

ColorOS 13 also brings new features to enhance the multitasking experience, including Multi-Screen Connect support for the Oppo Pad Air, a new Meeting Assistant that ensures users get a stable network connection and fewer distractions during meetings, and support for a new sidebar shortcut to take meeting notes.

Screenshots showing new Meeting Assistant feature in ColorOS 13.

The multitasking improvements also include better Home Screen Management features that allow users to quickly access the information they need, including a Global Search banner, Large Folder support, and new Home Screen widgets.

Screenshots showing Large Folder support and other home screen improvements in ColorOS 13.

Oppo has also updated the Smart Always-On Display (AOD) functionality in ColorOS 13. It now lets users control apps and check additional information without unlocking the screen, and it also offers native Spotify integration. ColorOS 13 further brings new wallpapers to help users easily track smartphone usage, Adaptive Layout support for large-screen devices, and Split Screen support.

Screenshots showing new Auto Blur Screenshot feature in ColorOS 13.

ColorOS 13 also brings new privacy and security features to the table, including an Auto Pixelate option that can recognize and blur profile photos and names in chat screenshots. ColorOS’ Private Safe feature has also been improved with an updated UI, and it now encrypts your data using the widely-used Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

In addition to highlighting the new ColorOS 13 features, Oppo also shared some details about the software support commitment for its wide range of devices. The company now promises three major Android OS upgrades and four years of regular security patches for its flagship Find X series devices. On the other hand, the affordable Oppo Reno, F, and K series devices will receive two major Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. Lastly, the budget-friendly Oppo A series will receive one major Android OS upgrade and three years of security updates.

ColorOS 13 Rollout Schedule

Oppo has shared a tentative ColorOS 13 rollout schedule for its portfolio of devices. If all goes to plan, the Find X5 and Find X5 Pro should receive stable ColorOS 13 before the end of this month. The Find X3 Pro and Reno 8 Pro 5G should receive the update next month, followed by the Reno 8, Reno 7 Pro, Reno 7 5G, Reno 7, Reno 6 5G, Oppo F21 Pro, Oppo F19 Pro Plus, Oppo K10, and Oppo A96 in October.

ColorOS 13 tentative rollout schedule.

During the second round of the ColorOS 13 rollout in November and December, Oppo will release the update for 33 models. It will be followed by a third round in the first half of 2023, during which the update should reach 25 more devices.

To learn more about Oppo’s latest Android skin and everything it brings to the table, check out our hands-on preview of the ColorOS 13 beta running on the Find X5 Pro.

What do you think of all the new features that ColorOS 13 brings to the table? Did you spot any new features that might come in handy in your day-to-day use? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Oppo’s ColorOS 13 brings an Aquamorphic design and several new features appeared first on XDA.



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The ad-supported Netflix tier might limit the app’s functionality

Netflix is one of the most popular TV streaming services available out there. What started as a basic DVD rental platform eons ago has slowly grown into a more diverse entertainment hub. The company now has its own original catalog of series and movies. That’s not to mention the dozens of exclusive mobile games it provides. For a single monthly fee, the company grants you access to its offerings, and you get to stream your favorite titles on the go. After all, Netflix is available on almost all of the commonly-used devices and operating systems. So you get to start a show on your living room’s Smart TV and resume it on your phone as you commute.

Though, as the company struggles to maintain its present subscribers and gain new ones, it has been looking for new ways to appeal to the masses. For example, it started cracking down on password sharing in certain regions. This is to motivate users to get their own paid accounts. Whether this tactic works or backfires is irrelevant. Another strategy is launching a cheaper, ad-supported tier.

We already know that the ad-supported Netflix plan won’t include all of the shows currently available. Though, it seems like the company will also be limiting the mobile app’s functionality for users on this particular tier. According to Steve Moser‘s findings, the ad-supported Netflix plan won’t allow downloading content for offline viewing. Additionally, the app might prompt users to answer some questions. That’s to personalize the ad experience and provide more relevant ones. The text that Steve has found in the mobile app states:

Downloads available on all plans except Netflix with ads.

Now, let’s set up your ad experience.

We just need a few details to make sure you get the most relevant ads on Netflix. It’ll be really quick, we promise!

It’s unclear when this Netflix plan will launch and how cheaper it will be. It’s also yet to be seen whether it’ll help the company gain more subscribers — by appealing to users on more limited budgets.

Do you plan on subscribing to the ad-supported Netflix tier? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments section below.


Source: The Tape Drive with Steve Moser

The post The ad-supported Netflix tier might limit the app’s functionality appeared first on XDA.



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LineageOS 19 is now available for the Xiaomi Mi 6, Moto G 5G, Motorola Edge, and more

The LineageOS team has extended LineageOS 19 support to several Android devices since the Android 12-based custom ROM debuted earlier this year. Towards the end of last month, the team added support for the OnePlus Nord N200, Fairphone 3, and Redmi 7. Now, it’s extending support to five more devices — the Xiaomi Mi 6, Moto G 5G, Moto G 5G Plus, Moto Edge, and ZUK Z2 Plus.

The Moto G 5G (Moto One 5G Ace), Moto G 5G Plus (Moto One 5G), and Motorola Edge are budget-friendly Motorola devices from 2020 that launched with Android 10 out of the box. Motorola only released one major software update for all three phones, so users haven’t had the chance to experience all the new software features Google introduced with Android 12. But, thanks to LineageOS 19 support, users can now try out Android 12 on these devices.

The Xiaomi Mi 6 and ZUK Z2 Plus are much older in comparison and haven’t received official Android upgrades for a few years. The LineageOS team has given these devices a new lease on life with LineageOS 19 support. If you’re still rocking these phones and want to give Android 12 a shot, you can download LineageOS 19 from the links provided below. The Wiki links will direct you to the respective device pages, where you’ll find the flashable ZIP file and instructions for your device.

Sr. No. Device and Forum Link Device codename and Wiki Link Maintainer
1. Xiaomi Mi 6 sagit
  • ArianK16a
2. Moto G 5G (Moto One 5G Ace) kiev
  • SyberHexen
  • Jleeblanch
3. Moto G 5G Plus (Moto One 5G) nairo
  • SyberHexen
4. Motorola Edge racer
  • erfanoabdi
  • Jleeblanch
  • SyberHexen
5. ZUK Z2 Plus z2_plus
  • DD3Boh

To flash LineageOS 19, you’ll have to unlock your device’s bootloader and install a custom recovery like TWRP. If you’re not sure how to do that, check out our detailed guides on how to install a custom ROM and how to install TWRP for instructions. Before you proceed, though, make sure you carefully read the installation instructions and other linked documentation in the Wiki pages linked above. Also, take a backup of your data before starting the process, or you may lose it during the installation.

Note that LineageOS 19 doesn’t come with Google apps pre-installed. You’ll have to flash a compatible GApps package after installing the ROM if you wish to use any Google apps or services. Head over to our guide on how to download and install the latest GApps for detailed instructions.

While the LineageOS team has extended LineageOS 19 support to five devices, the team has also dropped three devices from the LineageOS 18.1 build roster due to maintainer inactivity. These include the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2, Xiaomi Mi Mix, and Xiaomi Mi Note 2.

The post LineageOS 19 is now available for the Xiaomi Mi 6, Moto G 5G, Motorola Edge, and more appeared first on XDA.



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LineageOS 19 is now available for the Xiaomi Mi 6, Moto G 5G, Motorola Edge, and more

The LineageOS team has extended LineageOS 19 support to several Android devices since the Android 12-based custom ROM debuted earlier this year. Towards the end of last month, the team added support for the OnePlus Nord N200, Fairphone 3, and Redmi 7. Now, it’s extending support to five more devices — the Xiaomi Mi 6, Moto G 5G, Moto G 5G Plus, Moto Edge, and ZUK Z2 Plus.

The Moto G 5G (Moto One 5G Ace), Moto G 5G Plus (Moto One 5G), and Motorola Edge are budget-friendly Motorola devices from 2020 that launched with Android 10 out of the box. Motorola only released one major software update for all three phones, so users haven’t had the chance to experience all the new software features Google introduced with Android 12. But, thanks to LineageOS 19 support, users can now try out Android 12 on these devices.

The Xiaomi Mi 6 and ZUK Z2 Plus are much older in comparison and haven’t received official Android upgrades for a few years. The LineageOS team has given these devices a new lease on life with LineageOS 19 support. If you’re still rocking these phones and want to give Android 12 a shot, you can download LineageOS 19 from the links provided below. The Wiki links will direct you to the respective device pages, where you’ll find the flashable ZIP file and instructions for your device.

Sr. No. Device and Forum Link Device codename and Wiki Link Maintainer
1. Xiaomi Mi 6 sagit
  • ArianK16a
2. Moto G 5G (Moto One 5G Ace) kiev
  • SyberHexen
  • Jleeblanch
3. Moto G 5G Plus (Moto One 5G) nairo
  • SyberHexen
4. Motorola Edge racer
  • erfanoabdi
  • Jleeblanch
  • SyberHexen
5. ZUK Z2 Plus z2_plus
  • DD3Boh

To flash LineageOS 19, you’ll have to unlock your device’s bootloader and install a custom recovery like TWRP. If you’re not sure how to do that, check out our detailed guides on how to install a custom ROM and how to install TWRP for instructions. Before you proceed, though, make sure you carefully read the installation instructions and other linked documentation in the Wiki pages linked above. Also, take a backup of your data before starting the process, or you may lose it during the installation.

Note that LineageOS 19 doesn’t come with Google apps pre-installed. You’ll have to flash a compatible GApps package after installing the ROM if you wish to use any Google apps or services. Head over to our guide on how to download and install the latest GApps for detailed instructions.

While the LineageOS team has extended LineageOS 19 support to five devices, the team has also dropped three devices from the LineageOS 18.1 build roster due to maintainer inactivity. These include the Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2, Xiaomi Mi Mix, and Xiaomi Mi Note 2.

The post LineageOS 19 is now available for the Xiaomi Mi 6, Moto G 5G, Motorola Edge, and more appeared first on XDA.



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mercredi 17 août 2022

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro: On which flagship should you spend $999?

Samsung revealed the Galaxy Z Flip 4 during its Unpacked event in August 2022. This device comes with plenty of innovative offerings, including a foldable display. For $999, you can either buy the Galaxy Z Flip 4 or buy the iPhone 13 Pro. Regardless of the choice you make, ensure that you protect your Samsung or Apple phone with a case. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. This is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro — the battle between two very different smartphones that cost $999 each.

Navigate this article:

Galaxy Z Flip 4 (2022) vs iPhone 13 Pro (2021): Specifications

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Processor
  • Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
  • A15 Bionic chip
Body
  • Unfolded: 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm
  • Folded: 84.9 x 71.9 x 15.9-17.1 mm
  • 187 g
  • 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm
  • 204 g
Display
  • Main
    • 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
    • 2640‑by‑1080-pixel resolution at 426 ppi
    • Support for HDR10+, 120Hz, and 1200 nits max brightness.
  • Cover:
    • 1.9-inch Super AMOLED display
    • 512‑by‑260-pixel resolution
  • 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
  • 2532‑by‑1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
  • Support for HDR, ProMotion technology (120Hz), True Tone technology, and 1200 nits max brightness.
Cameras
  • 12MP rear camera system:
    • Wide: ƒ/1.8
    • Ultra Wide: ƒ/2.2
  • 10MP front camera: ƒ/2.4
  • Pro 12MP rear camera system:
    • Telephoto: ƒ/2.8
    • Wide: ƒ/1.5
    • Ultra Wide: ƒ/1.8
  • TrueDepth 12MP front camera: ƒ/2.2
Memory
  • 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD
  • 8GB RAM
  • 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB SSD
  • 6GB RAM
Battery
  • All-day battery life
  • Up to 75 hours of audio playback
Connectivity
  • 5G
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • 5G
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Resistance
  • IPX8
  • IP68
Security
  • Fingerprint scanner
  • Face ID
OS
  • One UI 4.1.1 (based on Android 12)
  • iOS 15
Colors
  • Bora Purple
  • Graphite
  • Pink Gold
  • Blue
  • Sierra Blue
  • Graphite
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Alpine Green
Material
  • Ultra Thin Glass
  • Armor Aluminum
  • Glass back
  • Stainless steel frame
Price
  • Starts at $999
  • Starts at $999

Design: The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is out of this world

Design is an important aspect to look into before buying a new device. After all, we stare at our phones for hours every day, and we wouldn’t want to look at an ugly product. Fortunately, both phones look modern and have minimalistic builds. However, there are quite some obvious differences between the two.

The iPhone 13 Pro features the familiar design we’ve seen on previous-gen models. It has a matte glass back and a glossy stainless steel frame. On said back, we spot the notable bump — which packs the Pro camera system. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is made of ultra-thin glass and armor aluminum. It has a more streamlined camera system and a hinge in its middle.

When it comes to colors, the iPhone 13 Pro offers five finishes, while the Galaxy Z Flip 4 goes for four only. Notably, though, you can order the Samsung phone in its Bespoke Edition — allowing you to customize the colors of different parts of it. The resulting product is unique and reflects your taste. Obviously, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 wins over the iPhone 13 Pro in this round for having a more innovative design.

Display: Bendgate is a feature on the Galaxy Z Flip 4

The display also happens to be one of the highlights to look into when picking a phone upgrade. After all, looking at and touching our screens is how we mostly use these devices. So a terrible display would result in an unpleasant user experience. Expectedly, both high-end smartphones have great displays. However, one of them takes it a step further.

Despite the iPhone 13 Pro having a slightly clearer display, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 wins this round for its innovative execution. The Samsung phone has a 6.7-inch main screen that you can fold in half. This means you get to use a large phone screen without sacrificing your own comfort. When you want to place it in your pocket, you just fold it to switch to its compact form. That’s not to mention that folding it protects the main screen from direct scratches and damage.

iPhone 13 Pro iOS 16 lock screen

To glance at your notifications without unfolding the whole device, you get a tiny cover screen next to the rear camera system. Think of this cover display as a peeking window — allowing you to view time-sensitive events when you’ve folded your Flip. Otherwise, both phones support 120Hz refresh rates and have similar brightness levels.

Performance: The Apple A15 Bionic is bananas

Qualcomm snapdragon logo on red background

When you buy a new, high-end phone, you also expect a lag-free experience. Usually, that is mostly determined by its memory, processor, and operating system. We’ve taken a look at benchmarks for the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 and Apple A15 Bionic chips. Both chipsets perform remarkably well in the mobile field — with the A15 shining in the general single-core and multi-core performance tests. Meanwhile, the Qualcomm processor defeats the A15 in the gaming department. Though, the Apple chip has a higher overall score.

A15 Bionic

Nonetheless, scores don’t matter as much as practicality. Both the iPhone 13 Pro and Galaxy Z Flip 4 should operate smoothly. Keep in mind, though, that iOS is objectively less buggy than Android OS. So despite the two phones packing two mighty chips, you might encounter fewer lags and glitches when using the iPhone. Ultimately, both devices can execute everyday tasks just fine.

Cameras: The Flip is a flop

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 has been winning most of the previous rounds. In the camera department, though, it has some shortcomings. Starting with the front-facing or selfie camera, you get a 12MP TrueDepth camera system on the 13 Pro. This enables you to take 3D maps of your face and use Face ID for authentication. The Galaxy Z Flip 4, on the other hand, has a regular 10MP camera. For authentication, you have to depend on the fingerprint scanner included in the side button.

On the rear, both phones offer Wide and Ultra Wide lenses, with Apple aiming at higher resolutions and better apertures. Additionally, you get a telephoto lens on the iPhone 13 Pro — which is completely missing on the Galaxy Z Flip 4. So if you’re purely looking for a versatile camera setup, you might want to consider the iPhone over the Samsung phone. Nonetheless, the camera output on the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is more than decent.

Battery: The iPhone 13 Pro is selfish

With both the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and iPhone 13 Pro lasting a whole day on a single charge, battery comparisons have drifted to other aspects. For starters, the Samsung phone has a USB Type-C port — which is more universally adopted and used. Meanwhile, Apple resorts to its proprietary Lightning port on its Pro iPhone. This gives the Galaxy phone a few points.

Though, perhaps the most notable difference between the two phones is reverse Qi wireless charging. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 allows you to place a Qi-supported device on its back to wireless charge it. While you can charge your iPhone wirelessly with Qi or MagSafe, you still can’t charge other devices — like your AirPods — through the iPhone. This round goes to Samsung for using the superior port and because the ability to share power is indeed a very handy and neat offering.


Bottom Line: Innovation vs Familiarity

Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Apple iPhone 13 Pro come with a $999 price tag. So — which should you buy? If you are stuck in Apple’s ecosystem and aren’t willing to try a new mobile experience, then obviously the iPhone 13 Pro is the one to go for. Additionally, if you’re looking for the superior camera system, then the iPhone has more to offer in this field. Otherwise, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is almost objectively the better device to buy here. It packs a lot of innovative features and technologies that are still nowhere to be found on iPhones. You most certainly get more value for your money when you get this Samsung phone.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
    The Galaxy Z Flip 4 offers a foldable display. It's compact, packed with innovative technologies, and worth every buck.
    Apple iPhone 13 Pro
    The iPhone 13 Pro features a familiar design, has a solid build, and packs an unrivaled mobile processor.

Which of the two phones will you be buying, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro: On which flagship should you spend $999? appeared first on XDA.



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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro: On which flagship should you spend $999?

Samsung revealed the Galaxy Z Flip 4 during its Unpacked event in August 2022. This device comes with plenty of innovative offerings, including a foldable display. For $999, you can either buy the Galaxy Z Flip 4 or buy the iPhone 13 Pro. Regardless of the choice you make, ensure that you protect your Samsung or Apple phone with a case. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. This is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro — the battle between two very different smartphones that cost $999 each.

Navigate this article:

Galaxy Z Flip 4 (2022) vs iPhone 13 Pro (2021): Specifications

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Apple iPhone 13 Pro
Processor
  • Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
  • A15 Bionic chip
Body
  • Unfolded: 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm
  • Folded: 84.9 x 71.9 x 15.9-17.1 mm
  • 187 g
  • 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm
  • 204 g
Display
  • Main
    • 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
    • 2640‑by‑1080-pixel resolution at 426 ppi
    • Support for HDR10+, 120Hz, and 1200 nits max brightness.
  • Cover:
    • 1.9-inch Super AMOLED display
    • 512‑by‑260-pixel resolution
  • 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
  • 2532‑by‑1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi
  • Support for HDR, ProMotion technology (120Hz), True Tone technology, and 1200 nits max brightness.
Cameras
  • 12MP rear camera system:
    • Wide: ƒ/1.8
    • Ultra Wide: ƒ/2.2
  • 10MP front camera: ƒ/2.4
  • Pro 12MP rear camera system:
    • Telephoto: ƒ/2.8
    • Wide: ƒ/1.5
    • Ultra Wide: ƒ/1.8
  • TrueDepth 12MP front camera: ƒ/2.2
Memory
  • 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD
  • 8GB RAM
  • 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB SSD
  • 6GB RAM
Battery
  • All-day battery life
  • Up to 75 hours of audio playback
Connectivity
  • 5G
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • 5G
  • Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Resistance
  • IPX8
  • IP68
Security
  • Fingerprint scanner
  • Face ID
OS
  • One UI 4.1.1 (based on Android 12)
  • iOS 15
Colors
  • Bora Purple
  • Graphite
  • Pink Gold
  • Blue
  • Sierra Blue
  • Graphite
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Alpine Green
Material
  • Ultra Thin Glass
  • Armor Aluminum
  • Glass back
  • Stainless steel frame
Price
  • Starts at $999
  • Starts at $999

Design: The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is out of this world

Design is an important aspect to look into before buying a new device. After all, we stare at our phones for hours every day, and we wouldn’t want to look at an ugly product. Fortunately, both phones look modern and have minimalistic builds. However, there are quite some obvious differences between the two.

The iPhone 13 Pro features the familiar design we’ve seen on previous-gen models. It has a matte glass back and a glossy stainless steel frame. On said back, we spot the notable bump — which packs the Pro camera system. On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is made of ultra-thin glass and armor aluminum. It has a more streamlined camera system and a hinge in its middle.

When it comes to colors, the iPhone 13 Pro offers five finishes, while the Galaxy Z Flip 4 goes for four only. Notably, though, you can order the Samsung phone in its Bespoke Edition — allowing you to customize the colors of different parts of it. The resulting product is unique and reflects your taste. Obviously, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 wins over the iPhone 13 Pro in this round for having a more innovative design.

Display: Bendgate is a feature on the Galaxy Z Flip 4

The display also happens to be one of the highlights to look into when picking a phone upgrade. After all, looking at and touching our screens is how we mostly use these devices. So a terrible display would result in an unpleasant user experience. Expectedly, both high-end smartphones have great displays. However, one of them takes it a step further.

Despite the iPhone 13 Pro having a slightly clearer display, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 wins this round for its innovative execution. The Samsung phone has a 6.7-inch main screen that you can fold in half. This means you get to use a large phone screen without sacrificing your own comfort. When you want to place it in your pocket, you just fold it to switch to its compact form. That’s not to mention that folding it protects the main screen from direct scratches and damage.

iPhone 13 Pro iOS 16 lock screen

To glance at your notifications without unfolding the whole device, you get a tiny cover screen next to the rear camera system. Think of this cover display as a peeking window — allowing you to view time-sensitive events when you’ve folded your Flip. Otherwise, both phones support 120Hz refresh rates and have similar brightness levels.

Performance: The Apple A15 Bionic is bananas

Qualcomm snapdragon logo on red background

When you buy a new, high-end phone, you also expect a lag-free experience. Usually, that is mostly determined by its memory, processor, and operating system. We’ve taken a look at benchmarks for the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 and Apple A15 Bionic chips. Both chipsets perform remarkably well in the mobile field — with the A15 shining in the general single-core and multi-core performance tests. Meanwhile, the Qualcomm processor defeats the A15 in the gaming department. Though, the Apple chip has a higher overall score.

A15 Bionic

Nonetheless, scores don’t matter as much as practicality. Both the iPhone 13 Pro and Galaxy Z Flip 4 should operate smoothly. Keep in mind, though, that iOS is objectively less buggy than Android OS. So despite the two phones packing two mighty chips, you might encounter fewer lags and glitches when using the iPhone. Ultimately, both devices can execute everyday tasks just fine.

Cameras: The Flip is a flop

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 has been winning most of the previous rounds. In the camera department, though, it has some shortcomings. Starting with the front-facing or selfie camera, you get a 12MP TrueDepth camera system on the 13 Pro. This enables you to take 3D maps of your face and use Face ID for authentication. The Galaxy Z Flip 4, on the other hand, has a regular 10MP camera. For authentication, you have to depend on the fingerprint scanner included in the side button.

On the rear, both phones offer Wide and Ultra Wide lenses, with Apple aiming at higher resolutions and better apertures. Additionally, you get a telephoto lens on the iPhone 13 Pro — which is completely missing on the Galaxy Z Flip 4. So if you’re purely looking for a versatile camera setup, you might want to consider the iPhone over the Samsung phone. Nonetheless, the camera output on the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is more than decent.

Battery: The iPhone 13 Pro is selfish

With both the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and iPhone 13 Pro lasting a whole day on a single charge, battery comparisons have drifted to other aspects. For starters, the Samsung phone has a USB Type-C port — which is more universally adopted and used. Meanwhile, Apple resorts to its proprietary Lightning port on its Pro iPhone. This gives the Galaxy phone a few points.

Though, perhaps the most notable difference between the two phones is reverse Qi wireless charging. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 allows you to place a Qi-supported device on its back to wireless charge it. While you can charge your iPhone wirelessly with Qi or MagSafe, you still can’t charge other devices — like your AirPods — through the iPhone. This round goes to Samsung for using the superior port and because the ability to share power is indeed a very handy and neat offering.


Bottom Line: Innovation vs Familiarity

Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Apple iPhone 13 Pro come with a $999 price tag. So — which should you buy? If you are stuck in Apple’s ecosystem and aren’t willing to try a new mobile experience, then obviously the iPhone 13 Pro is the one to go for. Additionally, if you’re looking for the superior camera system, then the iPhone has more to offer in this field. Otherwise, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is almost objectively the better device to buy here. It packs a lot of innovative features and technologies that are still nowhere to be found on iPhones. You most certainly get more value for your money when you get this Samsung phone.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
    The Galaxy Z Flip 4 offers a foldable display. It's compact, packed with innovative technologies, and worth every buck.
    Apple iPhone 13 Pro
    The iPhone 13 Pro features a familiar design, has a solid build, and packs an unrivaled mobile processor.

Which of the two phones will you be buying, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro: On which flagship should you spend $999? appeared first on XDA.



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