A few months ago, we discussed how it can be more fun to use older foldable flip phones, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 4, than newer models. That still holds true today, to a degree. If you don't care about the latest hardware and software enhancements but love unfolding and folding your flip phone, this might explain why you're still using the Galaxy Z Flip 4 in 2024. It enforces that classic flip phone user experience and flip phone action better than newer models.
Nevertheless, it's equally true that newer models come with a much more practical cover screen. The larger Flex Window lets users do more without flipping the phone open. Newer Flip models, like the Galaxy Z Flip 6, might not enforce the flip phone experience as much as the Flip 4 but it is a technically superior phone in virtually every aspect.
We'll talk more about the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in our upcoming review, but so far, it seems to be a fantastic device. And if you're tempted to leave your Galaxy Z Flip 4 behind for an upgrade, now might be the perfect time to do it. Here's why.
Trade-in values get worse over time
If you want to upgrade your Galaxy Z Flip 4 to a newer model, you probably shouldn't wait much longer before you make the transition. It may have been wise to skip the Galaxy Z Flip 5 in 2023 after using the Flip 4 for only one year, but now's the time to reconsider and weight the pros and cons of an upgrade. Or at least take a closer look at Samsung's new Z Flip 6 model.
The fact of the matter is that phones don't age like fine wine. And that's probably even truer for foldable phones, as they belong to an emerging market and are (or used to be) somewhat fragile. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 will continue to drop in value, and even Samsung will start giving customers poorer trade-in offers for their aging flip phones the longer they keep using them.
Right now, in markets like the USA, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 can net you a discount of up to $550 on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 if you use the trade-in program. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 also has a decent value of $500. But these enhanced trade-in deals could nosedive at any moment.
As you can tell from the screenshot above, Samsung will likely offer enhanced trade-in values for a limited time. And once that train leaves the station, you might get discounts of as low as $100 on your Galaxy Z Flip 4 if you later decide to exchange it for the Z Flip 6.
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Besides, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 really is a fine phone regardless of whether you're coming from the Flip 4 or another device. But if you ever felt like your Galaxy Z Flip 4's small cover screen is beginning to hinder the user experience, or you want Galaxy AI, or you're starting to fear that the Flip 4 could soon experience technical issues, the Flip 6 might be your answer.
Just don't forget that Samsung's enhanced trade-in values don't seem to be permanent. And judging by the strikethrough prices, the difference between enhanced and non-enhanced values is substantial. It's something to consider if you're getting bored of your Galaxy Z Flip 4 and have no intention of switching to a different phone series anytime soon. Is it time for an upgrade?
