Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Verdict
A unique phone that balances productivity with entertainment, but it’s not for everyone.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“The Fold4 is not perfect. But it's not like there are readily available alternatives everywhere and the ones you could come up with have their own sets of issues. The Fold3 was already the most well-rounded and feature-packed foldable on the market then, and the Fold4 can easily claim that title now. It comes with the same nominal price tag as last year's model at launch, and with the generational improvements accounted for and an economy that's seen better days, that's no small feat. Even at MSRP, the Galaxy Fold4 can make sense to the right buyer, though the sensible thing would be to wait a month or two for the inevitable price drop.”
“The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4's flexible screen and strong multitasking support make it the best productivity phone available today by far.”
“The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is, in this reviewer's subjective opinion, the best large-style foldable smartphone on the market, despite its shortcomings, of which there are quite a few in the context of its competitors. The hardware looks rather dated and isn't as appealing as some other foldables - it's not the thinnest by any stretch of the imagination, and the hinge has a gap. The cameras aren't the best around - they're probably not even the best on a foldable. Charging speed isn't amazing, and while this is the smoothest Samsung we've ever handled, it still lags behind in that domain somewhat.”
“Long software support and robust hardware. Those who are looking for a foldable smartphone can safely choose a Fold4 without any concerns.”
Testing & benchmarks
Watch before you decide
In Depth
Design
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 may be bulkier than other flagship phones, yet reviewers find its design premium and comfortable to hold in the closed position.
The flatter hinge improves comfort and pocketability, making the Fold 4 easier to handle than previous models.
The matte back resists fingerprints effectively, though reviewers warn that keys can scratch the finish. As one noted, “the crease does not vanish completely.”
Display(s)
You experience vibrant and crisp visuals on an expansive screen. The 7.6-inch foldable main display features vibrant colors, offering an immersive viewing experience. Its color-rich dynamic AMOLED panel makes watching videos and browsing a joy.
Using the front 6.2-inch AMOLED screen, you find outdoor readability impressive, even in direct sunlight. The phone’s ultrabright mode aids quick visibility without sacrificing too much color quality.
“The front screen is marvelous,” PCMag claims, emphasizing its brightness and usability as a standalone display.
Performance
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 shines with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, providing exceptional speed and fluid multitasking capabilities. You can navigate between apps seamlessly and handle multiple tasks without slowing down.
Experts highlight the ‘huge increase in gaming performance,’ ideal for immersive gaming sessions. The high-performing processor ensures that even demanding games and apps run without stutter or lag.
Despite its prowess, the Fold 4 maintains solid battery life, easily handling a full day of use with various apps and media activities. Regular tasks like browsing and streaming remain smooth and responsive, offering a robust experience that rivals desktop-level productivity.
Software & Storage
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 introduces Android 12L, specifically designed for large screens, making multitasking a breeze.
The taskbar simplifies switching between apps, allowing drag-and-drop multitasking similar to desktop experiences.
Samsung promises long-term software updates, with experts highlighting four years of Android upgrades and five years of security patches.
Despite some apps not fully optimizing for the foldable display, Samsung’s enhancements ensure a more productive user experience.
Cameras
The cameras are a major highlight, sharing tech with Samsung’s S22 series. You’ll enjoy vibrant photos full of detail, thanks to the powerful 50MP main camera and the impressive 3x optical zoom. Reviewers from PCMag mention that the “cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 4 are much better than those in the Fold 3,” ensuring quality captures in various settings.
Though the under-display selfie camera is less visible, experts note that quality remains underwhelming. For better selfies, the covered display’s 10MP camera shines by contrast. Despite some drawbacks, the foldable offers enhanced flexibility for capturing moments effortlessly.
Battery
The phone’s 4,400mAh battery offers moderate performance. “I got about 12 hours of power on a charge,” noted an expert, though more intense use may shorten this span. For typically heavy days, you’ll likely need a midday top-up to ensure it lasts until bedtime.
Charging is somewhat sluggish at 25W, especially compared to competitors with faster options like the OnePlus 10T. The slower charge speed might test your patience, particularly if you live a fast-paced lifestyle.
While the phone supports wireless charging, you’ll find it convenient yet not the quickest. Mindful power management becomes key with this device for all-day usability.
Audio
You’ll enjoy an immersive audio experience when using the Galaxy Z Fold4’s dual speakers for games and videos. Reviewers note that music and sound effects “definitely sound bigger and bolder” than on most phones, giving your games and movies new life.
During calls, the device uses precise microphones to ensure clear conversation, even in noisy environments. Experts praise its solid call quality and noise handling, promising your voice comes through crisply.
These features enhance daily use, making the phone suitable for high-quality entertainment and reliable communication.
The Bottom Line
This foldable smartphone provides a tablet-sized experience without needing a separate device, ideal for those who multitask heavily or enjoy on-the-go media consumption. Reviewers note its performance in running multiple apps simultaneously is impressive, attributing benefits to its responsive hardware and optimized user interface. Yet, the high price and durability concerns, as mentioned by experts, make it more appealing to tech enthusiasts and early adopters than to the average user. If price and potential durability issues are concerns, you might want to consider traditional flagship smartphones.
What people actually want to know
How much does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 cost?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 launched at $1,800 USD. Street prices change, so see current deals.
When was the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 released?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 was released on August 25, 2022.
How long will the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 receive software updates?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is guaranteed 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates from launch.
After security support ends, the phone keeps working. It just won't receive fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 has a 4,400 mAh battery.
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 water resistant?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 carries an IPX8 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 support wireless charging?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 supports wireless charging. It supports up to 15W wireless charging.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 have a headphone jack?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 support 5G?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 supports 5G connectivity.
Does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 have NFC?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Where can I get support for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4?
Visit Samsung's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Where can I download the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 manual?
You can view and download the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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