Samsung’s 2022 foldable lineup is right here. It contains the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4. Whereas they won’t look very completely different from their predecessors, each of those smartphones are extra than simply an iterative replace, extra so with the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Fold gadget options upgraded internals, higher optics, and a superior entrance show alongside an improved hinge mechanism.
Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know concerning the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 3, and whether or not or not the Fold 4 is a worthy improve.
Specs
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 | |
| Dimension | Unfolded: 130.1 x 155.1 x 6.3mm Folded: 67.1 x 155.1 x 15.8mm |
Unfolded: 128.1 x 158.2 x 6.4mm Folded: 67.1 x 158.2 x 16.0mm |
| Weight | 263 grams (9.27 ounces) | 271 grams (9.56 ounces) |
| Display screen dimension | Major: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Cowl display: 6.2-inch Tremendous AMOLED 2X |
Major: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Cowl display: 6.2-inch Tremendous AMOLED 2X |
| Display screen decision | Major: 2176 x 1812 pixels Cowl display: 2316 x 904 pixels |
Major: 2208 x 1768 pixels Cowl display: 2268 x 832 pixels |
| Working system | Android 12L with One UI 4.1.1 | Android 12 with One UI 4.1 |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| MicroSD card slot | No | No |
| Faucet-to-pay providers | Google Pay, Samsung Pay | Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| Processor | Qualcomm 8+ Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Rear Digicam | Rear principal:50MP wide-angle, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto | Rear principal: 12MP wide-angle 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto |
| Entrance Digicam | Entrance principal display: 4MP under-display Cowl display: 10MP |
Entrance principal display: 4MP under-display Cowl display: 10MP |
| Bluetooth model | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fingerprint sensor | Sure, side-mounted | Sure, side-mounted |
| Water resistance | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| Battery | 4,400mAh Quick charging (25W, charger not included) Quick wi-fi charging (10W) Reverse wi-fi charging (4.5W) |
4,400mAh Quick charging (25W, charger not included) Quick wi-fi charging (10W) Reverse wi-fi charging (4.5W) |
| App market | Google Play Retailer | Google Play Retailer |
| Community help | All carriers | All carriers |
| Colours | Graphite, White, Bora Purple | Mirror Purple, Mirror Black |
| Costs | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Purchase from | Samsung, AT&T, T-Cellular, Verizon, Amazon, Finest Purchase, Walmart |
Samsung, AT&T, T-Cellular, Verizon, Amazon, Finest Purchase, Walmart |
| Assessment | Fingers-on | 4 out of 5 stars |
Design and show
Each the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 are virtually the identical dimension, however Samsung has diminished the bezel on the entrance of the previous. Whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 4 solely weighs eight grams lighter at 263 grams, it feels a lot lighter within the hand than the Z Fold 3. It could possibly be due to higher weight distribution. Regardless of the purpose, the Fold 4 doesn’t really feel like a brick within the hand, which makes it a greater cellphone for one-hand utilization.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 was the primary gadget to deliver some sort of IP score to Samsung foldables. The most recent model is not any completely different because it gives IPX8 water resistance. This implies your cellphone shall be fantastic with water splashes, however certainly don’t take it to the seaside, please.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 sports activities a 6.2-inch HD+ AMOLED cowl show, which is similar because the Fold 3. Each gadgets characteristic a 120Hz refresh fee on the outer display. However because of the discount of the suitable edge, it’s extra usable on Fold 4. As for the primary display, each gadgets characteristic a 7.6-inch foldable AMOLED show.
However Samsung has upped its sport this time round and given the Fold 4 a dynamic refresh fee of 1 to 120Hz reasonably than the ten to 120Hz current on the Fold 3. Plus, you get higher peak brightness at 1,300 nits on the newest Fold.
Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 4
Efficiency and battery
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip. Against this, the Fold 4 will get two generations of enchancment because it runs on the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. It ought to assist the gadget with thermals, digital camera efficiency in addition to in day-to-day utilization. Each smartphones characteristic 5G and include 12GB of RAM. Whereas the Fold 3 maxed out at 512GB, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 will get a 1TB storage variant.
This 12 months’s Fold packs the identical battery because the Fold 3 at 4,400mAh. Will probably be fascinating to see how lengthy it lasts on a single cost. I’ve excessive hopes for the reason that processor is extra energy environment friendly this time round. Samsung can also be preserving the battery charging wattage at 25W, which is similar as final 12 months. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 might be charged from 0 to 50% in half-hour with a 25W adapter, which is lacking from the field — as is the case with many of the flagships nowadays.
Even with a well-known battery setup, the newer chip contained in the Fold 4 — permitting for quicker efficiency and higher effectivity — offers it a tangible edge over the Fold 3.
Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 4
Cameras
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 lacked a flagship digital camera setup, and with the launch of the Galaxy S22 Extremely, it fell far behind within the $1,000+ section. Nonetheless, Samsung is changing the 12MP major digital camera with a 50MP sensor which is more likely to carry out higher than its predecessor.
Alongside the first sensor, you get a 12MP ultrawide lens and a 12MP telephoto digital camera. The megapixel rely could be the identical, however Samsung is now offering 3x optical zoom as a substitute of 2x on the Fold 3. You get the same old 30x digital zoom as effectively.
On the quilt show lies a 10MP selfie shooter on each smartphones. The megapixel rely stays the identical for the under-screen digital camera on the primary display at 4MP. Nonetheless, it’s coated by many extra pixels, so it’s not often seen if you end up consuming content material. It’s a way more improved under-display digital camera however lags behind the 10MP sensor for apparent causes.
Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 4
Software program and updates
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 was launched with Android 11 however is presently operating with Android 12 with One UI 4.1. Alternatively, the Fold 4 is launching with Android 12L operating One UI 4.1.1 — and it has some neat options up its sleeve. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 will final you a 12 months longer, although, with yet another 12 months of software program and safety updates than the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
As an illustration, you now get a taskbar on the backside of the display for a greater multitasking expertise. I requested Samsung if the characteristic would make its solution to the Fold 3 with a future replace, however I didn’t obtain a concrete reply. I suppose we’ll simply have to only wait and see. All the different multi-window options are staying with enhancements in day-to-day utilization.
The general software program expertise on each telephones could be very related, however with the brand new Taskbar and additional 12 months of updates, the Fold 4 takes one other win.
Winner: Galaxy Z Fold 4
Particular options
Each the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Fold 3 have stylus help. And whereas it was rumored that Samsung will present an in-built slot for its S Pen with the Fold 4, it didn’t occur. Consequently, you’ll have to purchase a case that helps S Pen storage should you don’t wish to lose the stylus. There are not any significant enhancements within the S Pen sensitivity with the newest gen.
Winner: Tie
Worth and availability
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 was launched at $1,800 for the bottom variant, however it may well now be purchased at round $1,500 on Amazon. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 begins at $1,800 as effectively. Will probably be obtainable in Graphite, White, and Bora Purple shade choices by way of all the foremost retailers. Nonetheless, the colour variants are more likely to fluctuate by market, provider, and retailer.
Total winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
At first, you would possibly take a look at the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and dismiss it as an iterative replace. However it’s way more than that. The Fold 4 comes with an enchancment in virtually each division. It has a greater foldable show, flagship-level cameras, and the newest processor. All of those options ought to mix to present you a satisfying expertise for the worth.
Does that make it a worthy improve over the Z Fold 3? That relies on you. Should you may legitimately profit from a snappier processor, higher battery effectivity, upgraded cameras, and the tweaked design, the Fold 4 does deliver lots to the desk. However on the finish of the day, it’s not reinventing the wheel you have already got with the Fold 3.
In case your Fold 3 is serving you simply fantastic as is, preserve utilizing it for an additional 12 months or two and sit out the Fold 4. However in case you have an older foldable gadget or are keen to choose up your very first one, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the best way to go.
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