Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Review: Still the King of Foldables, But Is That Enough?

I've spent the better part of a month living with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, and it's been an eye-opening experience, to say the least. At its price point, it's firmly in the ultra-premium category, targeting users who crave cutting-edge technology and a truly unique mobile experience. After putting it through its paces in everything from daily commutes and intense gaming sessions to weekend photography excursions, I've got a pretty solid understanding of what this foldable powerhouse brings to the table.

Market Context: Setting the Stage

The Galaxy Z Fold4 isn't just another phone; it’s a statement. Samsung has been the driving force behind the foldable category, and this iteration feels like a refinement of their vision. It arrived at a time when foldable phones were gaining more traction, moving beyond a niche novelty to a more established, albeit still premium, segment. From my perspective, Samsung's strategy here is clear: solidify their leadership by offering the most polished and feature-rich foldable experience. The price point, while still high, reflects the advanced technology and engineering involved. It's aimed at early adopters, power users, and those who value having the latest and greatest – even if it comes with a premium price tag.

Design & Hardware: A Tale of Two Screens and a Hinge

My initial impression of the Z Fold4 is that it feels more refined than its predecessors. The hinge mechanism is noticeably improved, allowing the phone to fold flatter with a minimal gap. Holding the folded device, the weight (263g) is definitely noticeable, but it feels substantial and premium, not overly bulky. Unfolded, the expansive 7.6-inch display is genuinely impressive. The build quality is top-notch; the Armor Aluminum frame feels robust, and the Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the cover screen offers a welcome sense of durability. While I haven't intentionally put it through any drop tests, it’s reassuring to know it can withstand the rigors of daily use. The in-hand feel, whether folded or unfolded, is generally comfortable, though reaching across the full width of the unfolded screen with one hand can be a stretch for some.

Display: A Visual Feast, Inside and Out

The main attraction here is undoubtedly the internal 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. In my testing, the colors are vibrant, the blacks are inky deep, and the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. Media consumption is a joy – watching videos and browsing photos on this large canvas is significantly more immersive than on traditional smartphone screens. Gaming also benefits immensely; titles feel more engaging and expansive. The brightness is ample for indoor use, and even in bright sunlight, I found the screen to be adequately visible, although direct sunlight can still pose a challenge.

The 6.2-inch cover screen is surprisingly useful for everyday tasks when you don't need the full tablet experience. Checking notifications, responding to quick messages, and making calls are all comfortable on this external display. While it’s a taller and narrower aspect ratio than most standard phone screens, I adapted to it quickly. From my daily use, I appreciate having this readily accessible screen for simpler interactions without having to unfold the device every time.

Performance: Powerhouse Performance Across the Board

Under the hood, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides a staggering amount of power. In my real-world testing, the Z Fold4 handled everything I threw at it with ease. Gaming sessions with demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile were consistently smooth, with no noticeable lag or frame drops. The Adreno 730 GPU flexes its muscles here, delivering excellent graphics fidelity. Multitasking is where this phone truly shines. Thanks to the ample 12GB of RAM, I could seamlessly switch between numerous apps, running split-screen and pop-up views without any hiccups. Temperature management is also commendable; even during extended gaming sessions, the phone only got moderately warm, never uncomfortably hot. From my experience, the Z Fold4 is a performance beast that can handle even the most demanding tasks with aplomb.

Camera System: Versatility in Your Pocket

The camera system on the Z Fold4 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. My experience taking photos has been generally excellent, particularly in good lighting conditions. The 50MP main sensor captures images with impressive detail, vibrant colors, and good dynamic range. Specific shooting scenarios, like capturing landscapes and portraits, yielded consistently pleasing results. The 12MP ultrawide lens is handy for capturing expansive scenes, and the 10MP telephoto lens provides a useful 3x optical zoom, allowing me to get closer to subjects without significant loss of detail.

Video recording is also a strong point. I tested it in various scenarios, from casual everyday moments to more structured recordings, and the footage was consistently sharp and stable, thanks to optical image stabilization. Compared to other flagship phones, the Z Fold4's camera system holds its own, offering a versatile set of lenses that cater to a wide range of photographic needs. While it might not consistently outperform the absolute best camera-focused smartphones in every single scenario, the overall quality and versatility are undeniably impressive for a foldable device.

Battery & Charging: Good Endurance, Room for Improvement in Charging Speed

Battery life on the Z Fold4 is generally solid. In my observed battery performance, the 4400mAh battery typically got me through a full day of moderate use, including web browsing, social media, email, and some light gaming. However, with heavier use involving extended gaming, video streaming, or using the unfolded screen extensively, I sometimes found myself needing a top-up in the late afternoon.

The 25W fast charging, while decent, feels a bit underwhelming compared to the faster charging speeds offered by some competitors. In my charging speed testing, it took a little over an hour to fully charge the device. While it’s not slow by any means, given the premium nature of the phone and the battery capacity, I would have hoped for something closer to 45W or faster. Power management seems effective in optimizing battery life, but for power users, carrying a charger might still be necessary on particularly demanding days. The inclusion of wireless charging is a convenient bonus.

Software: A Familiar Experience Optimized for Foldables

The Z Fold4 runs on Samsung’s One UI, based on Android. My daily usage experience has been smooth and intuitive. Samsung has done a commendable job of optimizing the software for the foldable form factor, with features like Flex Mode, which allows you to prop the phone open at various angles, enhancing productivity and media consumption. The interface feels familiar to anyone who has used a Samsung phone before, with plenty of customization options. The multi-window functionality is particularly useful on the large inner display, allowing for efficient multitasking. Samsung's commitment to software updates is generally good, and I expect the Z Fold4 to receive timely updates for several years to come. The software experience feels polished and well-integrated with the unique hardware capabilities of the device.

Value Analysis: A Premium Price for a Unique Experience

Assessing the value of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 requires considering its high price tag. From my perspective, the price-to-feature ratio is justifiable for a specific type of user. This phone isn't for the casual user looking for a basic smartphone. It’s for those who crave innovation, prioritize productivity on the go, and appreciate the immersive experience of a larger display in a pocketable form factor. If you fall into that category, the Z Fold4 offers a compelling and largely unmatched experience.

However, if budget is a primary concern or if you prioritize specific features like the absolute best camera performance or the longest battery life at a lower cost, there are excellent alternatives in the traditional smartphone market. Compared to other foldable phones, the Z Fold4 offers a more mature and polished experience, but the higher price remains a significant barrier for many.

Conclusion: A Powerful and Refined Foldable, But Not for Everyone

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is undoubtedly a technological marvel and a testament to Samsung's innovation. In my time with it, I've been consistently impressed by its performance, the versatility of its foldable design, and the quality of its displays. The software is well-optimized, and the camera system is a solid performer. However, the high price point and the slightly slower charging speeds are factors to consider.

Ultimately, my recommendation is this: if you're willing to pay a premium for a truly unique and powerful mobile experience, and you value the productivity and immersive capabilities of a foldable device, the Galaxy Z Fold4 is an excellent choice. It's a phone that turns heads and delivers a distinct advantage in certain use cases. However, if you're looking for the best value for money or prioritize specific aspects where traditional smartphones still excel, you might find better options elsewhere. The Z Fold4 remains the king of the foldable hill, but it's a king with a hefty price tag, making it a considered purchase for a specific niche of the market.