SAMSUNG GALAXY FOLD 4

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the fourth iteration of Samsung’s pioneering foldable smartphone series, representing a significant leap in foldable technology. Launched in August 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, offering refined design, enhanced performance, and improved usability. This device is not just a smartphone but a hybrid between a smartphone and a tablet, catering to users who demand versatility, productivity, and cutting-edge technology. Below is a detailed exploration of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, covering its design, display, performance, camera system, software, battery life, and overall user experience.

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 retains the iconic book-style foldable design but introduces subtle yet impactful refinements. It is slightly lighter and more compact than the Fold 3, making it more comfortable to hold and use. The device features an aluminum frame with a Armor Aluminum finish, which enhances durability while maintaining a premium feel. The hinge mechanism, a critical component of any foldable device, has been further optimized for smoother operation and increased durability. Samsung claims the hinge can withstand over 200,000 folds, ensuring longevity.

The Fold 4 is IPX8 water-resistant, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. While it is not dust-resistant, the improved hinge design reduces the risk of dust particles entering the device. The exterior is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering scratch and drop resistance. The device is available in several color options, including Graygreen, Phantom Black, and Beige, with exclusive online colors like Burgundy.

Display

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 features a dual-display setup, combining a cover screen and a main foldable display:

1. Cover Display: The external cover screen is a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a resolution of 2316 x 904 pixels and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This display is ideal for quick tasks, such as checking notifications, making calls, or using apps in a traditional smartphone format. The cover screen is slightly wider than its predecessor, making it more practical for typing and everyday use.
2. Main Display: The star of the show is the 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable display with a resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels. This display also supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The under-display camera (UDC) technology has been improved, making the camera less noticeable and providing a more immersive viewing experience. The main display is perfect for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption, offering a tablet-like experience in a compact form factor.

Both displays support HDR10+ and are protected by Samsung’s Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG), which enhances durability without compromising flexibility. The crease in the middle of the main display is still present but is less noticeable compared to previous models.

Performance

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, built on a 4nm process. This chipset delivers top-tier performance, making the device capable of handling demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease. It is paired with 12GB of RAM and offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, though there is no microSD card slot for expandable storage.

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 also brings significant improvements in energy efficiency, which contributes to better battery life. The device supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and upload speeds, as well as Wi-Fi 6E for seamless wireless connectivity.

Camera System

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 boasts a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, co-developed with Samsung’s imaging experts and tuned for optimal performance. The camera system includes:

1. 50MP Wide-Angle Camera: The primary sensor features a large pixel size and Dual Pixel autofocus, ensuring sharp and detailed photos even in low-light conditions. It supports 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 60fps.
2. 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera: This camera is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos, offering a 123-degree field of view.
3. 10MP Telephoto Camera: With 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom, this camera allows users to capture distant subjects with clarity.

On the front, the Fold 4 features a 10MP cover camera and a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen. The under-display camera is less intrusive than before, though it still sacrifices some image quality compared to traditional front-facing cameras. The camera software includes features like Night Mode, Portrait Mode, and Pro Mode, giving users creative control over their shots.

Software and Multitasking

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 runs on Android 12L, a version of Android optimized for foldable devices and tablets. Samsung’s One UI 4.1.1 overlay enhances the user experience with features tailored for the Fold 4’s unique form factor. The software takes full advantage of the large main display, offering intuitive multitasking capabilities.

Key software features include:

• Multi-Active Window: Users can open up to three apps simultaneously on the main display, with resizable windows for flexible multitasking.
• App Continuity: Apps seamlessly transition between the cover screen and the main display when the device is unfolded.
• Taskbar: A persistent taskbar at the bottom of the main display provides quick access to frequently used apps, similar to a desktop experience.
• S Pen Support: The Fold 4 supports the S Pen, allowing users to take notes, sketch, or navigate the device with precision. However, the S Pen is sold separately, and the device does not have a built-in slot for it.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is equipped with a 4,400mAh dual-cell battery, which provides all-day battery life under moderate usage. The improved energy efficiency of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset helps optimize power consumption. The device supports 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, allowing users to charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches.

Audio and Connectivity

The Fold 4 features stereo speakers tuned by AKG, delivering rich and immersive sound quality. It also supports Dolby Atmos for an enhanced audio experience. The device includes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC for contactless payments.

User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is designed for power users who prioritize productivity and innovation. Its foldable design offers a unique combination of portability and functionality, making it ideal for professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts. The device excels in multitasking, media consumption, and gaming, thanks to its large display and powerful hardware.

However, the Fold 4 is not without its drawbacks. Its high price tag makes it inaccessible to many consumers, and the durability of the foldable display, while improved, still raises concerns for some users. Additionally, the lack of dust resistance and the absence of an S Pen slot may be seen as missed opportunities.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology. It combines cutting-edge hardware, innovative design, and versatile software to deliver a truly unique user experience. While it may not be perfect, the Fold 4 represents the pinnacle of foldable smartphone technology in 2022, setting a new standard for what a smartphone can be. For those willing to invest in the future of mobile devices, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a compelling choice.