Galaxy Z Fold 4: Better Design But the Same Price

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 4 was showcased at Unpacked last week. The new foldable phone is more user-friendly than previous models due to its modified design. It will also get new software that makes use of the foldable screen and routine upgrades to its processor and camera. The price starts at $1800 (PS1,649 or AU$2,499), and goes on sale August 26.

Samsung was one of the first to enter the market with its Galaxy Fold device. According to Omdia and Display Supply Chain Consultants, it leads the foldable phone market in terms of shipments. However, foldable phones only make up a small portion of the wider mobile phone market. Samsung’s new Z Fold 4 & Z Flip 4 models are Samsung’s latest attempt at changing that. They address some of the most critical issues of the previous models and could make foldables more attractive to a wider audience.

For example, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 has a wider cover screen, which makes it more similar to a regular, nonfolding smartphone when closed. Apps look natural because the Z Fold 4’s screen doesn’t have as much width. Although the difference is obvious compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 3’s screen, the Z Fold 4’s display is still not as wide as standard phones like the Galaxy S22 and iPhone 13.

Samsung is doing more to make Galaxy Z Fold 4 useful even when folded halfway. The new Flex mode feature, which divides the screen between the top and bottom sections of the screen when the Z Fold opens, will be available. The bottom half of your screen will be available as a trackpad that allows you to control the content on the top. This is similar to the touchpad on a laptop.

This will make it easier to navigate apps in Flex mode, as you don’t need to obscure the top of the screen by scrolling. This feature is also available on the newly announced Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Samsung promises to look into bringing it to older Galaxy Z Fold or Flip devices. Samsung claims that the Z Fold 4 will be the first tablet to receive Android 12L, which is optimized for tablets. The Z Fold 4’s latest task bar is one of the most notable Android 12 features. This should make it easier to switch between apps.

Although the Z Fold 4’s design is the same, Samsung claims that the Z Fold 4 has stronger construction. Gorilla Glass Victus Plus protects the outside, while the internal tablet-sized screen is said to be 45% stronger. Samsung claims that the Z Fold 4’s interior screen is brighter and more visible than the predecessor. The Z Fold 4 can also be used with the S Pen, just like the previous version.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 will receive the usual processor and camera upgrades that you would expect from an annual update. This camera is especially noteworthy. Samsung will upgrade the Z Fold 4’s triple-lens camera system to a 50 megapixel main sensor, 12-megapixel ultrawide sensors and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. The telephoto lens can be used for digital zoom as well as optical zoom. Samsung will also bring the Galaxy S22’s improved low-light photography to the Z Fold 4 & Flip 4.

The Galaxy Z Fold’s large inner screen is what most people are interested in. The Z Fold 4’s camera should be at least equal or better than the one found on Samsung’s other folding phones. The Galaxy Z Fold 4’s cameras represent a significant improvement over the Z Fold 3’s 12-megapixel wide and telephoto lenses. Samsung’s flagship camera phone, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, is not yet out of reach.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor will run the Z Fold 4. This is a slightly newer version of the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip used in the Galaxy S22 line. CNET’s Patrick Holland was also disappointed with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 battery life.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is an improved and more polished version of the Galaxy Z Fold 3. Samsung seems to be getting a better idea of the purpose of these devices, having been around for three years. The Z Fold 4’s large screen and S Pen compatibility make it a productivity device similar to the extinct Galaxy Note. Samsung can now focus on developing new features for the Z Fold 4 rather than just making sure apps work across different sizes.

The Z Fold 4 still costs $1,800 and is a difficult sell. These new features may be a sign that there is progress, but they might not be enough for non-foldable users. It’s an important step towards understanding the role that foldables might play in our daily lives.