Blog

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: The Foldable Phone That's Finally Mature

The Samsung Z Fold 4 represents a significant improvement, making it a suitable choice for a wider audience. It possesses the capability and longevity to serve users well over an extended period. 

The generous 7.6-inch primary screen is well-received, now brighter and with narrower borders. Additionally, there are more applications customized to the Z Fold 4's spacious display. Furthermore, the 6.2-inch cover screen is more expansive and user-friendly. Notable enhancements also encompass a 50MP main camera that competes with the Galaxy S22 series and performs admirably in the Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Enhanced User Experience

The Galaxy Z Fold 4, when compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 3, is not significantly taller or slimmer. However, it's essential to acknowledge that the subtle millimeter-level changes do matter. When the Z Fold 4 is closed, it's not far from the feeling of holding a non-folding phone. Typing on its on-screen keyboard is probably faster and more accurate, and it's a bonus that Google's Gboard keyboard is now available alongside Samsung's own keyboard with a split view option.

The overall experience on the Z Fold 4 is undoubtedly better and more conventional. The aspect ratio change prevents the odd vertical-letterbox look, making activities like reading text, browsing Instagram, and using the phone feel less compromised. Although the 3 mm increase in the Cover Screen's size may seem small, it genuinely improves usability when the phone is closed. These size changes were facilitated by a new hinge design that operates silently with a satisfying snap when the phone closes. It's not the lightest phone at 263 grams, and it's noticeable in your pocket or bag, but it's still lighter than the Z Fold 3.

In terms of physical design and size, the Z Fold 4 has a noteworthy improvement. While these changes make it more accessible, they might not be drastic enough to win over those who were not fans of the Z Fold 3. It's different, but not radically so. The phone can be folded to act as its stand for watching videos, and the screen's sharpness is excellent for reading magazines and ebooks. It certainly may be the device that convinces you that large-screen foldable phones are ready for mainstream adoption.

Screen Display Specifications

The outer part of the phone features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2316 x 904, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an aspect ratio of 23.1:9. When you open the phone, you're greeted with a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen, also with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2176 x 1812. The refresh rate on the open screen can vary between 1Hz and 120Hz, while the cover screen ranges from 48 Hz to 120Hz.

The smaller borders around the cover screen and changes to the phone's shape have nicely improved its accessibility, contributing to the phone's enhanced design and user-friendliness. The inner screen is where you'll enjoy watching videos, playing games, reading, photo editing, and multitasking. The good news is that the new design has made this screen more usable as well.

Regarding the crease, it's still there, but the noticeable ripples around it have been reduced, making it less obvious. It remains consistent over months of use, whether the screen is on or off.

Video quality is sharp and filled with detail, but it's advisable to check the brightness settings since the phone tends to set it a bit low, affecting the viewing experience. While many apps support the large screen, there are some adjustments to get used to. For instance, Instagram and YouTube don't fully utilize the entire screen, with YouTube essentially resembling a scaled-up mobile app, which can be less convenient for video selection.

Samsung's own apps and core Google apps work effortlessly, allowing you to start an app on the cover screen and easily switch to the inner screen when you open the Z Fold 4. To make it work the other way around, you need to manually enable apps to continue on the cover screen from the inner screen in the Settings. By default, they are all disabled, and closing the phone turns off the screen completely.

Performance And Software Efficiency

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 initially ran on Google's Android 12L software, designed for larger screens, along with Samsung's OneUI 4.1.1 interface. While Android 12L isn't different from regular Android 12, Samsung didn't adopt the two-column Quick Settings layout, which is the most noticeable visual change. Later, it received an update to Android 13, which includes all the enhancements from Android 12L, along with OneUI 5.1. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor with 12GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB.

One of the new features is the Taskbar, which resembles the Windows Taskbar or MacOS's Dock. It adds app icons to the bottom of the screen when the phone is open, facilitating quick app switching. Using multiple apps simultaneously on the inner screen is a commendable feature of the Z Fold 4. It's effortless to begin multitasking by tapping and holding an app from the Taskbar or the Smart bar, then sliding it onto the screen, where it swiftly integrates with the existing apps. You can have three apps running alongside each other, and some apps can even float over the top as a fourth app. This multitasking feature is well-executed and significantly boosts productivity.

The phone's ability to handle four-app multitasking with ease is an evidence to both the software and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. Multitasking is a key aspect that makes the Z Fold 4 appealing, with a refined and convenient experience. The inside screen's size and quality make using multiple apps simultaneously a worthwhile encounter.

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, while being succeeded by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 since the Z Fold 4's release, is more efficient and better at handling demanding tasks and higher temperatures. It doesn't tend to overheat and manages the phone's capabilities effectively. The phone offers reliable 5G connectivity, Bluetooth performance, and good call quality.

Capturing Moments With The Z Fold 4 Camera

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 showcases a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 12MP 123-degree wide-angle camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and the ability to digitally zoom up to 30x. Video recording is supported up to 8K at 24 frames per second (fps) and also offers options for 4K at 30 or 60 fps, accompanied by Samsung's impressive Super Steady video stabilization. The camera features a Pro mode for both photos and videos, a night mode, Single Take, and portrait mode for both the main and selfie cameras.

The combination of a sturdy main camera, a competent wide-angle lens, and 3x optical zoom delivers outstanding photos. The images are vivid and full of color without appearing overly saturated. The wide-angle lens maintains consistent quality with a slightly enhanced HDR effect, and the 3x telephoto shots capture abundant detail without apparent digital alterations. Portrait mode excels with precise edge recognition, and the night mode performs well, though it's not a significant improvement from the Z Fold 3.

Compared to the Z Fold 3, the main camera produces a more natural look with less saturation and better balance. The wide-angle camera captures more detailed and well-exposed photos. While it doesn't match the S23 Ultra's 10x optical zoom, it's a compelling all-around performer suitable for both casual photographers and those seeking more versatility.

However, there are some downsides. The main camera struggles with close-up shots and may not focus properly if the subject is too near. The telephoto camera, despite its 30x zoom capability, doesn't deliver satisfactory results and is best avoided.

The Under Display Camera (UDC) with 4MP resolution doesn't offer a huge improvement over the Z Fold 3. It provides a somewhat soft image during video calls and lacks the sharpness of the 10MP selfie camera on the cover screen. Although Samsung claims to have made the UDC camera less noticeable, it remains largely unchanged, prominent if you look closely but not bothersome.

While most users will likely use the camera on the cover screen, there's an advantage to using the camera with the Z Fold 4 fully open. It's called Capture View, which displays the viewfinder and controls on the right and a vertical gallery view on the left. This feature is beneficial for quickly reviewing photos taken in dynamic situations or checking the quality of your selfie. The cover screen can also be used when the phone is open to let your subject see themselves during a photo or for using the rear camera for selfies.

Overall, the Z Fold 4's camera is a great improvement over the Z Fold 3. It has fast and feature-rich software, making excellent use of the multiple screens and layouts, promising an enjoyable photography saga.

Battery Life And Usage Expectations

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is equipped with a 4,400 mAh dual-cell battery, which, unfortunately, is the weakest aspect of an otherwise outstanding package. Some software adjustments have increased its efficiency, but if you use the phone intensively, don't expect it to last more than a full day. However, with moderate usage, which excludes gaming and includes about three hours of screen-on time, it can manage to reach the end of a second working day.

However, the phone doesn't come with a charger in the box, but it does include a USB Type-C cable. The Z Fold 4 supports 25-watt charging, and using a compatible charger, it takes about 88 minutes to go from 1% to a full charge. Additionally, the phone supports wireless charging at a lower wattage, and you can even use the Wireless PowerShare feature to charge a Qi-compatible device by placing it on the back of the Z Fold 4.

The drawback here is the relatively slow charging speed. Some devices, even those at a significantly lower price point, can reach a full charge in 30 minutes or less. The less-than-ideal battery life may irritate the impact of the slower charging for some users.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is offered in Pakistan with two storage options: 256GB and 512GB. The pricing details are as follows:

For the 256GB variant, it is priced at PKR 399,999.

If you opt for the 512GB model, the cost is PKR 574,999.

You can make your purchase through various channels, including the Samsung Pakistan official website, authorized Samsung retailers, and major online retail platforms.

Global and Local Release Dates

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 made its global debut on August 26, 2023. In Pakistan, it became available slightly later, hitting the market on September 9, 2023.

Here’s The Deal

Small, subtle changes can have a substantial impact. While the Galaxy Z Fold 4 might not immediately scream "revolutionary upgrade" when examining its specifications on paper, it contradicts expectations. The alterations in its shape, weight, and features transform it into a more practical device for daily use, opening it up to a broader audience, provided the price is within reach. In fact, there's genuine value here, particularly when you consider the durability provided by both the hardware and software.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 exudes a futuristic and cutting-edge vibe, except when it comes to the battery and charging. It's slightly slower to charge compared to many contemporary smartphones, and using the device as it's meant to be used could potentially lead to the battery running out before the day ends. These factors might limit some users from fully achieving its impressive capabilities.

On the software front, the Z Fold 4 benefits from regular updates and has evolved gracefully. Most apps and services smoothly adapt to both screens. Moreover, due to Samsung and Google's ongoing collaboration for long-term support and updates, the Z Fold 4 promises to remain fresh and relevant for years to come.