Nothing Held Back: Samsung Fold4 Pros and Cons

With the new Galaxy Fold 4, Samsung has finally perfected the foldable smartphone design. Well, they’ve tried to at least. And, honestly, they’ve produced a pretty impressive foldable smartphone that features an updated processor and a mighty powerful triple camera system.

The Samsung Fold 4 is slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, and it features a new hinge that makes it more durable. Additionally, the Galaxy Fold 4 comes with an upgraded processor, more RAM, and a larger battery. 

However, there are some drawbacks to the Galaxy Fold 4. Interested in getting your hands on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4? Here’s what to know about this updated phone, including some of the top pros and cons you should be aware of.

When Was the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 Released?

The Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 officially went on sale on August 26th, 2022. Consumers who pre-ordered their new Samsung phones should have received them. However, some orders trickled in later in the week.

What else was unique about the launch of the Fold 4? Honestly, most of this phone's buzz has been around the price. It’s the most expensive foldable phone on the market, yet the price didn’t surpass the initial release price of the Fold 3.

The 256GB model (i.e. the most basic model available) currently costs $1,799. However, you can upgrade to a 5125 GB model for a higher price tag.

Those interested in the 1TB model must visit Samsung’s website and place their order there. It’s currently only available directly with Samsung as it’s an exclusive model of the Galaxy Fold 4.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 Specifications

Image credit: Benchmark.fl

For a quick overview of what this new book-style foldable phone offers, here are a few of the main specs that most people are interested in when comparing Samsung phones.

• Screen Size (Folded): 6.2”
• Screen Size (Unfolded): 7.6”
• Unfolded (Inner Screen) Display: QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (21.6:18)
• Folded (Cover Screen) Display: HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (23.1:9) 
• Colors: Gray-green, phantom black, beige, burgundy (note that burgundy is only available via Samsung.com)
• Weight: 263g
• Selfie Camera: 10MP
• Under Display Camera: 4MP
• Rear Triple-Camera System: 12MP ultra-wide camera, 50MP wide-angle camera, and 10MP telephoto camera
• Video Recording: Supports 8K video recording
• Battery: 4400mAh
• Charging: Fast wireless charging 2.0
• Connectivity: 5G
• Operating System: Android 12

While the phone offers more in-depth features such as unique photo modes and augmented reality capabilities, these are just some of the top specs you’ll need to know in order to compare the Fold 4 to other Samsung phones or even other iPhones.

Note that the S Pen Fold Edition is part of this launch. However, it’s sold separately from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. The pen tip diameter of the S Pen Fold Edition is an impressive 1.5mm.

Likewise, features of the S Pen include Bixby Vision, AR Doodle, PENUP, and more.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 vs. Fold 3: What’s Changed?

Samsung’s new Galaxy Fold 4 is the latest iteration of the company’s foldable smartphone, and it comes with a few upgrades over the previous model. 

Perhaps the most notable change is the addition of a slightly larger internal display, as well as an upgraded processor and camera system. In terms of design, the Fold 4 retains the same basic shape as its predecessor.

In terms of a direct comparison of the Galaxy Fold 3 vs. the Fold 4, you can expect the following from the Fold 4:

• An updated processor in the form of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (compared to the Fold 3’s Snapdragon 888 processor) 
• Up to 1TB of storage (compared to the Fold 3’s maximum storage of 512 GB)
• 50MP wide-angle camera (compared to the Fold 3’s 12MP wide-angle camera)
• A refined hinge mechanism that makes it open a bit more evenly
• Updated aspect ratios that improve the usability of the phone

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 is a minor upgrade over the previous model, but it’s still one of the most impressive foldable smartphones on the market. However, let's walk you through a few of those upgrades.

Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Processor

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor is a powerful and efficient mobile processor that offers several advantages over its predecessor. One of the most notable improvements is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1's ability to provide faster and more consistent performance. This is due to the processor's more efficient architecture and higher clock speeds.

Additionally, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 supports faster charging, which means you can get your phone back to full power in less time. Lastly, the improved processor is designed to offer better energy efficiency, so your phone will last longer on a single charge.

Overall, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 888 and is sure to keep your phone running smoothly for years to come.

50MP Wide-Angle Camera

The difference between a 12MP wide-angle camera and a massive 50MP wide-angle camera is quite big. This is great news for those who are interested in smartphone photography. 

The 50MP wide-angle camera on the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 is a powerful tool that gives users the ability to capture high-quality images and videos. This camera has a large sensor that allows for more light to be gathered, resulting in sharper images with less noise.

In addition, the 50MP wide-angle camera has a fast shutter speed that makes it ideal for capturing action shots. The autofocus system is also very fast, allowing users to quickly take photos and videos without having to worry about the blurriness. Overall, the 50MP wide-angle camera on the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 is a great upgrade from the Samsung Galaxy Fold 3.

Updated Hinge Mechanism

The updated hinge mechanism found in the Samsung Fold 4 relies on linear motion to create more of a "rotational" effect than previously found in the Fold 3. While this makes it easier to fold the phone, it also allows you to fully shut it and, in turn, create a more compact and lightweight phone when folded fully.

While it's unclear what kind of internal mechanism was used to achieve this improved design, tests have proven successful. The company confidently states you can get over 200,000 "folds" out of this hinge. However, more real-world tests estimate this to be a lot closer to over 400,000 "folds." This means you can expect the hinge mechanism to last quite a while.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 Pros & Cons

Alright, so when it comes down to it, is the Galaxy Fold 4 the right phone for you? Before you go out and buy one (and a Fold 4 phone case to protect it), check out some of these pros and cons.

Pro: The Internal Camera is Less Visible

One of the biggest complaints about the Galaxy Z Fold 3 was the internal camera. If you look at a side-by-side comparison of Fold 4 vs. Fold 3, however, you’ll notice a significant improvement.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 has been designed to improve the look of your internal camera on a regular screen. Honestly, we’d say that it’s half as noticeable when compared with the previous model.

However, you’ll note that, when you’re looking at your screen in low light, you can still see the internal camera somewhat. While it doesn’t at all affect functionality, it can be slightly annoying to some users.

In our opinion, it’s a total upgrade. This is particularly true if you’re looking to upgrade from your Fold 3 to a Fold 4. Just in terms of the internal camera visibility, you’ll notice an improvement. Do note, however, that the camera otherwise hasn’t been updated.

You can still expect a 4MP internal selfie camera on the Galaxy Fold 4.

Con: This Galaxy Phone is Expensive

While this isn’t necessarily a con when compared to the Fold 3 as it has the same initial price tag, it is one of the more expensive smartphones on the market at the moment. For example, the iPhone 13 currently sells for just $799 and offers impressive specs as well.

While it’s not a direct comparison to a book-style foldable phone, it is a good indicator of just how expensive the Fold 4 is compared to other powerful smartphones on the market.

Ultimately, is the price justified? With two screens, and one that folds out to offer a bit of a tablet-like scenario, it kind of is. This is particularly true if you watch a lot of videos on your phone or love to game. The foldable screen comes in handy then.

However, if you’re not going to take advantage of all of the other features the phone offers then you’d be better off sticking with a non-foldable phone that isn’t as expensive.

Pro: The Galaxy Fold 4 Has New Android 12L Software

If you've previously had or used a Google Pixel phone then you'll be familiar with Android's 12L software. Aside from Pixel phones, no other smartphone currently uses the new and improved 12L software. What's the difference between the Android 12 software features in the Fold 3?

Most notably it's the features and functions of the Android 12L taskbar. When you open the Fold 4, you'll notice that the taskbar at the bottom of the screen looks a lot like a taskbar you might see on a laptop or desktop. In this sense, it appears that you're using a laptop and not a mini tablet (which is kind of cool).

If you've used a Fold 3 and then move on to use the Fold 4, you'll also notice that drag-and-drop functionalities have been improved with 12L software. Due to the faster processing chip alongside this software update, screen splitting occurs faster than it does on a Fold 3 as well.

This really only comes into play if you're using certain apps. Basically, it enables apps to adapt to the different screen ratios a lot better and faster than before. This is important since, well, you're paying $1,800 for a dual-screen phone and want to get the most out of it.

Con: It’s Difficult to Use With One Hand

Reports of initial users are coming out saying that the Galaxy Fold 4 is a bit difficult to use with just one hand. This is a common complaint of larger Pro and Pro Max iPhones. It was also somewhat of a common complaint heard when the Fold 3 was released. However, it's important to note that there's little Samsung can do to get around this.

With an unfolded screen size of a whopping 7.6", it's difficult to make the phone easier to hold with the dimensions available to work with. Our suggestion? Treat your Galaxy Z Fold 4 like a mini tablet.

Understand that foldable phones are a new advancement in technology. They fall somewhere in between a smartphone and a tablet. If you're able to view them as such and understand (and get used to) the idea that you'll have to use your phone a bit differently than you would a standard smartphone then the fact that you can't always use it with one hand becomes less of an issue.

Pro: You Can Enjoy a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

As mentioned above in the comparison of the Fold 3 vs. Fold 4, when you upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4, you get to enjoy a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor is a new generation of mobile processors that offers significant improvements over its predecessor. 

What are some of the benefits of having a phone that features this kind of powerful processor?

It offers significant improvements in image processing and video capture, making it the ideal choice for mobile photography and videography. In addition, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 supports faster LTE speeds and provides longer battery life, making it the perfect choice for today's busy lifestyles.

Note that some users have had issues with overheating when using a phone that has a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, but it appears that those issues were only during initial testing. We haven't been able to find consistent reports of overheating with the Samsung Fold 4 yet. 

Con: The Camera is Similar to the Galaxy S22

First, let's clarify that we believe the Galaxy S22 has a great camera system. However, that's just the point. If you're going to pay $1,799 for a Fold 4 then you're likely hoping that you'll get more out of that investment than just a foldable screen. However, with a price tag of just $799 for the 128 GB option, the Galaxy S22 is much cheaper.

This means that if you're interested in a powerful smartphone that you'll use for casual chatting, social media, and smartphone photography, the Galaxy S22 might be a better more budget-friendly option for you.

What are the similarities between the two cameras? The Galaxy Z Fold 4 boats a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom capabilities. However, if you're taking photos of the moon or faraway objects, you can enjoy a 30x Space Zoom.

The main camera is the same as the Galaxy S22, though. So, whether you get an S22 or a Fold 4, you'll have a 50MP main camera and the same 12MP ultrawide camera.

Pro: Even More Storage

There's a big difference between 512 GB and a full 1 TB of storage. With the Galaxy Fold 4, you're able to enjoy over double the storage capacity, which is a massive upgrade in our book. Sure, you'll pay for that upgrade, but overall it's worth it if you plan on enjoying the phone's triple camera system and want to take and store a lot of photos.

Note that 1 TB of storage is typically only a feature you get when you upgrade to the most expensive premium version of a phone. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max was previously the only iPhone to offer this option. With the Fold 4, this upgrade is standard as there are no "Pro" or "Pro Max" models with this kind of Samsung phone launch.

It's also worth mentioning that it's unclear what color options will be available if you opt for the Fold 4 1 TB version. Other models are available in gray, beige, and black colors. However, there will be a burgundy option available too; it's unclear whether this is an option if you upgrade to the 1 TB storage.

Pro: The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ is Durable 

Again, this is a feature that was present in the Galaxy Fold 3 but it's still a great feature to have in the Fold 4. Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ is Corning's latest innovation in glass technology. This new glass is designed to be more durable and scratch-resistant than previous generations of Corning Gorilla Glass.

Victus+ is also claimed to be twice as drop-resistant as Corning Gorilla Glass 5, making it the most durable Gorilla Glass product to date. In addition, Victus+ is also said to offer better clarity and color rendition than previous generations of Corning Gorilla Glass. These improvements make Victus+ ideal for use in high-end mobile devices like the Galaxy Fold 4.

With its combination of durability, scratch resistance, and clarity, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ is sure to become the new standard for premium mobile devices. However, that doesn't mean you should entirely forego getting a phone case to protect your new investment...

What to Know About Galaxy Fold 4 Phone Cases

Despite the fact that the Galaxy Fold 4 is quite resistant, a Galaxy Fold 4 phone case can be a great way to protect your phone and keep it looking new. However, there are a few things you should know before you buy one.

Namely, Galaxy Fold 4 phone cases are made out of different materials, so it's important to choose one that will work best for you. Galaxy Fold 4 phone cases also come in different styles, so you can choose one that matches your personality. Here's what to know so you can choose the right style and material.

How Does a Foldable Phone Case Work?

If the Fold 4 folds, then how does a phone case work? Just like a regular case. A phone case is a simple way to protect your foldable phone from scratches and other damage. The case wraps around the phone, providing a layer of protection against everyday wear and tear. 

Your Fold 4 phone case simply comes with additional backing and screen protection to provide full coverage for both the standard display and the full display. 

Unicorn Beetle PRO Rugged Phone Case

The Unicorn Beetle Pro, which comes in various colors, is a top choice for those interested in a rugged phone case offering maximum protection. The Unicorn Beetle Pro is the winner of CNET's Annual Drop Test meaning that it withstood the most when dropped at the highest height.

In terms of design, you can expect to enjoy premium protection with unbending polycarbonate and shock-absorbing TPU. The raised bezels help ensure that the lenses and screen don't touch surfaces either, protecting them from scratches and damage.

And finally, despite the fact that it's so protective, you can still benefit from wireless charging even when the case is on.

Unicorn Beetle PRO Rugged Phone Case With S Pen Holder

If you're interested in using an S Pen with your new Galaxy Fold 4 then you'll want to make sure you get an S Pen case. In this context, we're talking about a phone case that supports the safe storage of your S Pen. The UB Pro with S Pen Holder phone case offers just that.

The hinge protection on the side doubles as an S Pen holder to provide you with space to keep track of your S Pen. That doesn't mean you miss out on other features, though. You can still enjoy open access to the fingerprint scanner, wireless charging capabilities, and a kickstand to ensure you're able to consume content from any angle.

Browse Samsung Fold 4 Cases

Now that you're aware of the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, are you ready to make the investment and buy yourself this new Samsung phone? Great! If so, be sure you protect it with a phone case.

Browse through our entire collection of Samsung Fold 4 cases available.