The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 5G is the latest iteration in Samsung’s foldable smartphone lineup, demonstrating just how far the technology has evolved since its inception.
The device embraces the now familiar book-like design, refining it with subtle improvements to enhance its appeal and durability. Reassuringly, it now boasts an improved hinge mechanism, providing a smoother folding experience that feels more natural and sturdy. It’s complemented by a water-resistant rating of IPX8, making the phone more resilient to the elements.
The exterior of the device features a 6.2-inch AMOLED cover screen, providing a compact smartphone experience for quick interactions. On unfolding, the Z Fold 4 5G reveals a 7.6-inch AMOLED main screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering an immersive tablet-like experience. The bezels have been reduced and the under-display camera technology provides an unobtrusive screen layout, making for an improved viewing experience.
Performance and Battery Life
Equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 chipset and 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 5G excels in performance, handling everyday tasks with ease and running demanding applications without hiccups. Despite its powerful internals, the device manages to maintain an impressive battery life, thanks to its 4,500mAh battery.
Samsung’s One UI 4, based on Android 12, offers seamless transitions between the cover screen and the main display. It also provides a host of multitasking options, such as Flex mode, which splits the main screen in half for simultaneous app usage. With the improved multi-window mode, users can run up to three apps at the same time. This was seamless and stutter free in our testing.
Cameras
The Z Fold 4 5G sports a triple-camera system on its rear, consisting of a 12MP ultra-wide, a 12MP wide-angle, and a 12MP telephoto lens, providing versatility for a variety of shooting scenarios. The main 12MP wide-angle camera produces sharp, detailed photos in a range of lighting conditions, with reliable autofocus and image stabilization. The 12MP ultra-wide lens captures a broader field of view, while the 12MP telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom for distant subjects.
The under-display 4MP front camera, though not the highest resolution, produces decent if underwhelming selfies. However, the cover screen’s 10MP front-facing camera provides better quality for those seeking higher-resolution selfies and video calls.
Connectivity and Extras
As a 5G-enabled device, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 5G offers fast internet speeds for those with access to 5G networks, still a frustratingly spotty experience in South Africa. It also includes other advanced connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
The stereo speakers tuned by AKG, offered an impressively immersive audio experience for when you’ve left your earbuds at home.
One of the standout extras of the Z Fold 4 5G is the S Pen Fold Edition, which Samsung says provides a seamless stylus experience for note taking, drawing, and more. The S Pen Pro, a separate accessory, adds even more functionality, including remote control capabilities.
Alas, our review device did not come with either, but from what we’ve heard from those who’ve used these extras, it enhances the device’s multitasking capabilities significantly. However, Samsung hasn’t provided a slot in the Z Fold 4 to store a stylus, unlike its non-folding Galaxy S22 and S23 Ultra devices.
Our verdict
Samsung has refined the foldable smartphone experience with the Galaxy Z Fold 4 5G, showcasing a stunning design, top-tier performance, and a plethora of advanced features. Its improved hinge mechanism and water-resistant build make it more durable, while the seamless integration of software and hardware facilitates a versatile user experience.
The triple-camera system offers versatility and excellent photo quality, even though the under-display front camera may not be the best choice for selfie enthusiasts. The inclusion of the S Pen Fold Edition and AKG-tuned stereo speakers further enhance the device’s functionality and appeal.
However, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 5G’s steep price point means it’s not for everyone. It’s best suited for those who want a cutting-edge, high-performance device that can provide both a smartphone and a tablet experience in one package. For anyone willing to make the pretty hefty investment required, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 5G is a remarkable piece of technology that showcases the future of mobile devices.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 5G is available on contract from R3 073,00/pm or for a cash price of R32 999.
