By
Moe Long Senior Writer
Updated

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4.5 out of 5 overall

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

  • Foldable design
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
  • Big, bright display

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In several key areas, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 improves upon the already solid Z Fold3. There's a brighter display, improved taskbar, and better camera. With its iterative, albeit impactful, upgrades, the Samsung fourth-generation Z Fold emerges as the best foldable Android phone on the market. 

Our favorite aspects of the Z Fold4 include its unique form factor, gorgeous displays, and fantastic multitasking capabilities. Read on to learn what we love (and don't) in our comprehensive Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 review.

Editor's note: The Galaxy Z Fold4 is no longer the newest foldable device from Samsung. Newer devices may offer better specs and features. This review reflects our findings when the device was released. It has been checked for relevance and accuracy. Check out our guide to foldables to learn more.


Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 right for you?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 packs ample screen real estate and flagship-caliber specs into a conveniently hinged device.

What we love
  • Outstanding cameras
  • Solid battery life
  • Bright displays
What could be improved
  • Expensive
  • Visible crease
The essentials
  • Performance: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
  • Battery: 4400mAh
  • Screen: 6.1 x 2.6 x 0.55 inches (closed) 6.1 x 5.1 x 0.21 inches (open)
  • Cameras: 50MP (f/1.8) wide, 12MP (f/2.2) ultra-wide, 10MP (f/2.4) telephoto, 10MP (f/2.2) cover, 4MP (f/1.8) under-display

Why We Recommend the
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4

With its decent battery capacity, folding form factor, and top-notch screens, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the best foldable phone on the planet. Learn what we like and a few small critiques about the fourth-gen version of this phone.

What we like: Excellent multitasking capabilities

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Review - Multitasking with multiple windows on the Galaxy Z Fold 4
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 makes multitasking a breeze

Because of its generous screen real estate and revamped taskbar, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is great for running multiple apps side by side. You can easily drag and drop between different on-screen windows, and a taskbar shows recently used apps (or favorites). Better Flex mode app support and a beefy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip further bolster multitasking capabilities. 

Serious mobile enthusiasts like content creators, digital nomads, and gamers will appreciate the ability to juggle multiple apps seamlessly on a large screen.

What we like: Bright displays

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Review - Big bright display
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 sports a big, bold, bright screen

The Z Fold4 boasts primary displays with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, up from the Fold3's 422 nits. This substantial brightness boost translates to better visibility, particularly in broad daylight. Coupled with ample screen real estate, the Z Fold4 makes streaming Star Trek Picard on Paramount+, playing Fortnite mobile, or simply perusing an article by your favorite WhistleOut writer (clearly yours truly) an absolute treat.

What we like: Fantastic construction

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Review - Using the S-Pen Stylus to navigate the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Despite its foldable design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is sturdy and durable

Despite its large footprint, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is surprisingly lightweight at just 263 grams. Additionally, its IPX8 water resistance lends peace of mind. The balance between portability and toughness means you won't have to worry too much about the Z Fold4's ability to keep up with everyday life.

What we don't like: Visible crease

While it's not a major eyesore, the Galaxy Z Fold4's crease remains somewhat visible. It's not always apparent, but using certain apps with bright sunlight makes the hinge easily discernable. We'd prefer a less noticeable crease, but it's not a dealbreaker.

What we don't like: Expensive

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is a big phone with a hefty price tag to match. Starting at $1,799 for the base 256GB model, the Fold4 doesn't offer a cheap option. Even with the rising price of flagship phones, expect to pay an even higher premium. Still, that's aligned with other premium folding phones like the Google Pixel Fold.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Features

While folding phones are pretty polarizing, the novelty is undeniable. Let's explore the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4's standout features.

Foldable form factor

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Review - Close up of the S-Pen navigating the Samsing Galaxy Z Fold4
Under certain circumstances, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4's crease is visible

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4's hinged design means you'll enjoy a sizable 7.6-inch display as a tablet experience. Its 6.2-inch cover display affords a smaller, though still large, outer screen. Both AMOLED panels sport up to 120Hz refresh rates for responsive scrolling and tapping. Because of its folding capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold is great for multitasking or watching videos without sacrificing portability.

Excellent cameras

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Review - Cameras on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
The fourth-generation Samsung Galaxy Z Fold benefits from improved cameras

Samsung traditionally graces its flagship handsets with top-notch cameras, and the Galaxy Z Fold4 is no exception. Its 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto rear cameras snap gorgeous pet and food pictures and videos. In our experience, the Galaxy Z Fold4 even trounced the iPhone 13 Pro Max's cameras in many scenarios.

Generous storage

Whereas the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 tops out at 512GB of onboard storage, the Fold4 includes a higher 1TB option. You'll also find 256GB and 512GB variants. Since most modern phones lack a microSD card slot, the added storage is crucial for holding all your apps, games, and photos.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
vs. Competitors

Let's see how the Galaxy Z Fold4 stacks up against rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, Huawei Mate Xs, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 vs. Z Fold3


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Display
Camera
Battery life
Storage and RAM
Water resistance
Processor
Price
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Compared with its predecessor in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, the Z Fold4 wins in nearly every category except price. You'll enjoy an upgraded processor, better cameras, and a 50% brighter screen (1,000 vs. 422 nits). Additionally, the fourth-gen Z Fold ushers in a 1TB storage tier. Ultimately, its iterative updates form like Voltron to create a substantially enhanced device.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 vs. other rivals

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the top foldable phone for most people, it's not the only option. The Huawei Mate Xs 2 is a fantastic folding Android handset with great cameras, lengthy battery life, and a gorgeous OLED display. Both the Mate Xs 2 and Fold4 feature solid build quality and excellent processing capabilities. However, the Galaxy Z Fold4 is an all-around better phone. Notably, the Mate Xs 2 lacks Google services and apps, making it a tough sell. 

Aside from the tablet-like Fold4, Samsung offers its Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, which arrives in a clamshell form factor. While both devices feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, the similarities end there. The Z Flip4 is slim and portable, while the Fold4 is a heavier, bulkier design. Moreover, the Fold4 packs better cameras, more RAM and storage, plus a higher battery capacity. You'll pay more for the Fold4 but benefit from better hardware. We recommend the Galaxy Z Fold4 for multitaskers and the Z Flip4 for folks seeking a compact handset. Upgrading your old Samsung handset to the Galaxy Z Fold4? Here's how to reset a Samsung phone.

Galaxy Z Fold4 vs. Huawei Mate Xs vs. Galaxy Z Flip4

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Huawei Mate Xs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Operating system Android 12 Android 12 Android 12
Displays 7.6” 1812 x 2176 pixel (unfolded)
6.2” 904 x 2316 pixel (folded)
7.8” 2200 x 2480 pixel (unfolded)
6.5” 1176 x 2480 (folded)
6.7” 1080 x 2640 pixel (internal)
1.9” 260 x 512 pixel (external)
Camera 50MP wide
10MP telephoto
12MP ultrawide
4MP under display
10MP selfie
50MP wide
8MP telephoto
13MP ultrawide
10.7MP selfie
12MP wide
12MP ultrawide
10MP selfie
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Storage Up to 1TB Up to 512GB
NM card
Up to 512GB
RAM 12GB Up to 12GB 8GB
Battery capacity 4400mAh 4880mAh 3700mAh
Water resistance IPX8 None IPX8
Dimensions 155.1 x 67.1 x 14.2 mm (folded)
155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (unfolded)
156.5 x 75.5 x 11.1 mm (folded)
156.5 x 139.3 x 5.4 mm (unfolded)
84.9 x 71.9 x 15.9-17.1 mm (folded)
165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm (unfolded)
Weight 263 grams (9.28 oz) 255 grams (8.99 oz) 187 grams (6.60 oz)
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Recap:
Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Right for You?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Review - Navigating the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 with the S-Pen stylus
With its solid feature set, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the best foldable Android phone 

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 offers improvements across the board that make it the best foldable phone available. Although we'd appreciate a less visible crease and lower price point, the brighter display, 1TB storage option, and 50MP camera are welcome changes. Here's what you get from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: 

  • Big, bright display 
  • Folding form factor 
  • Refined multitasking capabilities 
  • Long battery life 
  • Outstanding processing power 

For content creators, digital nomads, and other folks regularly running multiple apps, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 boasts the portability of a phone with the screen real estate of a tablet.

Accessorize with Samsung

Once you've settled on the Galaxy Z Fold4, or another of the best Samsung phones, snag some add-ons. Our favorite Samsung accessories include cases, screen protectors, and earbuds. 

Methodology

Our team of mobile experts analyzed data from proprietary research and user feedback to evaluate the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. We looked at panel technology, camera quality, and processing power. We compared the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 not only to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, but also to the Huawei Mate Xs and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. In addition to folding and flipping phones, we also compared the Z Fold4 with dozens of other flagship phones to determine its standing in the mobile market.

Moe Long

Senior Writer

Moe Long
Moe is a Senior Staff Writer with a passion for all things tech. As a writer and editor for over a decade, he specializes in researching and testing smartphones, gaming devices, and connected smart home systems. He’s been featured in publications including MakeUseOf, SmartHomeBeginner, TechBeacon, and more.

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