Many probably feel that it was yesterday when Samsung officially presented its first folding device, but nothing is further from the truth. This Wednesday, the South Korean company presented the fourth iteration of that concept that saw the light in February 2019. An iteration that, how could it be otherwise, has been baptized with the name of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.
The main objective of this new model is the same as the first member of this family: convince consumers of the value of folding phones and their possibilities. And it is that, almost four years later, these types of phones are still niche products in terms of sales.
The Galaxy ZFold 4 brings several changes compared to the previous model. However, this is more of an evolution in the right direction than a revolution or significant turning point for this family of devices.
What has changed in the Galaxy Z Fold 4?
- The outer screen slightly wider than before, bringing it a little closer to the proportions of a normal screen. Previous models, remember, have always had longer outer screens than a conventional phone.
- The front camera located under the inner screen is now slightly less visible than before thanks to a new scattered-type sub-pixel arrangement.
- The rear photo module now has a brighter 50-megapixel main camera, as well as a 3x telephoto lens. The previous model, for reference, had a 12-megapixel main camera and a 2x telephoto lens. What remains intact is the 12 megapixel ultra wide angle.
- The large internal display can now drop the refresh rate down to 1Hz when needed, contributing to lower power consumption.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 4 comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen1+, Qualcomm’s most advanced processor right now.
- The hinge is slightly thinner than before, the chassis weighs about 10 grams less, and the bezels around the screen are slightly thinner.
- The inner panel is a little more durable thanks to a layered structure that, according to the brand, reduces damage caused by external shocks.
- The outer screen is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ glass, a minor evolution of the Gorilla Glass Victus present in the previous model.
In the field of software, Samsung has implemented several functions that try to increase the usefulness of a folding screen product like this. It is also the first mobile that goes on sale with Android 12Lthe version of the operating system designed specifically for folding phones and devices with large screens.
Among the software innovations implemented by Samsung we find:
- A new taskbar similar to that of a computer – typical of Android 12L – that allows you to quickly switch applications or activate various options related to pop-up windows or multitasking.
- Google and Microsoft apps support drag and drop, which allows you to quickly copy and paste links, photos, and more from one app to another. These applications have also been adapted to take more advantage of the large folding screen.
- The mobile is still compatible with the S-Pen, which, yes, is not stored inside the phone but in a case that is sold separately.
- Multiple video recording and photo capture modes taking advantage of the folding screen (such as Capture View, Dual Preview or Rear Cam Selfie). Many of them were also available in previous models.
Features of the Galaxy Z Fold 4
Characteristic | Samsung Galaxy ZFold 4 |
---|---|
Main screen | 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display (2176 × 1812, 21.6:18) 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1∼120Hz) |
outer screen | 6.2-inch HD+ 2X Dynamic AMOLED display (2316 × 904, 23.1:9) 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (48∼120Hz) |
folded dimensions | 67.1 × 155.1 × 15.8 mm (hinge) ∼ 14.2 mm (arched) |
Unfolded Dimensions | 130.1 × 155.1 × 6.3mm |
Weight | 263 grams |
Frontal camera | 10MP sensor; f/2.2 aperture lens; pixel size: 1.22μm; FOV: 85° |
Camera under the screen | 4MP sensor; f/1.8 aperture lens; pixel size: 2.0μm; FOV: 80º |
ultra wide angle camera | 12MP sensor; f/2.2 aperture lens; pixel size: 1.12μm; FOV: 123° |
wide angle camera | 50MP sensor; Dual Pixel AF; OIS; f/1.8 aperture lens; pixel size: 1.0 μm; FOV: 85° |
Telephoto camera (3X optical) | 10MP sensor; PDAF; f/2.4 aperture lens; OIS; pixel size: 1.0 μm; FOV: 36º |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ |
Drums | 4,400mAh |
Burden | 25W wired, also compatible with wireless charging and reverse charging |
Waterproof | IPX8 |
connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, eSIM, dualSIM, USB-C, GPS, etc. |
Biometrics | Fingerprint reader on the side |
When will Samsung’s new foldable go on sale? What price will it have?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 can be reserved from now on the Samsung website and some authorized providers. The phone, however, will not go on sale until August 26.
Three versions of storage will be marketed (256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB), although the availability of each of them will vary depending on the market. It will also be available in three colors: Graygreen, Phantom Black and Beige. An exclusive color baptized as Burgundy will also be available on the Samsung page. Prices below:
- 12GB / 256GB: €1,799.00
- 12GB / 512GB: €1,919
- 12GB / 1TB: €2,159