Back in mid-2022, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 was one of Samsung’s most anticipated devices. It promised to build upon the foundation laid by its predecessors and deliver a more refined foldable experience. Today in 2025, the Z Fold 4 remains a pivotal release in Samsung’s journey toward perfecting foldable smartphones. But how does it hold up now? And how did the Z Fold 5 change the game? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Z Fold 4, its real-world performance, how it compares to the Z Fold 5, and what to expect from the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Galaxy Z Fold 4: The Turning Point in Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 launched in August 2022 with a clear mission: make foldables more mainstream by refining every part of the experience. Compared to the Z Fold 3, it wasn't a radical redesign, but the improvements added up to something special.
Key Specifications:
- Main Display: 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Cover Display: 6.2-inch HD+ AMOLED, 120Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Cameras: Triple rear (50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto), 10MP cover selfie, 4MP under-display
- Battery: 4,400mAh with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging
- Storage: Up to 1TB with 12GB RAM
- Software: Android 12L with One UI 4.1.1, enhanced for multitasking
Design & Durability:
Samsung managed to reduce the weight to 263g and slim down the bezels, giving users a more compact and balanced device. The hinge felt more refined, and the device was still rated IPX8 for water resistance—an industry-leading feat for foldables.
User Experience: Fold 4 in Real Life
In day-to-day use, the Fold 4 stood out for multitasking. The taskbar, split-screen enhancements, and app continuity across screens made it perfect for productivity. Whether it was replying to emails while watching YouTube or editing a Google Doc on the go, the Fold 4 felt like a phone and tablet in one.
However, there were still compromises:
- The visible crease remained.
- The under-display camera wasn't great.
- It didn’t fold completely flat due to the hinge design.
Still, for many early adopters, it was the first foldable that truly felt “ready for prime time.”
The Leap to Galaxy Z Fold 5: What Got Better
Released in August 2023, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 kept the winning formula but introduced a game-changing feature: the zero-gap hinge.
What Changed:
- New Hinge: The redesigned waterdrop hinge eliminated the wedge gap when folded, making the device slimmer and more pocket-friendly.
- Lighter Weight: Down to 253g with better weight distribution.
- Better Cooling and Efficiency: Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, performance was smoother and battery life slightly improved.
- Display Brightness: Brighter and more vibrant inner screen for better outdoor visibility.
- Refined Software: Improved drag-and-drop, multitasking gestures, and S Pen Fold Edition support.
Despite the similarities in overall design, the Fold 5 felt more premium, comfortable to hold, and modern—making it a fan favorite for both professionals and tech enthusiasts.
Z Fold 4 vs. Z Fold 5: Key Differences
| Feature | Galaxy Z Fold 4 | Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 263g | 253g |
| Hinge Design | U-shape, visible gap | Waterdrop, gapless |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Display Brightness | ~1000 nits | Up to 1750 nits |
| S Pen Storage | Separate case required | Same, no built-in slot |
| Software | One UI 4.1.1 | One UI 5.1 with Galaxy AI |
Looking Ahead: What Will the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Bring in 2025?
With the Z Fold 6 expected to be unveiled by mid-to-late 2025, leaks and speculation paint an exciting picture for Samsung’s next-generation foldable.
Expected Upgrades:
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Even Lighter and Slimmer Design: Rumors suggest the Fold 6 may dip below 240g thanks to titanium frames and further hinge optimization.
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Better Camera System: Samsung might bring the 200MP sensor from the S24 Ultra to the Fold lineup, narrowing the gap between foldables and candy-bar flagships.
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Improved Under-Display Camera: With AI-assisted image processing and less screen distortion, the inner selfie experience should finally be useful.
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Integrated Galaxy AI Features:
- Live translation
- AI text summarization
- AI photo editing
- Intelligent app predictions
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Built-in S Pen? Many users are hoping the Fold 6 will finally include a built-in S Pen slot to complete the Note + Fold hybrid experience.
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Crease-Free Display (or Nearly So): The crease is still a topic of debate. Samsung may surprise us with new panel technology that makes it barely noticeable.
Z Fold 6 vs. Fold 4: Should You Upgrade?
If you're still using the Fold 4 in 2025, here's a quick breakdown:
- Performance: Fold 6 will be faster, more efficient, and cooler-running.
- Design: The Fold 6 is expected to be significantly lighter and better balanced.
- Camera: Major leap expected, especially in low-light and zoom.
- AI Features: Fold 4 won't support all Galaxy AI tools.
- Battery Life: Likely better on the Fold 6, especially for multitasking.
Unless you're satisfied with your Fold 4 and don’t need the latest features, the Fold 6 is shaping up to be a worthy upgrade for those seeking the best foldable experience.
Final Thoughts: Foldables Have Come a Long Way
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 was a landmark release in 2022 that made foldables truly practical. It proved that folding screens weren’t just a gimmick—they could be reliable, productive, and even luxurious.
But Samsung didn’t stop there. The Fold 5 refined the formula with subtle but powerful changes, while the upcoming Fold 6 could usher in the next big leap in mobile technology.
If you’re a fan of foldables, there’s never been a better time to own one—or upgrade to the next generation.
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