Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 vs. Z Fold 5: Detailed Feature Comparison

 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 vs. Z Fold 5: Detailed Feature Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series has long been a game-changer in the smartphone industry, pioneering the foldable phone market. As the series progresses, each new model introduces improvements in design, performance, and features. In this article, we will delve into the detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, highlighting their key differences and advancements to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

1. Design and Build Quality

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 brought in refinements to the foldable form factor. With a 6.2-inch cover display and a larger 7.6-inch inner foldable screen, it provided an immersive experience. The phone had a solid build, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, and an Armor Aluminum frame. Its hinge mechanism was smoother compared to previous models, reducing the visible crease in the foldable display.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung continued to evolve the design with the Galaxy Z Fold 5. While the dimensions remain similar, the Fold 5 is slightly thinner and lighter, making it more comfortable to hold. The hinge mechanism is a standout feature of the Fold 5, as it introduces Samsung’s new Flex Hinge, which reduces the visible crease even further. This new hinge allows the phone to fold completely flat, unlike the slight gap present in the Fold 4 when closed.

Key Differences:

• Z Fold 5 is thinner and lighter, making it more portable.
• Flex Hinge in the Z Fold 5 improves durability and aesthetics, reducing the gap and crease.

2. Display Quality

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

The Z Fold 4 offers an impressive display setup with a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate. It has a resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. The outer 6.2-inch AMOLED cover display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, making interactions on the smaller screen smoother.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

On paper, the Z Fold 5’s display might seem similar, but Samsung has made subtle yet impactful improvements. The 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display remains with the same resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, but the display’s brightness and color accuracy have been enhanced. The peak brightness on the Fold 5 is slightly higher, providing better outdoor visibility, and the overall display is more power-efficient.

Key Differences:

• Both models offer stunning displays, but Z Fold 5 has improved brightness and color accuracy.
• Both support a 120Hz refresh rate on the main and cover displays for smooth performance.

3. Performance and Processing Power

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. This 4nm processor is efficient and powerful, offering excellent performance in multitasking, gaming, and overall usage. The Fold 4 is paired with 12GB of RAM and offers storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

The Galaxy Z Fold 5, being the newer model, is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, a custom version of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 optimized for Samsung’s devices. This new processor brings better efficiency and faster performance compared to the Gen 1 chip in the Fold 4. Like its predecessor, the Fold 5 also features 12GB of RAM and similar storage options, but the improved chipset makes a noticeable difference in power-intensive tasks and battery life.

Key Differences:

• Z Fold 5 has a more powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset.
• Both models feature 12GB RAM, but the Fold 5’s processor gives it a performance edge.

4. Battery Life and Charging

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

The Z Fold 4 is equipped with a 4,400mAh battery, which might seem small for a device with two large displays. However, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1’s efficiency helps optimize battery life, allowing it to last a full day with moderate use. The phone supports 25W fast charging, 10W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Despite featuring a similar 4,400mAh battery, the Z Fold 5 benefits from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s improved power efficiency, extending its battery life compared to the Fold 4. Charging speeds remain the same with 25W fast charging, 10W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, but the enhanced efficiency allows users to get more usage per charge.

Key Differences:

• Z Fold 5 offers better battery optimization due to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
• Both devices feature similar charging options, but Fold 5 provides slightly longer battery life.

5. Camera Capabilities

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

The Z Fold 4 comes with a triple rear camera setup, including:

• 50MP main sensor
• 12MP ultra-wide lens
• 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom

The camera system is capable of capturing high-quality photos in various lighting conditions, with improved image processing for night photography. The Fold 4 also has a 4MP under-display camera for the inner screen, which is functional but not exceptional in terms of quality.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Samsung opted not to significantly change the camera hardware on the Fold 5, with the same 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto lenses. However, software improvements, especially in low-light scenarios, make a noticeable difference. Samsung has improved the image stabilization and AI enhancements for better clarity and detail in photos. The under-display camera also received slight upgrades, though it still isn’t on par with traditional selfie cameras.

Key Differences:

• Camera hardware remains the same, but Fold 5 benefits from software optimizations, particularly in low-light photography.
• Fold 5 has better stabilization and image processing.

6. Software and Features

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

The Fold 4 launched with One UI 4.1.1 on top of Android 12L, an OS optimized for large, foldable screens. It introduced new multitasking features, such as a taskbar for quick app switching and enhanced support for split-screen use. Samsung also focused on making apps more foldable-friendly, especially in Flex mode.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

The Fold 5 comes with One UI 5.1.1 based on Android 13. The software is refined further for multitasking, offering smoother transitions between apps and enhanced Flex mode functionality. Samsung has also introduced more third-party app support for foldable-specific features, making the Fold 5 a better multitasking device.

Key Differences:

• Fold 5 ships with a more refined One UI 5.1.1 with better multitasking features.
• More third-party apps now support foldable-specific modes on the Fold 5.

7. Price and Availability

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 launched at a price of approximately $1,799, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 maintains a similar starting price. However, with the release of the newer model, the Fold 4 has seen price reductions and can often be found at discounted rates, making it a potentially better option for budget-conscious buyers.

Conclusion: Which Should You Buy?

Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 5 are cutting-edge devices that redefine what a smartphone can do. If you’re looking for the latest features, improved durability, and better performance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the better choice. However, if you want to save some money and don’t mind slightly older hardware, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 still offers an excellent foldable experience at a more affordable price.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities—whether you value the latest tech or are looking for a more budget-friendly option.