Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs Fold 4: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The future of smartphones is here, and it folds! But with the latest iteration constantly improving, is it time to upgrade? We’re diving deep into the world of foldable phones to see how the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 stacks up against its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series has consistently pushed the boundaries of mobile technology, offering a tablet-like experience in a pocketable device. This comparison explores the key differences and improvements, helping you decide which foldable powerhouse is the right fit for your needs.
From the hinge design to the processor and camera capabilities, we’ll dissect every aspect to give you a clear understanding of what makes the Galaxy Z Fold 5 a step up, and if the Fold 4 still holds its own. Get ready to explore the evolution of foldable phones!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Z Fold 5 | Fold 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Display | 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Cover Display | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main Camera | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto |
| Cover Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Under Display Camera | 4MP | 4MP |
| Battery | 4400 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Charging | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| S Pen Support | Yes (Fold Edition) | Yes (Fold Edition) |
| Operating System | Android 13, One UI 5.1.1 | Android 12, One UI 4.1.1 (Upgradable) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: Features a brighter and more durable display with a new hinge design that minimizes the crease. It offers a slightly wider aspect ratio on the outer display. The enhanced brightness makes outdoor viewing easier, but the price point is high.
- Fold 4: Boasts a vibrant and foldable display with a noticeable crease in the middle. Offers a good viewing experience, but might feel less robust compared to the Z Fold 5. The display is still prone to scratches and damage.
- Winner: Z Fold 5
Processor
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, offering significant performance improvements and enhanced efficiency. Faster processing speeds and smoother multitasking make it a top performer.
- Fold 4: Powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which is still a powerful processor, but lags behind the Z Fold 5 in raw performance. It handles most tasks well, but might struggle with very demanding games or applications.
- Winner: Z Fold 5
Hinge Design
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: Features a new waterdrop hinge design that minimizes the crease and allows the phone to fold completely flat when closed. This results in a smoother, more durable feel.
- Fold 4: Uses a more traditional hinge design, which results in a more noticeable crease and doesn’t allow the phone to close completely flat. This design is less durable.
- Winner: Z Fold 5
Cameras
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: Upgraded camera system with improved image processing and better low-light performance. It offers similar camera hardware but benefits from software enhancements.
- Fold 4: Features a capable camera system with a versatile triple-lens setup, but is not quite as refined as the Z Fold 5’s. It produces good photos in most conditions.
- Winner: Z Fold 5
Battery Life
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: Offers improved battery optimization and longer battery life compared to its predecessor, although the battery capacity remains the same. It should last a full day with moderate use.
- Fold 4: Provides decent battery life, but it can struggle to last a full day with heavy usage. Charging is also slower compared to some competitors.
- Winner: Z Fold 5
S Pen Support
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: S Pen sold separately. Optimized for the larger inner display, offering a more immersive experience. The S Pen is more responsive.
- Fold 4: S Pen sold separately. Offers S Pen support, but the storage slot is still missing.
- Winner: Z Fold 5
Weight and Dimensions
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: Slightly lighter and thinner than the Fold 4 due to the new hinge design and other internal optimizations. This makes it more comfortable to hold and use.
- Fold 4: Thicker and heavier than the Z Fold 5, which can make it feel bulky.
- Winner: Z Fold 5
Price
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: Starts at a higher price point than the Fold 4, reflecting its advanced features and upgrades. It is a premium device.
- Fold 4: Now available at a lower price, making it a more accessible option for those on a budget.
- Winner: Fold 4
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | samsung galaxy z fold 5 |
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Camera | Tie |
| Battery Life | Tie |
| Design | samsung galaxy z fold 5 |
| Software | samsung galaxy z fold 5 |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Quality: Both phones feature vibrant and high-quality Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, providing an immersive viewing experience with smooth 120Hz refresh rates on both the main and cover screens.
- S Pen Support: Both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Fold 4 support the S Pen, allowing users to take notes, draw, and navigate the phone with precision. The S Pen Fold Edition is required.
- Under-Display Camera: Both phones incorporate an under-display camera for a seamless, uninterrupted main display experience. The camera remains hidden beneath the screen until needed.
- Wireless Charging: Both models support wireless charging, providing convenient and versatile charging options.
- Water Resistance: Both phones offer IPX8 water resistance, providing peace of mind against accidental spills and splashes.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Vs Fold 4 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 boasts a significant performance leap over the Fold 4, primarily due to the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor. This new chip offers faster processing speeds, improved graphics rendering, and enhanced power efficiency. The Fold 4, with its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, still delivers a capable performance for everyday tasks, but it lags behind the Fold 5 in demanding applications like gaming and video editing. The difference is noticeable when multitasking or running resource-intensive apps. The Fold 5 offers a smoother overall user experience.
Display and Design
While both phones feature foldable displays, the Fold 5 introduces subtle refinements. The Fold 5 utilizes a new hinge design, making the device close completely flat, reducing the gap. This also makes the Fold 5 more durable. The Fold 5’s display also offers a higher peak brightness, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. The Fold 4 is still a beautiful device, but the Fold 5’s design improvements and brighter display provide a more refined visual experience and a more durable build quality.
Camera Capabilities
The camera systems on both devices are largely similar in terms of main sensors. However, the Fold 5 benefits from software enhancements and improved image processing capabilities. This leads to slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The Fold 5 also offers enhanced stabilization for videos. The Fold 4 still captures excellent photos and videos, but the Fold 5’s upgrades provide a marginal improvement in overall camera performance and image quality.
Battery Life and Charging
The Fold 5 comes with optimized power management and slightly larger battery capacity. This translates to improved battery life compared to the Fold 4. While the Fold 4 can last a full day with moderate use, the Fold 5 often extends that usage by a few hours. Both phones support fast charging, but the charging speeds remain the same. Users who prioritize battery life will find the Fold 5 to be the better choice, providing extended usage throughout the day.
Software and Features
Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, but the Fold 5 benefits from software optimizations and the latest Android updates. The Fold 5 comes with additional software features and enhancements tailored to the foldable form factor, offering a more polished user experience. Both devices receive ongoing software support, but the Fold 5 will likely receive updates for a longer period. The software experience is largely similar, but the Fold 5 offers the latest features and optimizations.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is typically more expensive than the Fold 4, reflecting its newer technology and improved features. The Fold 4 offers a compelling value proposition, especially if purchased at a discounted price. Considering the upgrades, the Fold 5 offers better overall value, especially if you plan to use the device for several years. However, the Fold 4 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget, providing a premium foldable experience at a more accessible price point.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung galaxy z fold 5 If…
- You want the latest and greatest performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor.
- You want a more durable and refined design with a flatter hinge and improved durability.
- You want the latest software features and updates.
- You need a brighter display, especially outdoors.
Buy fold 4 If…
- You’re looking for a slightly more affordable foldable phone.
- You don’t need the absolute latest processor and are happy with excellent performance.
- You’re upgrading from an older phone and want a familiar experience.
- You find the Fold 4 at a significant discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major differences between the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Fold 4?
The Fold 5 features a more powerful processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy), a completely flat-folding design, a brighter display, and improved battery life. It also offers software optimizations and subtle camera enhancements over the Fold 4. The Fold 4 offers a great experience, but the Fold 5 refines it.
Is the Fold 5’s new hinge design significantly better?
Yes, the new hinge allows the phone to close completely flat, reducing the gap and enhancing durability. It also contributes to a sleeker design and a more comfortable feel in the hand. The flat fold design reduces the risk of dust and debris entering the hinge mechanism, improving the overall device’s longevity.
Does the Fold 5 have a better camera than the Fold 4?
The camera hardware is largely the same, but the Fold 5 benefits from improved image processing and software enhancements. This results in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Video stabilization is also improved. The difference isn’t huge, but the Fold 5 has a slight edge.
Is the Fold 5’s battery life noticeably better?
Yes, the Fold 5 offers improved battery life thanks to a more efficient processor and optimized power management. You can expect a few extra hours of usage compared to the Fold 4. This is a significant improvement for users who need all-day battery performance. The Fold 5 provides a better overall battery experience.
What about software updates and support?
Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, but the Fold 5 will likely receive software updates and security patches for a longer period. The Fold 5 also comes with the latest Android version and software features at the time of its release. Samsung provides excellent software support for both devices.
Is the Fold 4 still a good buy in 2024?
Yes, the Fold 4 remains a great option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. It offers a premium foldable experience with a powerful processor and a beautiful display. However, the Fold 5 offers notable improvements, making it the better choice if you’re willing to pay more.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor. This results in smoother gameplay, faster frame rates, and improved graphics rendering. The Fold 4 is still capable, but the Fold 5 provides a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 improves upon the Fold 4 with a faster processor, a refined design, and a brighter display. While the Fold 4 remains a capable and valuable device, the Fold 5 offers a superior user experience with enhanced performance, battery life, and software features. The improvements justify the higher price for those seeking the best foldable experience.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5