Galaxy Fold 4 vs Fold 5: Which Folding Phone Reigns?
Are you ready to dive into the world of foldable phones? The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series has consistently pushed the boundaries of mobile technology, and now we’re putting two of its stars head-to-head. We’re comparing the Galaxy Z Fold 4 with its successor, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, to see which one comes out on top.
The jump from one generation to the next often brings exciting changes. Both phones offer a unique tablet-like experience that folds down into a pocketable device. But the question remains: is the Galaxy Fold 5 worth the upgrade over the Fold 4? We’ll explore the design, performance, and features of each to help you decide.
Get ready to uncover the key differences that matter most. We’ll delve into everything from the processor and display to the camera and battery life. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone best suits your needs and budget. Let’s get started with our deep dive into the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 vs Fold 5.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Galaxy Fold 4 | Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Display | 7.6″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 7.6″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Cover Display | 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main Camera | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto |
| Front Camera (Cover) | 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) |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 | IPX8 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Galaxy Fold 4: Features a 7.6-inch internal display and a 6.2-inch external display, both Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rates. The crease is noticeable, and the aspect ratios can feel a bit narrow.
- Fold 5: Boasts a slightly brighter and more durable 7.6-inch internal display and a 6.2-inch external display, also Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz. The crease is significantly reduced, and the displays are optimized for better viewing.
- Winner: Fold 5
Processor
- Galaxy Fold 4: Powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, offering solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming, but can sometimes feel a bit less snappy compared to the latest generation.
- Fold 5: Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, providing a noticeable performance boost, improved efficiency, and enhanced gaming capabilities.
- Winner: Fold 5
Hinge Design
- Galaxy Fold 4: Utilizes a hinge design that allows for multi-angle folding, but the design is not as streamlined.
- Fold 5: Features a new hinge design, the “teardrop” hinge, that allows the phone to fold completely flat, reducing the gap when closed and improving durability.
- Winner: Fold 5
Cameras
- Galaxy Fold 4: Includes a versatile triple-camera system: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. Image quality is good but not groundbreaking.
- Fold 5: Maintains the same camera setup but with improved image processing, leading to slightly better photos and videos, especially in low light.
- Winner: Fold 5
Battery Life
- Galaxy Fold 4: Offers a 4,400mAh battery, providing decent battery life for a foldable, but heavy usage can drain it quickly.
- Fold 5: Also has a 4,400mAh battery, but the more efficient processor helps to improve battery life, leading to a longer lasting experience.
- Winner: Fold 5
S Pen Support
- Galaxy Fold 4: Supports the S Pen Fold Edition, but it’s sold separately and has no built-in storage.
- Fold 5: Supports the S Pen Fold Edition, and still does not have built-in storage. The S Pen Fold Edition is sold separately.
- Winner: Tie
Software & UI
- Galaxy Fold 4: Runs on Android with One UI, optimized for the foldable form factor, offering features like Flex mode and multitasking.
- Fold 5: Runs on Android with One UI, offering the same foldable-specific features, but with software optimizations and potentially faster updates.
- Winner: Fold 5
Durability
- Galaxy Fold 4: Features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the cover display and Armor Aluminum frame, offering good protection but is susceptible to scratches and damage.
- Fold 5: Improves durability with a more durable hinge design and potentially enhanced screen protection, leading to increased overall resistance to wear and tear.
- Winner: Fold 5
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | Fold 5 |
| Display Brightness | Fold 5 |
| Design | Fold 5 |
| Value | Fold 4 |
| Overall | Fold 5 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The displays on both devices are also incredibly bright, which is great for viewing content outdoors.
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy Fold 4 and Fold 5 feature an IPX8 water resistance rating, providing peace of mind against accidental spills and splashes. This means the phones can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
- S Pen Support: Both devices are compatible with the S Pen Fold Edition, which allows for enhanced productivity and creativity. You can use the S Pen to take notes, draw, and navigate the phone with precision.
- Storage Options: Both models offer the same storage configurations, allowing users to choose between 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of internal storage based on their needs. This provides ample space for apps, photos, videos, and other files.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing you to conveniently charge your device without the need for cables. They both support 15W wireless charging.
Galaxy Fold 4 Vs Fold 5 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Galaxy Fold 5 boasts a significant performance upgrade thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, a marked improvement over the Fold 4’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This translates to snappier app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Fold 5 can handle demanding tasks with greater ease, offering a more fluid and responsive user experience. The Fold 4, while still capable, may exhibit occasional lag when pushed to its limits. Consider your usage habits; heavy users will appreciate the Fold 5’s processing prowess.
Display and Design
Both phones offer impressive foldable displays, but the Fold 5 refines the design with a slimmer and lighter profile. The redesigned hinge on the Fold 5 allows for a completely flat fold, eliminating the gap seen in the Fold 4. This contributes to a more polished and pocketable feel. The Fold 5’s display also benefits from improved brightness, making it easier to view content in direct sunlight. While the Fold 4’s display is still excellent, the Fold 5 offers a more refined and visually appealing experience, both folded and unfolded.
Camera Capabilities
The camera systems on both devices are largely similar, featuring a versatile array of lenses. However, the Fold 5 benefits from software optimizations that enhance image processing and overall picture quality. The Fold 5 offers slightly improved low-light performance and more accurate color reproduction. The Fold 4’s camera system is still capable of capturing excellent photos and videos, but the Fold 5 provides a marginal advantage in terms of image quality and consistency. If photography is a priority, the incremental improvements of the Fold 5 are worth considering.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life on both phones is generally adequate for a full day of moderate use. However, the Fold 5’s more efficient processor contributes to slightly improved battery performance. The Fold 5 may offer a longer battery life compared to the Fold 4, especially during intensive tasks. Both devices support fast charging, but neither includes a charger in the box. Consider your daily usage patterns and whether you need extended battery life. The Fold 5 offers a slight edge in this regard, thanks to its optimized hardware and software.
Software and User Experience
Both phones run Samsung’s One UI, providing a user-friendly interface optimized for foldable devices. The Fold 5 benefits from the latest software features and updates, ensuring a more polished and refined user experience. The Fold 5 may offer minor improvements to multitasking and app optimization specifically tailored for the foldable form factor. The Fold 4 will receive software updates as well, but the Fold 5 has the advantage of having the latest software experience at launch. Consider if you want the newest software features.
Durability and Build Quality
Both devices are built with premium materials and are water-resistant. The Fold 5 features a more durable hinge design, potentially increasing its lifespan. Samsung has made incremental improvements to the build quality of the Fold 5, making it feel more robust. The Fold 4 is still durable, but the Fold 5 benefits from these refinements. The Fold 5 has a more durable design that makes it a better choice for long-term reliability. Consider the potential for wear and tear when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Galaxy Fold 4 If…
- You want to save money.
- You don’t need the latest and greatest processor.
- You’re happy with a phone that still offers a top-tier foldable experience.
- You can find it at a significantly reduced price.
Buy Fold 5 If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance and efficiency.
- You prioritize a brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
- You want a slightly lighter and more refined design.
- You want the latest features and software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Galaxy Fold 4 and Fold 5?
The Fold 5 boasts a more powerful processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy), a redesigned hinge for a flat fold, a brighter display, and improved software optimizations. These enhancements contribute to a faster, more refined, and more durable user experience. The Fold 5 also offers slight improvements in camera performance and battery efficiency. Overall, the Fold 5 is an iterative but significant upgrade.
Does the Galaxy Fold 5 have a better display than the Fold 4?
Yes, the Galaxy Fold 5’s display is improved. It has a brighter display, making it easier to see in direct sunlight. The Fold 5 also benefits from a refined design, minimizing the crease on the inner display. The Fold 5 has a smoother, more vibrant, and more visually appealing display overall, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
Is the Galaxy Fold 5 worth the upgrade from the Fold 4?
Whether the upgrade is “worth it” depends on your needs. If you prioritize performance, a flat fold, improved battery life, and the latest features, the Fold 5 is a compelling upgrade. However, the Fold 4 remains a capable device. If you’re happy with your Fold 4 and don’t require the latest and greatest, you might not feel the need to upgrade immediately.
How does the camera on the Fold 5 compare to the Fold 4?
The camera hardware is largely the same, but the Fold 5 benefits from improved software processing. This results in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The Fold 5’s camera is a marginal improvement, offering more consistent and accurate color reproduction. Both cameras capture great photos and videos, but the Fold 5 edges out the Fold 4.
What about the battery life? Is it better on the Fold 5?
The Fold 5’s battery life is slightly improved due to the more efficient processor. While both phones offer all-day battery life for moderate use, the Fold 5 may provide a bit more longevity, especially during heavy tasks like gaming. The Fold 5 has a slight advantage in battery efficiency, contributing to a longer battery life compared to the Fold 4.
Is the Fold 5 more durable than the Fold 4?
The Fold 5 features a redesigned hinge that makes it more durable than the Fold 4. The overall build quality of the Fold 5 has also been slightly improved, making it more resistant to wear and tear. While the Fold 4 is still durable, the Fold 5 has a more robust design. The Fold 5 is more likely to withstand the rigors of daily use.
What are the storage options for both phones?
Both the Galaxy Fold 4 and Fold 5 come in several storage options. The Fold 4 was available with 256GB, and 512GB storage options, while the Fold 5 offers the same options plus a 1TB variant. Both phones do not offer microSD card support for expandable storage. Therefore, choose the storage variant that suits your needs.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Fold 5 represents a solid iterative upgrade over the Fold 4. With a faster processor, a refined design, improved display, and enhanced software, the Fold 5 delivers a more polished and premium foldable experience. While the Fold 4 is still a capable device, the improvements of the Fold 5 make it the superior choice for those seeking the best foldable phone experience.
Winner: Galaxy Fold 5