Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Review: Upgrade or Overpriced?

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After testing Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 for weeks alongside its predecessor, I've uncovered surprising truths about its real-world value. As someone who's used every Fold model since generation two, I can confirm this isn't the revolutionary leap Samsung suggests. While the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip delivers 81% faster graphics performance and battery life sees notable gains, the £1,650 price demands scrutiny. Let's dissect whether these refinements justify the cost for most users.

Design and Comfort Improvements

The Fold 4's cover screen is noticeably wider than the Fold 3's, making typing and navigation less cramped. Samsung reduced bezels and refined the hinge mechanism, yet the device remains a chunky 263g that wobbles on flat surfaces due to its enlarged camera bump. When unfolded, the 7.6-inch display excels for multitasking and gaming but suffers significant black bars during movie playback in its near-square aspect ratio.

Flex Mode transforms video consumption: YouTube displays comments below the video, and closing the device continues playback on the cover screen—a genuinely clever trick. The under-display camera now uses higher pixel density, making it less visible though not invisible during daily use.

Performance and Battery Life

Benchmark tests reveal the Fold 4's core advantage: its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. In a 20-minute 3DMark Wildlife Extreme stress test, it outperformed the Fold 3 by 81% average uplift. Real-world gaming showed dramatic improvements too; Genshin Impact ran at a steady 60fps versus the Fold 3's 45fps.

Battery life sees meaningful gains despite the same 4,400mAh capacity. After three hours of mixed usage (gaming, 4K recording, split-screen apps), the Fold 4 retained 58% charge versus the Fold 3's 47%. My real-world testing consistently delivered 6–6.5 hours screen time, with 28% remaining by late evening. Charging remains disappointingly slow at 25W, taking 1 hour 24 minutes for a full charge.

Camera Capabilities and Limitations

Samsung upgraded the main camera to 50MP (pixel-binned to 12MP) with a larger 1.8-micron sensor versus the Fold 3's 1.4-micron setup. Portrait mode comparisons show subtle but noticeable improvements in sharpness and natural bokeh. The triple-camera array includes:

• 50MP main (wider field of view)
• 12MP ultra-wide
• 10MP 3x optical telephoto

Video stabilization sees significant upgrades with enhanced OIS and VDIS (Samsung's EIS), producing smoother, less grainy footage. The 4MP under-display camera and 12MP cover camera enable creative shooting modes like Cover Screen Preview—using rear cameras for selfies while subjects see themselves. Still, when stacked against the S22 Ultra or iPhone 13 Pro, the Fold 4's cameras earn a 7.5/10 due to inconsistent low-light performance and underwhelming 30x "Space Zoom."

Productivity and Software Experience

One UI 4.1.1 on Android 12L makes the Fold 4 Android's multitasking king. The taskbar simplifies app switching, and you can run up to four apps simultaneously (three split-view, one floating). S Pen support enhances note-taking, while Flex Mode turns the device into a hands-free video-call stand.

However, app optimization remains Android's foldable Achilles heel. Many apps don't adapt to the inner display, and the Labs menu—where you enable experimental features—feels buried. Power users might leverage this as a desktop alternative with Bluetooth keyboards, but most will find the learning curve steep.

Durability and Daily Use Concerns

Samsung deserves credit for IPX8 water resistance—still unique among foldables. The aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ screens (reportedly 12% tougher) survived my accidental drops, though corner dents are likely. I recommend Samsung's standing case for added grip and S Pen storage. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor works reliably, but the lack of microSD expansion stings at this price.

Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Fold 4 isn't worth £1,650 for most users. Its refinements—wider cover screen, better battery life, and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1—are incremental, not revolutionary. Camera improvements don't match premium slabs, and the form factor remains bulky.

Consider this instead: Find a discounted Fold 3. It shares 80% of the experience, including software updates, at far lower cost. Reserve the Fold 4 for productivity warriors who need desktop-level multitasking daily. For others, conventional flagships or the Z Flip 4 offer better value.

When considering foldables, what's your biggest hesitation—price, durability, or practicality? Share your thoughts below!

Pro Tips if You Proceed:

1. Enable all Labs features (Settings > Advanced Features) for better flex-mode app behavior
2. Use wired charging during sleep; 25W is too slow for daytime top-ups
3. Avoid 30x zoom—stick to 3x optical for usable shots
4. Try Chocolate Huel for efficient workday fuel (sponsor disclaimer)

Final Thought: The Fold 4 proves foldables are maturing, but until prices drop and cameras rival traditional flagships, they remain niche luxury tools rather than essentials.