The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series has been pushing the boundaries of foldable technology, and with the arrival of the Galaxy Z Fold 4, we have another groundbreaking device. This article dives deep into the differences between the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4, helping you determine if upgrading from the former to the latter is worthwhile.
Design and Display
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 sports a refined design compared to its predecessor, offering a more compact and sleek form factor. It boasts a slightly narrower hinge that minimizes the crease, offering a smoother display experience. This subtle change in design might seem insignificant, but it significantly improves the overall user experience.
Both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 feature a unique foldable design that transforms from a compact smartphone to a tablet-sized device. The foldable display, when unfolded, reveals a large, expansive screen that provides a truly immersive viewing experience. However, there are some key differences in their design and display features.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Display
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 features a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The cover display, a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, provides a convenient way to interact with the phone when folded.
Galaxy Z Fold 4 Display
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 boasts a similar 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. However, Samsung has made several enhancements to the display, including a narrower hinge that reduces the crease, a brighter display, and improved durability with a strengthened UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) layer. The cover display has been slightly upgraded to a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, making it more usable for one-handed interactions.
Performance and Processor
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 delivers a substantial upgrade in terms of performance. It's powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, ensuring smooth and efficient operation for multitasking and demanding applications. The Galaxy Z Fold 3, while still a powerful device, relies on the previous generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Processor
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, a powerful chip capable of handling demanding tasks and offering a smooth user experience.
Galaxy Z Fold 4 Processor
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 benefits from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, known for its improved performance and power efficiency. This makes the Galaxy Z Fold 4 a more capable device for demanding applications, gaming, and multitasking.
Cameras
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 introduces an updated camera system, offering enhancements in both hardware and software. This results in improved photo and video quality, making it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts. While both devices share similar camera specifications, the Galaxy Z Fold 4's updated sensors and algorithms capture more detail and better dynamic range.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Cameras
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 features a triple-camera system on the rear, comprised of a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The front-facing camera features a 4MP under-display camera, offering a unique and futuristic experience.
Galaxy Z Fold 4 Cameras
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 retains the triple-camera setup but upgrades the main sensor to a 50MP wide-angle lens, resulting in sharper images and more detail. The ultrawide lens remains a 12MP sensor, while the telephoto lens receives a boost to a 10MP sensor with 3x optical zoom. The under-display camera has also been improved, offering better image quality and a more seamless integration with the display.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 feature a 4,400mAh battery, but the Galaxy Z Fold 4 benefits from optimized battery management and the more power-efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. This translates to improved battery life, allowing for longer usage periods between charges.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Battery
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers decent battery life, but it may not be the most impressive in its class. The 4,400mAh battery can last for a full day of typical use, but heavy use can drain the battery faster.
Galaxy Z Fold 4 Battery
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 boasts improved battery life thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and optimized software. This translates to a slightly longer battery life, allowing users to enjoy extended usage without needing to charge as frequently.
Software and Features
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 runs on the latest Android 12L operating system, which is specifically optimized for large-screen devices. This provides a seamless and intuitive user experience, taking advantage of the foldable display's expansive canvas.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Software
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 runs on Android 11, but it is upgradable to Android 12. Samsung's One UI offers a streamlined and customized Android experience, featuring unique features that optimize the foldable display.
Galaxy Z Fold 4 Software
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 launches with Android 12L, the latest version of Android optimized for foldable devices. This offers enhanced multitasking features, improved app compatibility, and a more refined user experience. Samsung's One UI 4.1.1 further enhances the software, introducing new features and refinements.
Price
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 comes at a premium price, reflecting its advanced technology and features. However, it's important to note that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 also offered a significant price tag. Considering the upgrades and improvements, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best foldable experience, even if it comes at a higher price point.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Price
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 was launched at a premium price, reflecting its groundbreaking technology and advanced features. This made it an expensive device, but the cost was justifiable for the innovative design and impressive capabilities.
Galaxy Z Fold 4 Price
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 follows suit, also being priced at a premium level. This is due to the advanced technology, improved features, and the overall premium experience it offers. It remains a significant investment, but the upgrades justify the price for many users.
Should You Upgrade from Galaxy Z Fold 3 to Galaxy Z Fold 4?
The decision of whether to upgrade from the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you are satisfied with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and don't require the latest features, there's no immediate need to upgrade. However, if you seek a device with enhanced performance, improved camera capabilities, refined design, and the latest software experience, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers a compelling upgrade.
Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider:
- Performance: If you're a heavy user who demands the best performance for multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming, the Galaxy Z Fold 4's Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor provides a noticeable upgrade.
- Cameras: The Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers significant improvements in camera quality, with a larger 50MP main sensor, enhanced telephoto capabilities, and improved under-display camera.
- Design: The Galaxy Z Fold 4's refined design, with a narrower hinge and reduced crease, offers a smoother and more comfortable user experience.
- Software: The Galaxy Z Fold 4 comes with Android 12L, specifically optimized for foldable devices, providing a refined and intuitive user experience.
If any of these factors are crucial to you, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is worth considering. However, if you're content with the Galaxy Z Fold 3's performance and features, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 may not be a necessary upgrade.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 3. It offers numerous refinements and improvements, making it a more compelling device for users seeking a premium foldable experience. While the Galaxy Z Fold 4 may not be a drastic upgrade, it still offers a worthwhile advancement for those seeking the best performance, cameras, design, and software experience in a foldable phone.
FAQs
Q1: What are the key differences between the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4?
A1: The Galaxy Z Fold 4 boasts a refined design with a narrower hinge, a more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, improved cameras, and upgraded software with Android 12L.
Q2: Is the Galaxy Z Fold 4 worth the upgrade from the Galaxy Z Fold 3?
A2: If you're seeking enhanced performance, improved cameras, a refined design, and the latest software experience, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're content with the Galaxy Z Fold 3's performance and features, it may not be necessary.
Q3: Does the Galaxy Z Fold 4 have a better display than the Galaxy Z Fold 3?
A3: Both devices feature excellent displays, but the Galaxy Z Fold 4 benefits from a brighter display, improved durability, and a narrower hinge that minimizes the crease.
Q4: Which phone has better battery life, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Galaxy Z Fold 4?
A4: The Galaxy Z Fold 4 boasts slightly better battery life due to the more power-efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and optimized software.
Q5: Is the Galaxy Z Fold 4 waterproof?
A5: Both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 are water-resistant, but not waterproof. They are IPX8 rated, meaning they can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.