Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 4: Should we upgrade to the higher version?

Samsung and June Wan/ZDNET

Smartphones are getting bigger and bigger, and so is our dependence on them. What was originally only used to make a phone call is now used to do everything: send work emails, broadcast videos, create content on social networks, play games, and much more.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold range combines the screen size of a tablet with the portability of a smartphone, thus offering users the best of both worlds, especially for multitasking and productivity.

If you have to choose between the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which has just been announced, and last year’s Z Fold 4, here is a guide that will help you choose between the two and determine if the former is worth replacing.

Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Fold 4: specifications

Galaxy Z Fold 5// Galaxy Z Fold 4

Screen : external AMOLED 6.2 inches, internal 7.6″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz // external AMOLED 6.2″, internal AMOLED 7.6 inches 120Hz

Weight : 253g // 263g

Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 // Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

RAM/storage : 12GB RAM with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB // 12GB RAM with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Battery : 4,400 mAh // 4 400 mAh

Camera : 50 Mpx wide angle, 12 Mpx ultra wide angle, 10 Mpx telephoto, 4 Mpx front (unfolded), 10 Mpx front (folded) // 50 MP wide angle, 12 MP ultra wide angle, 10 MP telephoto, 4 MP front (unfolded), 10 MP front (folded) Colors : blue, black, cream, silver and cobalt // black, beige, anthracite, ivory Price : 1900 € // 1300 €

You should buy the Galaxy Z Fold 5 though…

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

1. Portability is an important buying factor

The clamshell design of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 left a gap between the upper and lower halves of the screen, which not only let unwanted debris into the phone, but also made it less compact to hold.

To solve these problems, the Z Fold 5 has a gap-free design that closes completely when folded. This allows the smartphone to fit more comfortably in your pocket or other small spaces.

The gap between the hinge of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 (left) and that of the Z Fold 5 (right).

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

In addition, the Z Fold 5 is lighter and thinner, which makes it ideal for taking it with you everywhere without weighing down your pocket, purse or hand. By reducing hand fatigue, the Z Fold 5 can be used for longer.

2. Better performance and better battery life

The Z Fold 5 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a considerable improvement compared to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 of the Z Fold 4. With the new chipset, expect an improvement in the general performance of the phone, from battery efficiency to image capture, as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has proven.

Although the Z Fold 5 has the same battery and the same camera as its previous model, the integration of this new processor will improve these two aspects. We will put it to the test in a comprehensive test.

3. Multitasking is a priority

The Android 13 software that equips the Galaxy Z Fold 5 brings serious improvements to the phone in terms of productivity, especially with regard to the simultaneous use of several applications. With the latest OneUI software, the support for gesture navigations is wider, which facilitates the transition between several active windows.

For example, a swipe from the corner of the screen triggers split-screen mode. And then you can drag and drop applications from the taskbar, and the taskbar itself can now contain, to its right, the icons of the last four apps used.

You should buy the Galaxy Z Fold 4 though…

June Wan/ZDNET

1. Want a cheaper foldable device

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 remains a solid phone/tablet alternative. Although it does not have the latest processor or operating system, its hardware is practically identical, including the rear camera system, the screen size and the battery. The biggest advantage of not being the latest model: its price will probably decrease, especially when distributors will have to make room for the latest arrival.

If you don’t mind having a slightly heavier and thicker foldable device and whose two parts don’t close completely flat, save money and opt instead for the Galaxy Z Fold 4, which has proven its worth.

Source: “ZDNet.com “