Phones Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

[sunking101]

After trying a few this is definitely the case for me. I hate the plasticcy ones and those without a front screen flap. This has a much more premium look to match the device.

SHIELDON Wallet Case for Galaxy Z Fold4 5G, Shockproof Genuine Leather Case with S Pen Holder [Stand Feature][Card Slots][RFID Blocking] Folio Cover Compatible with Galaxy Z Fold 4 2022 - Litchi Black

SHIELDON Wallet Case for Galaxy Z Fold4 5G, Shockproof Genuine Leather Case with S Pen Holder [Stand Feature][Card Slots][RFID Blocking] Folio Cover Compatible with Galaxy Z Fold 4 2022 - Litchi Black

amzn.eu

 

[sunking101]

Well I'm 3 weeks into ownership and full-time use of my Z Fold 4. My thoughts at this point are:

Pros:

It's blazing fast
Good signal/reception
Fun and nicely different form factor
Great speakers
Fab big screen when folded out

Cons:

Front screen too small. It's fine to type on but I find that I don't fold.out to the bigger screen unless I'm at home and consequently the smaller front screen is a significant downgrade on my last phone when it comes to enjoying content.

Poor battery life. Yeah it might be 'OK' but that's all it is. Even when exclusively using the small front screen I get less battery life than my Note 10 Plus and that had a whopping screen & 2 year old battery. I get the 120Hz refresh thing but is that really the only issue here?

Heat. I passed up on the Xperia IV because reviewers started that it got hot and I passed up on all the other smartphones with that same processor due to the stated heat. The processor in the Z Fold 4 is supposed to run much cooler get it's easily the hottest phone I've ever used. My Note 10 Plus was like an ice cube in comparison. The Z Fold 4 gets toasty whilst charging and noticeably warm whilst doing pretty much anything. I'm not a gamer thank goodness.

A built-in SPen would be nice but hey, I hardly use them so it's not a biggie.

Overall I'm still undecided between thinking it's the best phone ever and thinking that I've maybe chosen the wrong device. I guess the small front screen and battery life are my main gripes.I have always had longevity concerns regarding the inner screen so now that I'm past my return period with this phone hopefully mine lasts the distance. I certainly treat it with kid gloves.🤞

 

[kasakka]

Can anyone recommend a slim as possible case for the Fold 4? Or should I just get the cover screen protector and be done with it?

I was at first considering getting a D-brand skin for it for a bit of extra grip/small scratch resistance but the options offered for the Fold 4 all look a bit rubbish to me.

 

[kasakka]

Overall I'm still undecided between thinking it's the best phone ever and thinking that I've maybe chosen the wrong device. I guess the small front screen and battery life are my main gripes.I have always had longevity concerns regarding the inner screen so now that I'm past my return period with this phone hopefully mine lasts the distance. I certainly treat it with kid gloves.🤞

Interesting how people perceive things differently. For me the smaller (or should I say narrower) front screen is one of the big draws because when folded it's similar width to the iPhone 12 Mini I was using and that makes it a comfortable phone for me to use despite its higher weight and thickness. So for me the form factor is close to perfect.

For battery life you could try delving into the Bigsby Routines feature. I haven't looked at this too much yet but you could do things like set it to "standard motion" when folded or various other things that might save you a bit of battery over time.

I'm fine with the battery life I'm getting but I'm coming from the iPhone 12 Mini which is a "charge every 1.5 days" device for my uses and I am definitely using the Fold 4 a lot more than that now.

 

[sunking101]

Interesting how people perceive things differently. For me the smaller (or should I say narrower) front screen is one of the big draws because when folded it's similar width to the iPhone 12 Mini I was using and that makes it a comfortable phone for me to use despite its higher weight and thickness. So for me the form factor is close to perfect.

For battery life you could try delving into the Bigsby Routines feature. I haven't looked at this too much yet but you could do things like set it to "standard motion" when folded or various other things that might save you a bit of battery over time.

I'm fine with the battery life I'm getting but I'm coming from the iPhone 12 Mini which is a "charge every 1.5 days" device for my uses and I am definitely using the Fold 4 a lot more than that now.

I looked at the Bigsby routines and it's a very limited thing. I wanted to make it so that if I put my phone into Airplane Mode then it would switch off this, that and the other but the routines are too basic.

As for battery life I find myself charging any phone I own twice a day and I long for the day when I can do it just the once.

 

[Ludatyk]

Can anyone recommend a slim as possible case for the Fold 4? Or should I just get the cover screen protector and be done with it?

I went with the latter primarily because I didn't care to add any additional bulk to it. I recently purchased Care+... so at least I'm covered for damages.

I was at first considering getting a D-brand skin for it for a bit of extra grip/small scratch resistance but the options offered for the Fold 4 all look a bit rubbish to me.

I considered getting a skin, but I find the matte back finished has some grip to it... so I don't necessarily need it.

For me the smaller (or should I say narrower) front screen is one of the big draws because when folded it's similar width to the iPhone 12 Mini I was using and that makes it a comfortable phone for me to use despite its higher weight and thickness. So for me the form factor is close to perfect.

Compared to previous versions of the Fold... this current iteration of the front screen is so much better. Still could be ever so slightly wider... but at least it's usable this time around.

 

[NeonNights]

I'm one sixth case now, always finding one issue or another. I want a case that is as thin and light as possible too and considered a Dbrand skin but hate covering up that great beige color. I returned the S Pen but still require a kickstand and Magsafe compatibility with my car mount. I am currently using the Spigen ultra hybrid clear case because I'm not comfortable applying the magnet and ultra thin kickstand directly to the back of the phone. I wish Dbrand simply offered a clear skin.

I agree with the post above that the narrower screen is a positive. One-handed use is much easier. Typing is also fine and accurate. I find the Gboard keyboard is much better for typing on the front screen, but I also like the Samsung keyboard for it's Samsung Pass integration.

I am actually impressed by the all-day battery life. I have not needed a mid-day charge ever since getting the Z Fold 4 on 9/22. It has lasted me from 7am till 11pm with charge to spare. On a full battery it gets 7+ hours of screen-on time, equal to my previous iPhone 13 Pro. The Always On Display consumes 5% of the battery so I can probably stretch battery life further by disabling the feature, but for now it's not an issue. Ninety percent of the time I'm using just the front display. My Note 10+ lasted all day when new, under similar use, but after a year it no longer could get me through the day. I will have to see how the Z Fold 4 battery holds up after a year.

I am loving the Z Fold 4, but wish it wasn't so difficult deciding on a case.

 

[Ludatyk]

I returned the S Pen but still require a kickstand and Magsafe compatibility with my car mount. I am currently using the Spigen ultra hybrid clear case because I'm not comfortable applying the magnet and ultra thin kickstand directly to the back of the phone. I wish Dbrand simply offered a clear skin.

Wait a min… you returned the S-Pen or you returned S-Pen case? Because I thought you enjoyed using the S-Pen... I use mine daily.

I am loving the Z Fold 4, but wish it wasn't so difficult deciding on a case.

Just come join the no-case team! Plenty room for you…. why are you fighting against it? Lol

 

[NeonNights]

Wait a min… you returned the S-Pen or you returned S-Pen case? Because I thought you enjoyed using the S-Pen... I use mine daily.


Just come join the no-case team! Plenty room for you…. why are you fighting against it? Lol

Lol. I love this thread, you guys always make me second-guess myself.

I loved using the S Pen back in my Note days (4, 5, 8, and 10+) but am finding I didn't pull out the S Pen the whole week I had it (other than to test it out). It made me question whether it was worth carrying the S Pen for the 0.01 % time I need to use it. I think I would use the S Pen more if it worked on the front display. The Torras S Pen case is a great design, with the pen on the side, but it does make the entire phone wide as an iPhone Pro Max. It is still the case I would choose if I decide to carry an S Pen again. For now I returned the S Pen, as well as the Torras case.

I read somewhere to base purchase decisions on how you'll use something 90% of the time. In that scenario, I am far more likely to need the MagSafe attachment in my car than either the S Pen or even a kickstand. Lastly, I hate covering up the beautiful beige color and all these factors make it difficult to find a case that also isn't too wide or heavy. Thus, I'm trying to condense my list of wants into what I truly need on a daily basis. Even if I went no-case I'd still need that MagSafe magnet on the back...or buy another car mount for the Fold 4.

 

[Ludatyk]

I loved using the S Pen back in my Note days (4, 5, 8, and 10+) but am finding I didn't pull out the S Pen the whole week I had it (other than to test it out). It made me question whether it was worth carrying the S Pen for the 0.01 % time I need to use it. I think I would use the S Pen more if it worked on the front display. The Torras S Pen case is a great design, with the pen on the side, but it does make the entire phone wide as an iPhone Pro Max. It is still the case I would choose if I decide to carry an S Pen again. For now I returned the S Pen, as well as the Torras case.

I’ll tell you this much… if there was no S-Pen support for the Fold, I’ll be perfectly okay with it. However, there is and I’ll feel a bit strange to have such a feature not being used. That’s just the way I view it and on top of it.. I got the S-Pen w/ case for free.

I read somewhere to base purchase decisions on how you'll use something 90% of the time. In that scenario, I am far more likely to need the MagSafe attachment in my car than either the S Pen or even a kickstand. Lastly, I hate covering up the beautiful beige color and all these factors make it difficult to find a case that also isn't too wide or heavy. Thus, I'm trying to condense my list of wants into what I truly need on a daily basis. Even if I went no-case I'd still need that MagSafe magnet on the back...or buy another car mount for the Fold 4.

Yeah, that makes sense. Buying something that doesn’t get used seems like a waste and you have certain requirements you need filled. I thought about purchasing a MagSafe attachment to use for a car mount… but I tend to keep the Fold in my pocket when on the road. I have a car (cd player slot) mount that I use for my iPad which I can use for the Fold, but I rarely do.

 

[NeonNights]

I know what you mean about pairing the Fold 4 with S Pen. I still feel like a waste NOT having an S Pen but reality is I rarely use it. Ironically, the S Pen makes more sense on the smaller Note display because of the extra precision of the pen, but the large inner display of the Fold kind of negated the need for pinpoint accuracy and I can navigate/take actions with my stubby fingertip instead. Or maybe ONE UI just makes it so easy to use the Fold 4.

The wireless charging is more powerful/sensitive on the Fold 4 than my previous iPhones. I am convinced wireless charging, and the heat from it, contributed to excessive battery degradation on my iPhone 12 Pro Max so I cover the car's wireless charging pad with a microfiber to prevent the iPhone 13 Pro from wireless charging. Well, I set the Z Fold 4 down one day, on the folded microfiber (so two layers) and it still started to wirelessly charge in the car, even with a case on! So now I have to lay it face down on the microfiber until I attach a magnet to use the Magsafe mount.

 

[NeonNights]

Can anyone recommend a slim as possible case for the Fold 4? Or should I just get the cover screen protector and be done with it?

I was at first considering getting a D-brand skin for it for a bit of extra grip/small scratch resistance but the options offered for the Fold 4 all look a bit rubbish to me.

So far, the Spigen Air Skin is the thinnest case I've found that offers all-around protection except for the hinge. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid offers a little more cushion around the edges but is slightly thicker.

I have also tried two Torras cases, iBlason, and Samsung standing case with S Pen. I like the clear Spigen Air Skin best because it is the thinnest and lightest. It comes with black adhesive pre-installed but I was able to remove it easily with some tweezers. Even with the black adhesive on it wasn't so bad since it blends into the black display.

 

[aggie99]

Looks like the Z Fold 4 has some competition now

 

[Bkdodger]

View attachment 2088023 Looks like the Z Fold 4 has some competition now

I don't know why didn't do the hinge the same color though smh...

 

[sunking101]

This is the slimmest case.

CENMASO for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Case, Z Fold 4 5G Case Ultra Thin Magnetic Leather Shockproof Protective Case for Samsung Z Fold 4-Black https://amzn.eu/d/4TLSzoK

 

[DaveOZ]

Nope. This is the thinnest case for the Fold 4. I use Later Case for all my phones now. The add almost zero weight and bulk while offering some protection.

Galaxy Z Fold 4 Case

Every Latercase is made with premium aramid fibers. They’re hand-laid by skilled craftsmen, precision-formed to fit your Z Fold 4, then laser-cut to perfection. Latercase is easy to put on, easy to take off, and coated with a durable matte finish that's addictive to touch. Oh - and it's just...

latercase.com

 

[NeonNights]

Nope. This is the thinnest case for the Fold 4. I use Later Case for all my phones now. The add almost zero weight and bulk while offering some protection.

Galaxy Z Fold 4 Case

Every Latercase is made with premium aramid fibers. They’re hand-laid by skilled craftsmen, precision-formed to fit your Z Fold 4, then laser-cut to perfection. Latercase is easy to put on, easy to take off, and coated with a durable matte finish that's addictive to touch. Oh - and it's just...

latercase.com

Wow, 9 grams is indeed light! I measured the Spigen Air Case at 30 grams (1.05 ounces). Alas, I don't particularly like the carbon fiber look but the case is definitely thin and light.

 

[kasakka]

So far, the Spigen Air Skin is the thinnest case I've found that offers all-around protection except for the hinge. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid offers a little more cushion around the edges but is slightly thicker.

I have also tried two Torras cases, iBlason, and Samsung standing case with S Pen. I like the clear Spigen Air Skin best because it is the thinnest and lightest. It comes with black adhesive pre-installed but I was able to remove it easily with some tweezers. Even with the black adhesive on it wasn't so bad since it blends into the black display.

Thanks!

How do you find the Torras cases? I looked at the non-S-Pen model and it looked pretty good. It doesn't seem to be available in Europe yet though so I'd have to order from the US which would make it expensive so considering other options. I have been using Torras cases for several years on my iPhones and have been happy with them in terms of feel, size and durability.

Also do you have recommendations for cases that offer less protection? I feel like the cover display is the one that I should be watching out for but otherwise not so much since the back of the phone is not slippery for example.

 

[sunking101]

How does one adjust screen zoom to make things larger? It is greyed out in the normal place and yet when you press on the greyed out section this pop-up appears at the bottom. What does it mean 'can only be controlled on the main screen'?

 

[black_knight]

Thanks for sharing and interesting test. Surprised that the Fold 4 won, not that it really matters as phones even 2-3 years ago perform fine today. We simply have more power than we know what to do with. That is probably why I grew bored of the iPhone. It wasn't due to slowness, each iteration just didn't seem like much of an upgrade anymore.

This wasn’t a pure processor speed test. In fact, this video still demonstrates Apples superior processing power. The Fold “won” because the iPhone had to reload some of the apps later in the test, thus allowing the Fold to overtake it.

This is why the “real world” tests are not the best method when testing processor speed.

 

[Ludatyk]

This wasn’t a pure processor speed test. In fact, this video still demonstrates Apples superior processing power. The Fold “won” because the iPhone had to reload some of the apps later in the test, thus allowing the Fold to overtake it.

This is why the “real world” tests are not the best method when testing processor speed.

Haven’t watched the vid, but judging from the title it’s just a speed test not a benchmark test which I’m certain that it would favor the iPhone. I wouldn’t care if the iPhone won nor the Fold. I’m guessing you feel some kind of way that the iPhone ”lost.”

 

[NeonNights]

Thanks!

How do you find the Torras cases? I looked at the non-S-Pen model and it looked pretty good. It doesn't seem to be available in Europe yet though so I'd have to order from the US which would make it expensive so considering other options. I have been using Torras cases for several years on my iPhones and have been happy with them in terms of feel, size and durability.

Also do you have recommendations for cases that offer less protection? I feel like the cover display is the one that I should be watching out for but otherwise not so much since the back of the phone is not slippery for example.

I liked the Torras non-S Pen case very much. It was slim, great quality and feel, and included a kickstand. It also wasn't as wide/thick as the S Pen version. It's a great case but I was picky about two things that may not affect you at all:

1. The kickstand did not prop up the Fold 4 in portrait mode

2. Due to the kickstand placement there wasn't enough room left for me to adhere a magnet for my Magsafe car mount.

Besides those two minor quibbles I liked the non-S Pen Torras over the heavier and wider S Pen version. Hope that helps.

As for a case with less protection, I finally settled on the Spigen AirSkin because it's clear and thinner/lighter than either Torras. I also have a tempered glass screen protector on the front display. I slapped a Magsafe magnet in the back and found a 0.20mm super thin metal kickstand that supports both portrait and landscape orientation. The combination doesn't look as sleek as the Torras but it checks all my boxes while still being 21 grams (.75 ounces) lighter than the non-S Pen Torras. I will share a photo later when I get a chance to borrow my wife's iPhone.

 

[NeonNights]

This wasn’t a pure processor speed test. In fact, this video still demonstrates Apples superior processing power. The Fold “won” because the iPhone had to reload some of the apps later in the test, thus allowing the Fold to overtake it.

This is why the “real world” tests are not the best method when testing processor speed.

For sure and it highlights the advantage from the extra RAM in the Fold 4. Apple has always done impressive work matching, or exceeding, Android performance with half the RAM. This is merely one test scenario but real-world is more relevant to me. It is often said that synthetic benchmarks aren't the best method either.

With typical benchmarks the new iPhone 14 is only 5-7% faster than the 13 in cases. Sure, that crowns the 14 as faster but in real-world terms it's a yawn and you're unlikely to notice the difference coming from an iPhone 12 or 13.

 

[kasakka]

For sure and it highlights the advantage from the extra RAM in the Fold 4. Apple has always done impressive work matching, or exceeding, Android performance with half the RAM. This is merely one test scenario but real-world is more relevant to me. It is often said that synthetic benchmarks aren't the best method either.

With typical benchmarks the new iPhone 14 is only 5-7% faster than the 13 in cases. Sure, that crowns the 14 as faster but in real-world terms it's a yawn and you're unlikely to notice the difference coming from an iPhone 12 or 13.

I haven't been able to spot the difference in actual use on the iPhones I've had for years despite Apple's claims. Most phones today are fast enough as is.

For me a bigger issue on iOS has been how aggressively it ejects them from its memory and then ends up reloading e.g browser tabs or the whole app, often losing any position you were in said app. It's a lot less jarring to wait for an app to fire up than it is for it to suddenly reload.

 

[kasakka]

I liked the Torras non-S Pen case very much. It was slim, great quality and feel, and included a kickstand. It also wasn't as wide/thick as the S Pen version. It's a great case but I was picky about two things that may not affect you at all:

1. The kickstand did not prop up the Fold 4 in portrait mode

2. Due to the kickstand placement there wasn't enough room left for me to adhere a magnet for my Magsafe car mount.

Besides those two minor quibbles I liked the non-S Pen Torras over the heavier and wider S Pen version. Hope that helps.

As for a case with less protection, I finally settled on the Spigen AirSkin because it's clear and thinner/lighter than either Torras. I also have a tempered glass screen protector on the front display. I slapped a Magsafe magnet in the back and found a 0.20mm super thin metal kickstand that supports both portrait and landscape orientation. The combination doesn't look as sleek as the Torras but it checks all my boxes while still being 21 grams (.75 ounces) lighter than the non-S Pen Torras. I will share a photo later when I get a chance to borrow my wife's iPhone.

Thanks!

I'm now considering between getting the Samsung kickstand cover (which I believe has similar issues as the Torras) or going for the S-pen cover primarily due to their much better availability in my country. I looked at Latercase (and apparently its OEM YGF Carbon Cases on AliExpress) but both would be pretty expensive or very slow to ship all the way to Finland. Same deal with Torras since I can't find it on any European Amazon sites. So I thought it might be better to give the official Samsung cases a try as I can at least return them easily if I don't like them.