Phones Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

[Mellofello808]

Man I was messing around with my friends S22 ultra, and I hate to admit it, but I miss the slabform factor.

I end up spending the vast majority of my time using the tiny outer screen, because I am so paranoid about damaging the inner screen.

I have come to terms with the fact that I hate this form factor. Not Folds in general, but I think we will look back on this tiny outer screen era, as comically bad.

I hate to say it, but I may trade this thing in for a s23 ultra if the deals are right.

If not I will certainly be going for a pixel fold, if the rumors are true that it has a wider outer screen.

 

[aggie99]

I actually get by pretty well with the outer screen and I have huge hands. Not a deal breaker at all for me but I also like the idea of the rumored Pixel foldable form factor. It looks stunning in the renderings. My only reservations are lack of water resistance and a 1st Gen hardware attempt by Google. Hopefully Samsung will move in a different direction with the outer screen. Gonna have to get a close look at them both before making my decision. Pretty sure I'm gonna pass on the S23U as the Pixel 7 Pro and ZF4 combo is working great for me right now.

 

[rhinosrcool]

I've got to disagree with the outer screen being too tiny. It's real convenient for quick checks. My one hope for the 5, is that they make it s pen compatible.

 

[Ludatyk]

So, I'm an idiot. I said in the Pixel Fold thread that I tried the Fold 4 and returned it. I just looked back at my records and it was the Fold 2 that I had tried 🤦‍♂️. LOL. Time flies I guess.

Yeah, I came from the Fold 2 to the Fold 4.

I personally didn’t see a big upgrade between the Fold 2 and 3, unless that person is a heavy S-Pen user. Samsung implemented the UDC, but I rather they removed the camera all together (I know some might use it for video-conference).

I have no idea if I'll like it this time around. It helps that I paid so little this time versus the potential $2000 before tax that the Fold 2 would have cost had I not returned it.

If you enjoy the Fold 3… you’ll really be into the Fold 4. Better camera and the cover screen is noticeably better.

And lastly, to combat the dust resistance, I'll be getting a cheap iPhone to use as a second line for my time at the beach this summer.

Why not get some rugged case to use primarily at the beach?

 

[hockeyfan81]

Which security update are you on?

 

[blairh]

Yeah, I came from the Fold 2 to the Fold 4.

I personally didn’t see a big upgrade between the Fold 2 and 3, unless that person is a heavy S-Pen user. Samsung implemented the UDC, but I rather they removed the camera all together (I know some might use it for video-conference).


If you enjoy the Fold 3… you’ll really be into the Fold 4. Better camera and the cover screen is noticeably better.


Why not get some rugged case to use primarily at the beach?

Really? I feel like a lot of reviews that I've watched said the 3 is much better than the 2. Perhaps it's all relative.

Like I said, the Fold 3, if I like it and want to keep it, will just be a bridge device to the Fold 5 or Pixel Fold for me. I wasn't going to invest in the Fold 4 in the meantime.

I guess a rugged case with a screen protector built-in has the potential to work. But then I can't use the inner screen, so I'd rather have a larger screen on the beach and be able to use my phone with no concerns. I also question how the inner and outer screen protectors would hold up for long periods on a hot beach. Bottom line, I personally would not bring a Fold phone to the beach until Samsung makes it dust resistant.

 

[blairh]

I've got to disagree with the outer screen being too tiny. It's real convenient for quick checks. My one hope for the 5, is that they make it s pen compatible.

I know some people feel this way. But I do believe it is inevitable that the Fold 5 or 6 will indeed offer an even wider outer screen. Most people prefer something that size versus what the 4 has to offer.

 

[blairh]

I actually get by pretty well with the outer screen and I have huge hands. Not a deal breaker at all for me but I also like the idea of the rumored Pixel foldable form factor. It looks stunning in the renderings. My only reservations are lack of water resistance and a 1st Gen hardware attempt by Google. Hopefully Samsung will move in a different direction with the outer screen. Gonna have to get a close look at them both before making my decision. Pretty sure I'm gonna pass on the S23U as the Pixel 7 Pro and ZF4 combo is working great for me right now.

Have you seen the Oppo Find N/N2? I personally feel like that is the ideal foldable for me personally. Essentially a wider iPhone Mini on the outside while still offering a large screen unfolded that isn't very tall.

I'm more interested at this point in the Pixel Fold versus the Fold 5. I think that outer screen is going to be ideal.

 

[rhinosrcool]

I know some people feel this way. But I do believe it is inevitable that the Fold 5 or 6 will indeed offer an even wider outer screen. Most people prefer something that size versus what the 4 has to offer.

As for future front screens, you're probably right. I'm used to the narrower front screen after having the fold 3 and 4 so I like them. The 5 may be bigger but not by much?

 

[blairh]

As for future front screens, you're probably right. I'm used to the narrower front screen after having the fold 3 and 4 so I like them. The 5 may be bigger but not by much?

I believe it's inevitable that the Fold 5 (or 6) will reach the outer screen sizes of the current Chinese foldables. The Fold 4's width is 67.1mm folded. The competition (folded) ranges in width from 72.6 - 74.5mm. It's a lot easier to type on that outer screen with two thumbs at that width.

 

[Ludatyk]

Really? I feel like a lot of reviews that I've watched said the 3 is much better than the 2. Perhaps it's all relative.

Don't get me wrong... Fold 2 is much better than the Fold 3. But Samsung didn't really do anything major between the Fold 2 and 3 (unless the user is a S-Pen enthusiast).

I really feel Fold 3 versus Fold 4 is a major update... because you get a slightly wider cover screen and a much improved camera. Samsung didn't upgrade the camera tech between the Fold 2 and 3.

I know some people feel this way. But I do believe it is inevitable that the Fold 5 or 6 will indeed offer an even wider outer screen. Most people prefer something that size versus what the 4 has to offer.

I don't think Samsung adds anymore width to the cover/outer screen on the Fold 5 based on the little history Samsung has given us.

Fold 1 and 2 changes was made to the cover/outer screen, Fold 2 and 3 saw no changes... now Fold 3 and 4 there was changes to the cover/outer screen.

 

[blairh]

I don't think Samsung adds anymore width to the cover/outer screen on the Fold 5 based on the little history Samsung has given us.

Fold 1 and 2 changes was made to the cover/outer screen, Fold 2 and 3 saw no changes... now Fold 3 and 4 there was changes to the cover/outer screen.

Yeah I really don't agree on this point. Whether it's this year or next, I fully expect the Fold outer screen to get much wider and match Chinese counterparts.

 

[Ludatyk]

Yeah I really don't agree on this point. Whether it's this year or next, I fully expect the Fold outer screen to get much wider and match Chinese counterparts.

Which point you don't agree with?

I agree there will be changes to the cover/outer display, but I don't think it will be this year. Will the cover/outer screen get wider to match Chinese counterparts, that's up for the debate. Because if you were to poll Fold users... majority will favor the narrow display because it caters to one-handed experience.

Because the problem with Chinese competitors (not Oppo Find N) is that the cover/outer display is too wide to the point the user is sacrificing one-handed use. The appeal of the Galaxy Fold... user folds for one-handed use, unfolds it for two-handed use.

 

[blairh]

Which point you don't agree with?

I agree there will be changes to the cover/outer display, but I don't think it will be this year. Will the cover/outer screen get wider to match Chinese counterparts, that's up for the debate. Because if you were to poll Fold users... majority will favor the narrow display because it caters to one-handed experience.

Because the problem with Chinese competitors (not Oppo Find N) is that the cover/outer display is too wide to the point the user is sacrificing one-handed use. The appeal of the Galaxy Fold... user folds for one-handed use, unfolds it for two-handed use.

I don’t agree that it won’t be significantly wider within this year or next. I also don’t agree that the majority of current fold users want a narrow display. I read and watched several Fold 4 reviews stating that the outer screen is still too narrow. People tend to text with two hands now and that caters to wider screens. If you want to text with one hand on the Fold they already have a one-handed keyboard.

I don’t think the appeal of the Fold’s outer screen is for one-handed use. It’s just a byproduct for now before it’s narrow. Those days will inevitably end in short order.

 

[Ludatyk]

I don’t agree that it won’t be significantly wider within this year or next. I also don’t agree that the majority of current fold users want a narrow display. I read and watched several Fold 4 reviews stating that the outer screen is still too narrow.

Fold 4 received a slightly wider cover/outer screen... most of the reviewers I've seen said it has improved and they enjoy it compared to previous years.

And I believe there's a disconnect between what reviewers prefer versus what the community desires... you have to be mindful some of the reviewers don't use the phone on a daily basis, they tend to cycle between phones.

People tend to text with two hands now and that caters to wider screens. If you want to text with one hand on the Fold they already have a one-handed keyboard.

But when I'm using the cover/outer screen... I don't have to use two hands to text and I don't have to interact with the screen with two hands as well.

I don’t think the appeal of the Fold’s outer screen is for one-handed use. It’s just a byproduct for now before it’s narrow. Those days will inevitably end in short order.

If the cover/outer screen is not intended for one-handed use... then what would be the purpose of it?

I look at the cover/outer screen as a means for quick interaction and I'm more comfortable with using the Fold 4 cover/outer screen compared to the previous years.

 

[blairh]

Fold 4 received a slightly wider cover/outer screen... most of the reviewers I've seen said it has improved and they enjoy it compared to previous years.

And I believe there's a disconnect between what reviewers prefer versus what the community desires... you have to be mindful some of the reviewers don't use the phone on a daily basis, they tend to cycle between phones.


But when I'm using the cover/outer screen... I don't have to use two hands to text and I don't have to interact with the screen with two hands as well.


If the cover/outer screen is not intended for one-handed use... then what would be the purpose of it?

I look at the cover/outer screen as a means for quick interaction and I'm more comfortable with using the Fold 4 cover/outer screen compared to the previous years.

I mean it isn't just professional reviewers. It's average joe's providing reviews on YouTube or the reviews I read online on Samsung's site, Amazon, Best Buy, and carrier customers reviewing the device. I mean there is a reason just about no smartphone on the market is this narrow. It's an awkward aspect ratio.

Yes, I understand you don't have to use two hands currently. What I'm saying is that most people use their phones with two hands in general and with two thumb typing. The only times I personally would ever want to use my phone with one hand is if I'm holding something with the other. Otherwise two-handed use is far more natural in general.

You seem to be implying that Samsung made this outer screen narrow on purpose for one-handed use. I do not agree with that notion. My guess is that they have built their Folds with the focus being on the inner screen. It's far more important than the outer screen. It's the reason why people buy the Fold to begin with. They settled (for now) on a 7.6" inner screen and the byproduct has been this unusual outer screen as a result. I expect both the inner and outer screens will get larger in due time.

I'm really glad the outer screen works for you. My original point is that the outer screen is going to get wider soon.

 

[Ludatyk]

You seem to be implying that Samsung made this outer screen narrow on purpose for one-handed use. I do not agree with that notion.

I 100% agree that the cover/outer screen was done on purpose for one-handed use.

My guess is that they have built their Folds with the focus being on the inner screen. It's far more important than the outer screen. It's the reason why people buy the Fold to begin with. They settled (for now) on a 7.6" inner screen and the byproduct has been this unusual outer screen as a result. I expect both the inner and outer screens will get larger in due time.

Now, I agree their focus was on the inner screen... but it was more in an effort to make it more reliable. And I agree with you to a certain extent both the inner and outer screen will see changes... but I don't think it will get to the point where it sacrifices one-handed use for the outer screen.

You even said it yourself... you like Oppo Find N design better. Granted, cover/outer screen is much wider than the Galaxy Fold... but it's considerable shorter as well. Oppo took a different approach and I believe Samsung wants to find that balance... but what ruins Oppo Find N approach is some apps don't support landscape (Mr Mobile pointed this out in his review).

Because Oppo Find N unfolds landscape and users will have to rotate to portrait in order to use the app.

 

[sunking101]

Man I was messing around with my friends S22 ultra, and I hate to admit it, but I miss the slabform factor.

I end up spending the vast majority of my time using the tiny outer screen, because I am so paranoid about damaging the inner screen.

I have come to terms with the fact that I hate this form factor. Not Folds in general, but I think we will look back on this tiny outer screen era, as comically bad.

I hate to say it, but I may trade this thing in for a s23 ultra if the deals are right.

If not I will certainly be going for a pixel fold, if the rumors are true that it has a wider outer screen.

Same. I spend the majority of my time on the outer screen because the fold is too stiff to safely operate unless I’m sitting down and to be honest I find it a bit of a pullaver. Slab phones are much better IMO.

 

[Tulani]

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 may get rid of the display crease by shedding a teardrop

Samsung's next BIG foldable phone is looking to be quite smooth:

www.androidpolice.com

 

[The Game 161]

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 may get rid of the display crease by shedding a teardrop

Samsung's next BIG foldable phone is looking to be quite smooth:

www.androidpolice.com

I would say this would be a good step forward. Doesn’t seem like the main screen will be getting much change though so I think form factor should be rather similar.

 

[blairh]

Wanted to share my experience with the Z Fold 3 this week. I will end up returning it but my time with it made me even more excited to own a foldable in the future.

Purchased it 'like-new' from Amazon Warehouse with Amazon as the seller (not 3rd party) for $738 before tax. You can get the green model right now for $900 new on Amazon which is a better deal because you can purchase Samsung Care+ afterwards. I personally would never buy a foldable without insurance in the future. I took a chance here because I knew I probably would not be keeping the Fold 3.

The device came in a very used box with no papers inside but it did include what appeared to be an official Samsung charging cable. The Fold was indeed in 'like-new' condition. I needed to update the software several times. The warranty on the device expired in late December 2022. The IMEI was clean via Swappa.

I have mixed feelings about the device itself. I'll start with the good. Incredible screen. Unfolded the experience blows away anything an iPhone can currently offer. Emails are a joy. Snapping photos with such a large viewfinder is sensational. Browsing is next level. Instagram was the only let down. Even though I had it in full screen mode posts themselves seemed to be displayed in an awkward aspect ratio and stories were not much larger than what I see on my 14 PM. But overall the inner screen experience is simply killer.

Software-wise I was impressed. Taskbar was especially awesome and I wish the iPad had this feature.

As for the negatives, there were plenty for me. Outer screen was way too narrow for anything beyond podcasts and music. I would never want to use this keyboard one-handed given how heavy this device is. I also don't like to swipe for texting. Two thumb typing was not going to happen with such a cramped keyboard. I know some of you like this narrow screen but I didn't enjoy it one bit. I went to my local Verizon store yesterday to demo the Fold 4 outer screen. Yes I think it's better but still way too narrow for comfortable usage.

I enabled Dolby Atmos for the speakers and tweaked the modes but still found them to be a serious step down from my 14 PM speakers. Just not nearly as clear or rich with speaking voices.

Thickness of the device folded makes it quite cumbersome in your front pocket. That exposed gap when closed also would make me anxious about debris getting inside. They really need to eliminate this gap in the future.

Wireless charging was very slow for me. Not sure if this is typical. 40 minutes for 20% of juice?

Folding the device shut felt awkward each time. Not a natural or pleasurable motion. It should require less force to close.

The volume rocker is way too close to the fingerprint reader. I wish it was on the other side like an iPhone.

Lack of dust resistance is a real issue. I'm aware no foldable on the market has dust resistance. But I need to be able to use my phone with no concessions at the beach in the summer. I wouldn't be against the idea of using a second phone just for those scenarios. But it still stinks.

For now, I feel the Fold is more a killer 7.6" OLED tablet that folds in half versus a smartphone that unfolds to become a small tablet. Make the outer screen wider, the device thinner overall, get rid of the gap, and I'll change my tune.

Still super excited to see what the Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold have in store this fall. I still believe foldables are the future. I just don't think the models available to those of us in America are quite there yet.

 

[gangzoom]

Same. I spend the majority of my time on the outer screen because the fold is too stiff to safely operate unless I’m sitting down and to be honest I find it a bit of a pullaver. Slab phones are much better IMO.

I have to say my feeling at totally the opposite. When I pick up my wifes Note 20 I think WTF. How did I ever manage with such a small screen, and no real ability to mulit task .

 

[sunking101]

I have to say my feeling at totally the opposite. When I pick up my wifes Note 20 I think WTF. How did I ever manage with such a small screen, and no real ability to mulit task .

When you live on the front screen like I do the displays on Notes etc look massive. Plus I don't like the Z4's folding mechanism. Stiff to open, stiff to close and kinda dead feeling inbetween. Plus it doesn't spring fully open with a reassuring tactile feel. I've never tried previous Folds but I bet their hinges feel better than this model. S23 Ultra for me!

 

[Rafterman]

Same. I spend the majority of my time on the outer screen because the fold is too stiff to safely operate unless I’m sitting down and to be honest I find it a bit of a pullaver. Slab phones are much better IMO.

A case makes a huge difference. I use the Samsung leather case and it makes it a lot easier to open and grip.

 

[sunking101]

A case makes a huge difference. I use the Samsung leather case and it makes it a lot easier to open and grip.

I found the unsheathed, naked Fold easier to open & close but it's too dangerous to leave naked. I don't use the Samsung case though.