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| Photo: Samsung |
As most other smartphone manufacturers have yet to even make an attempt to sell a foldable device, Samsung is already ahead of four generations past. And on this new Galaxy Z Fold 4, in lieu of redesigning the whole device, Samsung is modifying it to improve a system by making fine adjustments to create a faster, slightly sleeker but more powerful phablet for all multitasking needs. It also has a newly enhanced taskbar, overhauled cameras, and perhaps most importantly, more apps have been optimized to take the most of the phone's flexible display advantage.
Moreover, on the hardware side, new components on the Z Fold
4 are added including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip. Plus, an upgraded
50MP main camera, a lengthier telephoto camera with a three times optical zoom
(up from 2x on the previous model), and a brighter 7.6-inch flexible display
with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Z Fold 4's durability has also been improved,
with Samsung using its Armor Aluminum alloy on the phone's hinge and frame. It
also moved a notch up to Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and rear
panels. Also, just like in the earlier version, the Z Fold 4 features IPX8
water resistance that can withstand submersion of up to 5 feet for 30
minutes.
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| Photo: Samsung |
Though the Z Fold 4 would still be a slightly bulky device as compared to other more traditional handsets, Samsung has snipped down its sizes with leaner bezels and a somewhat bit smaller hinge. All of this comes in a body that is just a bit broader than before, meaning, doing stuff like typing on the exterior Cover Screen a bit at ease in addition to improving one-hand usability.
The most meaningful change on the Z Fold 4 is perhaps its
software. Not only that Samsung likewise claim the phone as the first
smartphone to have the Android 12L, but it has also redesigned the Z Fold's
taskbar for improved multitasking. Presently, the taskbar spans the bottom of
the phone instead of being positioned to the side, which provides more room for
apps. Similarly, the new swipe gestures help you to quickly switch between
full-screen, windowed, and split-screen views. For those who are fond of
sketching or taking handwritten notes, the Z Fold 4 still supports stylus
input. The smartphone also comes with a new Standing Case with built-in S Pen
storage.
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| Photo: Samsung |
Furthermore, Samsung has since continued its collaboration with Google and Microsoft to further the number of apps that support Flex Mode. The fact of which have especial functions that are available when the device is half open. However, the most notable is that both Chrome and Gmail currently support drag-and-drop functionality for sharing things like files and links. Moreover, Outlook has come to be more tablet-like UI to better make use of the phone's huge main screen.
Other tweaks of the device include a well-run UDC (under
display camera) that features a modern "scatter-type sub-pixel
arrangement" that makes it a bit less conspicuous. What’s more prominent
is the new virtual touchpad that works well with apps that have not been fully
optimized for the Z Fold 4's screen. That is intended to make it easier to zoom
in and out of media or control playback while watching videos. Added to it is a
1TB model that is available exclusively from Samsung for those who always need
more room for apps and media.
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| Photo: Samsung |
Lastly, the one downside is that the Z Fold 4 is still an expensive investment. The price starts at $999 for the 128GB variant. But in the United Kingdom, the price tag is GBP 999, 1,059, and 1,199 for the 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants respectively. As of this writing, it has never had a price drop as compared to last year's Z Fold 3. But even so, with a hefty price tag, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 still has the potential to be a huge hit for Samsung. That is, it comes out in four colors: "Gray-green," Phantom Black, beige, and burgundy, the latter of which is exclusive to Samsung.com. Pre-orders start today ahead of the phone's official release on August 26th. This will include a memory upgrade and a select cover of up to $300 instant Samsung Credit and up to $1,000 enhanced trade-in credit.