The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, as one of the flagship offerings from the tech giant, has made significant strides in the foldable smartphone market. However, when compared to other leading smartphones in 2025, it is clear that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 still has some ground to cover in order to maintain its competitive edge. With competitors rapidly advancing in terms of hardware, software, and user experience, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 must make improvements across several key areas to keep up with consumer expectations and market trends. In this article, we will explore the areas where Samsung’s flagship foldable device needs to step up its game and compete with the best smartphones of the year.
1. Display Quality and Durability: The Foldable Advantage
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is its foldable display, which is undoubtedly revolutionary. However, the foldable screen technology still faces some challenges that need attention. While the 7.6-inch main display is impressive, there are still concerns regarding its durability and overall quality.
Display Durability Concerns
Foldable displays are inherently more fragile compared to traditional ones, especially with the intricate folding mechanism. Although Samsung has worked to strengthen the durability of the Galaxy Z Fold 4, long-term reliability is still in question. Competitors, such as the Motorola Razr and the Huawei Mate Xs, are pushing the limits of foldable screens with their improved hinges and scratch-resistant coatings. Samsung must invest in even more durable and scratch-resistant materials, ensuring that the device can withstand daily usage without showing signs of wear.
Competing with Non-Foldable Displays
While the foldable design is certainly unique, there is still a trade-off in comparison to traditional flagship displays, such as those found in the iPhone 14 Pro or the Google Pixel 7 Pro. These devices feature OLED displays with high refresh rates and HDR support, providing incredibly vibrant colors and sharp details. Samsung needs to ensure that its foldable displays can match or exceed the quality of these non-foldable counterparts in terms of brightness, contrast, and color accuracy.
2. Performance: Powering the Foldable Experience
In terms of performance, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, which ensures fast processing speeds and smooth multitasking. However, when compared to the Apple A15 Bionic chip or the Google Tensor chip, it becomes apparent that Samsung still has room for improvement in terms of processing power and efficiency.
Competitor Chips: A Step Ahead
Apple’s chipsets consistently outperform competitors in both CPU and GPU tasks, providing a smoother experience, especially for power users and those demanding heavy tasks. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in other high-end Android phones offers better GPU performance and enhanced AI capabilities, so the Galaxy Z Fold 4 needs to adapt to ensure that it stays on top in terms of raw power. Future Galaxy Z Fold models should look to integrate the latest and most powerful chipsets to remain competitive in this ever-evolving market.
3. Battery Life and Charging Speed: The Foldable Dilemma
Battery life remains one of the major concerns for foldable smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. Due to the constraints of the compact form factor, the device houses a 4,400mAh battery, which often struggles to last a full day of heavy use. When compared to non-foldable smartphones like the iPhone 14 Pro Max (which boasts up to 4,323mAh) or the OnePlus 10 Pro (with a 5,000mAh battery), the Z Fold 4 falls short in terms of longevity.
Increasing Battery Size for Better Efficiency
As foldable displays evolve, manufacturers should explore ways to pack larger batteries into the design without compromising the sleek form factor. The introduction of battery optimization technologies, such as improved power management systems, will allow Samsung to maximize the battery life of the device without drastically increasing its thickness.
Charging Speed: A Must for the Foldable Market
Another critical area for improvement is charging speed. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 supports 25W fast charging, but competitors like the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra offer faster charging speeds of up to 67W. Samsung should look into providing 30W or even 45W fast charging options in future foldable devices. Additionally, wireless charging capabilities need to be improved to offer a better user experience when it comes to charging on the go.
4. Camera Technology: Meeting the Expectations of Flagship Devices
Samsung has always been known for its stellar camera setups, but the Galaxy Z Fold 4 falls behind some of its competitors when it comes to advanced photography features. While the 12MP primary camera and 10MP telephoto lens produce high-quality images, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 does not yet match the exceptional camera systems found in flagship devices like the iPhone 14 Pro or the Google Pixel 7 Pro.
Improved Camera Sensors and Lenses
For Samsung to truly compete in the high-end smartphone market, it will need to integrate larger image sensors with improved low-light performance. This would enable the Z Fold 4 to take better photos in a variety of settings, particularly in low-light environments. Additionally, improvements to the telephoto lenses and enhanced AI-powered camera features could significantly improve the overall photography experience.
User Experience: Software Tweaks for Better Multi-Tasking
One of the major selling points of foldable devices is their ability to offer an immersive and multi-functional experience, thanks to their large foldable screens. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 can be more effective in multi-tasking if it adopts more advanced software features.
Samsung’s One UI is known for its user-friendly interface, but improvements in the handling of multi-window features and app continuity are still needed to make the most out of the foldable design. In addition, the use of foldable-optimized apps needs to be expanded so users can truly take advantage of the large screen real estate.
5. Price: The Foldable Premium
Despite its impressive design and innovative features, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is priced higher than many traditional smartphones. With a starting price of around $1,799, the device is a considerable investment. In a competitive market where other flagship phones, such as the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, offer similar performance at a much lower price point, Samsung needs to ensure that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers enough value to justify its premium price.
Better Pricing Strategy for Future Models
To remain competitive, Samsung should explore different pricing strategies, potentially offering more affordable models of the Z Fold line. By expanding the range of foldable devices with different specifications and price points, Samsung can cater to a wider audience while maintaining the appeal of its flagship model.
Conclusion: The Need for Evolution in Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
In summary, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is undoubtedly a remarkable piece of technology, it still faces several challenges in terms of performance, durability, battery life, camera capabilities, and pricing. To maintain its position as a market leader in the foldable smartphone space, Samsung needs to focus on improving the overall user experience, advancing its foldable display technology, and competing head-to-head with other high-end smartphones in terms of features and pricing.
By addressing these areas, Samsung can enhance the Galaxy Z Fold series and stay ahead of the competition, providing consumers with the next-generation foldable smartphone that combines power, innovation, and practicality.
FAQs:
- What is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a premium foldable smartphone that features a large, flexible display which can unfold to a tablet-sized screen, providing an innovative multi-tasking experience. - How durable is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4?
The durability of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 has improved, but foldable screens are generally more prone to wear and tear compared to traditional smartphones. Samsung has made improvements in its durability with tougher materials and a more robust hinge. - Does the Galaxy Z Fold 4 support fast charging?
Yes, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 supports 25W fast charging, but newer models in the market support even higher charging speeds. - How good is the camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 4?
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 offers a solid camera experience with a 12MP primary camera and a 10MP telephoto lens. However, it doesn’t fully match the camera performance of rivals like the iPhone 14 Pro or Google Pixel 7 Pro. - Is the Galaxy Z Fold 4 worth its price?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is priced as a premium foldable smartphone, but its higher price tag is justified by its innovative foldable design. For those who prioritize multi-tasking, it offers a unique experience. - How long does the battery last on the Galaxy Z Fold 4?
The 4,400mAh battery in the Galaxy Z Fold 4 provides decent performance but may require charging by the end of the day, depending on usage. Battery life is a concern for foldable devices due to their compact size. - Can I use multiple apps at once on the Galaxy Z Fold 4?
Yes, one of the major features of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is its ability to run multiple apps simultaneously using its foldable screen, allowing for a multitasking experience that rivals traditional smartphones. - Does the Galaxy Z Fold 4 have 5G support?
Yes, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 supports 5G, allowing for fast mobile data speeds on compatible networks.