If the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is to succeed the impressive Galaxy Z Fold 3, it must fill some big shoes. However, there is still room for improvement, as the foldable phone formula has yet to be perfected.
So far, there are only a few rumours floating around about the Galaxy Z Fold 4, and nothing concrete about specs or features. However, there are a number of features that we hope Samsung will include, such as improved cameras and possibly a slicker integration for the S Pen stylus.
Take a look below to see what’s been rumoured for the Galaxy Z Fold 4, as well as what we’re hoping will be included in Samsung’s next foldable flagship. And for more information on what to expect from the Korean company in the future, click here 5 Best OnePlus Phones
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Possible release date
When it comes to the possible release of the new Z Fold 4, both leaks and educated guesses agree. The previous two generations of the Galaxy Z Fold arrived in late summer/early fall, with the Z Fold 3 debuting in August and the Galaxy Z Fold 2 debuting in September the year before. As a result, we’d anticipate a similar launch date for the Z Fold 4 at the end of August or early September.
We believe Samsung would prefer to avoid a possible mid-September release date for the iPhone 14.
When it does make its debut, the next Fold may go by a different name. In some European countries, Samsung is selling the current model as the Galaxy Fold 3 — an apparent response to Russian officials using the letter Z as a symbol in support of their invasion of Ukraine. This has fueled speculation that Samsung may drop the Z from the name of the Galaxy Z Fold 4.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Pricing
One rumour for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 comes from Korean leaker yeux1122 on Korean site Naver, who claims that the phone will become more affordable, which, given that the Z Fold 3 costs $1,799, would be very welcome news.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 launched in 2020 at $1,999, implying that after falling by $200 in one year, we may see a $400 drop in two years to $1,599 for the Z Fold 4. That would still be significantly more expensive than even the most fully-specced phablet-style phone, but as the price difference narrows, more and more phone buyers will be tempted to opt for a foldable.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Design
When it comes to the Z Fold 4, we expect Samsung to stick with the basic formula of the Z Fold 3. However, one leaker has already hinted at a few changes.
In a post on the Korean blogging site Naver, they claim that Samsung is considering ways to reduce the phone’s weight by reworking the hinge and improving the waterproofing and dustproofing. We like the idea of a lighter phone that is less prone to water and dust damage.
Similarly, leaker Anthony, who goes by the Twitter handle @TheGalox, claims that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 will have a single hinge in the centre of the handset rather than the two used by the Galaxy Z Fold 3. This would allow for a thinner and lighter design while also increasing the durability of the Z Fold 4.
A rumour that claims the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 will not have a slot to store the S Pen is somewhat disappointing, if true. That would appear to be an odd decision by Samsung, as it is one of the complaints we had about the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and one we believe Samsung could address.
Another rumour suggests that the front display of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 may change, with Samsung experimenting with aspect ratios in Z Fold 4 prototypes. It’s unclear which version Samsung will choose, but Twitter tipster Chunv8888 claims there are variations ranging from identical to the Z Fold 3 to those with a significantly different shape.
According to leaker yeux1122, Samsung may be upgrading the current Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) material for a better one for the inner display. This improved material is said to be tougher and of higher quality, making it better suited for use with the rumoured integrated S Pen stylus.
Of course, if Samsung decides to abandon the current book-style fold format, it has other options. Three concepts for handheld foldable devices are featured in Samsung Display’s CES 2022 concepts. Two of them use an s-fold design to create three panels instead of two, while the third is a “slidable” that expands the width of the screen on command. Perhaps these are just concepts that Samsung will consider for Z Fold phones in the future, but seeing the Z Fold 4 adopt the s-fold design seems doable.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Cameras
According to reports, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 will have the same camera setup as the Galaxy S22. This would imply that the same excellent telephoto lens would be available with 3x optical zoom, up from 2x on the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
We’ll have to wait and see if the Z Fold 4 has the same 50MP main and 12MP ultra-wide cameras as the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus, but a new rumour from leaker Dohyun Kim claims the new model will have the S22 Ultra’s 108MP main camera.
There’s no more information in his tweet than “Galaxy Z Fold4 108MP Camera,” but if true, that would be huge news and give the foldable a significant advantage over the competition.
In comparison to previous Samsung phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 introduced the company’s first under-display camera on the main display. According to a Korean leaker, the Z Fold 4 could expand on this by adding a second under-display camera to the cover display.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Battery
We only have one rumour about the Z Fold 4’s power source, and it’s a bad one. According to the report, Samsung will keep the battery roughly the same size as it is on the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
One of the most annoying aspects of foldable phones is that they have a much larger screen to power, despite having a battery that is the same size, or sometimes smaller, than comparable phones. The battery life on the Z Fold 3 isn’t great, but if Samsung doesn’t increase the battery capacity, the phone will have to be more efficient in other areas to last a full day away from the wall socket.
