👍 Pros
- Expansive 7.6-inch foldable display
- Flagship Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance
- Versatile triple camera system with OIS and telephoto
- Excellent build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus+
- Long-term software support (up to 4 major Android upgrades)
👎 Cons
- Under-display camera is visibly low resolution
- Slow charging speeds for a flagship
- Noticeably thick and heavy when folded
- No expandable storage
- Battery capacity could be larger given the display size
Expert Review & Rating
Quick Overview
Does a foldable phone from 2022 still hold its own in the cutthroat tech landscape of 2026? The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, once a pinnacle of foldable innovation, now sits in a very different market. It was Samsung’s answer to those craving a tablet in their pocket, pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone could be. But with four years of advancements in foldable tech, does this OG still have the magic?
The Best Features
The star of the show, without question, remains that expansive 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It’s a canvas for content, a multitasking powerhouse, and still looks absolutely stunning with its 120Hz refresh rate. For productivity, having that much screen real estate in a device that folds down is a game-changer; it’s genuinely transformative for media consumption and juggling multiple apps. Then there’s the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. Even in 2026, this chipset delivers a remarkably fluid experience. Apps launch instantly, games run smoothly, and there’s rarely a stutter. The build quality, with its Gorilla Glass Victus+ and aluminum frame, feels premium and robust, a testament to Samsung’s early commitment to durability in foldables. And let’s not forget the camera system. That 50 MP main sensor with OIS, coupled with the 3x optical zoom telephoto, still captures excellent photos in most conditions. It was a flagship camera setup then, and it remains surprisingly competent now.
The Compromises
Now, for the brutal truth. The under-display camera on the main screen is, frankly, still a bit of a joke. Its 4 MP resolution and visible pixelation make it a last resort for video calls. Charging speeds are another significant drawback; 25W wired charging feels glacially slow compared to today’s standards, and waiting over an hour for a full charge is frustrating. The physical bulk of the device, especially when folded, is noticeable. It’s a thick slab in your pocket, and the 263g weight is definitely felt throughout the day. While the main display is incredible, the crease is still there, a constant reminder of the foldable compromise. Finally, the battery life, while not terrible, certainly isn’t stellar for a device with such a large, power-hungry display. The 4400 mAh unit often requires a midday top-up, especially with heavy usage.
Performance & Daily Usage
In 2026, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 still pulls its weight. Apps open fast. Scrolling is smooth. Multitasking with One UI 6.1.1 is intuitive. Gaming performance holds up well, even with demanding titles. Thermal management is generally good; it gets warm under load but rarely uncomfortably hot. The 12GB of RAM ensures background apps stay active. The software experience, with Android 12L originally and now up to 4 major Android upgrades (likely Android 16 by now), is refined. Samsung’s One UI still feels feature-rich and optimized for the foldable form factor. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable.
Is It Worth Buying?
The expansive, high-refresh-rate foldable display remains its absolute best feature, while the underwhelming under-display camera and slow charging are its worst flaws. In 2026, while the Galaxy Z Fold4 is no longer cutting-edge, its current price point makes it a surprisingly compelling option for those wanting to experience a premium foldable without breaking the bank. If you can live with its charging speed and camera compromises, it’s still a viable and powerful device for its current cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While it won't compete with the absolute best of 2026's camera tech, especially in low light or advanced computational photography, the Fold4's 50 MP main sensor and 3x optical zoom telephoto still capture solid, detailed images for casual use. The under-display camera, however, is significantly outclassed.
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 was a flagship chip and still offers more than enough horsepower for all current Android applications, demanding games, and intensive multitasking. You won't feel a significant performance bottleneck for typical daily usage.
The primary longevity concerns revolve around the inner foldable display's durability over time, particularly the crease and potential for dead pixels, and the battery degradation given its age. Software updates will eventually cease, but it has received Samsung's promised major Android upgrades.