Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 rumours – spec, launch date, everything we know
Spare a moment for Samsung. No sooner had it perfected the folding phone with the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, then the competition came along and beat it. The Korean giant is unlikely to take it lying down, with the Galaxy Z Fold4 likely to move things on again. But exactly what can we expect from Samsung’s next premium folding phone? And when can we expect it? Here’s our roundup of the Galaxy Z Fold4 rumours.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 launch date
Samsung hasn’t indicated when the Galaxy Z Fold4 will launch, but the previous three generations of the phone have all been released in September – or late August in the case of the Z Fold3 5G. That makes a September 2022 launch most likely, but by no means guaranteed.
It’s worth mentioning that the “Galaxy Z Fold4” might not launch at all. Samsung has already dropped the ‘Z’ in some Eastern European territories out of sensitivity regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It’s possible that the phone might be renamed, or simply launch as the Samsung Galaxy Fold4 when it arrives.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 design
It’s early days, but early rumours suggest that Samsung is focusing on slimlining and improving the durability of the Z Fold4 design, compared to the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. If these rumours prove true, it makes it unlikely there’ll be space for an S Pen slot, which will disappoint many. That said, some leaks have explicitly said the phone will get a pen slot.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 display
With Samsung apparently focused on reducing the size and weight of the phone, it seems unlikely that the Galaxy Z Fold4 will get a larger screen. Some sources suggest the aspect ratio of the main screen might shift nearer to square. If this is the case, the external screen may lose its unusual 1:2.7 ‘letterbox’ ratio, and become better to use.
Without doubt the feature most users would like to see is a reduction in the visible crease down the main screen. Other manufacturers have shown it’s possible to minimise or remove the crease on folding phones, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a much less prominent crease on the Galaxy Z Fold4.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 features
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 will support 5G, and offer waterproofing. It’s possible that Samsung may also come up with a way to dustproof the phone, which would be an improvement over the Z Fold3 5G.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 performance
There are no strong rumours about Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 performance, but inevitably it will be faster than the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. Previous Z Fold phones have all used a high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, so it seems likely Samsung will stick with that. Expect high-end performance, but not the fastest phone out there.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 camera
Recent rumours suggest the Galaxy Z Fold4 will get a major camera upgrade over the Z Fold3 5G, possibly extending to the 108 megapixel camera from the Galaxy S22 Ultra. While the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G’s under-screen camera is far from universally loved, it seems Samsung may stick with the concept, albeit with improved photo quality.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 battery
Rumours suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold4 battery may be unchanged from the Z Fold3 5G. On the face of it that’s a disappointment given the current phone’s underwhelming battery life, but it may actually be a blessing. In a smaller, more efficient phone, the same battery should offer longer between charges. It may also help Samsung reduce the price, giving the new phone greater mainstream appeal.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 UK price
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is a flagship phone, and it comes at a flagship price – starting at £1,129 if you shop with Samsung. But rumours suggest that Samsung is looking to sell the Z Fold4 in much bigger numbers. That’ll only be possible if it can drop the phone’s price considerably. Could the Galaxy Z Fold4 come nearer the £1,000 mark? That would certainly drive sales, but it’s still a complex and impressive device, so we wouldn’t count on it just yet.