Galaxy S22 5G Vs Galaxy Z Fold4

Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €851.00 new

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Galaxy Z Fold4
Galaxy Z Fold4
Starting at

Refurbished price:433.00

Versus €1,889.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, launched in August 2022, represent distinct approaches to premium smartphone design. While the Galaxy S22 offers a traditional, compact smartphone experience, the Galaxy Z Fold4 introduces a foldable form factor, transforming from a standard smartphone into a tablet-like device. Both run on the Android operating system, but their core functionalities and user experiences diverge significantly due to their fundamental design differences.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience. These two Samsung devices offer different profiles in terms of expected lifespan and durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy Z Fold4 followed in August 2022. This six-month difference means the Z Fold4 benefits from a slightly newer starting point for software updates.
  • Software Support: Both devices are eligible for four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from their respective launch dates. This means the Galaxy Z Fold4 is expected to receive software support for a slightly longer period than the Galaxy S22 5G.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 5G features an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against immersion. The Galaxy Z Fold4, while water-resistant with an IPX8 rating, does not offer official dust resistance due to its foldable design, which can be a consideration for users in dusty environments. Its folding mechanism also introduces a unique point of potential wear compared to a rigid smartphone.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

Both the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy Z Fold4 are equipped with powerful processors designed for demanding tasks, though they differ in their specific chipsets and how they manage power.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S22 5G is powered by a current-generation processor, offering smooth performance for everyday applications, multitasking, and mobile gaming. The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a slightly newer and more efficient current-generation processor, which contributes to improved performance and thermal management, particularly during extended use.
  • Multitasking and RAM: The Galaxy S22 5G comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most multitasking needs. The Galaxy Z Fold4, designed for more intensive multitasking with its larger screen, includes 12GB of RAM, allowing for a greater number of applications to run simultaneously without slowdowns.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 3700 mAh battery, which some users report can lead to more frequent charging, especially with heavy usage or 5G connectivity. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a 4400 mAh dual-cell battery. Despite its larger and dual displays, its more efficient processor often results in a full day of use for many users, with some reports indicating surprisingly good battery life.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a primary differentiator between these two devices, with the Galaxy S22 offering a traditional flat screen and the Galaxy Z Fold4 providing a unique foldable display.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks in a compact form factor. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a dual-screen setup: a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover screen for standard smartphone use and a large 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main screen that unfolds to offer a tablet-like viewing area.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G has a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a sharp and clear image on its smaller screen. The Galaxy Z Fold4's main screen boasts a higher resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels, providing a detailed and expansive canvas for content consumption and productivity.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature adaptive 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling and animations, and offer high peak brightness levels for good outdoor visibility. The Galaxy S22 5G reaches up to 1300 nits peak brightness, while the Galaxy Z Fold4's displays also offer strong brightness, with the main screen reaching 1000 nits typical and 1200 nits peak brightness.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1812 x 2176

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the Galaxy Z Fold4 benefits from camera hardware improvements that align it closely with the Galaxy S22's capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy Z Fold4 also includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, effectively adopting the improved camera array from the Galaxy S22 series.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices deliver vibrant photos with good detail and dynamic range in various lighting conditions. The 3x optical zoom on both allows for clear zoomed-in shots without significant quality loss. The Galaxy Z Fold4's camera system is noted for its improved low-light performance compared to its predecessor, benefiting from the S22's sensor technology.
  • Front Cameras and Video: The Galaxy S22 5G has a 10MP front camera. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a 10MP cover screen selfie camera and a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen, with the cover camera generally offering better quality. Both support video recording up to 8K at 24fps from the rear cameras and 4K from the front, with good stabilization.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

4 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish the user experience of the Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy Z Fold4.

  • Form Factor and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G is a compact and lightweight device, weighing 167g, making it comfortable for one-handed use and easy to carry. The Galaxy Z Fold4, due to its foldable design, is significantly heavier at 263g and thicker when folded, offering a different ergonomic experience that prioritizes screen real estate over traditional portability.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 (Galaxy S22) or Wi-Fi 6E (Galaxy Z Fold4), and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring modern wireless capabilities. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and neither includes a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S22 5G features an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy Z Fold4 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is integrated into the power button.

Weight

195 g

263 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

7.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Galaxy S22 5G often praises its compact size, vibrant display, and capable camera system, particularly its telephoto lens. However, a common concern among users is its battery life, which some find to be less than ideal for heavy, all-day use without a recharge. The Galaxy Z Fold4 receives commendation for its innovative foldable design, offering a large, immersive screen for productivity and media consumption, and its improved camera performance. Users appreciate the enhanced multitasking capabilities and the overall premium feel. Some criticisms revolve around its bulkier form factor when folded and the visible crease on the main display, though many find these trade-offs acceptable for the unique experience it provides.

Users prioritizing a traditional, compact smartphone that is easy to handle and offers robust dust and water protection may find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. It is a strong choice for those who value portability and a familiar smartphone experience. Conversely, individuals who seek a versatile device that can transform from a standard phone into a large-screen tablet for enhanced productivity, media viewing, and multitasking will likely lean towards the Galaxy Z Fold4. Its unique form factor and larger display cater to users who want a more expansive digital canvas, accepting the trade-off of a heavier and thicker device. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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