[Experience] Tried Samsung Z Fold4... Overcoming the 'Ajae Phone' Image with a More Attractive Design

Two Major Foldable Phones Released in the Second Half of the Year
Sleeker Design and Enhanced User Experience (UX)
Easier Multitasking with Flex Mode
Price Frozen Below 2 Million Won Despite Improvements

The 'Flex Mode' on the 'Galaxy Z Fold4' allows you to bend the screen. You can easily chat or browse other videos while watching YouTube videos.

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Samsung Electronics unveiled two flagship foldable smartphones for the second half of this year on the 10th. The 'Galaxy Z Flip4' and the 'Galaxy Z Fold4,' revealed together, are equipped with a sleek exterior and enhanced user experience (UX). The key question is whether the Z Fold4, which had a strong image as an "Ajae (middle-aged man) phone," can gain favor among the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z).

The Z Fold4 device, seen in person, showed no revolutionary changes as it inherited the design of its predecessor. However, traces of effort were evident in the detailed design. Thanks to the thinner hinge, the seam, it appeared less bulky and cleaner than the previous model. Although the overall size did not change much, the proportions improved, making it closer to a square shape. With the hinge and bezel becoming thinner, the cover screen on the front could be used more widely. The hinge part uses armor aluminum material, improving durability as well.

The Galaxy Z Fold4 screen has generally improved in aspect ratio, taking on a more square shape. A taskbar aligned like a PC at the bottom stands out.

The new technology 'Under Display Camera (UDC)' applied in the Fold3 was also enhanced. UDC is a technology that hides the camera hole on the phone screen. In the previous model, due to the camera's light transmittance issues, the hole, which inevitably stood out like a small circle, was continuously exposed in the upper right corner, drawing criticism for being "annoying." This part, which spoiled the display aesthetics, was greatly improved, so there was no visual discomfort.

The lower exterior part of the Galaxy Z Fold4. The bezel has been reduced, giving a cleaner impression.

The overall screen layout felt comfortable, resembling a PC window. Certain applications (apps) with the 'Flex Mode,' which allows bending the screen, were convenient to use due to the split mode. For example, when watching YouTube by Google, users could watch videos while chatting simultaneously. Especially convenient was the taskbar located at the bottom of the screen's navigation bar, containing phone calls, messages, and more. Next to the taskbar, recently used apps were displayed for quick access. Pulling the edge panel hidden on the right revealed even more recently viewed apps. Fast switching and the S Pen also seemed helpful when utilizing these multitasking features.

A 50-megapixel high-resolution camera placed on the rear. The so-called 'katuktu' (camera bump) phenomenon is unfortunate.

The camera's own functions were also enhanced. Equipped with a high-performance 50-megapixel camera, the camera module grew larger, resulting in a more pronounced "Katuktu" (camera bump) phenomenon. However, due to the personal habit of always using a phone case, it was unlikely to be inconvenient. In Flex Mode, when taking pictures, the camera was positioned at the top of the screen, and the actual photo preview was at the bottom, allowing real-time immediate photo confirmation. As with previous models, it felt like photos were enhanced after shooting through artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The launch price remained at 1,998,700 KRW, the same level as the previous model, despite improvements in various areas, which could be rated highly. As the first Galaxy smartphone to feature eSIM functionality, it is expected to offer diverse uses. Users will be able to use 'dual SIM' by receiving numbers for both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing two numbers on one smartphone.