Galaxy S21 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4

The Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, released in January 2021, is a traditional slab-style smartphone, offering a compact design and a robust feature set. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, launched in August 2022, represents a different approach with its innovative foldable design, transforming from a conventional smartphone into a larger tablet-like display. These devices cater to distinct user preferences, primarily differing in their form factor and the unique experiences that arise from a foldable versus a standard smartphone.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, both offer substantial software support, though their release timelines create a difference in their remaining update cycles.

• Software Longevity: The Galaxy Z Fold4, being released later in August 2022, benefits from a longer period of major Android OS updates and security patches compared to the Galaxy S21 5G, which was released in January 2021. The Z Fold4 is eligible for up to four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support well into the future. The S21 5G also received a similar commitment of updates from its release, but its earlier launch means it will reach its end-of-support sooner.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 5G features a traditional design with Gorilla Glass Victus on its display and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against submersion. The Galaxy Z Fold4, while also featuring Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its cover screen and an IPX8 water resistance rating, introduces a foldable main display made of Ultra Thin Glass. User experiences suggest that while the Z Fold4's hinge is robust and the device can withstand bending, the inner foldable screen may be more susceptible to scratches than a traditional glass display.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are built to last, but the Z Fold4's newer release date and the inherent nature of its foldable screen mean different considerations. The Z Fold4's folding screen is certified to withstand up to 200,000 folds, suggesting a durable mechanism for typical daily use over several years. For users prioritizing the longest possible software support and a traditional, highly durable screen, the S21 5G offers a proven design, while the Z Fold4 provides extended software longevity with the unique considerations of a foldable display.

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold4 reflect their respective generations, with the foldable device featuring a more recent and powerful internal architecture.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy Z Fold4 is equipped with a newer generation processor, which translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of demanding applications and graphics-intensive games. The Galaxy S21 5G, while still offering capable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, uses an earlier generation processor.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold4 provides more headroom for keeping numerous applications open simultaneously and switching between them without noticeable slowdowns, especially beneficial for its multi-window capabilities on the larger inner screen. The Galaxy S21 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users but may show limitations when heavily multitasking with many demanding apps.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer ample internal storage, with the Galaxy S21 5G available in 128GB and 256GB configurations. The Galaxy Z Fold4 provides more extensive options, including 256GB, 512GB, and even 1TB variants, catering to users who require significant storage for media, applications, and files. Neither device supports expandable storage via microSD cards.

The display experience is a primary differentiator between these two Samsung smartphones, with the Z Fold4 offering a unique dual-screen setup.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Galaxy S21 5G has a 6.2-inch flat FHD+ display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a 6.2-inch cover screen with an HD+ resolution (2316 x 904 pixels) and a larger, foldable 7.6-inch main screen with a QXGA+ resolution (2176 x 1812 pixels). The larger inner display of the Z Fold4 provides a more expansive canvas for content consumption and productivity.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: Both phones feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. This adaptive technology adjusts the refresh rate based on the content, optimizing battery usage. In terms of brightness, both displays offer high peak brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility, though specific peak brightness figures can vary slightly between models. The S21 5G can reach up to 1300 nits peak brightness.
• Viewing Experience and Form Factor: The Galaxy S21 5G provides a traditional, immersive viewing experience on a single, compact screen. The Galaxy Z Fold4's foldable design allows users to switch between a conventional smartphone experience on the cover screen and a tablet-like experience on the larger inner display, which is particularly beneficial for multitasking, reading, and media viewing.

Both the Galaxy S21 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold4 offer versatile camera systems, designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions, with the Z Fold4 featuring some notable upgrades.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 5G features a triple camera setup with a 12MP main wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens capable of 3x hybrid optical zoom. The Galaxy Z Fold4 also has a triple camera system, but with an upgraded 50MP main wide-angle sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The Z Fold4's main sensor is shared with the Galaxy S22 series, generally providing improved detail and low-light performance.
• Photography Performance: Both devices are capable of capturing detailed and vibrant images in good lighting. The S21 5G's camera system is praised for its improved focus and subject tracking. The Z Fold4's upgraded main sensor and processing contribute to better overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Users report that the Z Fold4's camera is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering balanced and vibrant shots.
• Video Recording and Front Cameras: Both phones support 8K video recording. For front-facing cameras, the S21 5G has a 10MP selfie camera. The Z Fold4 features a 10MP camera on its cover screen and a 4MP under-display camera on the main foldable screen, with the cover screen camera generally offering better quality for selfies. The Z Fold4's unique form factor also allows for creative photography angles using Flex Mode.