Galaxy S22+ 5G vs Galaxy Z Fold4

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, launched in August 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design. While the S22 Plus offers a traditional, high-performance slab experience, the Z Fold4 introduces a foldable form factor, transforming from a standard smartphone into a larger tablet-like display. Both devices operate on the Android platform, featuring Samsung's One UI, but cater to different user preferences through their unique designs and capabilities.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy S22 Plus 5G was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy Z Fold4 followed in August 2022.

• Software Updates: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the Galaxy Z Fold4 were promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from their respective launch dates. As of early 2026, the Galaxy S22 series has received its promised OS updates and has transitioned to quarterly security updates, indicating it is in its final year of official support. The Galaxy Z Fold4, being released later, is still receiving monthly security updates and is eligible for the Android 16-based One UI 8 update.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S22 Plus received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, primarily due to the extensive use of strong adhesive for components like the battery and display, making repairs challenging. The Galaxy Z Fold4, while featuring a complex foldable design, has seen efforts from Samsung to make screen repairs more accessible, with reduced costs for those with a Samsung Care+ plan. However, the intricate hinge mechanism and the delicate nature of the inner foldable screen present unique durability considerations.
• Expected Lifespan: Users of the Galaxy S22 Plus can expect continued functionality, though official software support is nearing its end. For the Galaxy Z Fold4, while software support extends slightly longer, the long-term durability of the foldable screen and hinge remains a point of user discussion, with some reports of issues appearing around 17 months of use.

The performance of both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold4 is designed to handle demanding tasks, though they feature different internal components.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a powerful processor that delivers consistently strong performance for everyday use and demanding applications. The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a newer generation processor, which provides improved efficiency and performance, particularly noticeable in sustained heavy usage and gaming, with less tendency to heat up compared to its predecessor's generation.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 Plus, with 8GB of RAM, offers smooth multitasking for typical smartphone usage. The Galaxy Z Fold4, with 12GB of RAM, is particularly well-suited for extensive multitasking, especially when utilizing its larger inner display for multiple applications simultaneously. Both devices offer a responsive user experience, with quick app loading and fluid navigation.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides solid battery life, often lasting a full day with moderate use. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a 4400 mAh battery. Despite a slightly smaller capacity, its newer, more efficient processor and adaptive refresh rate on both displays contribute to improved battery endurance compared to previous foldable generations, often lasting through a long day. However, heavy use of the larger inner screen can lead to more frequent charging.

The display experience is a primary differentiator between these two Samsung Galaxy devices, owing to their distinct form factors.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Galaxy S22 Plus offers a 6.6-inch flat display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), providing a sharp and clear viewing experience for a traditional smartphone. The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a 6.2-inch cover display with an HD+ resolution (2316 x 904 pixels) and a larger 7.6-inch main foldable display with a QXGA+ resolution (2176 x 1812 pixels). The main display, when unfolded, offers a tablet-like canvas for immersive viewing and productivity.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones support an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S22 Plus can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy Z Fold4's main display also offers high brightness, contributing to good outdoor visibility, though the crease on the foldable screen remains visible and can be felt.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S22 Plus provides a comfortable, expansive viewing area for a non-foldable phone. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers versatility; its cover screen is suitable for quick tasks, while the large inner screen is designed for enhanced media consumption, reading, and multitasking, providing a more immersive experience.

Both the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold4 offer capable camera systems, designed to capture a variety of moments with quality and detail.

• Rear Camera System: Both devices feature a triple-camera setup on the rear. The Galaxy S22 Plus includes a 50MP main wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy Z Fold4 shares a similar configuration with a 50MP main wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Both systems are capable of producing detailed images with good color reproduction in well-lit conditions.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: The Galaxy S22 Plus shows improvements in low-light photography, producing brighter and cleaner night shots. It supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24fps. The Galaxy Z Fold4 also delivers strong low-light performance and video quality, with users noting improvements over previous foldable generations. It also supports 8K video recording.
• Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S22 Plus has a 10MP front camera for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a 10MP front camera on its cover display and a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen. While the under-display camera is less noticeable, its image quality for selfies is generally considered adequate rather than exceptional. Both phones offer stereo speakers for a good media consumption experience and clear microphone quality for calls.