Galaxy Z Fold4 vs Motorola Edge 50

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, released in August 2022, and the Motorola Edge 50, launched in April 2024, represent distinct approaches to modern smartphone design. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a unique foldable form factor, transforming from a traditional smartphone into a tablet-sized display, while the Motorola Edge 50 presents a more conventional, yet refined, slab design. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but they cater to different user preferences through their core functionalities and user experiences.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Galaxy Z Fold4, being an earlier release, has a different update trajectory compared to the newer Motorola Edge 50.

• Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 was launched with a commitment to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately August 2027. The Motorola Edge 50, released later, is expected to receive three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches from its launch date.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features an inner foldable screen made of ultra-thin glass with a plastic layer, which is susceptible to scratches at a Mohs hardness level of 2. Its outer display is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering better scratch resistance. The device also boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water. The Motorola Edge 50 comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating full protection against dust ingress and continuous immersion in water. Its display is protected by Gorilla Glass.
• Expected Lifespan: The Galaxy Z Fold4's foldable mechanism is rated for 200,000 folds, suggesting a robust design for its unique form factor. Both devices are built with quality materials, with the Z Fold4 featuring an Armor Aluminum frame and the Edge 50 offering a premium feel with an aluminum frame and various back finishes.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily operations, from launching applications to handling demanding tasks. Both the Galaxy Z Fold4 and the Motorola Edge 50 offer capable hardware, though they are built around different generations of processing power.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy Z Fold4 is equipped with a processor designed for flagship performance from its release year, enabling smooth operation for demanding applications, extensive multitasking, and graphically intensive games. The Motorola Edge 50 features a current-generation processor that provides a responsive experience for everyday tasks, efficient multitasking, and light to moderate gaming.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy Z Fold4 comes with 12GB of RAM, supporting seamless transitions between numerous open applications, especially beneficial on its large foldable display. It offers storage options up to 1TB. The Motorola Edge 50 is available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for typical smartphone usage and multitasking. Storage options go up to 512GB.
• Battery Experience: The Galaxy Z Fold4 houses a 4400 mAh battery, which generally provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate to heavy use, benefiting from an efficient processor. The Motorola Edge 50 is powered by a 4500 mAh battery, often delivering a full day of usage. It also supports very fast wired charging at 125W and 50W wireless charging, allowing for quick power replenishment.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences, albeit with distinct characteristics due to their form factors.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main foldable display and a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display, both offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Motorola Edge 50 sports a 6.7-inch pOLED curved display.
• Resolution and Refresh Rate: The Z Fold4's main screen has a resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels, while its cover screen is 904 x 2316 pixels, both with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Edge 50 offers a 1.5K resolution (1220 x 2712 pixels) and a higher 144Hz refresh rate, contributing to a fluid visual experience.
• Brightness and Clarity: Both displays provide excellent clarity for typical viewing. The Motorola Edge 50 can reach a peak brightness of 2000 nits, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy Z Fold4's displays also offer good brightness levels for various environments. The Edge 50's display is Pantone validated, aiming for accurate color reproduction.

Photography capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and both smartphones come equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a range of moments.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The Motorola Edge 50 also has a triple rear camera array, comprising a 50MP main sensor with OIS and a wide f/1.4 aperture, a 13MP ultrawide lens that can also function for macro shots, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers improved camera performance over its predecessor, delivering quality images in various conditions. The Motorola Edge 50's cameras are Pantone validated for accurate skin tones and are noted for capturing impressive detail and sharpness in well-lit environments. Its main and telephoto cameras generally perform well, though the ultrawide may exhibit slightly less saturation.
• Video and Front Cameras: The Z Fold4 can record video up to 8K at 24 frames per second. It includes a 4MP under-display camera on the main screen and a 10MP camera on the cover display. The Edge 50 supports video recording up to 4K at 30 frames per second. It features a high-resolution 50MP front camera with autofocus, which is praised for its quality.