Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked vs Galaxy Z Fold4 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, launched in August 2022, represent distinct approaches to premium smartphone design. While the S23 Plus offers a traditional, high-performance slab experience, the Z Fold4 introduces a unique foldable form factor, transforming from a compact smartphone into a larger tablet-like display. Both devices operate on the Android platform, featuring Samsung's One UI for a consistent software experience.

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience. These two devices offer different considerations in these areas.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 Plus was released in February 2023, making it a newer device compared to the Galaxy Z Fold4, which launched in August 2022. This difference in release date typically translates to a longer period of software updates for the S23 Plus.
• Software Longevity: Samsung generally provides several years of Android operating system updates and security patches for its flagship devices. The S23 Plus, being newer, is expected to receive software support for a slightly extended duration compared to the Z Fold4. The Z Fold4 originally shipped with Android 12L and is currently on Android 14, with Samsung typically offering 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates for its premium phones.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 Plus features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to its IP68 dust and water resistance rating. The Galaxy Z Fold4 utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its cover display and back panel, and an Armor Aluminum frame, offering IPX8 water resistance but no official dust resistance rating. The inner foldable screen of the Z Fold4, made of Ultra-Thin Glass, has been noted to show scratches at lower Mohs hardness levels compared to traditional glass displays. However, user reports suggest the hinge mechanism is robust and the device can withstand considerable use without issues.

Both smartphones deliver robust performance suitable for demanding applications and multitasking, though they are powered by different generations of processors.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor, which provides smooth operation for everyday tasks, intensive gaming, and complex applications. The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a slightly earlier generation processor, which still handles demanding apps and multitasking efficiently, offering a responsive user experience.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, facilitating smooth transitions between applications and efficient handling of multiple tasks simultaneously. The Z Fold4, with its 12GB of RAM, offers additional headroom for extensive multitasking, particularly beneficial when utilizing its large inner display for several applications at once. Users of both devices generally report fast and fluid performance.
• Storage Options: Both devices offer ample internal storage, with the S23 Plus available in 256GB and 512GB configurations, and the Z Fold4 offering 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options. Neither device supports expandable storage via microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, providing reliable power for a full day of typical use, with some users reporting even longer durations. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a 4400 mAh battery, which, despite being slightly smaller, offers improved battery life compared to its predecessor, often lasting a full day for many users. Both support fast wired and wireless charging.

The display experience differs significantly between these two models, primarily due to the Z Fold4's unique foldable design.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a single 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 2340x1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 393 ppi. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers two displays: a 6.2-inch cover screen with a resolution of 2316x904 pixels (401 ppi) and a main 7.6-inch foldable screen with a resolution of 2176x1812 pixels (373 ppi). The larger inner screen of the Z Fold4 provides an expansive canvas for content consumption and productivity.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both phones offer high brightness levels for good visibility in various lighting conditions. The S23 Plus can reach up to 1200 nits (High Brightness Mode) and a peak outdoor brightness of 1750 nits. The Z Fold4's main screen also boasts a peak brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring clear viewing even outdoors.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both the S23 Plus and the Z Fold4's displays feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This allows for smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a responsive gaming experience, while also conserving battery by adjusting the refresh rate based on content.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S23 Plus provides a traditional, flat 6.6-inch display, ideal for single-handed use and standard media consumption. The Z Fold4's dual-screen setup offers versatility; the narrower cover screen is suitable for quick tasks, while the unfolded 7.6-inch main screen provides a tablet-like experience, enhancing immersion for videos, reading, and multitasking.

Both smartphones feature capable camera systems, though their configurations and user experiences differ.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a triple rear camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. The Galaxy Z Fold4 also features a triple rear camera system, which includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 30x Space Zoom. The Z Fold4's main sensor was an upgrade from its predecessor, aligning it with the S22 series.
• Photography Performance: The S23 Plus generally produces good quality photos with sharp focus and natural color rendition, performing well in various lighting conditions. The Z Fold4 also delivers vibrant and detailed images, particularly in well-lit environments, with improved low-light performance compared to previous Fold models. Some users note that while the S23 Plus camera is good, it may not reach the same level as the Ultra models or some competitors.
• Front Cameras: The S23 Plus has a 12MP front-facing camera. The Z Fold4 offers two front cameras: a 10MP camera on the cover display and a 4MP under-display camera on the main foldable screen. The cover screen camera is generally preferred for selfies due to its higher quality, while the under-display camera is more suited for video calls.
• Video Recording: The S23 Plus is capable of recording 8K video at 30 frames per second, with improved stabilization. The Z Fold4 records 8K video at 24 frames per second. Both offer good video quality, with the S23 Plus showing advancements in stabilization and color rendition.
• Audio Experience: Both devices provide a good media consumption experience with stereo speakers.