Galaxy Z Fold 4 to Buy: Price, Trade-In, Fold 5 Comparison

Anyone who has tried to buy a used foldable phone in 2025 already knows the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is still the device everyone talks about — but for different reasons than when it launched. Newer foldables like the Fold 5 have improved hinges and slightly better processors, yet the Fold 4 remains a compelling option if you can find the right deal.

Fold durability: 200,000 folds ·
Inner display: 7.6 inches ·
Battery: 4400 mAh ·
RAM: 12 GB ·
Storage: 256 GB / 512 GB

Nine specs, one pattern: the Z Fold 4 was a complete package at launch, and most of its core hardware still holds up well against mid-2025 devices.

The implication: every key component except raw processor speed matches what you would get in a device costing significantly more.

Which is better, Z Fold 4 or 5?

This is the first question most buyers ask — and the answer depends on whether you prioritise upfront savings or long-term refinement.

Key differences in design and display

• The Z Fold 5 uses a redesigned hinge that allows the phone to close flatter than the Fold 4’s hinge (YouTube review transcript).
• Independent reviewers describe the Fold 5 hinge as smoother and more usable at different angles (YouTube review transcript).
• The Fold 5 is thinner and lighter, making it slightly more pocketable (YouTube review transcript).
• Both phones share the same 7.6-inch inner display size, but the Fold 5 peaks at higher brightness (Samsung official specs).

Here is how the core specs compare side-by-side:

Performance and camera upgrades

• The Z Fold 5 runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a faster processor than the Fold 4’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (YouTube review transcript).
• Internal upgrades include UFS 4.0 storage, increased peak brightness, and an enlarged vapor chamber cooling system (YouTube review transcript).
• The camera hardware is essentially identical between both models (Samsung official specs).

Battery life and charging

• Both phones share the same 4400 mAh battery capacity (Samsung official specs).
• Real-world battery life on the Fold 4 is described as average by reviewers (CNET review of Z Fold 4).
• The Fold 5’s more efficient chipset may offer slightly better endurance, but the difference is modest (YouTube review transcript).

Price and value comparison

• Back Market’s comparison shows a refurbished Fold 4 at £389.00 and a refurbished Fold 5 at £422.00 (Back Market comparison).
• New prices on Back Market: Fold 4 at £1,799.00, Fold 5 at £1,776.79 (Back Market comparison).
• Samsung Ireland trade-in programmes can reduce the effective price of a Fold 5 for Fold 4 owners (Samsung Ireland trade-in terms).

What’s the difference between Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Fold 4?

A deeper look at where Samsung made changes — and where it didn’t — helps clarify the choice.

Design and build changes

• The Fold 5 closes completely flat when folded, eliminating the wedge gap visible on the Fold 4 (YouTube review transcript).
• The Fold 5 hinge is described by reviewers as the most durable and reliable of any Samsung foldable so far (YouTube review transcript).
• Durability data suggests the Fold 5 shows fewer screen-damage issues than the Fold 4 (YouTube review transcript).

Display specifications

• Both share a 7.6-inch inner AMOLED and a 6.2-inch outer AMOLED (Samsung official specs).
• The Fold 5’s inner display is brighter, reaching higher peak brightness levels (YouTube review transcript).

Five changes, one pattern: the Fold 5 is a refinement, not a reimagining — and that is exactly why the Fold 4 still makes sense.

Camera system differences

• The Fold 5 uses the same 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10 MP telephoto cameras as the Fold 4 (Samsung official specs).
• Image processing may be slightly improved on the Fold 5 due to the newer ISP (YouTube review transcript).

Software and features

• Both phones run One UI and support multitasking features, though the Fold 5 introduced additional Flex Mode improvements (Samsung official specs).
• Software support for the Fold 4 continues, with Samsung promising major OS updates through 2026 (Samsung official specs).

The catch: Samsung essentially charged €200 more for the Fold 5 while keeping core hardware the same — the value argument for the Fold 4 only gets stronger over time.

How much is my Z Fold 4 worth?

Knowing your trade-in value is the difference between overpaying for an upgrade and getting real money back.

Trade-in value from Samsung

• Samsung Ireland ran a trade-in programme specifically for the Galaxy Z Fold 4, with conditions published by Samsung Ireland (official trade-in terms).
• The device must power on, hold charge, be fully functional, have no software or hardware faults, and have no screen or casing damage (Samsung Ireland trade-in terms).
• No level of liquid damage is acceptable (Samsung Ireland trade-in terms).
• Your device must be factory reset and free of account locks (Samsung Ireland trade-in terms).

Resale value on eBay and Back Market

• Back Market’s Ireland-facing data shows a refurbished Fold 4 at approximately £389 (€450) and a Fold 5 at £422 (Back Market comparison).
• eBay Ireland prices vary widely depending on condition, storage size, and whether the phone is unlocked (eBay Ireland listings).

Factors affecting trade-in price

• Storage size matters: 512 GB models command a premium over 256 GB (Back Market).
• Any screen damage, even hairline cracks, lowers value substantially (Samsung Ireland trade-in terms).
• Unlocked models sell for more than carrier-locked ones (eBay Ireland).

How to get the best price

• Factory reset and clean the device thoroughly before selling (Samsung Ireland trade-in terms).
• Compare offers from Samsung Ireland, Back Market, and eBay to find the best net price (Back Market).
• Consider selling before replacing — a working device in good condition always fetches more than a broken one (eBay Ireland).

Is the Galaxy Fold 4 good?

The short answer: yes — but with important caveats for anyone used to a traditional slab phone.

Pros of the Galaxy Z Fold 4

Real-world user experiences

• Reddit users report exceeding 200,000 folds on the Fold 4 hinge (Reddit user reports).
• CNET’s reviewer praised the multitasking capabilities but criticised the battery life as average (CNET review of Z Fold 4).
• YouTube reviewers note that if you can get a good deal on the Fold 4, it may still be the better purchase (YouTube review transcript).

How it compares to newer foldables

• The Fold 5 is the better choice overall if you can afford it, mainly because of refinement and durability improvements (YouTube review transcript).
• Durability comparisons argue the Fold 5 is the most durable and reliable of Samsung’s foldables so far (YouTube review transcript).
• But the Fold 5 showed fewer screen-damage issues than the Fold 4 in reviewed data sets — a meaningful difference for long-term owners (YouTube review transcript).

How many times can you fold the Galaxy Z Fold4?

Samsung’s official rating and real-world data tell two complementary stories.

Official fold rating

• Samsung rates the hinge for 200,000 folds (Samsung official specs).
• At 100 folds per day, that equals roughly 5.5 years of use before the hinge theoretically reaches its limit.

Real-world fold test results

• Reddit users report exceeding 200,000 folds without hinge failure (Reddit user reports).
• Durability data sets compared between Fold 4 and Fold 5 show the Fold 4 has more screen-damage incidents (YouTube review transcript).

What affects fold longevity

• Dust and debris can reduce hinge lifespan — Samsung’s IPX8 waterproofing does not protect against dust ingress (Samsung official specs).
• Dropping the phone on its hinge is the most common failure mode reported by users (Reddit user reports).

Tips to extend hinge life

• Avoid opening the phone in dusty environments like beaches or workshop areas.
• Use a case that covers the hinge for impact protection (Samsung official specs).
• Close the phone gently — slamming it shut puts stress on the hinge mechanism.

The takeaway: the Fold 4 hinge is robust for its generation. Most owners will replace the phone before the hinge fails — unless they drop it on concrete.

Where to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 4 in Ireland

If you are convinced and ready to buy, here is where to look and what to watch for.

• Amazon Ireland – new and refurbished units with Amazon’s returns policy (Amazon UK site serving Ireland).
• Back Market – refurbished models with 12-month warranty and competitive pricing, currently listing the Fold 4 at £389 (Back Market).
• eBay Ireland – used and new from individual sellers; check seller ratings carefully (eBay Ireland).
• Currys Ireland – new and trade-in options with in-store support (Currys Ireland).

The catch: refurbished units from Back Market or Amazon Renewed include a warranty — individual eBay sellers do not. For a device as mechanically complex as a foldable, that warranty is worth the premium.

Related reading: What Is a Z Fold Phone? Definition, Key Features, Price · What Is a Z Fold Phone? Definition, Key Features, Price

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