Skip to main content

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 vs. Galaxy Fold

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Fold, Samsung’s first attempt at producing a foldable smartphone. The original Fold was an exciting yet slightly flawed piece of kit, with its main strength — the ability to fold — also being its main weakness, given the durability issues it created. However, Samsung has jumped right back into it with the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which improves on the specs of the first Fold while also promising greater durability via a redesigned hinge and updated screen tech.

It certainly looks like a better foldable at first glance, but is it really a better smartphone overall? We’re going to answer this question by examining how both phones perform across a variety of categories. By taking a closer look at their displays, performance, batteries, cameras, software, and price, you should be able to decide which Samsung foldable you prefer.

Specs

Samsung Galaxy Fold
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Size Unfolded: 160.9 x 117.9 x 6.9 mm

Folded: 160.9 x 62.9 x 15.5 mm

Unfolded: 159.2 x 128.2 x 6.9 mm

Folded: 159.2 x 68 x 16.8 mm

Weight 263 grams (9.28 ounces) 282 grams (9.95 ounces)
Screen size 7.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Screen resolution 2152 x 1536 pixels (362 pixels per inch) 2208 x 1768 pixels (373 pixels per inch)
Operating system Android 10; One UI 2.1 Android 10; One UI 2.5
Storage 512GB 256GB, 512GB
MicroSD card slot No No
Tap-to-pay services Google Pay, Samsung Pay Google Pay, Samsung Pay
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus
RAM 12GB 12GB
Camera 12-megapixel wide, 12MP telephoto, 16MP ultrawide rear, dual 10MP front, 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide rear, 10MP front
Video 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps, 720p at 960 fps, HDR10+ 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps, 720p at 960 fps, HDR10+
Bluetooth version 5.0 5.0
Ports USB 3.1, USB-C USB 3.1, USB-C
Fingerprint sensor Yes, side-mounted Yes, side-mounted
Water resistance No No
Battery 4,380Ah

Fast charging (15W)

Qi wireless charging (15W)

Reverse wireless charging (4.5W)

4,500mAh

Fast charging (45W)

Qi wireless charging (11W)

Reverse wireless charging (4.5W)

App marketplace Google Play Store Google Play Store
Network support All carriers All carriers
Colors Space Silver, Cosmos Black, Martian Green, Astro Blue Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black
Prices $2,000 $2,000
Buy from Samsung, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart Samsung, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart
Review score 3.5 out of 5 stars 4 out of 5 stars

Design, display, and durability

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Fold are both foldable smartphones, but the Z Fold 2 has an updated design. It now bears a stylistic resemblance to the latest S20 and Note 20 devices, featuring sharper, more angular contours than the Fold around its casing. Its bezels have been reduced by 25% compared to the first Fold, giving it a more sophisticated and streamlined look.

Other than that, its inner touchscreen is 7.6 inches, while its cover touchscreen (which you see after folding the phone) measures 6.2 inches. By contrast, the original Fold’s cover display is only 4.6 inches, while its main, unfolded touchscreen is 7.3 inches. This means it’s not quite as wide as the Z Fold 2, something which may or may not be an advantage, depending on your willingness to hold a slightly larger — and heavier — smartphone.

On the other hand, the Z Fold 2’s touchscreens are more impressive and more detailed. The main display offers a resolution of 2208 x 1768 pixels, which works out at 373 ppi. This compares favorably to the Fold’s resolution, which at 2152  x 1536 pixels can muster only 362 pixels per inch. This isn’t a big difference, but when coupled with the Z Fold 2’s 120Hz refresh rate, it’s going to mean that the newer foldable is a little more pleasing on the eye.

As for durability, both phones are likely to have similar problems, although the Z Fold 2 looks like it will withstand more repeated use than its predecessor. It comes with Samsung’s latest Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) foldable screen technology, which was introduced on the Z Flip and seems more robust than previous screen material. Samsung has also fitted the Z Fold 2’s hinge with tiny bristles, which sweep and clear dust away every time you move it. This should, in theory, make it last for more folds than the older model, something that our review of the phone suggests will be the case.

Both smartphones lack an official IP68 rating, so it’s probably not a good idea to submerge either of them in water. Still, given its revamped design and subtly improved display, we’re going to give this round to the Z Fold 2.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Performance, battery life, and charging

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G
Andrew Martonik/Digital Trends

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is powerful. It’s equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus, the same processor that makes the Note 20 Ultra the powerhouse it is. It also comes with 12GB of RAM, and while this is identical to the Fold, the inclusion of a newer processor and CPU should mean that it handles the latest apps and games a little more smoothly.

That said, the original Fold comes with 512GB of internal memory as standard, while the Z Fold 2 comes with 256GB (and the option to buy a 512GB version for a higher price). This might be more important for anyone who tends to store plenty of files and media on their phones, although the lack of a MicroSD slot on both smartphones prevents you from upgrading further in either case.

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is home to a 4,500mAh battery, while the Fold offers 4,380mAh. While the Fold 2 will last for at least a day, it’s unlikely that this slight difference will result in it lasting noticeably longer than the original Fold, which comfortably lasts for more than a day without needed a refill. This is because the Fold 2 has larger screens, which will likely suck up more battery power, canceling out the added 120mAh.

One battery advantage the Z Fold 2 does have, however, is that it supports fast charging at 45W. By comparison, the Fold’s fast charging has an output of only 15W. This will help you recharge more quickly with the newer smartphone, particularly when you’re near empty.

This round is a fairly close one, since the Fold isn’t too far behind the Z Fold 2’s performance. Nonetheless, with a better processor and better charging, we’re giving a narrow victory to the newer phone.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Camera

Samsung Galaxy Fold
Julian Chokkattu / /Digital Trends

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Galaxy Fold offer near-identical cameras. Both devices pack a triple-lens setup on the rear. The Z Fold 2 has 12-MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 12MP telephoto lenses. The Fold has the same, except that its ultrawide lens is 16MP rather than 12MP.

We found the Fold provides a versatile camera that can take good shots in most conditions, despite faltering a little in low-light situations. Its more powerful ultrawide lens may be more useful than the Z Fold 2’s equivalent, but our review of the Fold 2 found that it’s a great camera phone in its own right, even without the extra 4MP. It takes consistently strong photos, characterized by a good balance of colors and tones, even if it can produce oversaturated shots at times.

One potentially significant difference is that the Fold offers a dual selfie camera on its inner 7.3-inch screen. This combination of a normal lens with a depth sensor takes pleasingly detailed photos, although the Z Fold 2 lets you take selfies with the more powerful rear cameras, using the smaller cover screen as a viewfinder. This more than compensates for the lack of an extra selfie camera lens.

The Galaxy Fold and Z Fold 2 both capture video at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. This isn’t quite as high as the resolution offered by the Note 20 Ultra, for example, but it will be high enough for most purposes.

We’re calling this round a tie, since even though their specs and setups are slightly different, both the Fold and Z Fold 2 offer very good all-round camera experiences.

Winner: Tie

Software and updates

Galaxy Z Fold 2
Andrew Martonik/Digital Trends

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Fold both run on One UI 2 OS. This is Samsung’s very own Android 10 skin, which has been designed for larger devices like the Fold (or the Note). It provides larger app icons and a variety of customization options, making it easy to navigate as well as fun to change to suit your tastes.

As with most Samsung smartphones, the Z Fold 2 and Fold are likely to suffer from relatively slow updates, at least in comparison to other phones (particularly iPhones). However, this will be the same for both devices, so given that they’re running the same OS, this round can only be a tie.

Winner: Tie

Special features

Galaxy Z Fold 2 Cover Screen Locked
Andrew Martonik/Digital Trends

It’s no surprise that the main special feature of both smartphones is the ability to fold, allowing both to function like a tablet and like a normal smartphone. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 offers one notable upgrade in this area, with its hinge capable of stopping firmly at angles between 75 and 115 degrees. This lets you sit it up, much like a laptop, although at this stage, we’re not sure what kind of distinct functionality will follow from this.

Another key difference is that the Z Fold 2 supports 5G as standard, while the Fold can be bought as a 5G version in various markets outside of the United States. We’re a little tired of explaining that widespread coverage for 5G is still one or two years away, but the inclusion of 5G support by default does make the Z Fold 2 more advanced and forward-looking than its predecessor.

Other than that, there’s not much particularly special, although it’s worth recalling that the Z Fold 2 supports a 120Hz refresh rate, and also comes with the latest UTG foldable screen technology. Because of this, we’re giving this round to the newer phone.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Price and availability

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 starts at $2,000. It’s available to order from Samsung and will be supported by all major carriers.

The Fold’s official price tag is also $2,000, although you’re likely to find it for $100 less than this in various places, given that it has been out for a year. It’s supported by all major carriers and is available from most major retailers.

Overall winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

Galaxy Z Fold 2 Fingerprint Sensor
Andrew Martonik/Digital Trends

Both smartphones have the same unique selling point, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 does its job better than the Galaxy Fold. It looks better and has a bigger and sharper screen, a more powerful processor, and 5G support. It also looks like it’s more durable than the Fold, thanks to its redesigned, sturdier hinge and use of Ultra Thin Glass.

Just as importantly, it’s the same price as the Fold despite offering upgraded specs and better overall experience. It’s therefore a worthy winner of this head-to-head, even if the Fold might still be worth getting if you can manage to find it at a significant discount from certain retailers.

Editors' Recommendations

Simon Chandler
Simon Chandler is a journalist based in London, UK. He covers technology and finance, contributing to such titles as Digital…
Best Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 deals: Get $80 off the smartwatch
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic next to each other.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is one of the more popular smartwatches on the market, and it’s been some stiff competition for smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 9. Whether you’re shopping for style or want one of the best fitness trackers, the Galaxy Watch 6 offers just about everything you could want in a smartwatch. This makes it one of the top choices for users who prefer an Android software ecosystem. Right now, however the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 also offers some big savings and some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch deals we've seen. There are Galaxy Watch 6 deals worth shopping all over the place, with deals on iffiest sizes, watch bands, and Galaxy 6 models available. We’ve tracked down what we feel are the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 deals, so read onward for more details on how to save.
Today's best Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 deals

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, Bluetooth) --
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm, LTE) --
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (44mm, Bluetooth) --
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (44mm, LTE) --
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (43mm, Bluetooth) --
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (43mm, LTE) --
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) --
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (47mm, LTE) --

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 deals in March 2024
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 display.

If you're not excited by the traditional devices that are available from phone deals, then you should think about getting the stylish Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. The latest model of Samsung's foldable phones offers amazing looks, a sleek design, a massive screen, and powerful performance -- all of which come with an expensive price. If you still want it, then check out the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 deals that we've rounded up below for discounts that will help you save some cash with your purchase.
Today's best Galaxy Z Fold 5 deals
With the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 being available for a few months now, some great deals are going on. If you’re trading in your old phone, you could save a substantial sum. However, even if you haven’t got a phone to trade in, there are plenty of good ways to save with some third-party retailers discounting the phone to make it that touch more affordable.

Samsung: instant trade-in credit.
Amazon: Buy the 512GB model of the phone unlocked instead of $1,920.
Best Buy: Buy the 512GB model of the phone unlocked instead of $1,920.
AT&T: trade-in credit paid over 36 months, as well as a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and 50% off Samsung accessories.
Verizon: trade-in credit applied over 36 months.
T-Mobile: trade-in credit paid via 24 monthly bill credits.
Spectrum: trade-in credit.

Read more
Samsung’s cheap Galaxy S24 alternative is seriously tempting
Close up of the Samsung Galaxy A55 in yellow.

If you don’t want to pay out for the shiny Samsung Galaxy S24, but still want a great new Samsung smartphone, then the Galaxy A55 could be for you. It keeps the same cool design as the expensive Galaxy S24, but as the specification is more sensible (and there's none of the Galaxy AI stuff) the price stays low. What's more, there's a second, even cheaper new phone from Samsung to consider too.

The Galaxy A55 is the successor to the Galaxy A54, a phone we really liked, and that's why we are very tempted by the updated version for 2024. Like its predecessor, it comes in some great colors — Awesome Ice Blue, Awesome Lilac, Awesome Lemon, and Awesome Navy. Yes, Samsung really does call its color range Awesome. The phone has a metal chassis and a glass back, with a 6.6-inch, 120Hz Super AMOLED screen on the front.

Read more