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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,830RAM capacity:16 GBInternal storage:512 GBScreen size:8 inchesMain camera megapixels:200 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

8.2/10

Overall score

Score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

90%

8.2

Technical score

10%

?

User score

★Better than 91% of smartphones
6.0

Value for money

Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

25%

9.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.5

Camera

15%

8.1

Display

15%

6.6

Battery

10%

8.2

Software

10%

7.9

Connectivity

4%

8.3

Audio

3%

7.0

Design

★Better than 91%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Best prices
    N/A~ £1,830
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB)

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

25%

9.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

8.5

Camera

15%

8.1

Display

15%

6.6

Battery

10%

8.2

Software

10%

7.9

Connectivity

4%

8.3

Audio

3%

7.0

Design

8.2
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB) has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 63.9% of smartphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

6.0
Brand name
Samsung
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor which is faster than processors in 90.4% of smartphones and equal to processors in 2% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
16 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 16 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 83.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 12% of smartphones.
Internal storage
512 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 512 GB which is larger than the storage of 77.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 17.2% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
3.3 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 3.3 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 89.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 14
Android version
Android 14
This smartphone runs Android version Android 14 which is newer than that found in 49.5% of smartphones and equal to that in 21% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
200 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 200 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP which is higher than that of 97.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.2% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 which is wider than that of 53.2% of smartphones and equal to that of 10.7% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
72 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 72 mm² which is larger than the main camera sensor area of 90.4% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.5% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
0.6 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 0.6 µm which is smaller than in 96.2% of smartphones and equal to the size in 1.4% of smartphones.
2.4 binned
Show more
Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
8 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 8 inches which is larger than the screens of 98.8% of smartphones and equal to those of 0.6% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1968x 2184 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1968x2184 px which is higher than that of 92.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Pixel density
374 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 374 ppi which is lower than that of 75.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.6% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz which is higher than in 34.7% of smartphones and equal to that in 55.2% of smartphones.
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Battery capacity
4,400 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,400 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 84.9% of smartphones and equal to those in 1.2% of smartphones.
Charging speed
25 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 25 W which is slower than in 66.9% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 5.3% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
yes
This smartphone supports wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
?
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
?
Show more
Height
157.9 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 157.9 mm which is shorter than 86.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Width
142.6 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 142.6 mm which is wider than 99% of smartphones.
Thickness
5.6 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 5.6 mm which is thinner than 98.9% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Weight
236 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 236 g which is heavier than 88% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.1% of smartphones.
Device volume
111,470 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 111,470 cm³ which is larger than 82.9% of smartphones.
Show more

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • 8 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    16 GB vs 8 GB
  • 3 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (3 x vs 0 x).
    3 x vs 0 x
  • 2.25x larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (72 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    72 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2.08x lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (12.5 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    12.5 W vs 6 W
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • 2x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (512 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 256 GB
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (200 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    200 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • 8 GB more RAM
    This smartphone has more RAM capacity than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 8 GB). The average smartphone has 8 GB of RAM.
    16 GB vs 8 GB
  • 2.08x lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (12.5 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    12.5 W vs 6 W
  • 2x more storage
    This smartphone offers more internal storage than the average smartphone (512 GB vs 256 GB). The average smartphone provides 256 GB of internal storage.
    512 GB vs 256 GB
  • 37.5% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (3.3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    3.3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • 3.85x higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (12,005 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    12,005 vs 3,115
  • 2.42x higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (2,279 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    2,279 vs 942
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (3x3.15 GHz & 2x2.96 GHz & 2x2.26 GHz & 1x3.3 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    3x3.15 GHz & 2x2.96 GHz & 2x2.26 GHz & 1x3.3 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 6x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (1,536 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    1,536 vs 256
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 2.99x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (76.6 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    76.6 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 33.3% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (4 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    4 nm vs 6 nm
  • 2.89x higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (7,325 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    7,325 vs 2,533
  • 3x more L3 cache
    This smartphone has more L3 cache than the average smartphone (12288 KB vs 4096 KB). The average L3 cache is 4096 KB.
    12,288 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 74.5% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (4800 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2750 MHz memory speed.
    4,800 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 71.4% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (24 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    24 GB vs 14 GB
  • Supports newer OpenGL version
    This smartphone supports a newer OpenGL version than the average smartphone (3.3 vs 3.2). The average version is 3.2.
    3.3 vs 3.2
  • 26.2% more transistors
    This smartphone has more transistors than the average smartphone (13000 million vs 10300 million). The average smartphone includes 10300 million transistors.
    13,000 million vs 10,300 million
  • Higher on-device AI tier
    This smartphone runs on the productivity AI tier, while the average smartphone runs on fundamental, enabling stronger on-device AI features.
    Circle to Search, Live Translation, Generative Edit, Note Assist, Sketch to Image, Interpreter Mode
    productivity vs fundamental
  • Includes cross-site tracking protection
    This smartphone supports cross-site tracking prevention, the average smartphone does not. 32.2% of smartphones include this feature.
  • Supports desktop mode
    This smartphone includes desktop mode, the average smartphone does not. 9.4% of smartphones support desktop functionality.
  • 3 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (3 x vs 0 x).
    3 x vs 0 x
  • 2.25x larger main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a larger main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (72 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average main camera sensor area is 32 mm².
    72 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • Higher-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a higher main camera resolution than the average smartphone (200 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone main camera has 50 MP & 8 MP megapixels.
    200 MP & 12 MP & 10 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 44.20x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    4320x24 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/1.8 & f/2.2 vs f/2.2
  • Supports RAW photo capture
    This smartphone supports RAW photo capture, the average smartphone does not. 37.1% of smartphones allow RAW files.
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Supports laser autofocus
    This smartphone features laser autofocus, the average smartphone does not. 21.4% of smartphones include laser AF.
  • Supports 360° panorama
    This smartphone can capture 360° panoramas, the average smartphone cannot. 25.2% of smartphones support 360° panoramas.
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a pro camera setup
    This smartphone features a pro camera setup, the average smartphone does not. 9.4% of smartphones include professional-grade camera hardware.
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.0.
    3.2 vs 2.0
  • Has a barometer
    This smartphone features a barometer, the average smartphone does not. 19.9% of smartphones include a barometer.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This smartphone supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.3 vs 5.2). The average version is Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.3 vs 5.2
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1968x2184 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1968x2184 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 1.33 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (8 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    8 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • 1,600 nits higher peak brightness
    This smartphone has a higher peak brightness than the average smartphone (2600 nits vs 1000 nits). The average peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    2,600 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • Supports HDR10 support
    This smartphone supports HDR10, the average smartphone does not. 42.7% of smartphones are HDR10 compatible.
  • Better display glass type
    This smartphone features a better display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). The average smartphone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Has an always-on display
    This smartphone features an always-on display, the average smartphone does not. 49.2% of smartphones offer always-on functionality.
  • Has a secondary display
    This smartphone features a secondary display, the average smartphone does not. 6.7% of smartphones include a secondary screen.
  • Supports wireless charging
    This smartphone supports wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 25.2% of smartphones are wireless charging compatible.
  • Supports reverse wireless charging
    This smartphone supports reverse wireless charging, the average smartphone does not. 23.6% of smartphones offer reverse wireless charging.
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 1.5 m deeper water resistance
    This smartphone has a deeper water resistance rating than the average smartphone (1.5 m vs 0 m). The average depth rating is 0 m.
    1.5 m vs 0 m
  • 2.7 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (5.6 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    5.6 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • 5.7 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (157.9 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    157.9 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • Is foldable
    This smartphone is foldable, the average smartphone is not. 3.9% of smartphones are foldable devices.
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 12% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4400 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,400 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 0.2 µm smaller main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (0.6 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average smartphone has a pixel size of 0.8 µm.
    2.4 binned
    0.6 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • 20.3% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (236 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    236 g vs 196.2 g
  • 5.3% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (374 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    374 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 7.04x more expensive
    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£1,830 vs £260).
    £1,830 vs £260
  • 50% lower touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a lower touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (120 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average smartphone has a sampling rate of 240 Hz.
    120 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 7.04x more expensive
    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£1,830 vs £260).
    £1,830 vs £260
  • 21.7% worse value for money
    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.03 vs 7.3).
    6.03 vs 7.34
  • 5.44x less popular
    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB) is less popular than the average smartphone (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 5.3% slower GPU clock
    This smartphone has a lower GPU frequency than the average smartphone (900 MHz vs 950 MHz). The average smartphone has a GPU frequency of 950 MHz.
    900 MHz vs 950 MHz
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • 0.2 µm smaller main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (0.6 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average smartphone has a pixel size of 0.8 µm.
    2.4 binned
    0.6 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Narrower main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a narrower main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone aperture is f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (10 MP & 4 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    10 MP & 4 MP vs 16 MP
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • 50% lower touch sampling rate
    This smartphone has a lower touch sampling rate than the average smartphone (120 Hz vs 240 Hz). The average smartphone has a sampling rate of 240 Hz.
    120 Hz vs 240 Hz
  • 5.3% lower pixel density
    This smartphone has a lower pixel density than the average smartphone (374 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    374 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • 12% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4400 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,400 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 25% slower wireless charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower wireless charging speed than the average smartphone (15 W vs 20 W). The average smartphone wireless charging speed is 20 W.
    15 W vs 20 W
  • 24.2% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (25 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    25 W vs 33 W
  • 20.3% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (236 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    236 g vs 196.2 g
  • 66.6 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (142.6 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    142.6 mm vs 76 mm
  • Poor brand origin
    This smartphone has a poorer brand origin compared to the average smartphone. 0.00% of smartphones come from top-tier brand origins.
    South Korea vs China
  • 14% larger volume
    This smartphone has a larger volume than the average smartphone (111470 cm³ vs 97800 cm³). The average smartphone volume is 97800 cm³.
    111,470 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

What we like about Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB)

  • Large inner display is excellent for multitasking, watching videos, and reading, providing a tablet-like experience.
  • Performance is fast and smooth thanks to the flagship Snapdragon processor, handling demanding apps and games without lag.
  • Improved and durable design compared to older models, including better build quality, slimmer profile, and less noticeable screen crease.
  • High-quality cameras, with some models (e.g., Z Fold 7) featuring a 200MP main sensor that captures excellent detail and vibrant colors.
  • Good battery life that can last all day with typical use, optimized by software and efficient chips.
  • Wider and more symmetrical cover screen on the 'Special' and recent models makes one-handed use and typing easier.
  • Premium feel and innovative form factor make it a compelling and unique device that many users love.
  • Impressive software support, with Samsung offering seven years of OS upgrades for recent models.
  • IPX8 water resistance provides peace of mind regarding water exposure.
  • Features like multi-window and AI capabilities enhance productivity and user experience.

What we don't like about Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special (16GB + 512GB)

  • Very high price is a significant barrier for many consumers, and the device is considered a luxury item.
  • Lack of S Pen support in the 'Special Edition' model, which is a major disappointment for users who rely on the stylus for productivity.
  • Camera system, while good, doesn't always match the quality of Samsung's top non-folding flagship phones (e.g., Galaxy S Ultra series).
  • Battery capacity and charging speeds have not seen major improvements across generations and lag behind some competitor phones.
  • Durability concerns remain, as the inner screen is more susceptible to scratches and damage from dust or drops compared to standard glass phones.
  • Folded form factor can still be thick, heavy, and sometimes awkward to fit in pockets or use for certain tasks.
  • Some apps are not fully optimized for the large inner screen, leading to scaling issues or awkward transitions.
  • Resale value can be low compared to traditional flagship smartphones.
  • Some new features in the 'Special Edition' were seen as minor or unnecessary by some users, who expected more substantial upgrades for the price.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is a premium foldable smartphone released in October 2024, featuring a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of non-expandable storage. Its main characteristics include a larger 8-inch foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X main display and a wider 6.5-inch cover screen, both with a 120Hz refresh rate, in a slimmer, lighter body with an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance. A main pro is the upgraded 200MP primary rear camera, a significant improvement over previous models, and the inclusion of comprehensive Galaxy AI features with the promise of seven years of OS and security updates. A major con is that the device was released exclusively in South Korea (and China as the Galaxy W25) and does not support S Pen input, unlike other Z Fold series models.

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