Beginning: A Battle of Folds – Big Change or Small Change?
As foldable smartphones become more common, people often wonder if it’s worth it to upgrade from one generation to the next. This in-depth look at the Vivo X Fold 5 vs. X Fold 4 comparison will answer that question.
This article goes over all the important differences and similarities between the Vivo X Fold 4 and the Vivo X Fold 3 in terms of design, display, performance, software, battery life, and real-world use.
This complete guide is meant to stay useful and relevant for years to come, whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just want to make sure your next foldable investment will last.
Quick Comparison Table: Vivo X Fold 5 vs Vivo X Fold 4
| Feature | Vivo X Fold 5 | Vivo X Fold 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2025 | 2024 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Screen | Same size, but brighter | Same size and quality |
| Camera | Same layout, better sensors | Very capable four-camera setup |
| Battery | 5,100 mAh battery, charges faster | 4,800 mAh battery |
| Weight | 263g (lighter) | 275g |
| Software | OriginOS 5 + Android 14 | OriginOS 4 + Android 13 |
| Price (Launch) | A little higher | Now it’s cheaper (on sale) |
1. Quality of Design and Build: Improvement Rather Than Reinvention
Vivo X Fold 5: A Touch of Class
The Vivo X Fold 5’s design language hasn’t changed much, but there are some clear improvements. Vivo has cut off almost 12 grams, which makes the device feel a lot more comfortable to use for a long time. The hinge is stronger, sleeker, and closes better without gaps.
- The new aerospace-grade hinge can hold up to 500,000 folds.
- When folded, it has a thinner profile, which makes it easier to carry.
- Available in high-end vegan leather and glass finishes.
Vivo X Fold 4 Has a Pioneer Look
The X Fold 4 had a strong folding design, a sturdy hinge system, and high-end materials. It still feels high-end, but it feels a little heavier in your hand than the one that came before it.
Verdict: The X Fold 5 has small but important improvements in ergonomics and hinge design that you will notice if you use your phone a lot during the day.
2. Display: Same Size, Better Experience
Main and Cover Displays
Both phones have a large 8.03-inch LTPO AMOLED foldable display and a 6.53-inch outer display. The X Fold 5, on the other hand, has better brightness levels, better visibility outside, and a smoother adaptive refresh.
| Feature | Vivo X Fold 5 | Vivo X Fold 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Display Size | 8.03″ LTPO AMOLED | 8.03″ LTPO AMOLED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz (adaptive) | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 2,600 nits (main) | 1,800 nits (main) |
| Outer Display Size | 6.53″ AMOLED | 6.53″ AMOLED |
- The X Fold 5 has a better anti-reflective coating, which makes it easier to use in bright light.
- Improved color calibration and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
Verdict: The dimensions stay the same, but the X Fold 5’s display improvements in brightness and color make it better for multimedia and productivity use.
For more on foldable displays, check out DisplayMate for technical display reviews.
3. Hardware and Performance: A Generation Ahead
The biggest difference between the Vivo X Fold 5 and the X Fold 4 is inside.
- X Fold 5: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) processor.
- X Fold 4: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm).
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Advantages:
- CPU performance can be up to 30% faster.
- Better AI computing for language and photography models.
- Enhanced Adreno GPU for mobile gaming.
- Lower power use during multitasking.
Memory and Storage
- Both models come with 12GB to 16GB of RAM.
- Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB (UFS 4.0).
Performance in the Real World
- The X Fold 5 loads apps and supports multitasking much faster.
- Improved cooling systems enable better thermal management.
Verdict: The Gen 3 chip in the X Fold 5 gives gamers, power users, and content creators a real boost in performance that makes upgrading worth it.
For detailed chipset benchmarks, visit AnandTech.
4. Camera System: Better Optics and Processing
Camera Hardware Comparison
| Camera Type | Vivo X Fold 5 | Vivo X Fold 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main | 50MP f/1.7, OIS | 50MP f/1.8, OIS |
| Ultra-wide | 48MP | 48MP |
| Periscope Zoom | 64MP 3.5x optical zoom | 12MP 5x optical zoom |
| Front Cameras | 32MP (inside and outside) | 16MP (inside and outside) |
| Imaging Chip | V3 ISP (made with Vivo) | V2 ISP |
- New AI Night Mode and ZEISS optics calibration improve low-light photos.
- Updated portrait and periscope lenses offer more detail and less noise.
- V3 imaging chip enhances computational photography with richer HDR.
Video Capabilities
- The X Fold 5 can record 8K video at 30fps.
- Both phones record in 4K, but the Fold 5 offers better stabilization.
Verdict: The X Fold 5 makes big improvements in zoom quality and low-light scenes, so if photography or videography is important to you, it’s worth getting.
For photography enthusiasts, resources like DPReview provide in-depth camera tests.
5. Battery Life and Charging: Bigger and Faster
- X Fold 5: 5,100 mAh battery.
- X Fold 4: 4,800 mAh battery.
Charging Speeds:
- Wired Charging: 80W (both models).
- Wireless Charging: 50W (X Fold 5), 50W (X Fold 4).
- Reverse Wireless Charging: 10W.
Efficiency and Usage
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s efficiency gives the X Fold 5 longer battery life.
- The Fold 5 can last up to 9 hours screen-on time, compared to about 7.5 hours on the Fold 4.
- Less thermal throttling under load.
- Adaptive refresh rates help save battery.
Verdict: The Vivo X Fold 5 lasts longer, charges a bit faster, and uses less power during demanding tasks.
For tips on maximizing smartphone battery life, see Battery University.
6. Experience with Software: More Smooth and Smart
Operating Systems:
- X Fold 5: OriginOS 5 based on Android 14.
- X Fold 4: OriginOS 4 based on Android 13.
Software Improvements in X Fold 5:
- Better multitasking with drag-and-drop gestures.
- Floating apps improve split-screen usage.
- Longer software support lifecycle.
- Upgraded integrated AI assistants.
Fold-Optimized Features:
- Both support app continuity, multi-window, and dock mode.
- The X Fold 5 adds customizable widgets for both folded and unfolded modes.
Verdict: Both have strong foldable UIs, but the X Fold 5’s software improvements deliver a smoother and more polished experience.
7. Sound and Touch
- Vivo X Fold 5: Dual stereo speakers with better balance.
- Supports aptX HD and LDAC codecs.
- Improved X-axis linear motor for realistic haptics.
- Vivo X Fold 4: Stereo speakers with good sound quality but less immersive.
Verdict: The Fold 5 doesn’t revolutionize audio, but its sound and vibration feedback feel noticeably better.
8. Biometrics and Connectivity
Both models feature:
- Dual SIM 5G support.
- Wi-Fi 7.
- Bluetooth 5.3.
- NFC.
- Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensors on both screens.
X Fold 5 Improvements:
- AI-enhanced antenna switching for more stable signals.
- Faster Face Unlock in varied lighting conditions.
9. Cost and Value for Money
Vivo X Fold 5 Price (2025 Launch):
- India: ₹1,49,999 (expected).
- US (import): approx. $1,799.
- Global Variants: Mostly Asia-first, limited availability.
Vivo X Fold 4 Price (Current):
- Available in India for less than ₹1,20,000 through resellers.
- Discounts often available with exchange offers.
Value Judgment:
- Fold 5 has enough new features to justify flagship pricing.
- Fold 4 remains a solid purchase if priced significantly lower.
Verdict: If you own an X Fold 4 and use it casually, upgrading immediately isn’t necessary. Power users will benefit from the performance and camera enhancements in the Fold 5.
Final Decision: Which Is Better for You, Vivo X Fold 5 or X Fold 4?
| Type of User | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| First-time Foldable Buyer | Vivo X Fold 5 |
| Casual Fold 4 User | Keep Vivo X Fold 4 |
| Photography Enthusiast | Vivo X Fold 5 |
| Multitasker / Business User | Vivo X Fold 5 |
| Budget-conscious Upgrader | Vivo X Fold 4 (on sale) |
Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
It all comes down to how you use your phone in the long-running debate between Vivo X Fold 5 and X Fold 4.
The X Fold 5 improves on its predecessor in a number of important ways, including performance, camera quality, battery life, and software polish. It also makes the foldable experience better. It has the power and polish to last through several upgrade cycles and is built for the future.
The Vivo X Fold 4, on the other hand, still works very well in 2025, especially if you buy it on sale. It is still one of the most polished foldable phones on the market.
Bottom Line:
- The Fold 5 is useful for people who love technology and multitasking.
- People who use the Fold 4 every day can easily wait another year.
