I used the Galaxy Z Fold 4 to relive my old PC gaming memories

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a spectacular 2-in-1 device. It’s easily billed as a capable smartphone, but the foldable also doubles as an Android tablet. It serves as a superior productivity device and packs the newest and most powerful hardware any Android device can sport.

Despite its internal specifications, however, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 has been excluded from the purview of mobile gamers. The biggest challenge to gaming on the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the display size. The aspect of ratios of both displays is — to say the least — unusual, which can cause numerous compatibility or cropping issues.

The solution to this problem, however, also lies with the Galaxy Z Fold 4. Instead of playing these games on a smaller display, we cast them onto a bigger display to be able to enjoy them.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 gaming with keyboard and mouse.Tushar Mehta/Digital Trends

The setup can be as simple or complex as you would like it to be. Since I like to keep all bases covered, I am instinctually led to rely upon some fancy equipment.

Here’s what my setup includes:

My Galaxy Z Fold 4 gaming setup

At the heart of this miniature gaming setup is a powerful USB Type-C dock. For this we are using the . The Ugreen docking station is ideal for this setup as it features two HDMI outputs, including one at 8K resolution, a DisplayLink-certified DisplayPort connector, a Gigabit Ethernet port, multiple USB Gen 3.2 Type-A and Type-C ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

All of these ports combine to give us the connectivity options of a primitive desktop setup.

Ugreen USB Type-C Dock with DisplayLink, gigabit Ethernet, USB port.Tushar Mehta/Digital Trends

For the utility, I utilize the following:

  • DisplayPort instead of the HDMI port because the former offers a smoother, lag-free experience — especially while casting the display at 4K (3840×2160) resolution.
  • Ethernet port for faster ping while playing online games.
  • USB Type-C port to plug in the charger to eliminate power drain.
  • USB Type-A ports to plug-in keyboard and mouse. I am using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to ease switching between different devices, which may increase latency to some extent.
  • The 3.5mm headphone jack to reduce delay in audio as compared to a Bluetooth headset.

You may also use a less meticulous USB Type-C dock — or even skip one entirely by opting for a and connecting other peripherals over Bluetooth. This may be a simpler setup but can lead to some latency, which can be disadvantageous while playing high-tempo games.

Alongside the Ugreen dock, I use a 27-inch LG 4K HDR monitor. You can use any large display, including a TV, a projector, or a PC monitor. I suggest using something preferably with DisplayPort support, but that is not a necessary requirement for the setup to work.

A mechanical keyboard in front of the Galaxy Z Fold 4.Tushar Mehta/Digital Trends

In addition to the hardware, I use the Panda Mouse Pro app that allows me to map keyboard and mouse controls so I can play a game without touching the display.

You will need to authorize the app to display over other apps and activate the app using a PC or Mac with ADB. The app is paid, but you can also find some free alternatives, such as the Mantis Gamepad Pro. The complexity of setup may differ per app, but you will easily find tutorials online.

Although the app can run in DeX mode, it may not be able to manipulate keyboard and mouse controls very effectively. As a result, the app can crash multiple times, so I cast the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s screen onto the monitor.

The games I played

Although the setup allows me to play any game using a keyboard and mouse, I chose to play three classics that were popularized by their PC versions and were eventually ported to Android. The choice of games includes:

  • Minecraft
  • GTA: San Andreas
  • Call of Duty: Mobile

I mapped the keyboard and mouse controls using Panda Mouse Pro in GTA and CoD: Mobile.

Meanwhile, Minecraft inherently supports keyboard and mouse input, and no additional steps were required. All the other interface features can be manipulated using the mouse to replace the touch controls.

Galaxy Z Fold 4 gaming COD Mobile key mapping.Galaxy Z Fold 4 gaming GTA San Andreas key mapping.

It must be noted that Samsung’s DeX and screen mirroring options are inherently limited to the highest resolution supported by the smartphone (1440p in the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s case). The higher display resolution (4K here) can be unlocked by installing the MultiStar module in Samsung’s Good Lock app.

So, what’s the gaming experience like?

Because I rely on casting the Galaxy Z Fold 4’s screen onto a larger display, the narrow 5:4 aspect ratio can feel jarring, especially if you use a widescreen monitor.

I use a standard 16:9 monitor, which is the one you see in the photo below. The limitation is forced upon us because of the keymapping software, which doesn’t work as intended in DeX mode. Other than that, however, nothing is preventing you from using a keyboard and mouse to run games just like you would on a traditional PC.

The games run fluidly without any limitations.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 gaming with keyboard, mouse, and USB Type C docking station.Tushar Mehta/Digital Trends

Ethernet is a really handy addition to the setup as it reduces the online ping from 30ms over a 5GHz Wi-Fi network down to 3-5ms over LAN. Lower ping allows responses to be registered faster and is extremely useful in online multiplayer games. If you have a USB or Bluetooth gamepad, you can play games with built-in controller support with this setup.

The list of games includes popular titles like Asphalt 9, Real Racing 3, Brawlhalla, etc., which can be enjoyed in a gaming console-like arrangement wirelessly. If you are willing to spend some more time optimizing this setup, you can also load archaic controller games meant for the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Portable (PSP), GameBoy, GameBoy Color, and GameBoy Advanced using an emulator like the All In One Emulator.

Your gaming PC better watch out

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 gaming with keyboard and mouse.Tushar Mehta/Digital Trends

While it’s inappropriate to compare this experience with that of a full-fledged gaming PC, the capable Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 surely makes the Galaxy Z Fold 4 a worthy contender to ARM-based Windows machines when considering cross-platform games. What makes this experience uniquely enjoyable is the ability to play Windows games that have been ported to Android, thanks to the efforts of diligent game publishers.

This setup is even well-suited for cloud gaming platforms like Nvidia GeForce, which can let you enjoy the same high-intensity gaming without an actual rig. The Gigabit Ethernet on the Ugreen docking station I use is suitable for superfast loading and an easily dismissable lag. There’s one more advantage to this arrangement, even if you do not wish to use a monitor along with it.

The game progress is saved on the Galaxy Z Fold 4, and you can continue without the fear of losing any of it.

Add that all together, and the Z Fold 4 ends up being a shockingly good gaming rig.

Editors’ Recommendations

Tags:

the-great-furniture-trading-company listed on couponmatrix.uklaptop-outlet listed on couponmatrix.ukmillennium-hotels listed on couponmatrix.uksweaty-betty listed on couponmatrix.uktap-portugal listed on couponmatrix.ukwarwick-castle listed on couponmatrix.uk
the-great-furniture-trading-company listed on couponmatrix.ukThe Great Furniture Trading Company understands that your home is unique, so why should your furniture roll off a production line? Use your Great Furniture Trading Company discount code to save on stunning furniture in a variety of materials, sizes, and styles - you’ll be sure to find the perfect match! Great Furniture Trading Company design many of their products themselves, meaning you’re getting furniture which isn’t on the high street and provides that personal touch. Get high quality without high prices at Great Furniture Trading Company.
laptop-outlet listed on couponmatrix.ukTop-notch computing doesn’t have to cost you a king’s ransom at Laptop Outlet, the online hub for new and refurbished computers both big and small. Whether you lean more toward Windows or Apple, a Laptop Outlet discount code guarantees a great deal on your digital device of choice. Hosting a helpful array of tablets, smartphones and accessories to support its phenomenal variety of laptops, desktops and notebooks, there’s no nifty gadget that can’t be made yours for less at Laptop Outlet.
millennium-hotels listed on couponmatrix.ukMillennium have around 120 hotels covering five continents, offering premium level accommodation, top-class business and leisure facilities and a vast selection of restaurants to suit all tastes and most budgets. Their reputation means you're assured a warm welcome from them no matter how tiring your journey is or how chaotic things are out on the street. The Millennium Hotel discount code serves as your perfect travel partner, ensuring value for money and valuable savings that you can spend on meals and treats instead.
sweaty-betty listed on couponmatrix.ukArguably the world’s ultimate female empowerment clothing producer, Sweaty Betty is the brand that active women turn to when they want kit that’s guaranteed to look and feel incredible - and never let them down. On top of all the confidence-boosting styles on offer, the Sweaty Betty discount code will give your spending power a healthy upgrade too - making it easier than ever to buy gear that lets you perform at your very best from the moment you put it on.
tap-portugal listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Portugal’s number one airline, bringing you destinations and world travel at incredible prices! It’s not just Portugal that TAP fly to, the airline covers many countries and continents including, North and South America, Africa and Europe. Combining exceptional customer service with affordable travel makes TAP Portugal so popular around the world. With the TAP Portugal discount code you can enjoy travel for less. Experience the magic of the world with TAP Portugal air travel.
warwick-castle listed on couponmatrix.ukGet ready for an unforgettable day out with Warwick Castle. From breathtaking daily events to magical short breaks, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. Book and save with our amazing Warwick Castle offers and get a true taste of English history for less. From knightly jousting to the scary dungeons, invite the family together and create some truly special memories today.