Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: Foldable Phone Nirvana Comes at a Cost
After years of refinement, Samsung has finally perfected its flagship foldable with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This device is leaner, stronger, and more powerful than ever, shedding bulk while maintaining premium features. At $2,000, it remains expensive, but for those willing to pay, it delivers an experience that blurs the line between smartphone and tablet.
Design: A Masterclass in Slimmer, Lighter Builds
Samsung has dramatically slimmed down the Z Fold 7, making it 10 percent lighter (215g) and 26 percent thinner (8.9mm when folded) than its predecessor. The result is a foldable that feels almost identical in size and weight to the Galaxy S25 Ultra—a remarkable achievement. The new Armor FlexHinge operates smoothly, and durability remains strong with Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front and Victus 2 on the back.
One trade-off is the switch from an under-display camera to a hole-punch cutout, which slightly mars the otherwise stunning 8-inch main display. However, the higher-resolution 10MP sensor improves image quality, making it a worthwhile compromise. The cover screen is now wider at 6.5 inches, eliminating the awkward “baton” feel of past models.
Displays: Bigger and Brighter
Both the inner and outer screens boast 120Hz refresh rates and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, outperforming rivals like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold in color richness. The larger interior display makes media consumption and multitasking more immersive. Unfortunately, Samsung has removed S Pen support, citing low usage—a disappointing move for longtime fans.
Performance: A Speed Demon
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the Z Fold 7 is the fastest foldable on the market. With up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, it handles everything effortlessly. In real-world tests, it loaded games like Sword of Convallaria 25 percent faster than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. OneUI 8 and Android 16 optimize apps for the expansive screen, making multitasking seamless.
Cameras: A Major Upgrade
The standout improvement is the new 200MP main camera, borrowed from the S25 Ultra. It captures vibrant, detailed shots in daylight, though Samsung’s tendency to oversharpen remains. Low-light performance is solid, though the Pixel 9 Pro Fold still edges it out in white balance and focus. The 3x telephoto lens can’t match Google’s 5x zoom, but a new 100-degree ultra-wide selfie camera is great for group shots.
Battery Life: Efficient but Slow Charging
The 4,400mAh battery delivers slightly better endurance thanks to the efficient Snapdragon chip, lasting nearly 21 hours on the main display and over 26 hours on the cover screen. Charging remains mediocre at 25W wired and 15W wireless. Unlike competitors, it lacks built-in Qi 2 magnetic support, requiring a case for accessories.
Verdict: The Best Foldable Yet, But Still Pricey
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s most refined foldable, blending smartphone convenience with tablet versatility. The slimmer design, improved cameras, and blazing performance make it a standout. However, the $2,000 price tag and missing features like S Pen support may deter some. If you’re ready to embrace foldables, this is the one to get—just be prepared to pay a premium for the best.
