The Samsung Z Fold 7 has finally arrived, and it brings some much-needed upgrades that fans have been waiting for. After last year’s minor update to the Fold 6, Samsung has now taken the “tock” part of the tick-tock cycle seriously with the Samsung Z Fold 7. From improved design and better usability to upgraded cameras and internal hardware, this latest foldable is more polished and practical than ever. In this article, we’ll explore everything about the Samsung Z Fold 7, including design, performance, camera, battery, and what it means for foldables as a whole.
A Thinner and Lighter Foldable Experience
One of the most significant improvements with the Samsung Z Fold 7 is its form factor. It is now noticeably thinner and lighter than its predecessor. Each side of the phone when unfolded is just over 4mm thick, and when folded, the entire device measures only 8.9mm. It now weighs 215 grams, making it lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This means it’s more comfortable to hold and more usable in closed mode than before.
Samsung has improved internal components such as the hinge and chassis to make the phone not only thinner but also stronger. The buttons and fingerprint reader have also been redesigned to fit into the thinner frame.
Big Screen, Pocket-Sized Convenience
Despite becoming thinner, the Samsung Z Fold 7 still delivers a big-screen experience. The unfolded inner display measures 8 inches corner to corner, which makes it one of the largest foldable screens you can carry in your pocket. Samsung has ensured that both closed and open experiences are improved. While closed, it feels like a regular smartphone; once unfolded, it transforms into a tablet-like display suitable for multitasking and productivity.
Also read this: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra: Features, Specs, and More.
It runs on One UI 8, based on Android 16, right out of the box. This brings in all the latest Android improvements, especially for big-screen multitasking and split-screen apps. Whether you’re using Samsung Z Fold 7 for work or entertainment, it feels smooth and intuitive.
Camera Upgrades: The Flagship Quality You Deserve
One of the most awaited improvements in the Samsung Z Fold 7 is its camera. For the first time, the Samsung Z Fold 7 features the same 200MP primary sensor found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The optics have been made slightly thinner to fit into the frame, but it still delivers stunning images with rich details.
The 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP 3x telephoto cameras are still on the smaller side compared to slab flagships, but for most users who rely on the primary lens, this will be a big step forward. A new 10MP front-facing selfie camera has also been introduced on the inner display with a wider angle.
One small drawback is the camera bump, which causes the phone to rock when placed on a flat surface. But overall, photography lovers will appreciate the image quality and consistency.
Next-Gen Performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Under the hood, the Samsung Z Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip. This is a custom, high-performance variant of the Snapdragon 8 chip, and it’s designed specifically for Samsung’s devices. With 12GB RAM on standard models and up to 16GB RAM on the 1TB variant, the device handles heavy multitasking with ease.
Samsung Z Fold 7 also comes packed with Galaxy AI features that enhance productivity. These include tools for editing photos, removing backgrounds, and AI-based transcription. As time goes on, these AI tools are expected to get even better.
Trade-Offs and Compromises
The Samsung Z Fold 7 isn’t perfect. There are a few trade-offs that may be disappointing for some users. The first is the removal of S Pen support. While last year’s model supported the S Pen, the new model does not. Samsung likely made this decision to further thin the screen by removing the digitizer.
Another disappointment is the battery size. It still comes with a 4,400mAh battery, which is the same as the Fold 6. For a $2,000 smartphone, many expected more, especially with the existence of competitors using silicon carbon batteries to provide better performance. Devices like the Honor Magic V5 manage to offer over 5,800mAh batteries in thinner form factors.
Lastly, the price of the Samsung Z Fold 7 has increased. It now starts at $1,999, a $100 jump from last year’s model. For early adopters and foldable enthusiasts, it might be worth it, but for average consumers, the high cost remains a barrier.
Flip 7, Watch 8, and What Else Was Announced
Samsung also announced the Z Flip 7 alongside the Samsung Z Fold 7. The Z Flip 7 includes a larger 6.9-inch inner display and a 4.1-inch edge-to-edge cover screen. However, it switches back to an Exynos 2500 chip instead of Snapdragon, which might concern performance-focused users.
In wearables, the Galaxy Watch 8 was also introduced. One of its highlights is a new feature to measure antioxidants through your skin via your thumb. It can help users track hydration and overall wellness.
Samsung is also launching a Flip 7 FE (Fan Edition), essentially a Flip 6 with slightly downgraded internals, offered at a lower price point.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Z Fold 7 is a significant improvement over its predecessor. From its sleek, lighter design to better cameras and robust performance, it’s a foldable that tries to do it all. It makes compromises, like removing S Pen support and keeping the battery unchanged, but for those who want the most cutting-edge tech in a foldable form, the Samsung Z Fold 7 is a clear winner.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a professional who needs multitasking on the go, the Samsung Z Fold 7 delivers a futuristic experience with very few flaws.
