A New Era for Samsung Foldables
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 smartphone has finally reached a point where it can be considered a serious contender in the foldable market. After years of development and several iterations, the Z Fold line has made significant strides, addressing many of the issues that plagued earlier models. While I’ve often been critical of the foldable design, especially when compared to other brands like OnePlus and OPPO, the Z Fold7 feels like a turning point for Samsung.
Design and Display Improvements
One of the most notable upgrades is the thinner and lighter build. The Z Fold7 measures 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm when unfolded and 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm when folded. This makes it 3.2mm thinner when folded and 1.4mm thinner when unfolded than the Z Fold6. It also beats out competitors like the OnePlus Open and Pixel 9 Pro Fold in terms of size and weight. The device weighs just 215g, making it significantly lighter than previous models and even some standard smartphones.
The display is another area where the Z Fold7 shines. The outer screen is 6.5 inches, while the inner display is an impressive 8 inches, surpassing last year’s 7.6-inch model and the OnePlus Open’s 7.82-inch screen. The inner display features a QHGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 16 million colors and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. The outer screen is a 2520×1080 FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The crease on the inner display is still present, but it is the faintest I’ve seen on a Samsung foldable.
However, there are some design flaws. The thin bezels on the inner screen make it challenging to hold without accidentally pressing the edges. Samsung recommends using a case, which is essential given the high price of the device. Additionally, the camera bump causes the phone to wobble when placed flat on a desk or table, which is a minor but noticeable issue.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the Z Fold7 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip paired with the Adreno 830 GPU. This combination offers smooth performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing videos. The phone also runs Android 16 and promises up to seven major Android updates, which is a plus for long-term usability.
Battery life is decent but not exceptional. The 4,400 mAh battery provides enough power for a full day of use, though heavy users might find themselves charging more frequently. Charging is functional but not impressive—25-watt wired charging takes about 1.5 hours, while 15-watt wireless charging is slow and practical only for overnight use.
Camera and AI Features
Samsung has made a significant upgrade to the camera system, introducing a 200 MP main camera. This is a welcome change from previous models, offering better photo quality and detail. The camera performs well in daylight, capturing vibrant colors and sharp details. However, low-light performance is still lacking, with some motion blur and limited detail.
The phone also includes Galaxy AI features such as Gemini, Circle to Search, Generative Edit, and Audio Eraser. These tools enhance the user experience, particularly with features like Generative Edit, which allows users to move objects rather than just erase them.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 represents a major leap forward for the foldable line. It addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessors and offers a refined design, improved performance, and a powerful camera. However, the high price tag remains a barrier for many. At $1,999.99 for the base model, it’s still a luxury item, despite the improvements.
If you’re looking for a premium foldable smartphone and can afford the cost, the Z Fold7 is a strong contender. It offers a unique form factor, excellent displays, and robust performance. However, if you’re concerned about battery life or faster charging, you may want to consider alternatives. For now, the Z Fold7 is a solid choice for those who prioritize innovation and design over cost.