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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: A Leap Toward Foldable Phone Perfection (But It’ll Cost You)

After using the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 for several weeks, I’ve come away genuinely impressed. It feels like Samsung has finally ironed out many of the kinks that plagued previous generations. The Z Fold 7 is leaner, sleeker, and somehow more “normal” in the hand while still offering that stunning 8-inch tablet-sized display on demand. And yet, there’s no getting around its premium price tag—$2,000 is steep. Still, for those who can afford it, this phone feels like the closest we’ve come to a foldable that doesn’t require compromise.

I was particularly taken by the refined design. We’re talking a 10% drop in weight and a dramatic 26% decrease in thickness—details that might seem trivial on paper but make a big difference in real-world use. Folded, the device feels about the same as a standard flagship, which is a massive achievement in this form factor. Samsung’s updated Armor FlexHinge is noticeably smoother, and durability appears improved, with tougher ultra-thin glass and a titanium lattice for added reinforcement.

What’s also evident is that Samsung hasn’t cut corners to achieve this sleeker frame. You’re still getting IP48 protection, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. The Cover Screen is wider now, which makes it significantly more usable compared to previous versions. Gone is that awkward remote-control vibe—this is a phone you can use one-handed without frustration.

Bigger Displays, Better Use

Samsung continues to set the standard for mobile screens. The Z Fold 7’s interior display now spans 8 inches and remains a joy to interact with. The exterior screen is larger too—6.5 inches—with slimmer bezels and a wider aspect ratio. Both screens support 120Hz refresh and get blindingly bright, peaking at 2,600 nits. These improvements make everything from reading to gaming a better experience. I still find myself reaching for the larger display more than expected simply because it’s that good.

One small nitpick: Samsung’s decision to abandon the under-display camera in favor of a punch-hole isn’t ideal aesthetically, but the image quality boost from a 10MP sensor makes the trade-off worth it. The under-display tech just wasn’t quite there yet.

A Step Back: No S Pen Support

This one caught me off guard. Samsung dropping S Pen support feels like an odd regression, even if the data suggests stylus usage was low. Personally, I found the S Pen helpful for quick notes or creative tasks. While not a dealbreaker for me, its absence removes a feature that once helped set the Fold series apart.

Top-Tier Performance, Undeniably Fast

Running on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, this phone flies. Apps open fast, games run flawlessly, and multitasking feels intuitive. OneUI 8 atop Android 16 works seamlessly on a display this size. I clocked faster load times in games like Sword of Convallaria compared to rival foldables, which speaks to both software and silicon optimization.

Camera Improvements—Especially the Main Sensor

The jump to a 200MP main camera sensor is a big win. It’s the same one used in Samsung’s S25 Ultra and produces vibrant, detailed images. In good lighting, photos are punchy with Samsung’s usual saturation and warmth. At night, it holds its own—though I’ll admit Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold does better with white balance and long-range shots, thanks to its 5x telephoto lens. The Z Fold 7 sticks with a 3x optical zoom, which falls short for those who need longer reach.

Still, you do get a new selfie cam with a wider 100-degree field of view, which is handy for group shots and video calls. Overall, the photography package feels well-rounded but just shy of class-leading.

Battery Life Is Strong, Charging… Not So Much

Battery capacity remains at 4,400mAh, but efficiency gains give the Z Fold 7 better endurance. Using the internal screen, I got nearly 21 hours of playback; with the Cover Screen, closer to 26 hours. It’s a meaningful improvement, and I rarely worried about running out of juice in a single day.

Charging speeds, though, are stuck at 25W wired and 15W wireless. In 2025, that’s borderline sluggish. It’s also Qi 2 “ready,” meaning no native magnetic attachment unless you buy a case. This could be a limitation for power users, though casual users might not mind as much.

Final Verdict: Premium Hardware for a Niche Audience

Samsung has truly elevated the Z Fold 7 into something that doesn’t just look like a regular phone—it feels like one. The fact that I can comfortably carry it in a pocket and still unfold it into an immersive 8-inch display is kind of remarkable. It blurs the line between phone and tablet in the best way possible.

Yes, I wish S Pen support had stayed. Yes, I wish charging speeds were faster. But in terms of build, performance, and everyday usability, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 hits a sweet spot. If you’re willing to pay the premium, you’re getting a futuristic device that no longer feels like a compromise.

Pros:
– Sleek, thin, and lighter design
– Stellar 200MP main camera
– Top-end performance and vivid displays

Cons:
– Very expensive at $2,000
– No stylus support
– Average charging speeds

For early adopters and power users, this is as close to foldable perfection as it gets—for now.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: A Leap Toward Foldable Phone Perfection (But It’ll Cost You)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: A Leap Toward Foldable Phone Perfection (But It’ll Cost You)

After using the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 for several weeks, I’ve come away genuinely impressed. It feels like Samsung has finally ironed out many of the kinks that plagued previous generations. The Z Fold 7 is leaner, sleeker, and somehow more “normal” in the hand while still offering that stunning 8-inch tablet-sized display on demand. And yet, there’s no getting around its premium price tag—$2,000 is steep. Still, for those who can afford it, this phone feels like the closest we’ve come to a foldable that doesn’t require compromise.

I was particularly taken by the refined design. We’re talking a 10% drop in weight and a dramatic 26% decrease in thickness—details that might seem trivial on paper but make a big difference in real-world use. Folded, the device feels about the same as a standard flagship, which is a massive achievement in this form factor. Samsung’s updated Armor FlexHinge is noticeably smoother, and durability appears improved, with tougher ultra-thin glass and a titanium lattice for added reinforcement.

What’s also evident is that Samsung hasn’t cut corners to achieve this sleeker frame. You’re still getting IP48 protection, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back. The Cover Screen is wider now, which makes it significantly more usable compared to previous versions. Gone is that awkward remote-control vibe—this is a phone you can use one-handed without frustration.

Bigger Displays, Better Use

Samsung continues to set the standard for mobile screens. The Z Fold 7’s interior display now spans 8 inches and remains a joy to interact with. The exterior screen is larger too—6.5 inches—with slimmer bezels and a wider aspect ratio. Both screens support 120Hz refresh and get blindingly bright, peaking at 2,600 nits. These improvements make everything from reading to gaming a better experience. I still find myself reaching for the larger display more than expected simply because it’s that good.

One small nitpick: Samsung’s decision to abandon the under-display camera in favor of a punch-hole isn’t ideal aesthetically, but the image quality boost from a 10MP sensor makes the trade-off worth it. The under-display tech just wasn’t quite there yet.

A Step Back: No S Pen Support

This one caught me off guard. Samsung dropping S Pen support feels like an odd regression, even if the data suggests stylus usage was low. Personally, I found the S Pen helpful for quick notes or creative tasks. While not a dealbreaker for me, its absence removes a feature that once helped set the Fold series apart.

Top-Tier Performance, Undeniably Fast

Running on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, this phone flies. Apps open fast, games run flawlessly, and multitasking feels intuitive. OneUI 8 atop Android 16 works seamlessly on a display this size. I clocked faster load times in games like Sword of Convallaria compared to rival foldables, which speaks to both software and silicon optimization.

Camera Improvements—Especially the Main Sensor

The jump to a 200MP main camera sensor is a big win. It’s the same one used in Samsung’s S25 Ultra and produces vibrant, detailed images. In good lighting, photos are punchy with Samsung’s usual saturation and warmth. At night, it holds its own—though I’ll admit Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold does better with white balance and long-range shots, thanks to its 5x telephoto lens. The Z Fold 7 sticks with a 3x optical zoom, which falls short for those who need longer reach.

Still, you do get a new selfie cam with a wider 100-degree field of view, which is handy for group shots and video calls. Overall, the photography package feels well-rounded but just shy of class-leading.

Battery Life Is Strong, Charging… Not So Much

Battery capacity remains at 4,400mAh, but efficiency gains give the Z Fold 7 better endurance. Using the internal screen, I got nearly 21 hours of playback; with the Cover Screen, closer to 26 hours. It’s a meaningful improvement, and I rarely worried about running out of juice in a single day.

Charging speeds, though, are stuck at 25W wired and 15W wireless. In 2025, that’s borderline sluggish. It’s also Qi 2 “ready,” meaning no native magnetic attachment unless you buy a case. This could be a limitation for power users, though casual users might not mind as much.

Final Verdict: Premium Hardware for a Niche Audience

Samsung has truly elevated the Z Fold 7 into something that doesn’t just look like a regular phone—it feels like one. The fact that I can comfortably carry it in a pocket and still unfold it into an immersive 8-inch display is kind of remarkable. It blurs the line between phone and tablet in the best way possible.

Yes, I wish S Pen support had stayed. Yes, I wish charging speeds were faster. But in terms of build, performance, and everyday usability, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 hits a sweet spot. If you’re willing to pay the premium, you’re getting a futuristic device that no longer feels like a compromise.

Pros:
– Sleek, thin, and lighter design
– Stellar 200MP main camera
– Top-end performance and vivid displays

Cons:
– Very expensive at $2,000
– No stylus support
– Average charging speeds

For early adopters and power users, this is as close to foldable perfection as it gets—for now.