It’s crazy to think that foldable phones were once a novelty — a sort of experiment for tech lovers and early adopters. But now, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, it feels like we’ve crossed a line. Not in a flashy, groundbreaking way, but in the best way possible: the Fold7 feels… normal. And that’s a good thing.
Let’s dive into why the Fold7 isn’t just Samsung’s best foldable yet — it might just be one of the most complete smartphones on the market.
First Impressions: Sleek, Slimmer, Stronger
Right out of the box, you notice how refined the Z Fold7 feels. The hinge is sturdier and more compact than last year. The gap when folded? Practically gone. And when opened up, the inner display is smooth, flat, and bright — with almost no visible crease.
It’s slimmer than the Fold6, lighter too, and the weight distribution feels better balanced. In short, Samsung has quietly fixed most of the annoyances that used to come with foldables.
Colors this year are subtle but stylish. The matte finishes look clean, and the whole thing feels undeniably premium.
Displays: Two Screens, Zero Compromises
The outer display is a 6.5-inch AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s tall and narrow, but Samsung’s refined the aspect ratio enough that texting, browsing, and even watching videos feels more natural than before.
But of course, the magic happens when you open it up. The 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X is stunning. It’s brighter, more responsive, and boasts an even higher peak brightness — up to 2600 nits. Outdoor visibility? No problem.
Watching Netflix or editing a document on this screen feels like you’re using a small tablet — except you can fold it up and stick it in your pocket.
Performance: All Gas, No Brakes
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the Fold7 doesn’t just keep up — it leads. Everything from gaming to multitasking is buttery smooth. Paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, it handles heavy workloads without breaking a sweat.
Apps open instantly, multitasking with three or four apps at once is effortless, and thanks to Samsung’s software optimization, battery management is better than ever.
Battery Life: A Welcome Surprise
Battery life used to be a weak point for foldables, but the Fold7 changes that. With a 4800mAh battery, more efficient chipset, and adaptive refresh rate, you can easily get through a full day — even with heavy screen time.
Fast charging is here too: 45W wired, 25W wireless, and reverse wireless charging all included. It’s not the fastest in the world, but it’s fast enough.
Cameras: More Capable Than You'd Expect
Samsung didn’t overhaul the camera system this year, but it’s still excellent. You get:
- 50MP main sensor
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom
- 4MP under-display camera (inner)
- 10MP selfie cam (cover screen)
Photos are sharp, dynamic range is excellent, and Samsung’s processing gives images that bright, punchy look users love. Night mode is improved, and video is crisp up to 8K — though most people will probably stick to 4K60.
It won’t beat the S25 Ultra in zoom, but for a foldable? It’s more than enough.
Software: Multitasking Mastery
Samsung’s One UI 7 (based on Android 15) has been tweaked specifically for the foldable experience. Features like:
- Taskbar for quick app switching
- App pairs and groups
- Drag and drop between windows
- Split-screen mode with adjustable sizing
…all come together to make the Fold7 feel like a small productivity beast.
You can literally work on a spreadsheet, browse Twitter, and stream music all on the same screen — and it’s actually comfortable to do it.
S Pen Support: Optional, But Powerful
The Fold7 supports the S Pen Fold Edition, and for digital artists or note-takers, it’s a great add-on. Sadly, there’s still no built-in slot — you’ll need to carry it separately or use a case with a holder.
That said, handwriting on the big screen feels incredibly natural. Latency is low, pressure sensitivity is solid, and Samsung Notes continues to be one of the best in the business.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re using a Fold4 or earlier, the Fold7 feels like a major leap in refinement. Even Fold5 users will appreciate the better hinge, improved screen brightness, and faster performance.
At $1,799, it’s not cheap — but it’s not trying to be. This is a premium device for people who want a phone and tablet in one. And now, there are fewer compromises than ever before.
