Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: A Leap Forward in Foldable Phone Design and Functionality

24 hours later with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Why I'm leaving the S25 Ultra behind

Update: This story was first published on July 8 and was updated on July 23 to reflect the new sales information. Has Samsung finally done it? I've been asking myself that question this whole day, as I've been going about life with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. By now, my previous daily driver, the Pixel 9 Pro, devoid of SIM cards and battery life, has been relegated to my drawer of forgottenness. With a foldable this thin, light, and capable, it just had to be this way. CNET survey: 64% of people say 'no thanks' to foldable smartphones Samsung's latest Z Fold 7 looks and feels like what tech enthusiasts had all hoped for when the form factor was introduced six years ago. It also looks like a 'phone from the future,' as my Uber driver curiously put it during an afternoon trip yesterday. Then I broke the bad news: the Samsung phone costs $2,000. That earned me a startled laugh -- hopefully a five-star rating, too. My first day with the Z Fold 7 made one thing clear to me: slim phones, whether they fold or not, are here to stay. Compared to its predecessor, the Z Fold 7 is noticeably thinner (3.2mm less), with a weight that's 24 grams lighter, and a pair of displays that are both wider and larger. While those may just be numbers on a spec sheet, they equate to a hardware experience that's significantly improved compared to last year's Z Fold 6. Also: The best Samsung phones to buy in 2025 The sides of the Z Fold 7 fit the contours of my palm more naturally when my other hand is holding onto a subway pole, the 6.5-inch cover screen gives just enough added width to greatly reduce typos, and when unfolded, the 8-inch canvas feels like a playground for multi-app usage, media consumption, and Circle to Search galore. Having tested the Oppo Find N5 and Honor Magic V5 ahead of Unpacked, it's safe to say that Samsung finally has a foldable phone design that can compete with the best on the market. And I'm glad more people will be exposed to this technology, whether they upgrade to the device or simply pick it up at a carrier store or retailer. Samsung says it has achieved this dramatic shift in design by making many smaller decisions, from opting for an advanced armor aluminum that's thinner yet stronger, to a flex hinge system that closes more tightly. The improved teardrop hinge, by the way, gives the phone a springy feedback when you fold and unfold it; the physics of the screen feels more snappy and assertive, at the cost of fewer angles you can position one half of the screen to. Also: Your Samsung phone has secret Wi-Fi settings that you should use ASAP - how to access them Samsung also made some rather controversial decisions along the path to slimness, such as removing the screen coating that allows the Z Fold 7 to register S Pen inputs like its predecessors. According to the company, this trade-off stems from user research and industrial design needs. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise after the company nerfed the S25 Ultra's S Pen earlier this year. This year's handset is powered by 12GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, a processor that has proven to reliably handle multi-app workflows, intensive gaming sessions, and AI tasks. I was satisfied with the chipset's performance on the S25 Ultra and S25 Edge, and have felt mostly the same with the Z Fold 7 so far. I'm a big fan of OneUI 8's new multi-window mode, which reminds me a lot of OnePlus' Open Canvas. It's limited to two apps at a time but allows you to quickly switch from one to another by tapping on the side or bottom-tucked window that's inactive. In New York, where an Uber route that's estimated to be 15 minutes can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, I appreciated being able to swiftly expand and shrink the Uber app while I was answering Slack messages and emails. Also: I changed 10 Samsung phone settings for an instant performance boost I've taken about 100 photos with the Z Fold 7 today, and the results have been what I expected from the improved 200MP main sensor (with 2x optical zoom). I'm talking punchy and sharp-looking imagery with a fairly balanced color temperature and wide dynamic range, whether it's a seagull hanging on the Staten Island ferry or an office selfie with Google's Sameer Samat. If I had to nitpick, I'm still seeing some noise and loss of detail in low-light shots, especially when pinching into subjects like food and street signs. Night mode also kicks in rather inconsistently, with split moments that would either prompt an exposure timer or none at all. Fortunately, most of this can be fixed via software. Also: How to clear your Android phone cache (and why you should do it before installing Android 16) Besides camera performance, a day of usage is never enough time to gauge the endurance potential of any phone, but I've been largely content with the Z Fold 7's battery life. My first 24 hours consisted of plenty of web browsing, scrolling through Reddit feeds, navigating on Google Maps and Uber, and taking photos around town. I'm finishing my day one with around 12% battery left -- just enough for winding down, but definitely not for a night out. At $2,000, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains an ever-so-niche product for a very dedicated user base. But for those who have longed for a more competitive foldable by Samsung, one that's fitted to compete with Asia's best, that time has finally come. As always, trade-in offers and carrier promotions are your best friends, so I highly recommend scanning the catalogs of multiple retailers to find the deal that works best for you. More general retailers like Amazon are even tossing in gift cards, in case you're not a fan of multi-year installment plans.

I spent a week in New York City with the Samsung Z Fold 7 - and it spoiled me big time

But you'll dig the improved hardware, especially if you're familiar with foldable phones from the global market. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung's biggest design overhaul since the Z Fold 2 in 2020, and it's back with a bang. Over the last three years, the Korean tech giant made slight refinements to each generation, resulting in a stale design. But the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 finally catches up to its Chinese rivals, even beating them in multiple ways. CNET survey: 64% of people say 'no thanks' to foldable smartphones I've been using the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 for the past week and am happy to report that Samsung has made some damn near-perfect hardware. You get an easy-to-hold form factor, virtually no crease, a cover screen that's close to a regular phone in itself, a solid hinge, and the same main camera as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. These upgrades come with a cost, though. The Fold 7 will set you back at two grand, but if you have that money, this is the phone I recommend most. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures just 4.2mm thin when unfolded and 8.9mm folded. For context, that's a few millimeters more than the 8.25mm iPhone 16 Pro Max and 8.5mm Pixel 9 Pro. Samsung's own Galaxy S25 Ultra measures 8.2mm, while the foldable Oppo Find N5 is 8.93mm thick. All in all, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is just 0.1mm thicker than the thinnest book-style foldable, the Honor Magic V5. Paired with a body that's lighter than all of them at 215 grams, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 the lightest book-style foldable on the market right now. Also: Oppo's new foldable phone is one of the thinnest I've seen - and I hope OnePlus and Samsung follow suit This thin and light design makes it the most comfortable to hold Galaxy Z Fold phone yet -- if you hold it in the right hand. If you're left-handed, the hinge corners might dig into your palm, which was also an issue on the predecessor. That said, I'm a right-hander, and I find it more comfortable to use than the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is also more durable than before. It features a stronger Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 2 on the cover screen, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, and a Titanium plate layer instead of a carbon fiber sheet under the screen for added display durability. Plus, you get dust and water resistance with an IP48 rating. Also: I took a walk with Meta's new Oakley smart glasses - they beat my Ray-Bans in every way Samsung improved the cover screen, too. It's no longer fixated on the narrow form factor, enabling the 6.5-inch AMOLED screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio so apps interact better and play along well with the whole slab phone-like feel. It's bright enough to see outdoors and has the same 120Hz dynamic refresh rate and HDR10+ support as the inner display. Texting, scrolling through social media, and browsing the web on a Samsung cover screen feels refreshing. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a wider folding screen than its predecessor. I've loved my experience on this sharp and vivid panel, but it isn't as immersive as before. Samsung stuck to an under-display camera (UDC) for years, which made the reading, browsing and gaming experience better than any other foldable. Utility-wise, its quality was worse than the new punch-hole 10MP camera -- and I'd prefer the new setup for video calls any day -- but I miss the under-display camera, too. I hope it returns in the future with better quality. Once you accept that the camera isn't going anywhere, you can appreciate the Galaxy Z Fold 7's eight-inch LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with support for HDR10+ and a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate. I love its vivid colors and high-contrast look. But like before, the inner display attracts more smudges than the cover screen. Also: I used Huawei's $3,600 tri-foldable, and it made every phone I've ever tested feel outdated Coming to the best part of the folding screen, there's virtually no crease. Samsung's new butterfly hinge mechanism has successfully negated it. In fact, Galaxy Z Fold 7 has the least amount of crease on any book-style folding phone that I've used. The Oppo Find N5 comes close, but the Vivo X Fold 5 and Honor Magic V3 both have slightly deeper creases running through the middle of the screen. Not that it matters when interacting with the big display, but less crease means a comfortable viewing experience in more lighting conditions and angles. The hinge, too, feels more premium than other foldables. If you're coming from one of the previous Z Folds, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 won't prop up at 150 degrees right out of the box, but it gets better as you use it. After a week of use, my unit no longer unfolds flat till up to roughly 135 degrees. I had a similar experience with the Honor Magic V3, which also has a butterfly hinge. If I had to choose between a subjectively more immersive Fold 6 screen with UDC and deep crease or Fold 7's punch-hole-clad screen with lesser crease, I'd pick the latter. I can't pinpoint why the Galaxy Z Fold 7 feels more premium than other foldables on the market but it is probably a combination of multiple factors: thinner and lighter design, least crease and flat sides that aren't unergonomic (in the right hand) to hold. It is slightly harder to unfold, but you'll get used to it within the first 48 hours. Samsung removed another feature on the Galaxy Z Fold 7: the S Pen, and I don't miss it. I never used it on my Fold 5 or Fold 6 and if it helps the phone make it thinner, I don't mind missing out on a stylus that has to be stored in an external case. Samsung's new Fold runs Android 16-based One UI 8, with Samsung's Galaxy AI having the most complete suite of artificial intelligence features. The phone runs smoothly, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM. I actually found some of the phone's AI features useful. For example, the AI Select feature lets you click anything on your screen to take actions. From transcribing interview recordings to removing unwanted objects in my photos, there are plenty of useful AI tools that actually work. Also: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra was nearly unusable for me - until I downloaded this one app Coming from a OnePlus phone recently, I think Samsung could benefit from displaying similar pop-ups for on-call features like transcribe and translate. As of now, you need to swipe down and tap on the Live Translate tile from quick panel to use the feature, which isn't as easy to use. Samsung also finally gave its foldable the same primary camera as its flagship S-series phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 sports a 200MP main camera, borrowed straight from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It is accompanied by a modest 3x 10MP telephoto camera and a 12MP ultrawide-angle lens. This camera system produces vibrant-looking shots in most scenarios. I recommend shooting most photos in 200MP mode, so you can crop them later and yet retain the details, as the 3x tele lens isn't the best. I wish Samsung let users switch between lenses in the 200MP mode. As of now, you get options for 1x, 4x, and 5x (you can zoom at any level from 1x to 5x) but to change to ultrawide, you need to switch to 12MP mode and then tap 0.6x. It's a slight inconvenience that I've faced regularly in the past week. Samsung has also improved the shutter speed, so moving subjects are captured better than before. The dynamic range remains great, while the Portrait mode still struggles with edge detection. Galaxy AI comes into play again and gives you the most polished photobomber-removal tool. Also: How earthquake alerts work on Android - and how to make sure they're enabled on your phone Another cool feature for videographers: Audio Eraser can now automatically detect what to tune out and has a designated button in your gallery. It made my voice a little robotic, but it did well to suppress background noise. Unfortunately, Samsung didn't upgrade the battery capacity on its new foldable. In fact, it hasn't increased the battery size in five generations; the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has the same battery as the Galaxy Z Fold 3. This means you get a 4,400mAh cell with support for a modest 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. When I first saw this number on paper, I was worried that an amazing hardware would be compromised by a questionable decision, especially when competing devices have 5,500mAh+ silicon-carbon batteries. Also: I replaced my Galaxy S25 Plus with the S25 Edge (and Samsung may do the same) As it turns out, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a full one-day device for moderate phone users (with about 5-6 hours of daily screen time). I'm not impressed by the charging speed, though. I usually average about nine hours on my phone daily and have to charge my Z Fold 7 every evening around 6 PM for my evening social media scrolling. If you're a heavy phone user, expect to plug in your Z Fold 7 after the work day, or earlier if your usage involves a lot of navigation on 5G. Samsung improved the weakest links of its book-style foldable with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and the result is a near-perfect phone. I'd love for it to have a bigger battery and a better zoom camera -- the Vivo X Fold 5 has both -- but Samsung's foldable has U.S availability, longer software support, and a better user interface. In short, this is the most polished folding phone experience, in my opinion. However, it doesn't come cheap. After a $100 price bump, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung's most expensive Fold yet, starting at $2,000. If you can spend that amount on a smartphone, you can't go wrong with this phone. It's a generational leap over its predecessor, and if you can find a good exchange offer, I recommend upgrading from last year's Z Fold 6, too. If you're a business professional or need a phone for productivity, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 should be on your radar.

I spent a week with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, and it's an even bigger leap than expected

To better compete in the foldable market, it could use a better camera system and faster charging. The Galaxy Z Flip lineup has been the most popular of Samsung's foldable devices, and its appeal is clear -- who can't benefit from a device with all the functionalities of a regular smartphone that can also shape-shift into a smaller phone for everyday ease of use? With its latest addition to the lineup, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung leaned into the phone's most attractive feature, making it even more portable with a slimmer design, while also more capable, with the intent to improve user experience for power users and everyday users alike. Also: 24 hours later with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Why I'm leaving the S25 Ultra behind However, at $1,099, the Z Flip 7 is still in the higher price range of phones. To determine whether it's worth your money, I replaced my daily driver, an iPhone 16 Pro, with the Z Flip 7 for the entire weekend -- the results left me pleasantly surprised. Let's dive right in. The most visible, and perhaps anticipated, change is the FlexWindow (the outer screen). The screen is now larger, spanning from one corner of the phone to the other, with the bezels barely visible -- a big upgrade from its predecessor, as seen in the photo above. Not only is it most aesthetically pleasing to look at, resembling the look of the Moto Razr 60 Ultra, but it is also more practical. The 4.1-inch FlexWindow is brighter, with 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate. It also has VisionBooster, a feature that enhances outdoor visibility, making it the brightest and highest-functioning FlexWindow yet. When using the Z Flip 7 on outdoor walks, I was able to look at the screen with no real strain, even with the NYC sun beating down on my phone and reflecting off the pavement and every shiny building in the city. Also: iOS 26 envy? 5 iPhone features you can already use on your Android (Samsung included) So, why does this make it a win? To get more than just nostalgia out of the clamshell design, you need to be able to use the outer screen for basic tasks, and the larger screen and faster refresh rate make it tempting to forgo opening your phone. Within the first 24 hours of using the phone, I found myself using the cover screen to do basic tasks such as taking photos, viewing notifications, and even looking up information more than with the past models. This is likely because on the older models, the limited screen size and less smooth refresh rate weren't really enticing for me to stop opening the phone. After an entire weekend, I noticed that I was leaning on the cover screen so much that it actually deterred me from my typical, not ideal, phone usage habits. These include accidentally doom-scrolling on social media every time I go to look at a notification, which I found to be a major win. Of course, you can work around this by using the Good Lock app and adding social media apps to your cover screen, and with the bigger screen, you may actually be able to have a decent experience. That said, if you want full-on in-app experiences on the cover screen, even if you enable it through Good Lock, the functionality is limited and will likely require you to open your phone. One thing the cover screen was useful for was accessing the latest AI features, which leads me to the next section. If you care about AI on your mobile device, this cover screen makes it easier to get the immediate assistance you want without even opening your phone. Gemini Live is now accessible on the cover screen, whether through a long press of the side button or through the app. It can answer questions quickly for you on the go or access apps that take action for you, such as creating a note or adding a calendar event. If you often use multimodal AI assistance, as I do, you'll be happy to learn that you can now share the camera right from your FlexWindow -- meaning you prop your phone up and use the camera to get multimodal Gemini assistance from Gemini Live. Now, instead of having to prop my iPhone 16 Pro on a water bottle or other item to fully take advantage of the multimodal assistance, I can just open the phone and set it on the nearest surface to ask a question. The clamshell design also makes it easier to take photos or watch videos, unlocking a range of experiences you typically wouldn't have with a standard brick phone. Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE hands-on: The 'cheaper' foldable phone got me very confused You can also access a Personalized Now Bar and Now Brief from the cover screen, a feature previously limited to the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This makes it easy to get a quick rundown of personalized insights such as weather, event summaries, and news. Beyond these, One UI 8 brings other helpful AI features such as improved photo and audio editing. Additionally, the purchase of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Flip 7 will also come with six months of Google AI Pro, which retails for $19.99 a month. The plan gives you access to some of Google's most advanced AI offerings, including more access to Google's most capable model, Gemini 2.5 Pro; Flow, Google's AI filmmaking tool built with Veo 3 Fast, which makes hyper-realistic videos; and more. If you are big into AI or have wanted to try it, this is clearly a good way to access some of the latest features. The Flip 7 is thinner, coming in at 13.7mm thick, compared to last year's 14.9 mm. While the difference in measurements may seem minimal, it is visibly less chunky, as seen in the image below. This makes it more comfortable to slip into your pocket, minimizing the uncomfortable feeling of having two tiny phones stacked on top of each other. Even though it is slimmer, Samsung didn't compromise on key components, including a larger inner display of 6.9 inches, compared to the 6.7-inch screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and a larger 4,300mAh battery (up from 4,000mAh) that can handle up to 31 hours of video playback time, according to Samsung. Also: Your Android phone and watch are getting a major upgrade for free - Samsung models included Throughout my daily usage, I have had no issue with having it last an entire day. In fact, I have been ending my days with a lot more juice than I typically would -- hovering around the 30% mark. In part, I attribute the extended battery life to the fact that, as mentioned above, I was spending significantly less time on my phone since the cover screen told me most of what I needed to know. One caveat with the battery is how long it takes me to charge it; the wait for the 25 W wired charging is as painful as watching water boil. Instead of the expected Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Z Flip 7 is powered by the Exynos 2500, the first 3nm in-house processor, released just last month. The performance differences between both chipsets shouldn't be noticeable, other than the in-house processor enables new experiences such as DeX support on the Z Flip for the first time, allowing users to plug their phone into a monitor and use it like a desktop computer. Back to the screen: When I first heard of the screen increase, compared to the other specs, it got drowned out by the noise. However, after having used it for a weekend and scrolling on social media, although less than usual, I remembered how much I really enjoyed using a phone with a larger screen. Typically, what turns me off larger screen models is having a yet bulkier device to carry around -- hence why I purchased the 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro versus the 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max. With the Z Flip 7, I was able to take advantage of a 6.9-inch screen for my TikTok scrolls, while at most times using a 4.1-inch phone. Also: I spent a week in New York City with the Samsung Z Fold 7 - and it spoiled me big time It has the same camera specs as last year, with a 50MP wide-angle and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. In last year's Z Flip 6, this camera system was a major boost from the Z Flip 5, and ZDNET's review found that while it didn't offer flagship-tier performance, it was still a capable system, excelling in well-lit conditions and producing vibrant, detailed photos. Samsung also claims to have made upgrades to the image processing, including Enhanced Nightography and 10-bit HDR for more detailed videos, which should boost and differentiate the camera's quality from the preceding model. I took a range of photos this weekend, from my walks, errands, hangouts, and more, and was satisfied with the results. Below are some photos I took in different light conditions and settings so you can take a look for yourself. I have genuinely enjoyed my experience with the Samsung Galaxy Flip 7. Overall, Samsung upgraded the Z Flip 7's specs in almost every way, addressing most of the users' complaints about the predecessor and making it a strong competitor in the flip phone market. You can order yours now for a starting price of $1,099 (with a $50 discount happening now), and several promotions and offers are already active. The colors include Coralred, Jetblack, Blue Shadow, and the online-exclusive Mint, and storage sizes are 256GB to 512GB. Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: I tested both foldables, and here's the winner If you are a power user who could benefit from a better camera system and get more out of your cover screen with a better refresh rate, peak brightness, and more app interoperability, you may want to consider the Motorola Razr Ultra. However, it starts at a higher premium of $1,300. For more on how they compare, read ZDNET's take here. You can keep up with my latest stories and tech adventures on social media. Follow me on Twitter/X at @sabrinaa_ortiz and on Instagram at @sabrinaa.ortiz.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the only foldable worth caring about

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the foldable phone I've been waiting for. Finally, we've got a phone that opens up to a larger screen, without making compromises on weight, thickness, performance, or the camera. It's less than a millimeter thicker than a Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max, and it's lighter than either of them. The camera packs a mean main sensor, although you won't get the lossless zoom you'll find on the S25 Ultra, which is fine. This is still a proper premium camera experience. Most of all, when I use the Fold 7, I feel like I can use the external display as comfortably as I would on a traditional smartphone, which to me, is critical on a device like this. If I'm only getting a better experience when I open it, then I don't want it. It's expensive at $2,000, but I think the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the first foldable that's worth buying in the US. Samsung sent XDA the Galaxy Z Fold 7 for review. It had no content on the input of this article. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 9 / 10 SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy RAM 12GB Storage 256GB / 512GB Battery 4,400mAh (typical) dual battery Samsung's latest foldable smartphone is thinner and lighter than ever, and it has a better camera. If you haven't reserved one, you can still get a $50 credit by using the link below. Pros & Cons * A premium, flagship camera (finally) * Thin and light form factor feels like there are no compromises * Great performance for gaming and game streaming * The larger internal screen is fantastic for reading * No S Pen support * Camera placement makes it wobbly * Most expensive Samsung foldable ever $1999 at Samsung $2000 at Amazon Expand Collapse Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 pricing and availability The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is available now, as of July 25, in fact. It starts at $1,999.99, which is the most the company has ever charged for a foldable, and it's no surprise given the massive improvements. That price, of course, is before trade-in values. It gets boosted to $2,119.99 and $2,419.99 for 512GB and 1TB storage, respectively. Color options include Jetblack, Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, and Mint, with Mint being exclusive to Samsung.com. It's available on all major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile), and from all major retailers, such as Samsung.com, Best Buy, Amazon, and so on. On a side note, it's cool that there's a Mint color now, since that was exclusive to the Flip last year. If anyone from Samsung is reading this, people that buy expensive phones want the fun colors too! Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Specs SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy RAM 12GB Storage 256GB / 512GB Battery 4,400mAh (typical) dual battery Charge speed Wired Charging*: Up to 50% charge in around 30 min. with 25W Ports USB-C Connectivity 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.4 Dimensions Folded: 72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm, 143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2mm Weight 215g IP Rating IP48 Colors Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet-black, Mint Operating System Android 16 / One UI 8 Security Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault Main Camera 200MP Wide-angle Camera Quad Pixel AF, OIS, F1.7, Pixel size: 0.6μm, FOV: 85˚ Wide-Angle Camera 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera Dual Pixel AF, F2.2, Pixel size: 1.4μm, FOV: 120˚ Cover display 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display (2520 x 1080, 21:9), 422ppi 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz) Interior display 8.0-inch QXGA+* Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display (2184 x 1968), 368ppi 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz) Telephoto 10MP Telephoto Camera PDAF, OIS, F2.4, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 36˚, 3X optical zoom Expand Collapse You don't have to compromise to use a foldable anymore It's as thin and light as a standard premium phone When foldables were first introduced over a half-decade ago, they were extremely immature, but they were exciting. Remember when reviewers' Galaxy Fold screens were breaking? Pepperidge Farm remembers. At the time, people simply didn't know that you can't take the film off the screen. How could they? It was new to us, and it was new to Samsung, Motorola, and anyone else that was willing to take the risk of being first to market with new technology. Samsung has invested tons of effort into foldables, not only using more durable materials, but also perfecting the form factor. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 isn't just thin and light, it's thin and light without being fragile. It's not just thin and light. It's thin, light, and durable. I don't use foldables. I did when they were new exciting, and I tried to like them. I really, really did. But if I was opening the display only 10% of the time (probably even less), then I was making a compromise the other 90% of the time. Using a Pixel Fold, OnePlus Open, or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold pre-7 on the external screen was simply not as good as using a traditional form factor device. Was that compromise worth it for the other 10-ish% of the time? It wasn't to me. With a 6.5-inch 21:9 external display, the screen is where I need it to be, and to be fair, I felt that way about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 as well. But now, it's 8.9mm thin and weighs 215g. For comparison, an iPhone 16 Pro Max weighs 227g and a Galaxy S25 Ultra weighs 218g. In short, it no longer feels like I'm carrying a brick in my pocket. It just feels like carrying a phone. The one downside to this form factor is that it has a massive camera bump, which you can expect if you want a good camera. Remember, even though the product is 8.9mm thick, it's 4.2mm unfolded, which means that the camera is going to stick out more than it would on a traditional phone. However, I'm not sure what Samsung was thinking with the actual design. It seems like the company went for brand recognition over functionality. Putting the phone on a table, folded or unfolded, is extremely wobbly. It seems like this could have been avoided if the cameras were just in the middle, like many other companies are doing. And rather than vertical alignment, they could have been put in a triangular formation or a circular housing. Still, this is the first great foldable smartphone design in the US, so it's a win. I'd bet that Samsung will change how the cameras are laid out next year though. The camera is great, but it's not Ultra Don't expect extreme zoom Samsung tossed around some 'Ultra' talk ahead of the Fold 7 launch, which frankly, it shouldn't have done. If you want a Galaxy S25 Ultra camera, you still have to get a Galaxy S25 Ultra. It has the 200MP main sensor that's found on the S25 Ultra and even the new S25 Edge, and it has the 10MP 3x zoom lens. What it doesn't have is the 50MP 5x zoom lens that the Ultra has. The camera is great, better than any foldable that Samsung has ever made and for most shots, as good as anything Samsung has ever made. What you're missing out on is the extreme lossless zoom that Samsung flagships are known for. But the main sensor is a massive upgrade from last year's Galaxy Z Fold 6, which was 50MP f/1.8. With the new main sensor, this is a premium, uncompromising, camera experience. The Z Fold 7 offers a premium, uncompromising camera experience. There are actually a total of five cameras throughout the device. There are three on the back, including the main sensor, and the same 3x zoom and ultra-wide lenses that are found on the Z Fold 6. Additionally, there are cameras on the external display and the internal display. For my selfies, I used the external screen camera. I feel like the internal screen is better for things like calls. As expected, the camera competes with the best of them, but you can easily see the shortcomings when it comes to extreme zoom. I don't always include video samples, but Samsung took us to a Yankees game as part of the Unpacked festivities. After being no-hit for the first seven innings and being down by five runs, the Yankees tied it in the 9th and won it in the 10th. Unfortunately, the folks at Samsung left after the 9th inning (I took the subway back to the hotel), but that just means that this footage of those absolutely electric post-game moments is an XDA exclusive, at least as shot on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. That video was shot at 4K 60fps, and I feel like the slight blur/lag when moving the camera around wouldn't have been as prominent as if it'd been recorded at 1080p 60fps. Obviously, it records with HDR on by default, which makes it tough for video editing software, but it's fine for most people that are editing on mobile, and it's supported by streaming platforms like YouTube (and apparently our CMS). The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has some neat AI image editing features too. With the larger screen, you can see a before and after so you can get a good look at if you like the results. Note that the actual editing features, such as removing objects and drawing things that will be created with AI are available on other Galaxy AI devices. That's me on the subway back to the hotel from the Yankee game after the Samsung folks left. No regrets. Honestly, the object removal tools are surprisingly solid. Check out this one I took at Unpacked. On that one, it removed most of the images and did a great job filling it in. It has to be using context gained from other images of the venue. I did look for the guy that it created a whole outfit for, but I couldn't find him. There's no pen support on the Z Fold 7 It's sacrificed in the interest of thinness Samsung removed pen support on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to get it to the thinness it wanted. I don't care. I really don't. I'm a big fan of pen input on a device like this because it makes it perfect for note-taking, but if getting rid of it allows for the form factor to be viable, I'm all-in. It would be cool if Samsung made a separate, thicker device that has what pen enthusiasts need, but one thing you can be sure of is that the company knows how many people are buying the accessory (remember, it was sold separately, unlike on an S25 Ultra), and moreover, how many people are actually using it. Performance is as good as it gets As expected, the Snapdragon 8 Elite wins The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, which will be a year old soon, so there are no surprises here. Performance is fantastic, and that's pretty much all you need to know. First of all, flagship chipsets are almost never problematic, and when they are, you know it. The apps you use are designed for lower-end specs, and with the significant improvement found in Qualcomm's Oryon cores, general usage is as snappy as it can possibly be. Mobile games run well, of course, although I enjoyed game streaming a bit more. The internal display is bigger; might as well use it. Interestingly, benchmark scores such as AnTuTu showed a much higher overall score than the OnePlus 13, but that was due almost exclusively to the CPU portion of it, getting a much lower score on the GPU. This is also reflected in the 3DMark test that focuses more on the GPU. OnePlus 13 review: The iPhone killer I always wanted OnePlus is back, baby Posts * Geekbench 6: 3,037 / 9,140 * 3DMark Wild Life Extreme: 4,560 * AnTuTu: 2,045,804 (CPU 468,444, GPU 820,844, Mem 418,950, UX 337,566) Battery life was never problematic. With general usage throughout a full day, I'd go to bed with the device still at around 45%, and with heaviest usage, it was never below 30%. I've got nothing to complain about here, other than the fact that Samsung really needs to consider newer battery technologies for the sake of more capacity, but that's for another day. The big screen lets you do more, when you want It doesn't feel like you're forced to use it anymore Like I've been saying, I use the external display the majority of the time. The benefit is that when you want the larger display, it's there. I don't need to carry an iPad with me anymore. Those use cases range from dual-panel multitasking to reading, and I absolutely love it for reading in particular. For anything from books to comic books, the 8-inch screen is perfect. Even just for video calls with people, you get to see their big old face. It's not quite perfect for watching movies though. The aspect ratio of the internal screen is nearly square, so you don't get too much extra real estate for wide-screen video. If you're on the fence on buying a foldable phone, just consider what you'd use a larger screen for, or if you find yourself carrying an iPad around. Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7? You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if: * You've previously been put off from foldables by size and weight compromises * You tend to carry a tablet with you * You use a Samsung foldable and have been waiting for a meaningful camera upgrade You should NOT buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if: * You use the S Pen, or are looking for a handwritten note-taking device * The $2,000 price tag is too much I personally think that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a nearly perfect device. The innovations that the company has made to make it thinner and lighter make it perfect for me, and of course, that comes at a price. It's a $2,000 smartphone. There are trade-in deals, as always, and you'll likely catch discounts along the way, but this thing is never going to be cheap. I think it's worth it though, especially if you carry a tablet. If it can replace two devices, it's really not that expensive anymore. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 9 / 10 SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy RAM 12GB Storage 256GB / 512GB Battery 4,400mAh (typical) dual battery Samsung's latest foldable smartphone is thinner and lighter than ever, and it has a better camera. If you haven't reserved one, you can still get a $50 credit by using the link below. $1999 at Samsung $2000 at Amazon Expand Collapse

This Galaxy Z Fold 7 before-and-after photo editor really flexes the foldable form factor

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 isn't just another folding phone. It's the company's latest attempt to refine the foldable formula, and with One UI 8 riding shotgun, it's clear the Korean tech giant wants to do more than just slim things down. Unveiled alongside the new Z Flip 7, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is among the first devices to ship with One UI 8, and Samsung is taking full advantage of its flexible canvas. The update brings a fresh polish to Galaxy AI's Generative Edit tool, plus long-overdue enhancements to Capture View, making the Fold 7's inner display more useful than ever (Source: Android Authority). Related The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 isn't just for diehard enthusiasts Casual users have reasons to try Posts 1 Compare your powerful photo editing skills Helping Galaxy AI work better than ever Close Comparing your AI photo edits on the Z Fold 7 while zoomed out to view the whole image, and zoomed in to inspect a specific portion. Screenshots courtesy of Mishaal Rahman via Android Authority. First up (and most likely to supercharge your Z Fold 7 experience) is a relatively simple, but extremely useful glow-up for Generative Edit. That's Samsung's AI-powered photo-editing suite. Introduced with the Galaxy S24, it already lets you resize, remove, or move elements in your photos with uncanny ease. Now, it's faster and smarter, thanks to new backend algorithm tweaks. The addition of Suggest Erases, which proactively identifies distractions in your photos, brings it closer to Pixel-level automation. But the Fold 7-exclusive "Side-by-Side Editing" is what really makes the big display shine. This new mode lets you view the original and edited versions of an image simultaneously, taking full advantage of the expansive inner screen. You can even zoom in on a portion of the original and instantly compare the same area in the edit -- something you simply can't do on a slab phone. Related My 5 must-change Samsung One UI 8 settings for the perfect setup One UI 8 feels better after this Posts 3 Plus redesigned split-screen shooting Source: Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority The refreshed Capture Mode interface, which will ultimately make its way to additional Galaxy devices. Courtesy of Mishaal Rahman via Android Authority. Over in the camera app, Samsung's long-neglected Capture View is getting a minor but welcome rejuvenation. Originally introduced with the Fold 2, this split-screen mode lets you shoot on one half of the display while reviewing your last few shots on the other. In One UI 8, the interface is cleaner, and the UX is smarter: the most recent photo is now centered and enlarged, with older shots tucked below in a layered carousel. There's also a persistent menu below each image, so you can now favorite, share, or delete with a single tap -- no more digging through sub-menus. While Capture View's UI refresh is trickling down to older Galaxy phones of varying form factors once they get One UI 8, the Side-by-Side Editing mode remains exclusive to the Z Fold line. And that's an important distinction. Samsung knows that thinner foldables aren't enough to stay on top. As competitors close the hardware gap, the Fold 7's expansive display must do more, not just look good. Features like Side-by-Side Editing and a smarter Capture View demonstrate a shift towards meaningful multitasking and intelligent UI use -- exactly what Samsung needs to keep the Fold line at the forefront once the wow factor of a slimmer design wears off. And if you're thinking of jumping in, various preorder deals for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are still live (and extremely popular), and worth checking out if you want to be first in line for the next era of foldables. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 RAM 12GB Storage 256GB Battery 4,400mAh Operating System One UI 8 Weight 215g IP Rating IP48 The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the thinnest and lightest in the series to date, integrating a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor for enhanced AI capabilities and a 200MP pro-grade camera. Built for enhanced durability with an Armor FlexHinge and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, the device features a wider 6.5-inch cover screen and unfolds into an expansive 8.0-inch main display for immersive viewing and productivity. $2000 at Samsung Expand Collapse

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the first time I love a Samsung foldable

Reviewing a Galaxy Z Fold device is typically straightforward. I'll enjoy using them and respect the technology, but the price usually results in me dismissing them as enthusiast devices, not suited for the average smartphone buyer. Samsung has made that conversation a bit more difficult this year with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It's an oddly liveable phone for a book-style foldable, and I can see the merits of more casual users picking one up. However, it's still a $2,000 device, and underneath that very sleek exterior, some typical folding phone compromises are lurking to give you pause. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung's best foldable effort yet, but it comes with a showstopping price tag. If you pick one up, you'd better know what you're doing, because it's not a device for the indecisive -- here's why. Editor's choice Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 8.5 / 10 SoC Snapdragon 8 Elite RAM 12GB or 16GB Storage 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB Battery 4,400mAh The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the thinnest and lightest in the series to date, integrating a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor for enhanced AI capabilities and a 200MP pro-grade camera. Built for enhanced durability with an Armor FlexHinge and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, the device features a wider 6.5-inch cover screen and unfolds into an expansive 8.0-inch main display for immersive viewing and productivity. Pros & Cons * Wider cover screen * Excellent feel in the hand * Fantastic performance * $2,000 price tag * Bettery life could be better * Slow charging speeds $2000 at Samsung $2000 at Best Buy Expand Collapse Price, specs, and availability The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is available through Samsung and Best Buy starting at $2,000. The base configuration comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with a top-end model available featuring 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It's available in four colors: Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack, and Mint, with the last being a Samsung website exclusive. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes unlocked from Samsung and is compatible with all major service providers and most MVNOs. Specifications RAM 12GB or 16GB Storage 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB Battery 4,400mAh Operating System One UI 8 Cellular connectivity 5G, LTE Wi-Fi connectivity Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.4 Weight 215g IP Rating IP48 SoC Snapdragon 8 Elite Display type Dynamic AMOLED Display dimensions 6.5-inch external, 8-inch internal Charge speed 25W Ports USB-C Front camera 10MP Rear camera 200MP primary, 10MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide Colors Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack, and Mint Stylus No Price $2,000 Expand Collapse Creature comforts make a difference The phone we've been waiting for Samsung highlighted a few key areas of complaint with the previous Galaxy Z Fold devices, hoping to alleviate some of the frustration expressed by buyers. It doesn't go unappreciated, and I love that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 feels like a device I can live with. It fits snugly into a front pants pocket, and the enlarged cover display is excellent for typing. Samsung not only made the cover screen larger, giving the Galaxy Z Fold 7 a 6.5-inch outer display. But it also made the panel wider, affording my thumbs some much-needed breathing room. It makes the Galaxy Z Fold 7 enjoyable to use on a day-to-day basis, and I no longer feel cheated if I need to spend most of my time using the cover screen. Unfortunately, that brings me to the first drawback of the device -- it's not the same viewing experience you get from a substantially cheaper Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Galaxy Z Fold 7's external panel is limited to 1080p. It also lacks the anti-reflective layer of the Galaxy S25 Ultra and doesn't get as bright. Sure, I understand it's not meant to be the centerpiece of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but it's a stark reminder that if you're someone who won't get full enjoyment out of unfolding your phone, you should save your money. Read our review Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra no longer lives up to its name A straight-B student Posts 12 I mentioned how the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is more livable this year, and much of that has to do with the feel. Previous generations were a bit bulky for one-handed use, but the Galaxy Z Fold 7's thinness makes it just as pleasant to use in the hand as my Galaxy S25 Ultra. It's a more significant change than you might think, and if you're a casual user considering Samsung's top foldable, it's worth experiencing for yourself. When unfolded, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a delight to use. The expansive 8-inch display is bright and vibrant, and you will be genuinely impressed with how wonderful the phone feels in the hand. It's a much easier phone to use one-handed this year, and I attribute much of that to the weight, or lack thereof. It's a well-balanced phone, but the design isn't without drawbacks. An ultra-thin chassis and upgraded camera system result in noticeable table wobble for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It's not a dealbreaker, and other thin foldables overseas feature aggressive camera humps, but it's something to consider. It also carries an IP48 rating, so while it's still not a phone I'd run through the sand with, it's less of a worry than in previous years. Software to fit the experience Samsung makes some much-needed changes with One UI 8 Android 16 runs well on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. There aren't many visual changes or overhauls to One UI 8, but that's to be expected given all the enhancements introduced with One UI 7. Samsung has done a significantly better job this year in giving us more uses for the larger internal display on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. I have always appreciated the cool technology on older Galaxy Z Fold devices. Still, I didn't need to pay that kind of premium for what amounted to a larger screen experience of the same apps and functions I have on a phone like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Samsung needed to sell me on why I should pay for the gorgeous 8-inch screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and it's started to do so. It's still not quite like Open Canvas on the OnePlus Open, but Samsung has improved multitasking on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. I love the 90:10 multitasking split, as it allows me to slide an app to the side of the screen and open it up as I need information. If a new notification arrives, I can slide the app back over, respond to the message, and return to what I was doing with minimal interruption -- exactly how I'd want to interact with my apps. Samsung also added other functions that make better use of the added screen real estate. If you're editing photos, you'll be able to see a side-by-side comparison of your changes. That's useful for capturing the right shot for social media or just fooling around with images. It's something I can't do on my Galaxy S25 Ultra, and that's the point. Unfortunately, the software experience isn't all bright spots. Now Brief is more in your face than ever, and it's still a solution in search of a problem. I was encouraged when Samsung added features like traffic updates and parking spot reminders, but I've yet to get any use from them. If you add the address of your appointments, Now Brief will provide you with traffic updates, which can be helpful, but I've never been able to get it to work consistently. I'm pleased that Samsung at least recognizes Now Brief needs to do more, but it's a work in progress. Samsung DeX is available for diehard fans, and it runs smoothly with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung DeX: What it is and what you can do The future of industry and leisure is in your pocket Posts Impressive performance and decent battery life The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is capable It's almost boring to talk about hardware performance on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Snapdragon 8 Elite (for Galaxy) is excellent -- period. It chews through everything I throw at it, and I've yet to be disappointed with a smartphone powered by one. I initially had concerns about power efficiency when the chipset was released, but those fears proved unfounded. Paired with 12GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a top performer. I wish 16GB were the standard across the board, but at least Samsung offers the option for those willing to pay more for the 1TB model. The battery life on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a mixed bag. Samsung didn't see fit to increase battery size for 2025. As a result, this year's Z Fold carries the same 4,400mAh cell as its predecessors. I understand Samsung wanted to keep the device thin, and yes, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is a more efficient chipset, resulting in better performance. I also wouldn't consider battery life bad, as I'm able to make it through a full day of mixed use without issues. However, I don't spend $2,000 on a smartphone for just the usual Instagram scrolls and WhatsApp messages. Yes, I get decent performance with mixed use, but I want to utilize all the fancy features and extra screen real estate Samsung provides to the fullest. If you're a hardcore gamer or spend a lot of time messing with photos, you'll notice the battery starts to drain away. It's a struggle to keep a phone thin while increasing battery size, but I hope Samsung can find ways to fit slightly larger cells into thin devices going forward. A flagship camera experience Samsung listened to complaints I never complained about camera performance on previous Galaxy Z Fold phones. I thought the performance was decent, and I didn't think it was the massive drop-off other users complained about. Still, I understood the complaint -- people paying an enormous amount of money for a phone want the best. Samsung mostly delivers with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The 200MP primary sensor is a noticeable improvement. The photos are crisp with excellent color. The contrast is deep, and low-light performance has been significantly improved. If you were someone turned off by previous Galaxy Z Fold cameras, you'll enjoy the experience this year. The natural depth added to photos is fantastic, and I've come to prefer Samsung's color science to Google's -- I like a slightly warmer, saturated image. The 10MP telephoto and 12MP ultrawide round out a versatile camera lineup, and I see little reason to complain this year, even if we didn't get the new 50MP ultrawide featured on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Should you buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7? It's always a multipart question when I'm asked if someone should buy a Samsung book-style foldable. If you're a Galaxy Z Fold 4 or 5 user and enjoy your experience, you should absolutely pick up a Galaxy Z Fold 7. It takes everything you already love about the Z Fold and makes it better. If you've been on the fence about foldabes in the past, and you're worried about spending so much extra, it's a more difficult conversation. Samsung has done more to make the Galaxy Z Fold 7 worth it for casual users. If you're heavy on content creation on TikTok or Instagram or use your phone for work, the Z Fold 7 might finally be worth paying more for. It's an excellent smartphone, and you'll enjoy using it -- just have a plan in mind before you spend $2,000. Editor's choice Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 8.5 / 10 SoC Snapdragon 8 Elite RAM 12GB or 16GB Storage 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB Battery 4,400mAh The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the best Samsung foldable to date, and it's the first time I would recommend casual users take the plunge if they are curious. Samsung has taken steps to make the larger inner display more useful, and I like the improved multitasking. All told, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a good choice for many, if you can stomach the price. $2000 at Samsung $2000 at Best Buy Expand Collapse

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: the thinner, lighter and better folding Android

Super-slim frame, improved display, enhanced camera and plenty of power give the pricey phone-tablet hybrid a major upgrade Samsung's latest flagship folding phone looks like it has been put on a diet. The result is a transformation into one of the thinnest and lightest devices available and radically changes how it handles, for the better. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures 8.9mm thick when shut - well within the realms of a standard smartphone if you ignore the camera bump on the back. It easily fits in a pocket but opens up to turn into a folding tablet just 4.2mm thick. But at £1,799 (€2,099/$2,000/A$2,899) you pay an awful lot for such a fancy device. It is an expensive, cutting-edge gadget that can, in theory, replace your phone, tablet and PC in one pocketable device. The seventh-generation foldable solves most of the niggles of Samsung's previous foldables. It weighs only 215g, which is 24g less than last year's model and about the same as large slab phones, and is shaped just like a regular handset when closed. It fits better in your pocket. Typing messages, answering calls, getting directions and taking photos feel and work like a regular phone. Even the 6.5in screen on the front is top-notch - bright, colourful, crisp and 120Hz smooth - and the improved fingerprint scanner in the power button is accurate and rapid. Open it like a book and the Fold 7 is only a hair thicker than the USB-C port. It is impressively thin yet feels solid. It is difficult to see how a device can be made any thinner without ditching the charging port. The flexible 8in OLED screen is smooth, crisp, super bright and almost square, ready for running two apps side by side. The outside screen and back are protected by the latest technology in hardened glass, but the inside screen is still covered by a necessarily softer layer than a standard phone that picks up fingerprints easily and is relatively shiny. The crease down the middle of the screen where it folds is very nearly gone, only visible in glare. The Fold 7 does not skimp on processing power with the same flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM as the S25 Ultra and S25 Edge. That means it flies along in everyday tasks and high-end games and is considerably more powerful than its closest rivals, such as the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The battery lasts just shy of two days using the two screens for about four hours each and spending several hours on 5G, which is about the same as its predecessors and similar to normal slab phones. It will last longer when just using the outside screen for phone usage, but most people are likely to need to charge it every other day. The Fold 7 is one of the first Samsungs to run One UI 8 (Android 16) out of the box. It has not changed that much since last year's software, which is a good thing all round as One UI 7 was great. It includes all the features from Samsung's S25 line, including the great Now bar at the bottom of the lock screen that shows live sports scores, music, timers and other regular tasks. Samsung does a better job than rivals at making the most of the multiple modes and multitasking possibilities opened up by the folding tablet form. You can have up to eight apps open on the internal screen at any one time, and have different home screen layouts for each screen. You can force apps into almost any size or shape, use apps in a partly folded mode, move them between the front and internal screens, and many other small features. The Fold 7 also has all the AI tools from the S25 series, including Google Gemini, Circle to Search, writing and drawing tools, transcription and audio editing tools, and so on. Some are good, others can be safely ignored just like most buzzy AI features. Samsung will provide Android and security updates until 31 July 2032. The large camera lump on the back holds the 200-megapixel main, 12MP ultra wide and 10MP 3x telephoto cameras. The Fold 7 also has two 10MP selfie cameras, one in each screen. The main 200MP camera is the best of the bunch, matching that from the S25 Edge. It is a top-drawer camera capable of capturing great images across a range of lighting conditions, and is a significant upgrade on previous generation Folds. The 12MP ultra wide camera is solid and capable of taking some very good closeup, macro photos, which is always fun. The 3x telephoto camera is equally good, producing great portraits, but it gets a bit soft and grainy indoors and can't match the 5x zooms on top slab phones. The selfie cameras are a similar story, with great detail in good light that quickly becomes a bit grainy indoors. You can shoot selfies with the main camera using the outside screen as a viewfinder when the phone is open, which produces much better results. The camera app has plenty of modes, is straightforward to use and shoots equally solid video. Overall, the Fold 7 has a great camera system that is not a significant downgrade on flagship slab phones, which is thoroughly impressive. The battery has an expected lifespan of at least 2,000 full-charge cycles with at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone is generally repairable. Inside screen repairs cost about £500. Samsung offers a self-repair programme, as well as Care+ accidental damage insurance that reduces the cost of repairs to £139. The Fold 7 is made from recycled aluminium, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare-earth elements and steel, accounting for 13.7% of the weight. Samsung offers trade-in and recycling schemes for old devices, and breaks down the phone's environmental impact in its report. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an incredible, extremely expensive piece of technology that feels like a giant leap over previous models, removing many of the niggles and compromises that had become synonymous with foldables. By being so much thinner, lighter and normal-sized when shut, it feels just like a regular handset. Open it up and the internal screen is the best on a foldable yet. The crease is virtually gone, it is bright, crisp and makes the most of multitasking. The camera sticks miles out the back but generally doesn't get in the way except to make the phone wobble on a table - a compromise worth making for a top-quality camera system. You even get the same chip, solid battery life and great software as Samsung's top regular phones. That leaves the relative fragility of the folding form, lacking proper dust resistance and having a softer internal screen, and the eye-watering price, as the biggest compromises. If you are not sold on the idea of having a phone that is also a tablet in your pocket, I don't think this will convince you. But the Fold 7 is the best folding phone available and the major upgrade Samsung needed after a few rather repetitive years.

[Unboxing] Galaxy Z Fold7: Powerful Versatility in the Thinnest, Lightest Z Fold Yet

It's finally here -- the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet. Equipped with multimodal AI and a foldable-optimized UI, the Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a truly Ultra experience that raises the bar for smartphones. Samsung Newsroom unboxed the Galaxy Z Fold7 for Galaxy fans eager to see all the exciting improvements and advanced capabilities that the new device brings. Upon opening the sleek, black packaging, Galaxy's signature modern design, slim silhouette, and remarkably light build are all immediately apparent. The signature color Blue Shadow shifts with an iridescent glow from deep navy to bright blue as the device's metallic finish reflects light from different angles, perfectly capturing Galaxy's futuristic, premium aesthetic. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is available in three colors: the signature Blue Shadow, the modern Silver Shadow, and the ever-popular Jetblack -- with Mint also available as a Samsung.com exclusive. The camera island surrounding the rear triple camera matches the body color of the device for a seamless, cohesive design. For the first time in the series, the Galaxy Z Fold7 features a 200MP wide-angle camera, allowing users to capture every moment in stunning detail. It also comes equipped with enhanced night photography and videography capabilities, along with a 100-degree main display front camera, to bring an Ultra camera experience to the foldable form factor. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the thinnest device in the series to date, representing the culmination of years of hardware innovation. From design to material selection, every effort was made to shave off even a single millimeter -- and this can be appreciated the moment the device is picked up for the first time. As the latest evolution in the Z Fold series, the Galaxy Z Fold7 now fits even more comfortably in one hand, making it easier to carry. When unfolded, it's only 4.2mm, which is slimmer than two slices of cheese stacked together The cover display now features a wider 21:9 aspect ratio, bringing the familiar proportions of a bar-type smartphone to a foldable device. Thanks to this, the Galaxy Z Fold7 offers a user experience similar to that of a Galaxy S25 Ultra device when folded. At 6.5 inches, the cover display also allows for more accurate typing and a wider view of content when sending quick messages or searching for information -- a subtle yet impactful improvement over the slightly narrower screen of the Galaxy Z Fold6. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is actually lighter than many bar-type smartphones. At just 215g, it is even lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 218g, which takes foldable usability to a whole new level. So, when folded, the device offers the intuitive feel of a bar-type smartphone -- and when unfolded, it delivers the largest, most immersive display of any Galaxy smartphone out there. The result is an experience unique to the Galaxy Z Fold7. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is one of the first Samsung devices to bring One UI 8 on Android 16 offering a more accessible way to experience multimodal AI in everyday life. For example, with a long press of the side button, users can instantly activate Gemini Live, the on-device AI agent, and effortlessly share what's on their screen or in front of their camera in real time. The large main display expands the AI agent's understanding of complex situations. It can interpret multiple apps on the Multi Window layout simultaneously to make conversations more intuitive and helpful. For example, if someone is trying to pick the perfect Galaxy Z Fold7 color to match their favorite purse, they can open the Gallery app on the left window to display a photo of the purse, and open the browser on the right window to display the Z Fold7's color options. After that, all they need to do is press and hold the side button to activate Gemini Live, tap "Share screen with Live" and ask whether their purse would go well with the color they have in mind. The AI agent will then analyze both screens at once and let them know whether that color and the purse pair nicely. Even when the device is folded, users can still ask the AI agent questions and receive real-time answers. Let's say a user wants to know which batteries their TV remote requires -- they can just share their camera with Gemini Live by directing the camera at the remote and ask away. Galaxy AI will recognize the model and instantly tell you which battery type it needs. With a simple voice command, they can also save information on the nearest stores that sell them to Samsung Notes and even set a reminder to buy the batteries after work -- all without typing anything. The Galaxy Z Fold7's AI-powered features go beyond live assistance. When browsing the web, users can request information from Galaxy AI without breaking rhythm and losing focus of the content in front of them. Responses will appear in pop-ups or split view, keeping multitasking smooth and uninterrupted. Thinner, smarter and more powerful than ever, Galaxy Z Fold7 makes a bold first impression -- a next-generation device ushering in the era of the Ultra foldable, poised to redefine the future of mobile innovation.

[Unboxing] Galaxy Z Fold7: Powerful Versatility in the Thinnest, Lightest Z Fold Yet

It's finally here -- the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet. Equipped with multimodal AI and a foldable-optimized UI, the Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a truly Ultra experience that raises the bar for smartphones. Samsung Newsroom unboxed the Galaxy Z Fold7 for Galaxy fans eager to see all the exciting improvements and advanced capabilities that the new device brings. Upon opening the sleek, black packaging, Galaxy's signature modern design, slim silhouette, and remarkably light build are all immediately apparent. The signature color Blue Shadow shifts with an iridescent glow from deep navy to bright blue as the device's metallic finish reflects light from different angles, perfectly capturing Galaxy's futuristic, premium aesthetic. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is available in three colors: the signature Blue Shadow, the modern Silver Shadow, and the ever-popular Jetblack -- with Mint also available as a Samsung.com exclusive. The camera island surrounding the rear triple camera matches the body color of the device for a seamless, cohesive design. For the first time in the series, the Galaxy Z Fold7 features a 200MP wide-angle camera, allowing users to capture every moment in stunning detail. It also comes equipped with enhanced night photography and videography capabilities, along with a 100-degree main display front camera, to bring an Ultra camera experience to the foldable form factor. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the thinnest device in the series to date, representing the culmination of years of hardware innovation. From design to material selection, every effort was made to shave off even a single millimeter -- and this can be appreciated the moment the device is picked up for the first time. As the latest evolution in the Z Fold series, the Galaxy Z Fold7 now fits even more comfortably in one hand, making it easier to carry. When unfolded, it's only 4.2mm, which is slimmer than two slices of cheese stacked together The cover display now features a wider 21:9 aspect ratio, bringing the familiar proportions of a bar-type smartphone to a foldable device. Thanks to this, the Galaxy Z Fold7 offers a user experience similar to that of a Galaxy S25 Ultra device when folded. At 6.5 inches, the cover display also allows for more accurate typing and a wider view of content when sending quick messages or searching for information -- a subtle yet impactful improvement over the slightly narrower screen of the Galaxy Z Fold6. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is actually lighter than many bar-type smartphones. At just 215g, it is even lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra's 218g, which takes foldable usability to a whole new level. So, when folded, the device offers the intuitive feel of a bar-type smartphone -- and when unfolded, it delivers the largest, most immersive display of any Galaxy smartphone out there. The result is an experience unique to the Galaxy Z Fold7. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is one of the first Samsung devices to bring One UI 8 on Android 16 offering a more accessible way to experience multimodal AI in everyday life. For example, with a long press of the side button, users can instantly activate Gemini Live, the on-device AI agent, and effortlessly share what's on their screen or in front of their camera in real time. The large main display expands the AI agent's understanding of complex situations. It can interpret multiple apps on the Multi Window layout simultaneously to make conversations more intuitive and helpful. For example, if someone is trying to pick the perfect Galaxy Z Fold7 color to match their favorite purse, they can open the Gallery app on the left window to display a photo of the purse, and open the browser on the right window to display the Z Fold7's color options. After that, all they need to do is press and hold the side button to activate Gemini Live, tap "Share screen with Live" and ask whether their purse would go well with the color they have in mind. The AI agent will then analyze both screens at once and let them know whether that color and the purse pair nicely. Even when the device is folded, users can still ask the AI agent questions and receive real-time answers. Let's say a user wants to know which batteries their TV remote requires -- they can just share their camera with Gemini Live by directing the camera at the remote and ask away. Galaxy AI will recognize the model and instantly tell you which battery type it needs. With a simple voice command, they can also save information on the nearest stores that sell them to Samsung Notes and even set a reminder to buy the batteries after work -- all without typing anything. The Galaxy Z Fold7's AI-powered features go beyond live assistance. When browsing the web, users can request information from Galaxy AI without breaking rhythm and losing focus of the content in front of them. Responses will appear in pop-ups or split view, keeping multitasking smooth and uninterrupted. Thinner, smarter and more powerful than ever, Galaxy Z Fold7 makes a bold first impression -- a next-generation device ushering in the era of the Ultra foldable, poised to redefine the future of mobile innovation.

Review: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 foldable is almost too much fun

You have to take the training wheels off to properly use the Cover Screen The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 is a story of something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. The blue part is easy -- my review sample, provided by Samsung, is the Blue Shadow colorway. The highlight of the phone is definitely the "something new." Samsung massively updated its pocket-sized foldable phone with a huge cover screen. At 4.1 inches, it's the largest external display on a flip-style phone to date. "Something borrowed" comes in the form of the Exynos processor that lives inside the phone. Past versions of Galaxy Z Flips in international markets have been powered by Exynos silicon in the past, but U.S. phones have typically had Snapdragon hardware from Qualcomm, which we strongly prefer. The "borrowed label" is my hope that Samsung will go back to Snapdragon hardware in the future -- more on that later. Finally, "Something old" -- one of my biggest frustrations with the phone, which is a little bit better this year (but honestly not that much better than the Galaxy Z Flip6). It has to do with the way apps appear on the external display (what Samsung calls the Cover Screen) and Samsung's refusal to treat that beautiful canvas like a proper screen. It's a little maddening, though it didn't stop me from having fun with the phone. Shortly after Samsung unveiled the Z Flip 7 (and its incredibly thin older sibling, the excellent Galaxy Z Fold 7) this July, I hit the road to sunny (and devastatingly hot) St. Louis, home of the Gateway Arch, Six Flags, and Meremec caverns. Over the course of five days, I put this "AI Flip Phone" through the ringer for my Galaxy Z Flip 7 review. Before I dive into the hardware, I need to discuss the highlight. Samsung -- finally -- responded to market pressure in the U.S. (and abroad) by bringing a large Cover Screen display to its flip phone, and thank goodness. The previous two generations also had larger screens, but they had odd notches in them to accommodate the camera modules, while everyone else was just cutting the display around the cameras. One of the first things you should do when you get this phone is enable apps to run on this display. The problem is, it takes 13 steps to do it, and unless you're a geek (which, admittedly, if you're reading this review, you might be), most people won't bother. That's fair, but you'll be going into this fight with one hand tied behind your back. The 4.1-inch AMOLED screen is large, gorgeous, and should absolutely be used to the fullest. Like the main display, it has 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Not all apps can handle the Cover Screen (confusingly, Samsung also refers to this screen as the Flex display and/or FlexWindow), but many of them will. The good news: once you do those 13 steps, you're done fiddling with settings. You can simply add the apps that you want. The bad news: Samsung doesn't really want you to do it at all. You might be wondering what I mean by that. If Samsung wanted you to run apps on your home screen, it wouldn't require you to go into the Labs section of your settings and install a separate app from the Galaxy store to do it. It wouldn't force you to use the Samsung keyboard on the Flex display, with its lack of voice typing, regardless of which keyboard is your default keyboard (Gboard FTW). Plus, if I had to see "open your phone to continue" one more time, I was ready to throw the phone out the window while riding in a car through central Illinois. Everything from adding apps to the launcher to setting up widgets, to reordering widgets, all has to be done with the phone open, for some reason. It makes me sad. Once you work around those picadillos and get down to business, the cover screen itself is lovely. Most apps work well on there, including Gemini and Gemini Live, which is a fun way to work with Google's AI. The display also goes right up to the edge of the phone. Samsung built a really solid phone here, and it's great to use. The casing is armor aluminum, and the hinge has been redesigned this year, slimming down the phone just a bit. The hardware is more squared off than Motorola's Razr, which can make one-handed opening a little harder. But it's tight and functional. When you close the phone, you will do so with one of the most satisfying "Thwaps" you've ever heard. Speaking of which, it makes hanging up on people way more satisfying than it already was. The buttons on the side of the phone aren't raised by much, which can make it hard to locate them without looking. I often missed the fingerprint sensor in the power button because I had trouble finding it. But the rest of the hardware is absolutely solid. The 6.9-inch AMOLED main screen is also larger than previous generations at 6.9 inches. The screen has the same teardrop shape closing that minimizes the crease, which you can see but won't care about. The phone is powered by a 4,300 mAh battery that's just 100 mAh smaller than its larger sibling, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. As such, it can easily last all day, especially if you perform most tasks on the cover screen. I noticed the phone tended to run hot, but only when I was already outside baking in a water park or at the St. Louis Zoo, so I suspect the weather was just as likely at fault as the phone itself. Having talked about the software on the cover screen, the software when open is... basically the same as any other Samsung phone. OneUI 8.0 is built onto Android 16, making these phones the first to ship with Android's latest operating system. That's no surprise -- Google and Samsung have been joined at the hip for a while now. OneUI 7 was a divisive operating system because a lot of Samsung users liked how their phones worked before it rolled out (my wife among them). Personally, I loved OneUI 7.0 because it brought back the vertical scrolling app drawer and the Pill, which apes Apple's Dynamic Island in a lot of great ways. OneUI 8 adds all those benefits and takes things a step further, bringing 90:10 multitasking to the phones. What that means is you can run two apps, one on top and one underneath, but you can move the separator so you only see 10 percent of one of the apps. Tap that 10 percent and the app pops up to become the 90 percent, and vice versa. It works better on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but it's also quite nice on the Flip 7. When you half-fold the Flip, you activate Flex Mode, which lets you make the most of the foldable design. In Flex Mode, the app lives in the top half of the screen, and the bottom half becomes a sort of control panel in supported apps. In YouTube, for example, the bottom half gets a play bar and play controls, which is pretty neat. I also love that Dex is available on the Flip7. Samsung Dex basically turns your phone into a CPU when you connect a monitor, mouse, and keyboard to it. It gives you a windows interface similar to Windows. I spent some time with Dex on my trip to St Louis, but most of the time I'm using Dex is on long-haul flights, getting some work done with a set of Xreal One glasses. Now that is a rollicking good time and I'm happy Samsung's smaller foldable has that capability. The Flip 7 has a lot of the same AI tricks as other Samsung phones, including camera tricks and AI photo editing, such as moving subjects around or using generative AI to fill in the background. Two notable improvements include Gemini on the Flex screen, including Gemini Live. That's a nice bonus. Gemini Live also works with the external camera (when the phone is open, to be clear) to become multimodal. At the St. Louis Zoo, I could point the camera at an animal and ask what I was looking at, and in every case, it was correct, which was surprising, to be perfectly honest. What was a little annoying was how chatty Gemini Live would get. "That's an Asian Elephant! You can tell by the size of the ears. Would you like to know more about the Asian elephant? Do you have any questions about it? Please for the love of all things holy talk to me!" That's not an exact quote, but you get the point. The other AI features, like Samsung's Now bar, also appear on the Flex screen, even if the Now Brief is still less than good. It still returns news stories that aren't relevant to me. It kept me up to date with the weather even as I traveled, so that was nice, but I still don't have much use for it. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 comes with an Exynos 2500 processor built on a 3nm process, similar to flagship processors from Qualcomm and Mediatek. This is Samsung's homegrown silicon. What's odd this year is that all Flip 7s will be sporting the Exynos processor. In the past, Z Flip phones sold overseas had Exynos while the U.S. versions had Snapdragon processors. Because of this, we know that Snapdragon usually outperforms Exynos. This year, we can't make that comparison, but it's fair to say history is not on Samsung's side. Geekbench is a benchmark tool you can use to get an idea of how a processor performs. Geekbench returns scores of 2,354/7,340 single/multi-core scores on the Flip 7. For context, the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 returns a 2,430/8,823 score, so it doesn't exactly blow it out of the water. Day to day, the only real stutters I noted were in the camera software occasionally, and sometimes when running multiple windows in Dex. They were minor hiccups, but still noteworthy. As for battery life, despite spending all day, most days out and about, away from Wi-Fi and in hot temperatures besides, the phone never died before bedtime. I wouldn't call this a multi-day phone, but it's very not bad, and you'll get a lot more mileage out of it if you use the cover screen as often as possible. There are three cameras on this phone, but you'll only really ever need to use two of them. To be honest, I didn't find much use for the 10MP selfie camera. One of the key benefits to using a flip-style foldable phone is the ability to turn the Cover Screen into a preview window for taking selfies. The hinge is very rigid, so you can even use the phone as its own tripod and use gesture controls to take photos and videos. I took a bunch of fun selfies at the St. Louis Arch, Meremec caverns, and all points in between using that flex hinge, and I got some great shots. You can also hold the camera half open at a 90-degree angle for a camcorder grip if you're nostalgic (a feature you'll also find in the Motorola Razr Ultra). The results you get will be highly dependent on your lighting conditions. For example, at Six Flags during the day, my shots were brilliant. Meremec Caverns and the St. Louis aquarium were both a bit hit or miss. I would recommend that if you're in low-light conditions, take a lot of shots (to increase your odds of getting a good one) and make sure your subjects are as still as possible. Photos of stalactites are going to be very good. Photos of the people standing in front of them, not so much. The camera software offers shots of up to 10x, but you will never want to go that high. In my experience, the 4x zoom is usable; at 10x you lose all depth and texture. The shots might be OK for social media, but in general, you'll want to avoid those. As often as not, they're not good. I also saw a surprising amount of grain in a lot of my lower-light shots. Samsung is usually pretty good at cleaning those things up in low light, but even some of the daytime shots, particularly ultrawide and macroshots, ended up grainy in darker areas. Shooting video is much the same, though less forgiving. Low-light video is not terrible with the main camera, but don't move or walk while shooting. The judder gets pretty bad when you start walking. Good shots are possible in the dark, but that's more the exception than the rule. Overall, this is a pretty good camera setup that does very well in the day, and even when the sun is starting to go down. Find yourself in a cave -- as one does -- and your results will fall into the range of "mixed bag" down to "dumpster fire." Flip phones are really fun. I love using them, especially when taking selfies with the main camera. You can do that with the Fold 7, but holding that phone open is awkward. Holding a tiny little pocket square in your hand is so much easier and a much better experience. For $1,099, I think you will like this phone, too. Plus, it's cheaper than its primary competition, the Motorola Razr Ultra, which has a comparable camera and a higher price tag. There are some corners cut here. The Exynos processor is not bad (Motorola's flagship foldable has a Snapdragon processor), but not the best you can buy. I can't hate on Samsung's cover screen software too much because it's a curated experience that Samsung wants you to have, and it really only makes me sad because I'm a nerd. The cameras are very good for this category, though it wouldn't hurt Samsung to take some notes from overseas competitors. So, should you buy the Z Flip 7? Again, if you're a fan of the form factor, this is the most compelling foldable on offer here in the United States. If you're already looking at something like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, this one folds in half for only $100 more. I like what Samsung has finally done here, catching up to its contemporaries and restarting a competition war in which the consumer will ultimately win. You can buy the Z Flip 7 at Samsung, Amazon, and Best Buy (or just about any place that sells phones) for $1,099.99. The base version only comes with 256GB of storage, but if you pick up this phone at Amazon, you can get a $200 gift card at no extra cost, which is hard to argue with.

Galaxy Z Fold7 review: Slimmer, smarter, and closer to perfection

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 emerges as the most polished foldable, blending sleek design with flagship performance. Its lighter build and refined software, powered by One UI 8 and Galaxy AI, enhance usability. With excellent displays and a top-tier camera, it offers true multitasking capabilities, making it a worthy, albeit expensive, plunge into the future of mobile computing. Samsung was the first to enter the foldable market. While each generation brought incremental improvements, it's in 2025 that the company seems to have thrown everything it has into perfecting the form. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the proof, a sleeker, lighter device with a more usable cover display that finally makes the foldable concept feel complete. Alongside it, the Z Flip7 also gets a bold edge-to-edge redesign, but here, we're focusing on the more expensive sibling. After 20 days of testing the Z Fold7, one thing is clear: this isn't just an upgrade; it's a statement. With flagship-grade internals, refined design, AI-powered software, and true multitasking chops, the Z Fold7 is no longer just a futuristic gimmick but a real contender for your next daily driver. The big question is, at this premium price point, is it finally worth the plunge? Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is available in three variants. You can buy the device from Samsung's website, Amazon, or offline stores as well. Variant 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage ₹174,999 12GB RAM + 512GB Storage ₹186,999 16GB RAM + 1TB Storage ₹216,999 The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 represents a monumental leap in the foldable segment, truly maturing the form factor for the Indian market. It arrives with a meticulously crafted build, utilizing Advanced Armor Aluminum for its frame and a re-engineered Armor Flex Hinge, ensuring both robust durability and a noticeably lighter footprint. The display protection, with Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front (folded) and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, instills confidence for daily commutes and bustling city life. The most impactful change is the dramatic reduction in bulk. At just 8.9 mm when folded and a mere 215 grams, a significant weight cut from its predecessors, the Z Fold 7 now genuinely feels like a standard bar phone in hand when closed. This exceptional slimness and reduced weight, making it lighter than even some popular premium smartphones, is a game-changer for portability. Coupled with a larger, more expansive 21:9 cover screen, it's incredibly easy to navigate with one hand, whether you're quickly checking UPI notifications, glancing at social media feeds, or taking calls on the go, without the need to constantly unfold. Despite its impressive sleekness, the device maintains a distinctly solid and premium feel. The refined Armor Flex Hinge is a marvel of engineering; its excellent tension allows the phone to hold its position at various angles, making it perfect for Flex Mode usage during video calls or content consumption. This level of meticulous design and the sheer convenience it offers for the discerning Indian consumer truly justifies the premium price tag. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is available in a sophisticated array of colors, including Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, and Jet Black. Our review unit, the Blue Shadow variant, looks particularly neat and striking in person, adding a refined aesthetic to its groundbreaking design. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 nails the concept of dual displays, offering a seamless blend of flexibility and functionality. Both screens are top-tier Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels with adaptive 120 Hz refresh rates and LTPO tech, adjusting smoothly between 1 Hz and 120 Hz for fluid visuals and better power efficiency. The 6.5-inch Cover Display, with its FHD+ resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio, surprised us with how useful it became in day-to-day use. Whether it was checking WhatsApp, making UPI payments, navigating Google Maps, or scrolling through Instagram, this screen felt like a reliable daily driver, bright enough even under Delhi's harsh midday sun. It handled quick content consumption and light productivity tasks with ease. But it's when you unfold the device that it truly shines. The 8.0-inch inner display, with its sharp QXGA+ resolution and up to 2600 nits of brightness, is a powerhouse for multitasking, media, gaming, and productivity. Watching shows, editing presentations, or reviewing documents felt incredibly immersive, with the crease barely noticeable once you're engaged. In the end, the Z Fold7 delivers a premium, versatile experience thanks to the thoughtful synergy between a practical outer screen and a stunning, expansive inner display. While the Galaxy Z Fold7's displays offer a truly immersive and premium experience, we couldn't help but feel that the lack of an integrated S Pen is a missed opportunity. Surprisingly, we found ourselves missing the S Pen here far more than we did on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Given the expansive inner screen, it feels tailor-made for tasks like note-taking, sketching, or precise editing,, yet the absence of a built-in stylus limits that potential. We wouldn't mind a slight bump in thickness or even the inclusion of the S Pen in the box, especially considering the device's premium price. On a foldable built for productivity, the S Pen doesn't feel like a luxury;; it feels like it should be standard. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7's software experience is powered by One UI 8, running on Android 16, a commendable start. Samsung has also committed to an impressive 7 years of major Android OS upgrades and 7 years of security updates, ensuring long-term software viability. This is crucial, especially given the price point. During our review, we primarily leveraged the most useful Galaxy AI features seamlessly integrated into One UI 8. Circle to Search was a standout; whether we were identifying products in images or looking up information from any screen, it offered instant, contextual results. Live Translate proved incredibly handy for breaking down language barriers during calls or quick conversations. Generative Edit impressed us with its ability to effortlessly resize, remove, or reposition objects within photos right on the device. Beyond AI, One UI's distinct features for the main display were heavily utilized. The persistent Taskbar dramatically boosted our multitasking efficiency, allowing rapid switching and easy drag-and-drop between apps. The robust Multi-Active Window capabilities enabled true split-screen productivity, proving invaluable for side-by-side work. Crucially, all these powerful features, from AI enhancements to foldable-specific optimizations, worked smoothly and flawlessly, highlighting Samsung's commitment to a polished user experience on its flagship foldable. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, tailored for the discerning Indian market, is engineered to handle virtually any task with remarkable ease. Powering this formidable device is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, a custom-tuned variant designed for peak performance and advanced AI capabilities. For Indian consumers, the device is offered in robust configurations: 12GB RAM with either 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, and a top-tier variant boasting 16GB of RAM paired with a capacious 1TB of storage. These options ensure abundant memory and storage, leaving no room for complaints on that front. In terms of raw performance, the Z Fold 7 truly excels. From fluid app navigation and seamless multitasking across its dual displays to demanding gaming sessions and heavy productivity workloads, the device delivers a consistently smooth and responsive experience. We found that it maintained its composure even under significant strain, confirming its flagship-grade capabilities for daily use. Providing power for this performance is a 4,400mAh battery. Despite its capacity, which might appear modest for a device with two high-refresh-rate displays, we found the battery life to be quite solid, consistently yielding over 6 hours of screen-on time during our extensive usage. For most users, this translates to comfortably getting through a full day without needing an immediate recharge. The Z Fold7 also conveniently supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. However, when it comes to wired charging speeds, the Z Fold7's 25W support presents an area for potential enhancement. While functional for topping up the battery, in the 2025 flagship landscape where some competitors are offering significantly faster 100W+ charging solutions, Samsung's approach remains more conservative. This is a consistent characteristic we've observed across Samsung's top-tier devices, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra. For users in the fast-paced market who value rapid recharges, this aspect highlights an opportunity for Samsung to further elevate the overall premium experience. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 finally delivers a truly flagship-grade camera experience, marking a significant leap for the foldable series. Its rear camera system is formidable, headlined by a 200MP main sensor, which consistently captures incredibly detailed and vibrant photos with impressive clarity. In daylight, images showcase excellent sharpness, rich, true-to-life colors, and outstanding dynamic range, faithfully reproducing scenes. Even in challenging low-light conditions, thanks to its advanced ProVisual Engine, the output is significantly improved, rendering brighter photos with noticeably less noise and preserved textures, making night shots genuinely usable. This is complemented by a 12MP ultrawide lens (now with autofocus) and a 10MP 3x optical telephoto lens, offering superb versatility from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed shots. For selfies, the Z Fold7 features two dedicated cameras: a 10MP cover display camera and an improved 10MP main display camera. Both deliver sharp, clear self-portraits with good dynamic range in daylight, and offer decent performance in low light. Video performance is excellent across the board. The rear cameras support up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 60fps across all three lenses, delivering stable, high-quality footage. Crucially, the front cameras also support 4K at 60fps video recording, making them excellent for vlogging or high-resolution video calls. A standout feature is the ability to use the cover display as a viewfinder for the main rear cameras, empowering high-resolution selfies and vlogs with the best available optics. This comprehensive setup positions the Z Fold7 as a serious contender in mobile photography and videography. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is the most refined and complete foldable smartphone yet, successfully blending sleek design, flagship performance, and true multitasking capability. It's lighter, slimmer, and far more usable in daily life thanks to meaningful design upgrades and polished software powered by One UI 8 and Galaxy AI. Both displays are excellent, and the camera setup finally delivers a top-tier experience. That said, the phone remains prohibitively expensive. However, this is the first time a foldable truly feels like a complete package. For users who can afford it and are eager to experience the bleeding edge of smartphone innovation, the Z Fold7 is a worthy and exciting plunge into the future of mobile computing.