21 Oct 2025
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, after seven generations, has reached a mature state, presenting a foldable phone largely free of serious flaws. This device distinguishes itself with a refined design, improved displays, and powerful performance, positioning it as a compelling option for users prioritizing advanced multitasking and a versatile form factor.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, following seven generations of development, has achieved a mature state, offering a foldable phone largely devoid of serious flaws. It provides a comprehensive experience, effectively combining smartphone and tablet functionalities within a single device.
The phone's most striking design element is its extreme thinness, which makes it truly eye-catching. An integrated thin hinge ensures that no gap is visible when the phone is closed, allowing it to fit perfectly from end to end.
When closed, the phone measures 8.9 millimeters thick, providing the feel of a regular smartphone. The wider, 6.5-inch external screen now features a more appropriate aspect ratio and reasonable bezels, making it practical and comfortable for everyday use, unlike previous narrower models.
The rear camera setup includes three lenses arranged on an island with a two-stage protrusion. This design causes a slight wobble when the phone is placed on a flat surface, though it is not significantly bothersome. The Type-C charging port, speaker, microphone, power button, and volume controls are situated on the bottom when the phone is closed.
When opened, the phone achieves an incredibly thin profile of 4.2mm, almost the thickness of a Type-C port itself. This remarkable thinness makes it nearly impossible to design a thinner phone without sacrificing the charging port, contributing to its seamless feel when unfolded.
The device features an upgraded hinge that is both thin and extensively tested, enhancing its overall structural integrity. Despite this, the crease in the middle of the display, though clean initially, becomes more noticeable with repeated opening and closing over time.
The phone includes a waterproof certification, maintaining the high standard expected in its price range. A minor design point is that the phone opens to approximately 175 degrees rather than a full 180 degrees, a subtle detail that could be refined but does not constitute a serious flaw.
Samsung displays maintain their excellent reputation, offering a 6.5-inch external and an 8-inch internal panel, both delivering 2000 nits of brightness. These high-quality displays provide superb contrast, detailed imagery, and vibrant color reproduction.
The internal foldable panel is inherently less resistant to scratches and scuffs than the external screen, necessitating careful handling. The internal selfie camera is visibly present, indicating a return to conventional placement after previous attempts at under-display technology.
Equipped with a 4400 mAh battery, the phone demonstrates efficient power consumption, though the battery capacity itself is not designed for exceptionally long usage. Charging is limited to 25 watts, resulting in an approximate 1 hour and 40 minute full charge time, which is considered a minor drawback for a premium device.
The integrated fingerprint sensor on the power button is notably thin due to the phone's slim design. This thinness can make the sensor slightly challenging to locate by touch for some users.
The main camera employs a 200-megapixel sensor, identical to that found in the S25 Ultra, capable of capturing photos at 12 MP, 50 MP, or 200 MP. While 200 MP offers superior detail, brighter shadows, and a better dynamic range upon detailed inspection, 12 MP is recommended as the most optimal setting for general photography.
The phone incorporates older 10-megapixel telephoto and 12-megapixel ultrawide sensors, offering up to 3x optical zoom with clear results and 30x digital zoom. Video recording is clean at 4K 60 frames per second. While the camera system is good, it is not presented as the primary reason to purchase this $2000 foldable phone, as comparable or superior cameras are available in non-foldable devices.
Two 10-megapixel selfie cameras are present, one on the external and one on the internal display, both delivering clean image quality. A notable 'selfie mode' allows users to leverage the superior main rear cameras as a viewfinder on the external screen for high-quality self-portraits.
The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor specifically designed for Galaxy, ensuring smooth, flawless performance. It may exhibit slight heating during intensive gaming but maintains high power efficiency. This flagship processor provides excellent performance for at least three years, assuming proper RAM and memory management.
The phone runs Android 16 with One UI 8, making its debut on a Samsung device. The interface is rich in features and functions, offering a clean and highly customizable user experience.
The external display functions as a conventional smartphone, while unfolding the device unlocks extensive multitasking capabilities. Users can simultaneously operate 3-4 applications, personalize the taskbar with frequently used apps, and configure custom multitasking layouts for various scenarios.
The Flex Mode offers unique functionalities when the phone is partially folded, such as media controls appearing on the bottom screen during video playback. Samsung's Galaxy AI features, including advanced photo and sound editing, are enhanced and more intuitive on the larger internal screen. AI can also assist with tasks like solving puzzle games.
The internal screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 no longer supports the Samsung Pen (Galaxy Pen).
The phone features stereo, mid-range speakers that produce clear sound. However, they lack depth and do not offer a very loud audio output.
With a price point of $2000, plus additional customs fees, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a significant investment. While some may question the cost for a single device, it effectively consolidates the functionality of both a high-end smartphone and a tablet into one. This value proposition primarily appeals to users who prioritize the versatility and advanced multitasking capabilities of a foldable device and for whom the high price is not a prohibitive factor.
This device represents the most flawless foldable Samsung has produced in seven years, showcasing a mature design, excellent displays, efficient battery, and robust performance.
| Feature | Detail | Insight/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Design Thinness | 8.9mm (closed), 4.2mm (open) | Extremely thin, feels like a regular phone when closed, uniquely slender when open, pushing design limits. |
| Hinge Design | Integrated, thinner, upgraded | Eliminates gap when closed, tested for durability, contributes to sleek aesthetic and structural integrity. |
| External Display | 6.5-inch, wider aspect ratio | More practical and user-friendly for daily tasks compared to previous generations. |
| Internal Display | 8-inch, 2000 nits brightness, visible crease | Large, high-quality, and bright; however, the crease becomes more noticeable over time with use. |
| Battery & Charging | 4400 mAh, 25W charging | Efficient power consumption, but charging speed is slow for its capacity, not ideal for quick top-ups. |
| Main Camera Sensor | 200 MP (same as S25 Ultra), 12 MP optimal default | Excellent photo quality, but the camera system isn't the primary differentiator or selling point for this device. |
| Selfie Capabilities | Dual 10 MP cameras, Main Camera Selfie Mode | Clean selfie quality; Main Camera Selfie Mode offers superior image capture using the rear cameras. |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Top-tier performance, smooth operation, high efficiency, ensuring future-proof usage for 3+ years. |
| Multitasking | Simultaneous 3-4 apps, customizable layouts, Flex Mode | Core strength of the foldable design, enabling high productivity and unique user interactions. |
| AI Features | Integrated Galaxy AI (editing, puzzle solving) | Enhanced user experience on the large screen, providing advanced smart functionalities. |
| Price Point | $2000 (plus customs) | Premium investment, essentially delivering the functionality of two devices (phone + tablet) in one. |
