Galaxy Z Fold 7 First Impressions and Features Overview

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a significant leap forward in foldable phone technology, addressing many of the past challenges and delivering a truly 'next level' experience. This updated device offers notable improvements in design, camera, and overall performance compared to its previous generations.

image

Key Points Summary

  • Initial Impressions and Foldable Phone Evolution

    The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has surprised users, as previous foldable phones were often problematic despite their attractive nature; this model, however, marks a significant improvement, representing a 'next level' advancement over its predecessors.

  • Crease Visibility

    The middle crease on the display is much less visible than in the previous generation, being barely noticeable and difficult to perceive unless the hand is held abnormally.

  • Physical Dimensions and Weight

    The phone, when folded, measures 8.6 millimeters and is 4.5 millimeters when open, with a significant weight reduction to 215 grams from the previous generation's 239 grams, making it feel more like a standard phone in hand.

  • External Display Aspect Ratio

    The external display's aspect ratio has changed to 21:9, providing a widescreen experience, unlike the very thin and elongated screen of the previous Fold model.

  • Internal Display and Selfie Camera

    The internal screen is now 8 inches with a 20:18 aspect ratio, moving away from the previous 4:3 ratio, and the selfie camera has shifted from an under-screen position to a more effective hole-punch design.

  • Hinge Mechanism

    The hinge is very stiff, initially feeling unusual but proving beneficial for modes like Flex Mode, requiring some effort to open and close.

  • Software and User Interface

    The device runs on One UI 8 and Android 16, featuring a fast and clear interface with smooth app switching, and includes a split notification/Control Center accessed by swiping left or right, similar to Xiaomi's previous implementation.

  • Multitasking and Display Consistency

    Multitasking capabilities are robust, allowing multiple apps to run in split-screen or windowed modes; however, the software struggles to treat the large foldable display as a single unified screen, causing inconsistencies in icon spacing and wallpaper display.

  • Camera System

    The main camera is a 200-megapixel sensor, a significant upgrade from the previous 50-megapixel lens, leading to much better photo quality, though the sensor size is slightly smaller to accommodate the phone's thinness. The phone retains a 3X optical zoom.

  • Camera Performance of Foldable Phones

    Foldable phones traditionally suffered from weak camera performance, but the Z Fold 7's 200-megapixel main camera significantly enhances its capabilities, allowing it to be considered a reliable camera phone.

  • Hardware Specifications

    The phone features 12 GB of RAM, upgradeable to 16 GB, with internal storage options including a 256 GB base model and a 1 TB version, powered by the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor.

  • Heat Management and Performance

    Despite its thinness, the phone includes an internal heater to compensate for heat loss, as the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor generates substantial heat, leading to some performance throttling compared to Ultra versions.

  • S Pen Support

    The Galaxy Z Fold 7 no longer supports the S Pen, a feature present in some previous foldable generations.

  • Market Availability of Foldable Phones

    The current market offers limited choices for foldable phones, primarily Samsung models and a few from Motorola, Huawei, and Oppo, making the Z Fold 7 a prominent option.

  • Recommendation and Future Outlook

    Given its improved design, better camera, and enhanced chip, the Z Fold 7 is highly recommended over its previous generation, with anticipation for upcoming foldable models in the market.

  • Durability and Protection

    The device incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic for the front display and Gorilla Glass Victus for the back, offering significantly improved protection, although the screen protector now sits less recessed into the frame.

  • Color Options

    The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is available in several colors, with blue being highlighted as the most attractive option.

This latest model really has a very, very noticeable difference in design from its previous generation, meaning its good-looking, this elegance, and a better camera and a much better chip.

Under Details

FeatureZ Fold 7Previous GenerationImprovement
Folded Thickness8.6 mmThickerReduced thickness
Unfolded Thickness4.5 mmThickerReduced thickness
Weight215 grams239 gramsSignificantly lighter (24g)
External Display Aspect Ratio21:9 (Widescreen)Very thin and elongatedMore standard and usable screen
Internal Display Size/Ratio8 inches, 20:18 Aspect Ratio4:3 Aspect RatioLarger and more versatile aspect ratio
Selfie Camera PlacementHole-punchUnder-screenBetter visibility and quality
Main Camera Megapixels200 MP50 MP4x higher resolution, much better photo quality
RAM12 GB (upgradeable to 16 GB)Not specified (implied lower)Higher base and expandable RAM
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (overclocked)Not specified (implied older/less powerful)Enhanced performance
S Pen SupportNoYes (for Fold)Removed S Pen functionality
ProtectionGorilla Glass Victus Ceramic (front), Gorilla Glass Victus (back)Less robust materials (implied)Significantly improved durability
Crease VisibilityMuch less visibleMore visibleBarely noticeable crease

Tags

Mobile
Smartphone
Enthusiastic
Samsung
Foldable
Share this post