Introduction: A Foldable That's Redefining the Rules
Imagine a phone that unfolds into a mini tablet, slips into your pocket like any premium flagship, and still manages to pack a 200MP camera. Sounds like science fiction? That’s the reality with Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 7, a foldable device that not only pushes boundaries it practically erases them.
With each generation, Samsung's Z Fold series has moved closer to mainstream viability. But the Fold 7 might just be the one that crosses that line. Lighter, thinner, and smarter than its predecessor, it fuses cutting-edge hardware with serious software upgradesf including Android 16 and powerful Google Gemini AI features.
However, all this innovation comes at a price literally. Starting at $1,999, this is Samsung’s most expensive foldable to date. So, is it worth it? Let’s unfold the truth.
Design & Build: Folded Elegance, Unfolded Brilliance
Let’s talk numbers: when folded, the Z Fold 7 is just 8.9mm thick only slightly bulkier than the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm. Unfold it, and you’re looking at a jaw-dropping 4.2mm thin chassis. That’s slimmer than most smartphones, let alone foldables.
It also tips the scales at just 215 grams, making it lighter than even some non-folding phones in Samsung’s lineup. The device feels like it was crafted by a team of minimalist watchmakers it’s incredibly solid yet sleek, with Armor Aluminum for the frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, and the new Ceramic Glass 2 on the display.
Samsung's redesigned FlexHinge makes folding smooth and firm, and the crease? It’s less pronounced, though still slightly visible under certain lighting. While not waterproof, its IP48 rating means it can handle splashes and dust just don’t take it to the beach.
Display: Double the Delight
The Z Fold 7 doesn’t just impress when opened up it shines even when closed. The 6.5-inch outer display now sports a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it feel like a standard smartphone. This upgrade alone makes using the phone folded up far more enjoyable.
Unfold it, and you're greeted by an 8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED screen that looks like it was ripped straight from an iPad Mini only more vibrant and snappier. With an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, everything from gaming to multitasking feels buttery smooth.
There’s also a redesigned under-display camera on the inner screen. This time, it’s not hidden under pixel clusters but rather sits exposed for better image clarity and a wider 100-degree field of view. It’s slightly disruptive to the full-screen experience, but the improved photo quality is a fair trade-off.
One downside? No S Pen support. Samsung had to remove the digitizing layer to achieve this ultra-thin profile. If you’re a digital artist or note-taker, this might be a dealbreaker.
Cameras: Flagship Imaging, Finally
Samsung has finally answered long-time foldable fans’ prayers: the main camera now boasts a 200MP sensor. This is the same sensor found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and it’s an absolute beast. Whether you’re capturing sprawling landscapes or zooming in to count someone’s freckles, the detail is phenomenal.
Here’s the complete camera setup:
- 200MP wide-angle main lens
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 10MP 3x telephoto
- 10MP front-facing cover camera
- 10MP inner screen camera
Sure, you’ll mostly shoot in 12MP pixel-binned mode, but the quality is noticeably better, especially in low-light conditions. Unfortunately, there’s still no 5x optical zoom, likely due to the impossibly thin frame. That said, the 3x lens still produces solid results.
The selfie cameras especially the one on the main screen are a massive step up from the Z Fold 6’s 4MP lens. Whether you’re on a video call or snapping a quick mirror pic, you’ll appreciate the clarity.
Performance: Snapdragon Elite, Unleashed
Under the hood is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite for Galaxy, a customized, overclocked version built specifically for Samsung. Paired with 12GB of RAM (or 16GB on the 1TB model) and 256GB of storage out of the box, the Z Fold 7 handles everything from multitasking to mobile gaming like a pro.
During testing, even with multiple apps running side-by-side, there were no hiccups. That said, due to its thin chassis, the phone does warm up a bit under load. Samsung seems to be letting the heat dissipate directly through the frame a clever, if slightly toasty, workaround.
Battery Life: Same Size, Smarter Use
Despite slimming down drastically, the Fold 7 somehow retains a 4,400mAh battery the same as last year. But thanks to more efficient components and AI optimization, Samsung claims 24 hours of video playback.
Real-world use will vary, but this is promising. During light multitasking and media playback, you can likely squeeze out a full day. For gamers and power users, expect to charge nightly.
Charging remains the same at 25W wired, which is relatively modest in today’s fast-charging world. If you’re used to OnePlus’ lightning-fast 67W SuperVOOC, this might feel sluggish.
Software & AI: Android 16 + Gemini = Smarter Everything
This is one of the first devices to ship with Android 16, and Samsung has fully embraced Google Gemini AI. The new Gemini Live feature looks stunning on the 8-inch display and supports side-by-side multitasking with responsive AI interactions.
One standout feature is Circle to Search even within games. Want to know more about an in-game character or weapon? Just circle it, and Gemini fetches everything you need in real time. It’s intuitive, fast, and genuinely useful.
Samsung’s OneUI also feels more polished than ever, with foldable-specific tweaks that make app switching and multitasking feel seamless.
Storage & Colors: Choice Galore
You can choose from:
- 256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage options
- 12GB or 16GB RAM
- Colors: Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack, and a Mint exclusive via Samsung.com
Storage is now UFS 4.0, which means super-fast read/write speeds. App launches, file transfers, and multitasking all benefit.
Price & Value: A Luxury Foldable For a Price
At $1,999 / £1,799 / AU$2,899, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 isn’t for the faint of wallet. That’s a $100 increase over last year in the US. It’s also pricier than the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which starts lower and offers comparable hardware in some areas.
Still, the Fold 7 delivers a level of refinement and innovation that competitors can’t match. For some, it’s finally the foldable worth upgrading to. For others, the cost might be a dealbreaker especially when the Z Flip 7 and Z Flip 7 FE offer more affordable folding experiences.
Final Verdict: Is the Z Fold 7 the Foldable King?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterclass in engineering. It’s thin, light, powerful, and finally equipped with a flagship-level camera system. It looks and feels like the future because it is.
But all that futuristic tech comes with compromises. No S Pen. No 5x zoom. A sky-high price tag.
If you’re willing to pay the premium for innovation and productivity in your pocket, the Fold 7 is the best foldable you can buy today. For everyone else, the dream might need to wait another year or another paycheck.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Thinnest and lightest foldable yet
- Stunning 200MP main camera
- Gorgeous displays, inside and out
- Android 16 with deep Gemini AI integration
- Feels like a real, usable flagship even when folded
Cons:
- No S Pen support
- Still no 5x optical zoom
- $1,999 starting price may limit its audience
- 25W charging feels outdated