Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Evaluation: Impressive Foldability that Lures Me Away from My iPhone
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the latest addition to Samsung's foldable smartphone lineup, is now available for purchase on Samsung.com. This phone-to-tablet device boasts a sleek and tightly packed design reminiscent of the Galaxy Note 7, with a thickness and weight comparable to a regular bar smartphone.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7's cameras produce high-quality photos with sharp details, vibrant dynamic range, and optical-quality 2x and 3x shots. The cover and folding display each feature 10-megapixel cameras, and the main camera comprises a 200-megapixel sensor, the same as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, along with a 13-megapixel ultra-wide and a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens. The camera system captures clearer photos with improved low-light performance compared to the Fold 6. Videos exhibit smoother video stabilization with less jerky movements, and they have improved quality in low-light situations with less noise.
The design and build of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 have undergone significant improvements. It is significantly thinner and lighter, with a thickness of 4.2 mm when unfolded and 8.9 mm when folded, making it about 26% thinner and approximately 24 grams lighter than the Fold 6. The internal display is larger, increasing from 7.6 inches on Fold 6 to 8.2 inches on Fold 7, providing more usable screen area. The cover display is slightly larger at 6.5 inches compared to 6.3 inches on the Fold 6 while maintaining high brightness levels (2,600 nits) and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
The Fold 7 also features a stronger hinge that folds flatter and reduces the dead space on the screen edge compared to previous models. It introduces a new titanium layer inside the screen for enhanced durability. The hinge and frame have been beefed up, the glass backside has been toughened, and the folding screen has been made thicker, but its IP rating remains the same (IP48).
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers improved multitasking capabilities, including easier opening of three apps simultaneously on the large screen. Enhanced Flex mode provides better video calls and media consumption. The outer screen now supports more widgets, increasing usability. Stylus input has been optimized for faster response and better handwriting-to-text conversion with fewer mistakes.
The Fold 7 features a brighter and more readable display overall, and the inside selfie camera uses a punch-hole style instead of the under-display camera of Fold 6, resulting in potentially better front camera performance. The device runs smoother and provides longer battery life, making it more reliable, especially with frequent open/close use. The 4,400mAh battery provides sufficient power for a full day of heavy usage, including apps, photography, and AI tasks.
Despite the many enhancements, the Fold 7's price has slightly increased from $1,900 (Fold 6) to $1,999 for the base 256 GB model. However, these improvements make it a compelling upgrade, especially for new buyers or those prioritizing design and camera performance.
In summary, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 brings a major design overhaul, making it thinner, lighter, and more durable, along with a larger and brighter display, improved camera system, better multitasking and stylus capabilities, longer software support, and enhanced battery life compared to the Fold 6. These improvements make it a compelling upgrade especially for new buyers or those prioritizing design and camera performance.
Gizmodo's latest review of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 praises its improved design, highlighting its thinner and lighter build, larger and brighter display, and enhanced camera technology. In comparison to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Fold 7 offers a 26% reduction in thickness and approximately 24 grams in weight, making it more ergonomic. The cover and folding displays each feature advanced cameras, with the main camera boasting a 200-megapixel sensor and improved low-light performance. This smartphone's future prospects are promising, offering not only a sleeker modern look but also top-notch technology in the realm of gadgets and gizmos. Mobile technology enthusiasts eagerly await to unbox the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which will undoubtedly revolutionize the market with its innovative features and double-duty capabilities of both a phone and tablet.
