Brief Summary
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 brings significant upgrades, making it the most meaningful update since the Fold 2. Key improvements include a thinner and lighter design, larger displays, a flagship-level camera, increased RAM, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. While the removal of S Pen support is a drawback, the overall package offers substantial enhancements, especially for users upgrading from older models.
- Thinner and Lighter Design
- Larger and Better Displays
- Flagship-Level Camera
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Chip
Introduction
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a significant advancement, finally aligning its hardware with its leading software capabilities. This iteration feels like a complete package, incorporating numerous changes, both major and subtle. The presenter outlines 18 key changes in the new model.
Pre-order Deals
Samsung is offering substantial pre-order incentives for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, including up to $1,000 in trade-in credit and an instant $150 Samsung credit. Ordering through the provided link adds an exclusive $50 Samsung credit, totaling $200. Those without a trade-in still receive an instant $300 discount. Bundling the phone with a Galaxy Watch or Buds provides a 30% discount on those accessories.
Design and Build
The Z Fold 7 introduces a significantly thinner design, measuring just 4.2mm when open and 8.9mm when closed, making it lighter than the S25 Ultra at 215g. The outer display is taller and wider with a 21x9 aspect ratio, providing a more conventional phone-like experience when folded. The crease is less noticeable during everyday use. The under-display camera has been replaced with a punch-hole 10-megapixel sensor, improving quality but sacrificing the seamless full-screen look. The camera layout is cleaner, but the camera bump is substantial.
Performance and Software
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 includes a 16GB RAM option for the top-tier 1TB model, enhancing multitasking. It is the first Samsung phone to ship with One UI 8 on Android 16, featuring improvements like enhanced third-party app support for the Now Bar and Now Brief, better animations, an improved audio eraser, and new dynamic effects for photos. Users also receive six months of Google AI Pro for free, providing access to advanced AI tools like Gemini Pro, along with the full Galaxy AI suite from the S25 Ultra.
Display Enhancements
Display sizes have been increased, with the cover screen now at 6.5 inches and the main display at 8 inches, resulting in a more usable screen area. The addition of proscaler AI display technology, similar to the S25 Ultra, enhances visuals, sharpens text, and improves color.
Internal Hardware and Performance
The Z Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, offering superior CPU, GPU, and AI performance compared to other phones, including iPhones. Despite the battery size remaining the same, the chip's efficiency provides an extra hour of video playback. Thermals are also improved, keeping the phone cooler during intensive tasks. The phone is now Qi2 certified, supporting magnetic wireless charging with compatible cases.
Camera Upgrades
The main camera has been upgraded to a 200-megapixel sensor, similar to the S25 Ultra, resulting in more detailed, sharper photos and better night performance. A new ultrawide camera with an improved sensor has also been added, though the resolution remains the same.
Additional Improvements and Drawbacks
Other upgrades include a new hinge, stronger ultra-thin glass, a stronger frame, and Vulcan graphics support. However, the removal of S Pen support due to the absence of a digitizer layer is a significant drawback, particularly for longtime Fold users who utilized the S Pen for productivity.
Final Recommendation
The Z Fold 7 is a worthwhile upgrade, offering a new design, improved displays, a flagship-level camera, more RAM, and a thinner, lighter build. It is the most significant Fold update since the Fold 2, making it a highly recommended upgrade, especially for those using older models.
