Short answer: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the most refined and capable foldable Samsung has made, and for power users, multitaskers and content creators it’s worth the premium. It’s thin, the cover screen is finally usable, and the cameras are Ultra-level. This is my full review after spending significant time with it. For my very first impressions, see my Galaxy Z Fold 7 first impressions post.
Design and build
Picking up the Fold 7 for the first time, the impression is refined quality. The materials feel luxurious and the hinge feels solid and smooth, with a real sense of durability, which has been a key discussion point with earlier foldables.
- Folded, it feels more like a slab phone and is only 0.7mm thicker than my Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Unfolded, it’s slightly thicker than a USB-C port, which is insanely thin
- Colors: Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jet Black
A case worth considering: Tongate
With a phone this expensive I always use at least a case. For the last few days I’ve used the Tongate case with wallet. It has:
- A built-in lens protector that slides open and closed
- A privacy screen protector for the front display
- A hidden wallet for a few cards or your ID
- A built-in hinge cover for protection all around
Tongate also makes a magnetic MagSafe-compatible case with a hidden kickstand, and an option with a belt clip. The cases fit snugly so they won’t fall off if you drop the phone, and a lip around the sides protects the inner screen when you place it face down in tablet mode.
Cover screen and inner display
Finally, the cover screen feels truly usable. It’s much more practical for everyday tasks like checking email, replying to messages and browsing social media without unfolding the phone each time. It’s closer to a standard slab aspect ratio, at about 21:9, which makes it the most usable Fold yet. If you’ve used the Fold 6, the difference is night and day. It’s still a high-quality Dynamic AMOLED display.
Unfolded, the inner display is breathtaking, with popping colors and excellent brightness whether you’re watching videos, gaming or getting serious work done. The crease is about the same as last year, perhaps slightly better. It’s noticeable from the side, but not much when you look at it straight on in daily use. At the time of my review, the rumor was that next year’s model would improve it.
Multitasking and performance
The large display isn’t just for consuming content, it’s for doing more. Running multiple apps side by side feels natural, and dragging and dropping files between apps streamlines your workflow in a way a normal phone can’t. I managed emails while referencing documents and chatting with colleagues, like carrying a portable workstation. Flex mode is still incredibly useful too, letting you prop the phone up like a tiny laptop for hands-free video calls or to use the bottom half as a keyboard in some apps.
Under the hood, the Fold 7 is 38% more powerful than the Fold 6. It handled demanding tasks and graphically intensive games, and I didn’t experience a single stutter or lag. One UI 8 is well optimized for the form factor, with seamless app continuity between the cover screen and the main display.
Camera: Unfold Ultra
Samsung’s tagline this year was Unfold Ultra, meaning you get the Galaxy Ultra experience in a foldable. That starts with a 200MP camera. It isn’t exactly the same sensor as the S25 Ultra’s, but it’s a really good camera. You also get Ultra features like 8K video and LOG shooting, which is helpful if you shoot a lot of high-quality video.
- Portrait mode shots have excellent subject separation
- The ultra-wide lens captures expansive scenes
- Zoom is impressive on a phone this thick
- You can use the cover screen as a viewfinder for high-resolution selfies with the main rear cameras
- Flex mode makes hands-free photos and videos easy, without carrying a tripod
Battery life
I was worried when I heard it only had a 4,400mAh battery, but it performed really well. On a day of moderate to heavy use, I got through to the evening without a charger. Samsung claims up to 24 hours of video playback, though your mileage will vary depending on which screen you use most. If you use the inner screen and heavier apps, you may need to charge once during the day. Wired and wireless charging speeds are respectably fast.
Is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 worth it?
Foldables are an investment, but I can confidently say the Fold 7 feels like a major step forward. I wasn’t a big fan of the Fold 6, mainly because of the aspect ratio of its main display. The Fold 7 impressed me with its refined design, much-improved inner display, seamless multitasking and useful software. It’s not a novelty anymore. It feels like a mature, powerful and versatile device.
Who it’s for: the power user, the multitasker, the content creator and anyone who wants a truly unique, cutting-edge mobile experience.
Frequently asked questions
How thick is the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
Folded, it’s only 0.7mm thicker than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Unfolded, it’s slightly thicker than a USB-C port.
What camera does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 have?
A 200MP main camera, with 8K video and LOG support. It isn’t exactly the same sensor as the S25 Ultra’s, but it’s a really good one.
How is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 battery life?
The 4,400mAh battery got me through a moderate to heavy day until the evening. Samsung claims up to 24 hours of video playback. Heavy inner-screen use may need a top-up.
Is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 crease noticeable?
It’s about the same as last year, slightly better. It’s noticeable from the side but not much when you look straight on in daily use.
Is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 better than the Fold 6?
In my experience, yes, by a clear margin. The cover screen is far more usable, the inner display is improved, it’s 38% more powerful, and it gets the Ultra-level camera.
For a smaller foldable, see my Galaxy Z Flip 7 review.
Final verdict
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 surprised and impressed me. It’s the most refined and capable foldable Samsung has made, and it feels like they’re finally hitting their stride with this form factor. Are you thinking of picking one up? Tell me in the YouTube comments.
Watch the full video on YouTube | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 on Amazon | Tongate wallet case | Tongate MagSafe cover | Tongate store
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