The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has officially launched, offering several improvements over its predecessors. With a thinner design, larger displays, and a more powerful chipset, the device promises a fresh experience for foldable enthusiasts. But, despite all the hype, it’s not without its drawbacks.
Let’s dive into the details of what’s new and what’s missing in the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
One of the most noticeable changes is the device’s slimmer profile. The Z Fold 7 measures just 4.2mm thick when unfolded and 8.9mm when folded, significantly thinner than the previous Galaxy Z Fold 6, which was 12.1mm thick. This is a clear effort by Samsung to compete with Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone, giving users a more refined and portable foldable device. The Z Fold 7 weighs only 217g, compared to the Z Fold 6’s 239g, and offers an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance.
The display has also seen improvements. The outer screen is now 6.5 inches with a resolution of 2520 x 1080, offering a more conventional aspect ratio, making it easier to use for everyday tasks. The inner display has expanded to 8 inches, which is a near-tablet experience, perfect for productivity on the go. However, the Z Fold 7 does not support the S Pen, a notable exclusion. Samsung explained this choice as a means to make the device thinner and more durable, though it may disappoint users who were hoping for S Pen compatibility.
On the camera front, the Z Fold 7 comes with impressive upgrades. The main camera features a 200MP sensor, paired with a 12MP ultrawide lens and a 10MP telephoto lens. The same 10MP sensor is used for the front-facing camera, both inside and outside. This is a significant upgrade from the previous 4MP sensor, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to improving photography quality.
Under the hood, the Z Fold 7 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, with options for 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and storage choices ranging from 256GB to 1TB
. Despite the thinner design, the device packs a 4,400mAh battery that supports 25W charging. Samsung claims that with the improved efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the battery should comfortably last a full day, though we’ll have to wait for real-world tests to confirm this. The device will run on Android 16 with One UI 8, bringing a host of AI-driven features to enhance productivity.
For those eager to grab one, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be available in four color options: Jet Black, Silver Shadow, Blue Shadow, and an exclusive Mint color. However, the price tag is steep, with the base model priced at $1,999.99, $100 more than its predecessor.
This price hike may deter some, especially when considering the lack of certain features like the S Pen.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an exciting step forward for Samsung’s foldable lineup, but it’s not without its compromises. For those willing to splurge, it offers a premium experience with some notable improvements, though the exclusion of the S Pen may leave some users frustrated.