Review: The Remarkably Slim Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s Top Foldable to Date


In the realm of foldable smartphones, thinner models are preferable, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a prime example. After several days with Samsung’s newest foldable, it is evident that its elegant design and adaptable display modes render it the finest to date. At a price point of $1,999, it qualifies as a premium product, and although its battery life may not be remarkable, the other attributes of the Fold 7 make it a compelling option for those who can afford it. Pre-ordering through Amazon provides a $300 gift card to help offset the cost.

**Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Pricing and Specifications**

The phone begins at $2,000, and its specifications warrant the expense:

– 8-inch AMOLED inner display with a resolution of 2184×1968 and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
– 6.5-inch AMOLED cover display at 2520x1080p resolution with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
– Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor
– 12/16GB RAM
– 256/512GB/1TB storage options
– 4,400mAh battery

This results in premium displays and a robust processor, though the battery capacity is relatively limited.

**Design and Displays**

Samsung has implemented notable design enhancements, rendering the Galaxy Z Fold 7 lighter and thinner than any prior foldable. Weighing in at 215g, it is lighter than the S25 Ultra, which features a single display. With a thickness of 8.9mm when folded and 4.2mm when opened, it feels pleasant to hold. The displays are superb, with the 8-inch inner screen perfect for watching videos and the 6.5-inch outer display serving efficiently as a standard phone. The sole drawback is the bulky bezel surrounding the outer display, which appears awkward but does not hinder functionality.

**Performance**

The Z Fold 7 achieved a GeekBench 6 score of 9,600, slightly below that of the S25 Ultra but still impressive. It delivers strong performance, with fast app launches and no noticeable lag. However, there are limited new software features, as the Fold 7 primarily modifies existing AI functionalities from the S25 lineup. The foldable design allows for split-screen editing and drag-and-drop capability.

**Cameras**

Samsung has enhanced the camera system with a 200MP primary lens, a marked upgrade from last year’s 50MP. The complete specifications include:

– 200MP wide rear lens
– 12MP ultra-wide rear lens
– 10MP telephoto rear lens featuring 3x optical zoom
– 10MP selfie cameras on both displays

The Z Fold 7 captures clear and vibrant images and excels in both macro and low-light photography. It supports up to 30x digital zoom, although the outcome is not always exceptional.

**Battery Performance**

The battery life of the Z Fold 7 is its primary shortcoming. The 4,400mAh battery managed approximately 20 hours in video playback assessments, which is reasonable but not remarkable for a $2,000 smartphone.

**Is It Worth It?**

Despite concerns regarding battery life, the Z Fold 7 is an outstanding foldable smartphone. If the cost is within your means and you find the design appealing, it deserves consideration. Its sleekness and performance set it apart, though the software capabilities remain somewhat ordinary.

**Where to Purchase**

Pre-orders can be made on Amazon and Samsung, with the phone set to ship on July 25.