After close to a month of rigorous testing, I am convinced that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might just be the best phone on the planet. Coming from its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, I was already enamored with its innovative design that seamlessly transitions between a phone and a tablet. However, I often found myself explaining that while the Z Fold 6 was fantastic, it wasn’t the ideal choice for everyone. Had Samsung not provided this phone for review, I likely would have opted for something like the Galaxy S25 or Google Pixel 9, as they offer superior value for money. Fortunately, the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 changes the narrative.
While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is still a premium device, it justifies its high price more effectively than its predecessor. One of the most significant improvements is the outer display, which has increased from 6.3 inches to a more spacious 6.5 inches. More importantly, Samsung has revamped the aspect ratio to a standard 21:9, eliminating the issues of compressed apps that plagued the Z Fold 6. When closed, the Z Fold 7 resembles a typical flagship smartphone, offering a cohesive user experience.
Opening the device reveals a larger inner screen that enhances productivity, gaming, and media consumption. The Z Fold 7 is impressively slim at just 8.9mm thick when folded, making it only 0.7mm thicker than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Even my fiancée, who is accustomed to seeing me open my phone, was taken aback by the Z Fold 7's sleek design, mistaking it for a standard single-screen phone. Though it’s only marginally thinner and lighter than the Z Fold 6, these subtle changes significantly improve everyday handling.
The most substantial upgrades come from the camera system. On paper, the Z Fold 7 features a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP 3X optical zoom lens, similar to the Z Fold 6. However, Samsung’s hardware tweaks have noticeably improved image quality. The standout feature is the new 200MP main sensor, which matches the quality of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This high-resolution sensor allows for stunning photos that can be cropped without losing detail. Additionally, the updated selfie camera boasts 10MP, a significant upgrade from the 4MP under-display camera in the previous model.
Despite these advancements, the battery size remains unchanged from the Z Fold 6. However, efficiency improvements allow the Z Fold 7 to deliver about an extra hour of use, totaling around 24 hours. While this is commendable, it still falls short of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which offers a remarkable 31-hour battery life. From my experience, the Z Fold 7 usually requires a charge by late afternoon or evening. Additionally, it maintains the same IP48 rating for water and dust resistance as its predecessor. While this rating might not be ideal, I found it sufficient during my recent beach trips and desert adventures, where the device remained unscathed.
Returning to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it’s important to note that while the Z Fold 7 is marketed as an ultra-level phone, the S25 Ultra still holds advantages in battery life, camera array, and display resolution. The S25 Ultra also supports the S Pen, which I personally find unnecessary for my usage. However, the gap between the Z Fold 7 and the S25 Ultra has narrowed significantly, especially with its impressive tablet-like display.
Ultimately, cost will play a crucial role in your decision-making process. If your budget allows for it, I highly recommend considering the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Unlike the Z Fold 6, this device feels like a worthy investment. I can confidently say that I would choose the Z Fold 7 for my daily driver, a sentiment I couldn’t express for previous foldable models. Don’t miss out on experiencing this remarkable phone for yourself.
