In 2019, I had my first encounter with the original Samsung Galaxy Fold foldable smartphone. At that time, the device was not only highly anticipated but also a bold experiment in mobile technology. My colleague had managed to acquire one, and as I examined it, I felt it was both groundbreaking and frustratingly impractical. The 4.6-inch cover screen was unattractive, the device was bulky when folded, and the internal display felt cheap—so much so that many early reviewers mistakenly tried to peel away what they thought was a protective film, damaging their devices in the process. Looking back, it was clear that the device wasn't quite ready for the market. Yet, I could see its potential: a smartphone that functioned like a traditional device but unfolded into a large-screen experience.
Fast forward to today, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 represents a monumental leap forward from its predecessors. The evolution from the Galaxy Z Fold6, which was already a significant improvement over the Fold5, is remarkable. This new model is truly the foldable device that many have been eagerly awaiting. While previous iterations had their charm, they often prompted responses like, "It's cool, but..." With the Fold7, that hesitation has nearly vanished. Is it flawless? Not quite, but it embodies a remarkable achievement in design and engineering, addressing many previous shortcomings. Even my colleagues who are staunch Apple fans have expressed admiration for this device.
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Almost everyone I’ve shown the Galaxy Z Fold7 to has reacted with awe. The initial reaction is typically the same—raised eyebrows, a moment of silence, and then genuine excitement. This is largely due to the Fold7’s strikingly refined form factor, which convincingly masquerades as a standard smartphone when folded. It achieves this with an incredibly thin and lightweight build, reducing its width by 26% compared to its predecessor. The Fold6 weighed 239 grams and measured 12.1 mm when folded, while the Fold7 weighs just 215 grams and measures 8.9 mm. In comparison, Samsung’s non-folding Galaxy S25 Ultra is heavier at 218 grams and only slightly thinner at 8.2 mm.
Photos do not do the Fold7 justice; the transformation from the previous model is nothing short of breathtaking. Both screens have been enlarged, with the cover screen now measuring 6.5 inches and the main display expanding to a full 8.0 inches—up from 6.3 inches and 7.6 inches, respectively. The cover screen feels almost like using a traditional S25+ smartphone, although I wish it were a tad wider. Nonetheless, this upgrade is a significant improvement over earlier versions.
A frequent complaint in my previous reviews of the Fold series has been the subpar camera performance relative to the devices' high price tags. The Fold7, however, makes notable strides in this area. This device features five lenses, including a powerful trio on the rear: a 200-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. There are also two matching 10-megapixel selfie cameras on both the cover and main displays. The standout feature is undoubtedly the 200-megapixel lens, borrowed from the flagship S25 Ultra, which delivers exceptional image quality.
For the first time on a Fold device, users can capture genuinely stunning images, rather than settling for merely decent shots. The Fold7 excels in various conditions, making it easy to achieve excellent results with minimal effort. Although the selfie cameras are slightly less impressive than those on the S25 Ultra, users can creatively use the cover display to frame shots while utilizing the main camera setup for selfies, albeit with a somewhat clumsy experience.
Switching between two screens on a smartphone can sometimes lead to performance lags. However, the Fold7 handles multitasking effortlessly, largely due to its powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This processor provides ample power to navigate through the One UI 8 interface smoothly. The interface feels polished and intuitive, building on the strengths of One UI 7 from the S25 Ultra. Additionally, Samsung’s suite of AI features is integrated seamlessly, enhancing the user experience without being intrusive.
Battery life on the Fold7 is surprisingly impressive, given its slim design. Samsung has managed to fit a robust 4,400 mAh battery into the reduced chassis, providing enough power to last over a day and a half of typical use.
Now, let’s discuss some of the less impressive aspects of the Fold7. Samsung has once again emphasized its Galaxy AI functionality, but I approach these features with skepticism. While some AI features are fun and useful, others seem gimmicky, and I remain wary about their practical applications. Although the AI is less intrusive this time around, I still find it frustrating that it struggles with tasks like accurately transcribing audio recordings—my personal benchmark for AI’s usefulness. Until this is resolved, my trust in AI remains limited.
The absence of the S Pen from the Fold7 doesn’t bother me personally, as I never found it useful. However, I acknowledge that some users appreciated the combination of the S Pen and the large internal display. For those fans, the lack of S Pen support is certainly a downside.
While I commend the Fold7 for its engineering prowess, I must point out a minor annoyance: the phone's slippery feel in hand. I am constantly worried about dropping it, given its sleek design. Additionally, the hinge can dig into my palm, making it less comfortable to hold. These are small grievances but noteworthy nonetheless.
The Galaxy Z Fold7 stands as the most fully realized foldable device I have encountered to date. It represents a remarkable achievement in mobile technology, reinforcing Samsung's position as a leader in the foldable market. Over the weeks, I’ve witnessed it garnering attention from those who were previously unimpressed by foldable devices. To quote one of my Apple-enthusiast colleagues, “They did it. They finally did it.” While the AUD$2,899 starting price may deter some potential buyers, for others, the time to embrace Samsung’s foldable innovation has finally arrived.
