The concept of a foldable phone has evolved significantly over the years, transforming from a novelty into a practical device. With the recent releases in the market, manufacturers have continuously improved their products while addressing common user complaints. Today, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands out as a remarkable advancement, showcasing impressive features that make it the best foldable phone most consumers can purchase. This raises an important question: is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 compelling enough to persuade you to invest in a foldable device?
Samsung has made notable strides in the foldable phone arena, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 epitomizes this progress with its excellent fit and finish. One of the standout features is its remarkably thin profile, measuring just 8.9mm when closed. This thickness is only 0.7mm greater than the iPhone 16 Pro Max, making it a significant achievement considering it houses an additional display and other hardware components. The days of bulky and fragile foldables seem to be behind us, as the Fold 7 has successfully crossed the critical 10mm barrier that many consumers found unacceptable.
Daily use of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a pleasant experience. It feels like a standard smartphone in your hand and pocket, with no added bulk when closed. Even when using a case—essential for protecting such a premium device—the thin design prevents it from feeling cumbersome. Weighing in at just 217g, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is lighter than even the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This lightweight feature often gives users the impression that the phone has slipped from their hands, enhancing the overall user experience.
While the thinness of the device is a triumph, some users may find it slightly challenging to open initially. However, the short adjustment period is a small price to pay for a device that excels in almost every other aspect. Samsung has effectively resolved many previous complaints about foldable hardware, with the only remaining issue being the lack of full dust resistance. However, the device does come with an improved IP48 rating, providing water resistance and protection against larger dust particles.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts larger displays than its predecessors, with the external screen measuring 6.5 inches and featuring a more conventional aspect ratio. This design enhancement makes it more user-friendly, as it encourages users to utilize the outer display for everyday tasks rather than forcing them to open the device for most functions. The internal display expands to an impressive 8 inches, resembling a compact tablet in your pocket, offering ample space for multitasking without feeling unwieldy.
Although the infamous display crease remains, it has been minimized significantly, now appearing as a subtle divot that is hardly noticeable. Both displays deliver bright, vibrant colors with a fast refresh rate of 120Hz, ensuring a stunning visual experience. However, some users may find the aspect ratio limiting for video playback, but for general browsing and gaming, the displays are exceptional.
In a surprising move, Samsung has eliminated S Pen support from the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Citing low user demand and space constraints, the company has opted to streamline the device. While the S Pen had its fans, many users found the experience cumbersome, requiring either a bulky case to store it or carrying it separately. This decision seems justified, as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 prioritizes a sleeker design over the added functionality of the S Pen.
Samsung's One UI 8 software layer on top of Android has received praise for its performance, particularly on larger screens. The redesign introduced in One UI 7 enhances the overall aesthetic and functionality, making it ideal for multitasking and foldable usage. Although there aren't any groundbreaking new features, the stability and familiarity of the software contribute positively to the user experience. However, Samsung could benefit from incorporating innovative multitasking features seen in competitors’ devices.
In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM ensure smooth operation across all tasks, from gaming to multitasking. While the device does heat up more than previous generations, it remains manageable and does not hinder performance.
The camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is satisfactory, featuring a 200MP primary camera that matches the quality of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. While video quality remains solid, some processing inconsistencies persist. The telephoto and ultrawide cameras are functional but do not match the excellence of the primary shooter. The selfie cameras have been upgraded to 10MP, providing decent quality for both photos and video calls.
One of the most significant drawbacks of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is its battery life. While it maintains a 4,400 mAh capacity, users may find it underwhelming. On average, users can expect to get through a day of moderate use, but the battery may dip to 15-20% by the end of the day. The 25W wired charging speed is also disappointing, especially for a device that may require multiple charges throughout the day.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a culmination of improvements and refinements in the foldable phone market. However, its premium price tag of $2,000 raises concerns for many potential buyers. While it offers a high-quality experience compared to alternatives, the cost remains a significant barrier for most consumers. Samsung may need to consider offering lower-priced options or trial programs to attract more customers.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is undoubtedly the best foldable phone available today. It has addressed many past complaints and offers a remarkable user experience, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade or purchase a foldable device for the first time. With its unique design and top-notch features, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 deserves a spot at the top of your shopping list.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available for purchase, with competitive trade-in values typically found at Samsung.com. Check out a full list of retailers and their offers to find the best deal for you.
