Samsung has long focused on improving its foldable technology. There has been a gradual, if not rapid, progression from the bulky, experimental Galaxy Fold to the slimmer, more robust Fold 5.
But Samsung has finally taken a risk with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This isn’t your typical yearly update. The Fold series is being fully reintroduced into the flagship spotlight, along with a redesign of the design and specifications.
1. The Fold That Finally Feels Complete
Samsung has long focused on improving its foldable technology. There has been a gradual, if not rapid, progression from the bulky, experimental Galaxy Fold to the slimmer, more robust Fold 5.
But Samsung has finally taken a risk with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. This isn’t your typical yearly update. The Fold series is being fully reintroduced into the flagship spotlight, along with a redesign of the design and specifications.
Crucially, the inside under-display camera (UDC) is gone. That hazy 4MP compromise has been replaced by a clean 10MP shooter. It’s still not flagship-quality, but at least it doesn’t get in the way.
2. Big Camera Moves
In relation to the cameras, Samsung at last upgraded the Fold. The enormous 200MP camera, which made an impression on the S24 Ultra, replaces the long-running 50MP sensor in the Fold 7. Although it still uses a 10MP 3x telephoto and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, the image quality—particularly the detail in well-lit areas—improves significantly.
This is the Fold you’ve been waiting for that can also function as a real premium camera phone.
3. More Power, More AI, Less Compromise
Additionally, the Fold 7 is the first Samsung phone to feature Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which replaces the Fold 6’s Gen 3 for Galaxy. Although it has a slightly greater peak CPU and GPU performance and is based on a more efficient 3nm node, what really jumps out is what Samsung is doing with that power.
A number of AI capabilities designed for large screens are added by One UI 8 (based on Android 16). With features like “Drag & Drop” AI content creation, multimodal Gemini Live for contextual inquiries, AI-powered background noise reduction in movies, and improved picture editing with “Suggest Erases,” you get more.
Even without the S Pen, which has been replaced by a slimmer chassis, Drawing Assist and Writing Assist for creative professionals make full use of the large screen real estate.
4. Built to Last, Actually
The Fold’s weakness has always been its durability, but Samsung has obviously learnt from past models. The Z Fold 7 retains Victus 2 on the back and adds Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, a new material with embedded crystals for improved fracture resistance, to the cover screen.
A revised multi-rail construction makes the hinge stronger and sleeker, and the display has a titanium plate and 50% thicker Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG). A more relaxed folding arc has also improved the crease, making it shallower and less obvious to the touch and eye. The phone is still rated at IP48, which is a significant increase over the Fold 5’s IPX8 classification.
With fewer trade-offs than ever before, this combination makes it the most reliable Fold to date.
5. What’s Not New
Not everything has changed. Since the Fold 4, the 4400mAh battery, 25W wired charging, and 15W wireless charging configuration have not changed. That’s okay, but with 45W+ fast charging and 5000mAh+ foldables, it’s getting a touch antiquated.
Even though Samsung made significant advancements in AI and design, multitasking hasn’t seen a significant change; split-screen and taskbar functionality are improved but not much different from the previous year.
6. Pricing and Verdict
The Fold 7’s starting price of $999.99 is consistent with Samsung’s ultra-premium pricing approach. At introduction, it was more expensive than the Fold 6, which had a starting price of $1899. However, you’re getting a smarter software experience, a redesigned design, improved internals, and far better cameras. For the first time in years, the Fold seems more like a fresh generation than a well-executed remake.
The Fold 7 is more camera-capable, lighter, quicker, smarter, and smaller than the Fold 5 and Fold 6. To put it briefly, it’s Samsung’s best Fold to yet. The only real issue at this point is whether it will be sufficient to bring foldables into the mainstream or if the market will continue to be a high-end niche that strives for excellence.
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