Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review | Return of the King?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 arrives with a few key changes which make it Samsung's best foldable yet. From a re-engineered design and some surprising feature changes to updated cameras and a polished software experience, this device aims to refine the foldable experience. The big question, however, is whether these changes are enough to make it a worthwhile upgrade from the Z Fold 6 and if it can truly be considered the best folding phone on the market.
The Big Changes
One of the most noticeable improvements is the cover display which is wider and taller. This makes the Z Fold 7 feel more like a traditional phone when closed. The device is also thinner and lighter making it more comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
Perhaps the most significant change is the removal of S Pen compatibility. Samsung made this decision to make the inner screen’s ultra-thin glass 50% thicker for improved durability and to contribute to the phone's thinner design. While this could be a deal-breaker for heavy S Pen users, it's a trade-off that I think many will appreciate for the improved durability and ergonomics.
Build, Display and Audio
The Z Fold 7 boasts fantastic build quality. The inner screen is rated for an impressive 500,000 folds and the phone proved durable in a bend test. Its thinness and lightness give it a premium feel. The cover display is not too skinny. I found it to be comparable to other foldable phones like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Oppo Find N5. The brightness is excellent even in direct sunlight. The inner display crease is very minimal. I believe it is the least noticeable among current foldable phones. The speakers are described as good. They are better than the Oppo Find N5 but not quite as good as the Z Fold 6. They are more than adequate for most users.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Z Fold 7, which uses the same 4400 mAh battery as the previous model, is surprisingly comparable to the Z Fold 6. This is an impressive feat considering the Z Fold 7 has larger screens. The efficiency of the new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is a significant factor, as are the software optimizations that Samsung has implemented. For my typical use, the battery life has been consistently adequate for a full day. Despite this, I can't help but wish for more. A larger battery would offer more peace of mind for power users and faster charging would be a welcome improvement for those times when a quick top-up is needed.
Cameras
The camera system is generally a strong point. The 200MP primary sensor is a significant upgrade from the previous model. It performs well in video and low light, capturing accurate colors and details which far less motion blur. The ultrawide camera is also solid, with larger pixels than last year. The telephoto lens is just okay with some images appearing less detailed at higher zoom levels. Compared to the 5x on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold or the much larger 3x on the Oppo Find N5, this is the lone place where the Z Fold 7 camera falls behind.
A Mature and Polished Software Experience
Samsung's One UI on the Z Fold 7 is a mature and feature-rich software experience that runs smoothly. While I’m not the biggest fan of One UI overall, I must admit that the polish of the user interface is especially notable when compared to other foldable UIs like Color OS and Oxygen OS. Samsung has packed the software with a number of useful features that make the phone incredibly versatile.
For example, the phone comes with stackable widgets and built-in routines that function much like a tasker. You also get a “Now bar” for media controls in the status bar and Samsung DeX for a desktop experience. The multitasking capabilities are also top-notch with advanced split-screen functionality and floating windows. Samsung has even adopted a version of Oppo’s Boundless View with a new 90/10 Split mode. For those who love to customize, the home screen has enlargeable folders and the Good Lock app provides extensive options for personalization.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to my final thoughts, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is simply a phenomenal phone. The drawbacks are few and far between, mainly the performance of the telephoto zoom at higher magnifications and my personal desire for a larger, faster-charging battery. These feel like minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. Having tested a number of folding phones from various manufacturers, I can confidently say the Z Fold 7 is as good as or better than any of its competitors. The combination of its refined hardware, powerful performance and incredibly polished software makes it the most complete folding phone experience I have ever had. This isn't just a slight improvement over last year's model; it is unequivocally Samsung's best foldable yet and quite possibly the best folding phone on the market today.