The smartphone world just got a serious shake-up. Samsung’s newest foldable phone is so impossibly thin that you’ll question the laws of physics when you first hold it. But is being the slimmest enough to justify its eye-watering price tag?
Why This Foldable Changes Everything
Imagine carrying what feels like a regular smartphone in your pocket, then unfolding it to reveal an 8-inch tablet. That’s exactly what the Galaxy Z Fold 7 delivers, and it does so while weighing less than Samsung’s own Galaxy S25 Ultra.
At just 215 grams, this foldable actually weighs three grams less than Samsung’s non-folding flagship. When folded, it measures only 8.9mm thick – barely thicker than a standard smartphone. Unfold it, and you’re looking at an impossibly slim 4.2mm profile that seems to defy engineering logic.
The Camera Revolution We’ve Been Waiting For
For years, foldable phones have asked you to pay flagship prices while accepting sub-flagship cameras. The Z Fold 7 finally fixes this frustrating compromise with a 200MP main camera – the same sensor found in Samsung’s most expensive phones.
This isn’t just about bigger numbers. Those extra megapixels mean you can crop into photos and discover details that would be lost on lesser cameras. While you’ll typically shoot in 12MP mode for everyday photos, the system combines information from all those pixels to deliver sharper, more colorful images.
The camera setup includes:
- 200MP main camera for stunning detail
- 12MP ultra-wide lens for group shots and landscapes
- 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom
- Improved 10MP cameras on both the cover and main screens
What You’ll Love (And What Might Frustrate You)
The Good Stuff
The cover display has grown to 6.5 inches with a more natural 21:9 aspect ratio, making it feel like using a regular phone when folded. The main 8-inch screen matches an iPad Mini’s size, perfect for productivity, gaming, and media consumption.
Samsung has also improved the hinge mechanism, creating smoother folding action with less visible creasing. The phone feels premium with its Armor Aluminum construction and Gorilla Glass protection.
The Trade-offs
Achieving this remarkable thinness came with sacrifices. The S Pen support is gone – Samsung couldn’t fit the digitizing layer into such a slim design. If you loved drawing or taking notes on previous Fold models, you’ll need to adapt to finger input or basic styluses.
The telephoto camera maxes out at 3x optical zoom instead of the 5x found on Ultra models. Again, fitting advanced camera hardware into a 4.2mm frame presents real engineering challenges.
Daily Life with the Z Fold 7
Multitasking Made Simple
The large main screen truly shines for productivity. You can run three apps simultaneously, video chat while taking notes, or browse the web while watching videos. The phone’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor handles these demanding tasks smoothly, though you might notice some warmth during intensive use.
AI Integration That Actually Helps
Google’s Gemini AI gets special treatment on the Z Fold 7. Gemini Live uses the full tablet-sized interface, and you can run it alongside other apps. The enhanced Circle to Search now works within games, letting you get instant information about characters or strategies without leaving your game.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Galaxy Z Fold 7 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 215g |
| Thickness (Folded) | 8.9mm |
| Thickness (Unfolded) | 4.2mm |
| Main Display | 8-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED |
| Cover Display | 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED |
| Main Camera | 200MP f/1.7 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| RAM | 12GB (16GB for 1TB model) |
| Storage Options | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Battery | 4,400mAh |
| Operating System | Android 16 with One UI 8 |
| Colors | Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack, Mint (online exclusive) |
The Price Reality Check
Here’s where things get complicated. The Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999.99 in the US, £1,799 in the UK, and AU$2,899 in Australia. That’s $100 more than last year’s model in America, pushing this foldable dangerously close to the $2,000 psychological barrier.
For many people, this pricing puts the phone out of reach, especially when capable alternatives like the Z Flip 7 FE start at $899. Samsung offers trade-in programs and payment plans, but the base price remains a significant investment.
Should You Buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
This foldable represents Samsung’s most refined effort yet. If you’ve been waiting for a foldable that doesn’t feel like a compromise, the Z Fold 7 delivers. It’s thin enough to use as your only phone while providing genuine tablet functionality when needed.
However, the high price and missing features like S Pen support mean it’s not for everyone. Consider this phone if you prioritize cutting-edge design, need genuine multitasking capabilities, and can justify the premium cost.
For casual users or those new to foldables, Samsung’s more affordable options might provide better value while still delivering the folding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 support wireless charging?
A: Samsung hasn’t confirmed wireless charging capabilities in early reviews, though previous models supported it.
Q: How durable is the folding screen?
A: The phone features IP48 water resistance and improved hinge design, but avoid sand and be gentle with the flexible display.
Q: Can I use any stylus with the Z Fold 7?
A: Only soft-tip styluses work since Samsung removed the S Pen digitizing layer to achieve the thin design.
