Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: The North Star of Foldables

Samsung isn’t just iterating; they’re detonating the foldable paradigm with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Remember the Z Fold 6? Solid, sure, but hardly revolutionary. Insiders whisper Samsung practically rebuilt the Fold 7 from the silicon up. The instant you cradle the two side-by-side, the chasm between them yawns wide. Yes, its impossibly sleek form factor grabs headlines, but the Fold 7’s evolution is far more than skin deep.

The Fold 7 isn’t just slimmer and lighter; it’s a chameleon. Its upgraded cover screen transforms it into a familiar, bar-phone experience, offering a surprising burst of usable display. Unfold it, and you’re greeted by an expansive inner screen rivaling a small tablet. Prepare for a photographic leap; the camera advancements over the Fold 6 are staggering, detailed in our dedicated camera deep-dive. But Samsung’s magic doesn’t stop at the surface; expect software surprises that redefine the foldable experience.

Leapfrogging the Pixel, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 bursts onto the scene flaunting One UI 8, underpinned by Android 16. That’s right, the future of Android is here, and it’s unfolding in Samsung’s latest powerhouse.

But brace yourself; this glimpse into tomorrow comes at a premium. The Z Fold 7 nudges past its predecessor’s launch price of Rs. 164,999 (for the 12GB + 256GB model), demanding Rs. 1,74,999 for the same configuration. Crave the ultimate? Prepare to part with Rs. 2,16,999 for the 16GB RAM and 1TB storage behemoth.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 shatters records as India’s first smartphone to boldly cross the Rs. 2 lakh price barrier – a milestone I confess, caught me completely off guard.

Forget the price tag for a moment. Does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 redefine foldable perfection? This review dives deep to answer that very question.

The Fold 7, much like other premium Samsung phones, doesn’t ship with a charger

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Design: Thin is in

• Dimensions – 158.4×143.2×4.2mm
• Weight – 215 grams
• IP Rating – IP48

Samsung hasn’t just refined the foldable; they’ve sculpted a masterpiece. Remember the brick-like feel of earlier book-style foldables? Gone. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 slashes thickness to a mere 4.2mm unfolded, making it the slimmest foldable champion in India. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Weighing in at a featherlight 215 grams, the Fold 7 outshines even standard smartphones. Consider this: it’s lighter than the mighty iPhone 16 Pro Max (227 grams), shades the Vivo X Fold 5 (217 grams), its direct competitor, and even undercuts the sleek Galaxy S25 Ultra (218 grams). The Fold 7 isn’t just thin; it redefines what’s possible, making it impossibly light in your hand.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 weighs 215 grams

Let’s talk about the unsung hero of foldable phones: the hinge. Samsung’s betting big on it this year with their new Armour Flex Hinge. Forget the Fold 6, this one’s supposedly tougher and more compact, or so they claimed during the keynote. The result? That dreaded crease is practically invisible unless you’re actively hunting for it.

Initially, this new hinge design feelstight. Opening the phone can be a real workout, especially if your hands are even slightly damp. Think of it as a handshake that’s a littletoofirm at first, but loosens with familiarity.

Now, about those edges… Ouch. They’re sharp enough to leave an impression, and not the good kind. A more curved design would have been a welcome relief. The good news? A case fixes this instantly, transforming discomfort into ergonomic bliss.

Samsung says that the updated Armour aluminium in the frame and hinge housing increases strength and hardness by 10%

Samsung has shielded the Fold 7 with Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on its cover display and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the rear. The Armor Aluminum frame doesn’t just feel luxurious; it inspires confidence in everyday resilience. Size matters, and the Fold 7’s slightly wider and taller design is a game-changer, transforming the cover screen into a genuinely usable phone. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button unlocks convenience, while the tactile volume rocker is easily accessible. A word of caution: the Fold 7’s sleekness comes at a price – it’s surprisingly slippery. Handle with care, lest it stage a daring escape from pockets or tabletops.

Side-by-side, the Fold 7’s cover screen dominates. The Fold 6’s display, once impressive, now shrinks in comparison, a stark reminder of how quickly technology evolves. It’s not just bigger; it’s a visual statement.

The Fold 7’s rear whispers familiarity, echoing the design language of its Fold 6 predecessor. But a closer look reveals a bold departure: camera housings that dare to protrude. This newfound prominence comes at a price – a disconcerting wobble when the phone rests screen-up on a flat surface. While Samsung has bolstered its defenses against the elements with an IP48 water resistance rating, the Fold 7 remains vulnerable to the insidious threat of dust. This omission demands a heightened level of vigilance, a constant awareness of the delicate nature of this premium device.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures 8.9 mm in thickness when folded and 4.2 mm when unfolded

The Fold 7 lands in India draped in the enigmatic Blue Shadow, the sleek Silver Shadow, and the commanding Jet Black. But it was the Blue Shadow that stole the show for this review – a colour so captivating, it’s practically hypnotic. Forget incremental improvements; the Fold 7 isn’t just a step up from the Fold 6, it’s a quantum leap. You’ll feel the difference in ways you can’t even imagine.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Display: Solid upgrade

• Display – Main: 8-inch foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X with 1968×2184 pixels, 2600nits, 368PPI, 120Hz
• Cover: 6.5-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X with 1080×2520 pixels, 422PPI
• Additional features – Titanium plate layer for display support

Forget phablets. The future is folding, and the Fold 7 just redefined its potential as the ultimate bar phone. The cover display isn’t just bigger; it’s bolder. Leaping from the Fold 6’s 6.3 inches to a sprawling 6.5-inch canvas, it’s a visual feast for your thumbs. We’re talking a crisp 1080×2520 resolution, pumping out a vibrant 422 pixels per inch. Colors explode on the LTPO AMOLED screen, a symphony of smooth scrolling thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, further enhanced with HDR10+ support. Prepare for addictive scrolling and immersive content – all before you even unfold it.

The phone offers 2600 nits of peak brightness

Unfold a new reality with the Fold 7’s colossal 8-inch inner display a leap from its predecessor’s 7.6 inches. Imagine wielding a pocketable tablet, its foldable LTPO OLED screen bursting with vibrant colors and silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. HDR10+ support and a sharp 368 PPI (1968×2184 pixels) resolution bring your favorite content to life, especially with HDR streaming on Netflix and YouTube. While Dolby Vision is absent, the screen blazes with a staggering 2600 nits of peak brightness, ensuring incredible clarity even under the brightest sunlight. Prepare to be captivated.

The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x inner display offers rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant details

Dazzling sunlight? No problem. Both Fold 7 displays slice through glare, delivering vibrant images and razor-sharp text. Forget squinting; immerse yourself.

The Fold 7 isn’t just a device; it’s your portable entertainment command center. Game like a pro, binge-watch until dawn, or lose yourself in a captivating novel. The magic lies in its adaptable screens.

Unfold your viewing experience. Choose the perfect aspect ratio, the ideal screen size. The Fold 7 hands you control over your media – a freedom your ordinary phone can only dream of.

The Fold 7’s displays aren’t just screens; they’re portals. The revamped aspect ratio and expanded size transform how you interact, pulling you deeper into every game, movie, and conversation. The visual brilliance? Let’s just say it sets a new gold standard for foldable displays – dazzling even the most seasoned tech enthusiasts.

Both displays stay dazzlingly visible even in direct sunlight

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Camera: Inspired by the best

• 200-megapixel primary sensor with f/1.7 aperture, PDAF, OIS
• 10-megapixel telephoto sensor with PDAF, f/2.4 and 3x optical zoom
• 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor with f/2.2 and dual pixel PDAF
• Cover selfie camera – 10-megapixel sensor
• Main – 10-megapixel sensor with f/2.2 aperture
• Video support – 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps

Prepare to be amazed by the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s groundbreaking camera overhaul! Borrowing the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Edge’s crown jewel, a 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor (complete with PDAF, OIS, and f/1.7 aperture), image clarity reaches dizzying new heights. The 12MP ultrawide lens (Sony IMX564) returns, but this time, it boasts autofocus – a game-changing upgrade sorely missed in the previous iteration. Zoom in with confidence using the dedicated 10MP telephoto lens (3x optical zoom, Samsung ISOCELL 3K1 sensor, PDAF, f/2.4 aperture). Even your selfies get a boost! Both cover and inner displays now sport a 10MP Sony IMX374 sensor. However, in a curious twist, Samsung opted to keep fixed focus on these front-facing cameras, leaving us slightly puzzled.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 features the first 200-megapixel primary camera in the Galaxy Z series

Forget foldable compromises. The Galaxy Fold 7’s camera isn’t just good for a foldable, it’s flat-out phenomenal, arguably its strongest asset. That 200MP sensor? It’s a daylight maestro. Imagine photos bursting with detail, colours so true they practically leap off the screen, and sharpness that could cut glass. Dynamic range is superb, painting scenes with incredible depth and nuance. Skin tones are rendered beautifully, textures are captured with tactile realism. Even zooming in 2x barely dents the quality. Portraits? Prepare for creamy bokeh and sharp subject isolation that rivals a professional setup. See for yourself in the samples below – the Fold 7 redefines what a foldable camera can be.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 daylight samples (tap to see larger image)

Crank the zoom to 3x on the Fold 7, and suddenly distant subjects snap into focus with surprising clarity. Its telephoto lens is no mere afterthought; it’s a legitimate zoom powerhouse. Bathed in sunlight, it unveils details you’d swear were invisible to the naked eye.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 telephoto (3x) samples (tap to see larger image)

The Fold 7’s zoom offers a passable experience, but proceed with caution beyond 10x. Digital zoom quickly degrades image quality to the point of being unusable. See for yourself the following images illustrate the zoom’s performance limits.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 telephoto (3x) sample (tap to see larger image)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 10x sample (tap to see larger image)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 20x zoom sample (tap to see larger image)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 30x sample (tap to see larger image)

The Fold 7’s ultrawide camera, finally boasting autofocus, is a breath of fresh air after its absence on the Fold 6. While it doesn’t quite steal the show from the main lens (unsurprisingly), it holds its own. Expect pleasingly wide perspectives with respectable dynamic range and detail. Colors pop with accuracy, and sharpness is commendable – see for yourself in the samples below.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 ultrawide camera samples (tap to see larger image)

Unleash your inner selfie artist with the Fold 7’s dynamic dual-camera setup! A cover screen lens stands ready for quick captures, while the inner display boasts another high-powered shooter for those expansive, immersive self-portraits. Expect radiant skin tones and impressive detail in every shot. Bathed in daylight, your selfies will be nothing short of stunning. When the sun dips low, a touch of grain may creep in, but rest assured, you’ll still capture memorable moments, even after dark.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 indoor camera samples (tap to see larger image)

The Fold 7’s low-light performance? A mixed bag. It’s no S25 Ultra, but still a champion in the foldable arena. Plunge into total darkness, and the image softens, colors stray slightly. Some night shots emerged a tad blurry, riddled with noise. However, introduce a glimmer of light, and the Fold 7’s camera awakens. It seizes the scene, delivering accurate colors, ample detail, improved white balance, and surprisingly controlled noise. The telephoto and ultrawide lenses stumble a bit in the dark, lagging behind the main camera, but they’re still social media-worthy.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 low-light camera samples (tap to see larger image)

This year, Samsung isn’t just playing the video game – they’re redefining it. Prepare for visuals that leap off the screen with breathtaking 8K recording at 30fps, captured by the primary camera. Want to bend time? Dive into the mesmerizing world of slow-motion with silky-smooth 240fps in Full HD, or a still-impressive 120fps, also in Full HD.

But it’s not just about the specs. Samsung’s catering to the pros with the all-new Galaxy Log video feature. Unleash your inner colorist: download footage directly to your system and sculpt your visual masterpiece. Need to fine-tune your audio? The Fold 7’s AI Audio Eraser puts you in the director’s chair, letting you independently adjust the volume of every sound element. Bottom line: the primary camera delivers video quality that’s simply stunning.

The Galaxy Fold 7 doesn’t just raise the bar for Samsung cameras, it vaults over it. Finally, a foldable that can brawl with the camera king, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and hold its own.

The phone sports a 10-megapixel 100-degree camera on the main display that expands the frame

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Performance: Finally, a foldable that feels like a flagship

• Processor – Snapdragon 8 Elite
• RAM and storage – 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, 16GB + 1 TB
• OS – Android 16 based One UI 8

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 doesn’t just run; itflieson the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the same powerhouse you’ll find in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Forget lag – think lightning-fast app launches and seamless multitasking. Everyday tasks? Child’s play. And while Samsung might not be shouting about gaming, this foldable secretly packs a serious punch, ready to handle even the most demanding titles with ease. Prepare for an experience that redefines smooth.

The Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which also powers the Galaxy S25 Ultra

Three tiers of raw power define the Galaxy Z Fold 7: a solid 12GB RAM/256GB storage base, a roomy 12GB RAM/512GB storage middle ground, and a beastly 16GB RAM/1TB storage top-end. But shouldn’t all that Fold 7 cash buy youmaximummemory, regardless of storage? Samsung’s packing LPDDR5x RAM and blazing-fast UFS 4.0 into this foldable, and to see just how those specs translate to real-world performance, I pitted it against the Fold 6 in a synthetic benchmark battle. The results? Buckle up… (See benchmark results below).

Benchmark	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Cover/ Main)	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Cover/ Main)	Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Cover/Main)
AnTuTu v10	1,820,509 / 1,845,876	1,642,118 / 1,695,896	11,15,037 / 10,65,151
PCMark Work 3.0	15,854 / 16,187	18,688 / 18,460	13,686 / 12,744
Geekbench 6 Single	1,784/ 1,923	2,216/ 2,197	1,872 / 1,651
Geekbench 6 Multi	8,239/ 8,798	6,725/ 6,689	3,734 / 3,971
GFXB T-rex (fps)	120 / 120	120 / 120	120 / 119
GFXB Manhattan 3.1 (fps)	120 / 120	120 / 120	119 / 86
GFXB Car Chase (fps)	119 / 119	119 / 119	78 / 49
3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL ES 3.1	Maxed Out / Maxed Out	Maxed Out / Maxed Out	Maxed Out / Maxed Out
3DM Slingshot	Maxed Out / Maxed Out	Maxed Out / Maxed Out	Maxed Out / Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life	16,474 / 16,742	15,678 / 15,210	8,683 / Maxed Out
3DM Wild Life Stress Test	18,871 / 18,336	18,786 / 17,898	8,948 / 9,273

“Pushing the foldable to its limits – think marathon gaming sessions or GPS-guided adventures – does generate noticeable warmth. While it’s a far cry from burning your fingertips, expect a cozy hand warmer, not a meltdown.”

The Fold 7’s speakers won’t blast the roof off, but they deliver clear audio that comfortably fills a medium-sized room. Phone calls are reliable, sticking to the network like glue, and I never experienced any frustrating drops. When I put the Fold 7 through its paces on Airtel and Jio’s 5G networks, it passed with flying colors. But here’s where it shines: the Fold 7 clings to a signal in the trickiest spots, pulling connectivity out of thin air in basements and elevators where other phones wave the white flag.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 runs One UI 8 on Android 16 out of the box

The Fold 7’s cover screen isn’t just a glance-and-go afterthought. Its streamlined design and taller aspect ratio unlock genuine smartphone usability. I hammered out lengthy emails, blitzed through texts, and even tackled quick photo edits in Canva, all without unfolding. Forget incremental upgrades, the Fold 7 leaps ahead of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered Fold 6. This is a generational shift.

Forget the usual release schedule! The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is breaking ranks, hitting shelvesbeforeGoogle’s next Pixel lineup – and with it, a sneak peek at Android 16. It’s a rare move, a bold flex from Samsung. Expect One UI 8, built on Android 16, to be the star. While it’s not a complete revolution, remember One UI 7’s seismic shift? One UI 8 builds on that foundation, refining and polishing the experience. Think evolution, not reinvention.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 users will be among the first to get access to experience Android 16

Forget flashy transformations. One UI 8 is all about quiet power, delivering subtle but significant improvements under the hood. Think Android 16 dedication to inner perfection, but for your Samsung device.

The update brings a refined split-screen multitasking experience, offering a wider 90:10 split for enhanced productivity.

But the real game-changer? Say hello to the “Now Bar” and “Now Brief.” Imagine a personalized briefing right on your home screen, anticipating your needs with real-time content and suggested actions, dynamically adapting to your daily rhythm. It’s like having a pocket-sized personal assistant.

Speaking of assistance, the Reminder app gets a serious glow-up. Planning a family getaway? Managing a mountain of to-dos? This revitalized app is your new command center, ensuring you’re always on schedule and never miss a beat.

And for seamless sharing, Quick Share receives a one-tap upgrade, making file transfers lightning fast and effortless. One UI 8: small tweaks, big impact.

Unfold the future: the Galaxy Z Fold 7 unleashes a universe of AI. Imagine Gemini Live anticipating your needs, Photo Assist transforming snapshots into masterpieces, and Portrait Studio sculpting stunning portraits. Silence distractions with Audio Eraser and instantly explore anything with Circle to Search. This isn’t just a phone; it’s an AI-powered portal to endless possibilities.

Unleash a symphony of AI-powered tools: from Call Assist’s seamless connectivity to Writing Assist’s eloquent prose. Break language barriers with Interpreter, capture brilliance with Note Assist, and immortalize every word with Transcript Assist. Surf the digital waves with Browsing Assist, paint memories with Photo Assist, and craft visual masterpieces with Drawing Assist. Banish unwanted sounds with the Audio Eraser, transform your screen with Photo Ambient Wallpaper, and empower your well-being with Health Assist. This is more than just a suite; it’s your augmented reality.

One UI 8 isn’t just an update; it’s a seamless evolution for Samsung users, especially on the Fold 7. Forget fumbling with buttons now, a simple swipe up or down flips between your front and rear cameras within the camera app. Sharing from the default browser? The redesigned menu puts all options at your fingertips, making sharing and accessing features a breeze. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s intuitive design that anticipates your needs.

Samsung claims that the main display has been redesigned to be thinner, lighter, yet stronger

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Battery: Same old, same old

• Battery – 4400mAh unit
• Charging support – 25W wired and 15W wireless
• Charging speed – 50% in 30 minutes

The Fold 7’s battery feels like a missed opportunity. While other flagships surge ahead, it’s stuck with the same 4,400mAh power pack – seemingly anemic compared to the competition. And the charging speed? Still capped at a sluggish 25W, making it a glaring weakness in an otherwise cutting-edge device.

There’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back of the Fold 7

The Fold 7’s battery gets you through a day, clocking in over 5 hours of screen time. Personally, I was hoping for a bit more juice. The silver lining? Samsung’s finally giving us granular control. You can cap charging at 80%, extending battery lifespan if you’re mindful.

When folded, the Galaxy Fold 7 can be used with just one hand with ease

Charging the Fold 7 is a bit of a waiting game. You’ll hit 50% in roughly 30 minutes, but brace yourself a full tank takes a leisurely 80-90 minutes. Honestly, it feels like Samsung dropped the ball here. Faster charging would have been a game-changer.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Verdict

Samsung’s Fold 7 isn’t just a phone; it’s a statement. Imagine raw power sculpted into an impossibly elegant frame, a device that unfolds to reveal a world of possibilities. Forget compromises – this phone marries the brains of a supercomputer with the soul of an artist.

Under the hood, a beastly processor roars to life, devouring demanding tasks with ease. But the real magic happens when you unleash the camera, a direct descendant of the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s legendary optics. Prepare to capture photos and videos that redefine mobile photography.

And the experience? Seamless. One UI 8, built upon the bedrock of Android 16 and backed by an unprecedented 7 years of support, anticipates your every need. The Fold 7 finally cracks the foldable code, delivering a device so light and refined, you’ll forget you’re holding a technological marvel. It’s not just a foldable; it’s the future, unfolded.

The Fold 7 starts at Rs. 174,999 and goes up to Rs. 216,999

However, cracks are starting to show in the Z Fold 7’s otherwise polished armor. The charging speed, once a selling point, now feels like a relic of the past – a silent snub from Samsung this year. Battery life, while adequate, won’t be breaking any records. And the most glaring omission? The S Pen. Without it, the Fold loses a significant portion of its multitasking magic, diminishing its allure as a productivity powerhouse. Oh, and brace yourself, because despite these drawbacks, the price has, predictably, skyrocketed. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains a costly indulgence, mirroring its predecessor’s premium price tag.

The upgraded Armour FlexHinge is thinner and lighter, thanks to a newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing

Beyond the folding frenzy? If you’re not sold on the Fold 7, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a compelling, non-folding alternative with flagship specs and cutting-edge camera tech. But if you’re committed to the book-style fold, the Vivo X Fold 5 remains the closest competitor. And keep your eyes peeled – rumors suggest Google’s new Pixel Fold is gearing up to enter the arena, promising a fresh take on the foldable experience.

Thanks for reading Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: The North Star of Foldables