Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Enhanced Design and Powerful Features

Key Takeaways

1. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is thinner than its predecessor, measuring 4.2 mm when opened and 8.9 mm when closed, with an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance.
2. The device features a dependable hinge for various angles but has a protruding camera that affects stability when placed flat.
3. It operates on Android 16 with One UI 8.0 and promises seven years of updates, along with eco-friendly materials and easy repair options.
4. The rear camera has a 200-megapixel main sensor, while low-light performance is lacking in smaller sensors, and zoom quality declines beyond 5x.
5. The foldable OLED main display measures 8 inches and provides high resolution, while the cover display is 6.5 inches, both offering good brightness for outdoor use.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (buy here on Amazon) is much thinner than the previous model when opened, measuring only 4.2 millimeters in thickness, and 8.9 millimeters when closed. It comes in four different colors, with the mint shade being a special offering only at the Samsung Store. The quality of construction is noteworthy, and the device has an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance.

Design and Usability

Opening the display can be a bit tricky when it’s closed, but the hinge is quite dependable, allowing the device to stay in various angles. A downside is the camera that sticks out, making the device unstable when placed flat on a surface. The front is covered with Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, while the back is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Although support for the S Pen is absent, it still offers Ultra Wideband (UWB) and quick data transfer via USB, including DeX. A linear vibration motor delivers accurate haptic feedback, but the fingerprint sensor in the power button sometimes fails, with face recognition serving as a backup.

Software and Sustainability

Operating on Android 16 with One UI 8.0, this device promises updates for a period of seven years. It includes Galaxy AI features seen in the Galaxy S25 series. In terms of eco-friendliness, Samsung shares clear details about the materials used, publishes a sustainability report, and offers spare parts along with guidance for easy repairs.

Camera Capabilities

With regard to the cameras, the Fold7 does not feature an under-display camera and instead uses two standard front cameras with varying focal lengths. The rear triple camera has received an upgrade: the main sensor now boasts a resolution of 200 megapixels, comparable to that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The overall quality of pictures is impressive; however, the smaller additional sensors struggle in low light, and the zoom performance declines notably beyond 5x magnification.

The foldable OLED main display is now 8 inches in size, providing high resolution and excellent calibration. While its maximum brightness is slightly reduced compared to the previous model, it’s still sufficient for daily use, allowing for outdoor visibility. The cover display now measures 6.5 inches and achieves brightness levels similar to those of the main display.