Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Review: Specs, Features & Price
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is a bold leap forward in the foldable smartphone arena, combining cutting-edge design, powerful performance, and a refined user experience.
Unveiled in July 2025, this device addresses many shortcomings of its predecessors, delivering a thinner, lighter, and more capable foldable that competes head-on with top-tier flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
In this comprehensive review, we dive into the Galaxy Z Fold7’s design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, unique features, and pricing, providing you with all the details you need to decide if this premium foldable is worth its hefty price tag. Let’s explore why the Z Fold7 is setting a new standard for foldable smartphones.
Design and Build: Sleek, Slim, and Sturdy
The Galaxy Z Fold7 marks a significant evolution in design, becoming Samsung’s thinnest and lightest foldable yet.
At just 8.9mm thick when folded and 4.2mm when unfolded, it feels remarkably close to a traditional smartphone, rivaling the slim profile of the Galaxy S25 Edge.
Weighing only 215g, it’s lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra (218g) and features premium materials like Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 2 and an Armor Aluminum frame.
The wider 6.5-inch cover display and expansive 8-inch inner display enhance usability, though the noticeable camera bump and lack of S Pen support (unlike the S25 Ultra) may disappoint some users.
The IP48 rating ensures dust and water resistance, making it a durable choice for daily use.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm (unfolded), 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm (folded) |
| Weight | 215g |
| Materials | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus Ceramic 2, folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame |
| Build | Advanced Armor aluminum frame, IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm, immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Displays | Cover: 6.5-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 1080 x 2520px, 422ppi, 120Hz, 2600 nits (peak) Main: 8.0-inch Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 1968 x 2184px, 368ppi, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak) |
| Hinge | Armor FlexHinge with multi-rail structure, titanium plate layer for display support |
Processor and OS: Powerhouse Performance with Android 16
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a 3nm chipset with a 41% boost in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% in GPU performance compared to its predecessor.
This overclocked chip (with prime cores at 4.47GHz) ensures seamless multitasking and AI-driven features, outpacing the Galaxy S25 Edge in sustained performance despite thermal challenges.
Running Android 16 with One UI 8 out of the box, it’s the first device to launch with this OS, offering seven years of updates. Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB, paired with up to 16GB of RAM, making it a productivity beast.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6×3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 (1200 MHz) |
| OS | Android 16, One UI 8 |
| Storage | 256GB (12GB RAM), 512GB (12GB RAM), 1TB (16GB RAM), UFS 4.0 |
| Software Updates | 7 major OS upgrades, 7 years of security patches |
Camera: A Leap Forward in Foldable Photography
The Galaxy Z Fold7’s camera system is a major upgrade, borrowing the 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor from the Galaxy S25 Ultra for its main camera.
This sensor delivers sharp, vibrant images, with options for 12MP, 50MP, or full 200MP shots, rivaling the S25 Ultra’s photo quality.
The 12MP ultrawide now supports autofocus for macro shots, and the 10MP telephoto offers 3x optical zoom.
Both selfie cameras are upgraded to 10MP, with the inner camera featuring a wider 100-degree field of view. Video recording supports up to 8K at 30fps, though the S25 Ultra’s 5x periscope lens gives it an edge in zoom capabilities.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Main Camera | 200MP, f/1.7, 85° FoV, quad-pixel PDAF, OIS, 12/50/200MP modes |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV, dual-pixel PDAF, macro mode |
| Telephoto Camera | 10MP, f/2.4, 36° FoV, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom, 30x Space Zoom |
| Selfie Cameras | Cover: 10MP, f/2.2, 23mm, 4K@60fps Main: 10MP, f/2.2, 100° FoV, 4K@60fps |
| Video | Rear: 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/120/240fps, 720p@960fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+ Front: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Features | Cover Screen Preview, ProVisual Engine, HDR portraits, Log video, macro photography |
Battery: Reliable but Not Revolutionary
The Galaxy Z Fold7 retains the 4,400mAh battery of its predecessor, a feat given its slimmer design.
However, it lags behind the Galaxy S25 Ultra (5,000mAh) and competitors like the Oppo Find N5 (5,600mAh). In real-world tests, it lasts about a day and a half for typical use, with improved efficiency from the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Charging speeds remain modest at 25W wired (50% in 30 minutes), 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless, trailing the S25 Ultra’s 45W wired charging. Battery life is solid but not class-leading for a $2,000 device.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4,400mAh |
| Wired Charging | 25W, QC2.0, 50% in 30 min |
| Wireless Charging | 15W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 4.5W |
| Battery Life | ~26 hours video playback (cover screen), ~20 hours 50 min (main screen), ~1.5 days mixed use |
Galaxy Features: Productivity and AI at the Core
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 shines with its productivity-focused features, optimized for its foldable form factor. Samsung DeX transforms it into a desktop-like experience, while the 8-inch display supports up to three apps simultaneously with a fourth in a floating window.
Galaxy AI enhancements, like real-time translation and Photo Assist, leverage the large screen for seamless multitasking. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and features like Circle to Search and Ultra Wideband (UWB) add convenience.
However, the removal of S Pen support—a staple of the Galaxy S25 Ultra—is a notable drawback for creatives.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted |
| Connectivity | 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, aptX HD, NFC, UWB |
| Audio | Stereo speakers |
| Special Features | Samsung DeX, Circle to Search, Galaxy AI (real-time translation, Photo Assist, Portrait Studio, Audio Eraser), multi-app multitasking (up to 3 apps + 1 floating) |
| Other | No S Pen support, Edge Screen tool for app shortcuts |
Pricing: Premium Price for Premium Features
The Galaxy Z Fold7 starts at $1,999, positioning it as a luxury device compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1,299) and Galaxy S25 Edge ($1,099).
Pre-order deals offer up to $1,100 in trade-in value and $50 in Samsung credit, but the high cost reflects its advanced foldable design and camera upgrades.
In Europe, the S25 Ultra may be cheaper, making it a tougher choice for budget-conscious buyers. Despite the price, the Z Fold7’s unique form factor and productivity features justify the investment for foldable enthusiasts.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,999 (256GB/12GB RAM) |
| Variants | 512GB/12GB RAM, 1TB/16GB RAM (pricing varies by region) |
| Deals | Up to $1,100 trade-in value, $50 Samsung credit (pre-order) |
| Availability | Released July 25, 2025 |
Comparison with Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Edge
The Galaxy Z Fold7 stands out for its foldable design, offering a 6.5-inch cover screen and an 8-inch main display for unmatched multitasking.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, with its 6.9-inch flat AMOLED and S Pen support, is better for creatives and zoom photography (5x periscope lens).
The Galaxy S25 Edge, with its 6.7-inch display and 3,900mAh battery, prioritizes portability but sacrifices battery life and camera versatility.
The Z Fold7’s 200MP camera matches the S25 Ultra’s main sensor, but its 4,400mAh battery and 25W charging lag behind the Ultra’s 5,000mAh and 45W. For those prioritizing a slim design, the Z Fold7 rivals the S25 Edge while offering a larger inner screen.
Verdict: Is the Galaxy Z Fold7 Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is a triumph of engineering, blending a sleek design, powerful performance, and a stellar camera system into the thinnest foldable yet.
Its 8-inch display and Galaxy AI features make it a productivity powerhouse, though the $1,999 price and lack of S Pen support may deter some.
Compared to the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Edge, it offers a unique dual-screen experience but falls short in battery capacity and charging speed.
If you’re ready to embrace the future of foldables and need a device that doubles as a tablet, the Z Fold7 is a top contender. For traditional flagships, consider the S25 Ultra or S25 Edge for a lower price point.
Sources:
- GSMArena: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Specifications
- PhoneArena
- TechRadar: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Review
