Looking for a foldable smartphone that actually lives up to the hype? The Galaxy Z Fold7 has been making serious waves since its July 2025 debut, and after using it for a while, I can see why Samsung still dominates the foldable game.
You get a 6.5-inch cover screen for quick stuff, but it opens up to a roomy 8-inch inner display that’s almost tablet-like. The real showstopper here is the 200MP camera system—easily the best camera Samsung’s put in a foldable so far.
- BIGGER, YET SLIMMER THAN EVER: Who would’ve guessed that wider could also be lighter? The design of Galaxy Z Fold7 is refined to feel like a traditional smartphone with its expanded cover display.
- BEST CAMERA ON A FOLD YET: You asked for more – now you can have the most. Galaxy Z Fold7 now boasts an ultra-premium 200MP camera with Pro-Visual Engine so you can effortlessly take incredibly detailed pics.
- SCREENSHARE FOR STREAMLINED ASSISTANCE: Intrigued by something you see? Go Live with Google Gemini, then screenshare or point your camera at it for additional info or assistance on the fly.¹
Multitasking is where the Fold7 really flexes. You can run three apps at once on the big screen—editing photos, streaming a video, and scrolling through social media, all at the same time. The custom Snapdragon 8 Elite chip keeps everything humming along.
Battery life’s gotten a much-needed boost compared to older models, and the 4400mAh cell easily powers through a heavy workday—editing docs, streaming, whatever. But charging? Still kind of a drag. Expect about 2.5 hours for a full top-up, which is definitely slower than I’d like. Also, the cover screen can feel a bit narrow if you’re coming from a wider phone, but you get used to it.
Build quality is solid. The Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 display feel premium, and at 216 grams, it’s hefty but not crazy heavy for what you’re getting.
Overview of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
This version actually feels meaningfully improved. It’s lighter and thinner, yet the 6.5-inch cover display finally doesn’t feel so cramped.
Key Improvements:
- 200MP camera system with ProVisual Engine
- Wider cover screen for actual usability
- Snapdragon 8 Elite processor—no lag, just smoothness
- Armor Aluminum frame for better durability
The 8-inch inner screen is ideal for multitasking, and the battery holds up for a full day, though again, charging is sluggish compared to some other flagships.
People seem to love it for work and media. The camera’s finally up there with traditional flagships, which is saying something. Still, the price is steep, and there’s a bit of a learning curve if you’ve never used a foldable before.
It’s definitely a power user’s device—great for folks who want something different and can actually take advantage of the fold.
Foldable Dual-Display Experience
The Z Fold7’s dual screens are its party trick. The 6.5-inch cover display is perfect for quick stuff—texting, checking the weather, that kind of thing—without needing to open it up.
Unfold it, and you get the full 8-inch display, which is where the magic happens. You can edit a photo on one side, stream a video, and browse social media—all at once. The big screen makes photo editing genuinely comfortable, and you can finally see what you’re doing.
Display Benefits:
- Cover screen: Feels like a regular phone for simple tasks
- Inner screen: Multitasking like a mini desktop
- App continuity: Apps just keep running as you switch screens
Productivity’s great, though yeah, the cover screen can feel a bit tight at first. Battery holds up well, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite keeps things running without hiccups, no matter which screen you’re using.
8-Inch Immersive Inner Screen
Open the Z Fold7 and you’re greeted by an 8-inch display that’s honestly a game-changer. It’s big enough for tablet-like tasks, whether you’re multitasking or just watching videos.
With a 1968 x 2184 resolution, everything looks crisp and colorful. You really notice the difference when jumping from the cover to the main display, especially for reading or video.
Key Display Features:
- 120Hz refresh rate—super smooth scrolling
- High-res, detailed visuals
- Big enough for serious productivity
The responsiveness is top-notch, thanks to that refresh rate. The crease? Still there, still visible from certain angles, but honestly, you stop caring after a while.
If you use the big screen a lot, expect battery life to take a hit, but that’s just the trade-off for all that real estate. Split-screen apps are where it shines—no more feeling cramped.
200MP ProVisual Camera System
The camera is a huge step up for Samsung’s foldables. Testing the Z Fold7’s 200MP main sensor shows it can capture seriously sharp detail—honestly, it’s finally up there with the best camera phones.
Photos are way better than previous Folds. The ProVisual Engine helps with tricky lighting, and zooming in doesn’t turn your pics into a pixelated mess.
Editing photos on the big screen is actually enjoyable. You can crop, tweak, and even remove stuff with Photo Assist, and it doesn’t feel cramped at all.
Downsides? The camera bump is chunky when folded, and while low-light shots are better, they’re still not quite S-series flagship level. The ultra-wide and telephoto lenses do the job, but don’t expect miracles.
If you care about camera quality on a foldable, this is finally a legit option.
Performance and Power Efficiency
In daily use, the Snapdragon 8 Elite just doesn’t quit. Multitasking—three windows, streaming, editing—no lag, no stutter, just smooth sailing.
Processing Performance:
- Fast app switching on both screens
- Handles massive photo files without breaking a sweat
- 120Hz stays buttery smooth
The 4400mAh battery consistently gets you through the day, even with heavy use—video, camera, work apps, whatever. Usually, you’ll see 12-14 hours before needing a charge.
Battery Drawbacks:
Charging speed is the sore spot. Expect 2.5 hours for a full tank, which is just slow compared to the competition.
The processor is smart about power, mostly using the cover screen for basic stuff to save juice.
Performance is steady whether you’re using it folded or open—no weird slowdowns, and it adapts to what you’re doing.
ScreenShare and AI Features
One of the most interesting features is the Live Google Gemini integration. If you’re curious about something you see, you can share your screen or point the camera and get instant info or help.
Screensharing worked well in testing—quick, easy, and no need to jump between apps. The AI’s pretty responsive, whether you’re identifying an object, translating text, or just looking up details about a place.
Key AI capabilities:
- Live screensharing with Google Gemini
- Camera-based queries for on-the-spot answers
- Real-time help without flipping through apps
It feels useful, not just a gimmick. You can show someone what you’re seeing or get the AI to analyze something right away. Works well most of the time, though if your internet’s weak, there might be a slight delay. Not a dealbreaker, but worth mentioning.
Durability and Build Quality
After a few weeks of use, the Z Fold7 feels impressively tough for a foldable. The Armor Aluminum frame gives it a nice, solid weight at 216 grams—premium, but not a brick.
Material Quality:
- Armor Aluminum frame shrugs off scratches
- Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 is about as drop-proof as it gets
- Hinge feels sturdy, even after tons of folds
The hinge is probably the most impressive part—no wobble, and it still feels tight after lots of use. The frame handles everyday knocks with just minor scuffs (and I may have dropped it once or twice).
Still, it’s not indestructible. The crease in the inner screen can get more noticeable over time, but it doesn’t mess with how the phone works. Some folks worry about the hinge long-term, and repairs will cost you thanks to all those fancy materials.
For a foldable, though, the build quality is better than I expected.
Productivity and Multitasking
The 8-inch display is a productivity dream. You can have three apps open—email, docs, video calls—without feeling squeezed.
Snapdragon 8 Elite means you can edit photos, stream, and scroll social media all at once, and it just handles it.
Key Productivity Features:
- Multi-window for up to three apps
- Cover screen for quick stuff
- Desktop-like feel when open
Editing docs or creating content finally feels doable on a phone. The only real gripe is the slow charging; 2.5 hours to full isn’t great.
The foldable design also lets you check something on the cover screen before opening up for deep work, which is surprisingly handy if you’re constantly switching between tasks.
Pros and Cons
After some real-world use, a few things stand out—some great, some not so much.
Pros
The 8-inch display is transformative for multitasking. Three apps at once feels natural, not cramped.
Camera quality is a major leap. The 200MP sensor grabs sharp, vibrant shots, and the Pro-Visual Engine keeps images looking natural.
Battery life is solid for a foldable. Even with heavy use, you’ll usually make it through the day. The Snapdragon 8 Elite keeps everything running smoothly.
Build quality is reassuringly sturdy. The aluminum frame and updated design make it feel less bulky than past Folds.
Cons
Charging speed is underwhelming. Waiting over two hours for a full charge just feels outdated.
The cover screen is still a bit narrow, especially if you’re used to wider phones. It takes some getting used to for typing or browsing.
Weight can be noticeable during long sessions or in your pocket. It’s lighter than older Folds but still hefty.
The price is tough to swallow if you’re not going to use all the foldable features. For basic phone tasks, it’s probably overkill.
Customer Reviews
User feedback is all over the map, but there’s a lot of love for the Fold7’s productivity chops. People mention how well it handles work tasks and document editing.
Common Praise:
- Battery holds up better than other foldables
- Large screen is great for getting stuff done
- Fast processor—no lag, even with heavy apps
- Compact for a dual-screen device
Frequent Concerns:
- Charging is slow—2.5 hours is a long wait
- Price is steep
- Cover screen feels narrow if you’re used to regular phones
Most folks rate it highly, but the slow charging keeps it from being perfect. It nails the promise of combining portability with a tablet-like experience, though switching from a regular Samsung phone does take a bit of adjustment to the new screen shape.
Conclusion
So, after a good chunk of hands-on time, the Galaxy Z Fold7 comes across as a seriously tempting option if you’re someone who craves a big screen and actually uses it for work or multitasking. It’s that rare mix: folds up to fit in your pocket, but when you need to churn through emails or edit docs, it opens up into something that’s basically a tablet.
Strengths:
- Performance: Handles heavy workloads without breaking a sweat
- Display: That big, gorgeous screen when unfolded—hard to go back
- Battery: Outlasts most other foldables out there
- Build Quality: Feels sturdy, premium—nothing flimsy here
Notable Drawbacks:
- Charging Speed: Honestly, it’s slow (2.5+ hours to full)
- Price Point: Not exactly wallet-friendly
- Learning Curve: The narrow cover screen takes some getting used to
Samsung’s clearly been fine-tuning its foldable formula. Sure, the charging speed isn’t great, but if you’re after a productivity-focused device with battery life that actually lasts, there’s a lot to like—if you can stomach the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
People keep asking the same handful of questions about this foldable, so let’s tackle a few of the big ones.
How does the battery life of the Galaxy Z Fold7 compare to its predecessors?
Battery life’s definitely improved over the older models. With its 4400mAh cell, you can actually get through a full day, even if you’re bouncing between apps or running both screens with heavy multitasking.
Most users say it outlasts the Z Fold6 and Z Fold5, even when pushing it with streaming and doc editing. Still, charging is a drag—2.5 hours for a full top-up feels way behind the times.
What are the notable improvements in the camera system of the Galaxy Z Fold7?
This is where Samsung made the biggest leap. The 200MP main sensor is a first for a foldable, and it shows—photos are sharper, and low-light shots don’t fall apart like they used to.
The ProVisual Engine’s image processing is a real step up. Plus, AI-powered editing on that big inner display is actually useful; tweaking backgrounds or fixing faces feels way less cramped than on a regular phone.
What are some of the pros and cons of the Galaxy Z Fold7 according to TechRadar?
Advantages:
- Looks and feels more like a normal phone when shut
- Multitasking is fantastic—three apps at once is no problem
- Armor Aluminum frame keeps things sturdy
- Snapdragon 8 Elite chip means it’s never sluggish
Drawbacks:
- The price is high enough to scare off plenty of people
- Charging speed is, frankly, pretty disappointing
- Takes a while to get used to the form factor if you’ve never used a foldable
- Some folks find the weight distribution a bit odd at first
Can the Galaxy Z Fold7’s case design withstand regular wear and tear?
It’s more durable than the older Folds, no question. The Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 help a lot.
After a few weeks, the hinge still feels smooth—no creaks or weird noises. But let’s be honest: it’s still a foldable, so you’ll want to treat it with a bit more care. The inner screen isn’t as tough as regular glass, so if you’re rough on your phones, a case is a smart move.
What are the main differences between the Galaxy Z Fold7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7?
| Feature | Z Fold7 | Z Flip7 |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Book-style fold | Clamshell fold |
| Inner Screen | 8 inches | ~6.7 inches |
| Primary Use | Productivity/multitasking | Compact portability |
| Camera | 200MP system | Standard flagship setup |
| Price Range | Premium tier | Mid-premium tier |
The Z Fold7 is for people who want a big screen and need to get stuff done. The Z Flip7 is more about style and pocketability.
Multitasking is way better on the Fold7—it can juggle three apps easily, while the Flip7 is more about running one thing at a time.
How long is the expected lifespan of the Galaxy Z Fold7 with regular use?
Samsung’s one-year warranty is standard, but most folks expect their phones to last a lot longer than that. The hinge, which used to be a weak spot, has definitely gotten sturdier with each generation—though, let’s be honest, it’s still a moving part, so it’s not invincible.
On the software side, Samsung’s update policy means you’ll get major Android updates for several years. That’s honestly pretty reassuring if you care about security or just hate feeling left behind.
The foldable screen is still the wild card. If you’re gentle and use a case, you’ll probably get a solid 3-4 years before you notice any weirdness. But if you’re the type who’s constantly flipping the phone open and shut, well, you might see some wear pop up sooner.
Battery life? It’s the usual story: after a couple of years of daily charging, you’ll probably notice it doesn’t hold up quite like it used to. That’s just how lithium-ion batteries roll.
