"Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7—thinner, lighter, improved foldable Android"

Samsung’s newest foldable device appears slimmer than ever, resulting in one of the lightest and thinnest models on the market, significantly improving its usability.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is 8.9mm thick when closed, comparable to most smartphones if not for the rear camera bump. It fits comfortably in a pocket but unfolds into a tablet just 4.2mm thick.

Priced at £1,799 (€2,099/$2,000/A$2,899), the device represents a premium offering, designed to potentially replace a phone, tablet, and computer in one compact form.

This seventh-generation model addresses many of the issues from earlier versions. At 215g, it is 24g lighter than last year’s iteration and similar in weight to conventional large-screen phones, feeling like a standard handset when folded.

It is more pocket-friendly, and using it for texting, calls, navigation, or photos feels no different from a typical phone. The 6.5-inch front display is sharp, vibrant, and smooth at 120Hz, while the fingerprint scanner in the power button is fast and reliable.

When unfolded, the Fold 7 is only slightly thicker than its USB-C port. Despite its slim profile, it remains sturdy. Achieving a thinner design without removing the charging port seems challenging. The 8-inch flexible OLED screen is smooth, clear, and nearly square, ideal for multitasking with two apps.

The exterior is protected by the latest toughened glass, while the inner screen, though more prone to fingerprints and reflections, is noticeably smoother than before. The crease from folding is nearly invisible, only detectable under bright light.

Specifications

Main screen:
8in QXGA+ 120Hz (368ppi) Amoled flexible display
Cover screen: 6.5in FHD+ 120Hz (422ppi) Amoled
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256, 512GB or 1TB
Operating system: One UI 8 based on Android 16
Camera: 200+12+10MP rear with 3x telephoto; 10MP+10MP selfie cameras
Connectivity: 5G, dual sim, e-sim, USB-C, wifi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, GNSS
Water resistance: IP48 (1.5 metres for 30 minutes)
Dimensions folded: 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm
Dimensions unfolded: 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm
Weight: 215g

Performance and Battery

The Fold 7 uses the same high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and 12GB of RAM as Samsung’s S25 Ultra and S25 Edge, ensuring smooth performance in daily tasks and demanding applications. It outperforms competitors like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Battery life approaches two days with moderate use, including four hours on each screen and several hours on 5G, similar to previous models and conventional phones.