Six years after foldable phones first hit the market, Samsung may have finally cracked the formula that could push the category into the mainstream. The tech giant’s new Galaxy Z Fold 7 is not just its most refined foldable yet it’s also the slimmest foldable phone ever made, even lighter than the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra.
With prices starting at £1,799 / $1,999, the Fold 7 is undeniably a luxury device. But it’s also a technological showcase that makes a compelling case for foldables from an ultra-thin form factor to powerful internals and AI-driven features.
Design Revolution: Foldable Without the Bulk
At just 4.2mm when open and 8.9mm when folded, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is 26% thinner than its predecessor, the Fold 6, and tips the scales at only 215g. That makes it slimmer and lighter than many traditional smartphones a key breakthrough for a form factor long criticized for being bulky and awkward.
Samsung’s new Armor FlexHinge and Advanced Armor Aluminum materials give the Fold 7 its durable, premium feel, while maintaining a fold mechanism that’s smooth and satisfying. Despite its moving parts, the phone retains an IP48 rating, meaning it’s reasonably protected against water though dust resistance remains a challenge for hinged designs.
Bigger, Brighter Displays That Work Seamlessly
The Fold 7 improves usability significantly with upgraded displays. The main 8-inch foldable AMOLED screen now supports HDR10+ with a 2,600-nit peak brightness a boon for gamers and binge-watchers alike. The 6.5-inch front display also sees a modest size bump and a widened 21:9 aspect ratio, making it feel far more like a traditional smartphone when closed.
The new hinge mechanism makes the transition between screens fluid, and despite the flexible nature of the display, there’s minimal visual compromise.
Hardware Muscle: Snapdragon 8 Elite Powers Through Everything
Under the hood, the Fold 7 is a powerhouse. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, paired with 12GB or up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. Whether you’re multitasking across apps or running graphically intensive games, the Fold 7 keeps pace with virtually no stutter, even during transitions from folded to unfolded states.
Samsung has also leaned into its software ecosystem, enhancing multitasking and offering smart UI alternatives to Google’s native Android features. The improvements extend to thermals as well: While the phone can get warm under heavy use or sunlight, it remains within expected tolerances.
Cameras Get a Major Boost with 200MP Main Lens
One of the headline upgrades is the 200MP main camera, a leap from the Fold 6’s 50MP sensor. Combined with a 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto, and dual front-facing cameras (one per screen), the Fold 7 offers a versatile photography setup though the pronounced rear lens bump makes the device wobble when laid flat.
Samsung’s image processing has improved too, aided by AI that enhances shots, identifies subjects, and optimizes post-capture edits. While not yet DSLR-rivalling, the Fold 7’s cameras now rival those of the best slab phones.
AI Features Make the Fold 7 Feel Smart and Personalized
AI plays a central role in the Fold 7 experience. Smart Briefings offer personalized snapshots of your day, while live call transcription, photo search enhancements, and AI-powered image editing are all baked into the device. Importantly, the AI is more assistive than intrusive, supporting productivity without overwhelming the user.
Battery Life: Improved, But Not a Game-Changer
The 4,400 mAh battery offers solid but not revolutionary performance. In real-world tests, the Fold 7 lasted just over 11 hours an improvement over the Fold 6, thanks to better power management in the Snapdragon chip. It also supports fast wired and wireless charging, making it easier to keep powered throughout the day.
Verdict: Slimmer, Smarter, Stronger — But Still Premium Priced
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the most compelling foldable yet. It’s beautifully designed, remarkably slim, and packed with performance, from its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip to the 200MP camera and fluid multitasking experience.
Samsung’s refinements especially in build, UI, and AI integration make the Fold 7 feel less like a prototype and more like a true evolution of the smartphone.
But its $1,999 price tag will still keep it in the hands of enthusiasts and early adopters at least for now. If you’re ready to embrace the future of smartphones and don’t mind paying for innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may be the first foldable truly worth the investment.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – Key Specs
- Displays: 8-inch AMOLED (1968 x 2184) / 6.5-inch AMOLED (1080 x 2520)
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- RAM/Storage: Up to 16GB RAM / 1TB storage
- Cameras: 200MP main / 12MP ultra-wide / 10MP telephoto / dual 10MP front cams
- Battery: 4,400 mAh, wireless + fast charging
- Durability: Armor FlexHinge, IP48 rating
- Weight: 215g
- Price: From $1,999 / £1,799
