Samsung has once again showcased its innovation in the foldable smartphone market with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. While the Galaxy Z Fold 6 was a commendable device, it did not offer a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. During exclusive briefings for the Z Fold 7, Samsung stated that the new model was nearly built from the ground up. When holding both the Z Fold 7 and Z Fold 6, the distinction in design becomes readily apparent. The most significant highlight of the Z Fold 7 is its sleek profile, but the enhancements extend beyond just aesthetics.
The Z Fold 7 is not only thinner and lighter than the previous model, but it also boasts an improved cover screen, allowing for a more conventional smartphone experience with additional display space. The inner display has been expanded as well, now providing a size comparable to that of a small tablet. Additionally, the camera system has seen a remarkable upgrade over the Z Fold 6, details of which will be explored in the camera section of this review. Samsung has also introduced exciting software enhancements alongside the hardware updates.
Shipping with One UI 8 based on Android 16 from the outset, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is among the select few devices to feature this operating system upon release. While the latest Pixel launch is imminent at the time of writing, consumers can still experience Android 16 on a non-Pixel device. However, one notable aspect is that the price of the Z Fold 7 has increased compared to the Z Fold 6, starting at Rs. 1,74,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant, an increase from the previous model’s opening price of Rs. 164,999. The premium 1TB model, equipped with 16GB of RAM, carries a price tag of Rs. 2,16,999. Currently, the Z Fold 7 stands as the only smartphone in India priced above Rs. 2 lakh, a fact that caught many by surprise this year.
Despite the higher pricing, the question remains: is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 the finest foldable device Samsung has ever produced? This review aims to answer that.
The Fold 7, like other high-end Samsung devices, does not include a charger in the box.
Design: A Sleek Transformation
- Dimensions – 158.4×143.2×4.2mm
- Weight – 215 grams
- IP Rating – IP48
This year, Samsung has perfected the design of its foldable phones. The company has addressed one of the most significant drawbacks associated with book-style foldables: thickness. At only 4.2mm when unfolded, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is currently the thinnest foldable available in India. Weighing in at 215 grams, the Fold 7 is lighter than many conventional smartphones, including both the iPhone 16 Pro Max (227 grams) and the Vivo X Fold 5 (217 grams). It even surpasses the Galaxy S25 Ultra (218 grams) in weight, showcasing its impressive lightweight design.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 weighs in at 215 grams.
The newly designed hinge, a critical component of any foldable device, is also noteworthy. This year, Samsung introduced the Armour FlexHinge—a compact and much more durable design compared to the one featured in the Z Fold 6. This innovation renders the crease almost invisible during regular usage unless closely scrutinized. However, in the early days of use, the device feels slightly tighter at first and can be more challenging to open, particularly with sweaty hands. Users may find that the device’s edges can dig into their palms during prolonged use, and a curved design would have been more comfortable. Opting for a case could mitigate this issue.
Samsung claims that the upgraded Armour aluminium in the frame and hinge enhances both strength and durability by 10%.
For added protection, the cover display of the Z Fold 7 is fortified with Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, while the back panel features Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The aluminium armour gives the device a premium feel and instills confidence during daily use. Compared to the Z Fold 6, the latest model is wider and taller, making everyday usability noticeably more pleasant. The cover screen now functions like a standard phone display. The power button also features a fingerprint scanner for convenient, one-handed use, with the volume rockers easily accessible and tactile in operation. However, the Fold 7 can be quite slippery; users may need to exercise caution when retrieving it from pockets or tables.
The cover screen of the Fold 7 (on the right) is noticeably larger than that of the Fold 6 (on the left).
While the back of the Fold 7 draws inspiration from its predecessor, a closer examination reveals that the camera housings protrude more significantly, resulting in a wobble when placed on a flat surface with the display facing up. For water protection, Samsung has equipped the device with an IP48 rating; however, it is important to note that there is still no dust protection rating, necessitating extra care with this premium device.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts a thickness of 8.9 mm when folded and 4.2 mm when unfolded.
Offering a color palette that includes Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, and Jet Black in India, I received the Blue Shadow variant for this review, which is particularly eye-catching. Overall, the Z Fold 7 signifies a substantial upgrade over the Z Fold 6 in several key areas beyond mere appearances.
Display: Enhanced Functionality
- Main Display – 8-inch foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X with 1968×2184 pixels, 2600 nits, 368 PPI, 120Hz
- Cover Display – 6.5-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X with 1080×2520 pixels, 422 PPI
- Additional Features – Titanium plate layer for display support
The display technology on the Fold 7 has received considerable improvements, making it more viable for traditional phone usage. The cover display now measures 6.5 inches, compared to 6.3 inches on the Fold 6, and delivers a resolution of 1080×2520 pixels at a density of 422 PPI. This LTPO AMOLED screen also supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+.
The display reaches peak brightness levels of 2600 nits.
The inner display has also seen a significant increase in size from 7.6 inches to 8 inches, resembling a mini tablet. It features the same LTPO OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and supports HDR10+, with a density of 368 PPI and a resolution of 1968×2184 pixels. It provides HDR streaming capabilities for platforms such as Netflix and YouTube. Though Samsung has omitted Dolby Vision support, users may find the difference negligible in daily tasks. The display can achieve stunning peak brightness levels of 2600 nits.
The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display provides rich contrast and vibrant details.
Both screens provide sufficient brightness for outdoor use, with crisp imagery and sharp text. The Fold 7 enhances media consumption experiences, whether for gaming, binge-watching, or reading. Users can choose between the two displays for their media experience, an option not usually available with standard devices.
Overall, the display upgrades on the Fold 7 significantly enhance usability, providing an improved aspect ratio and screen size. The quality ranks among the best seen in foldable devices recently.
Both displays remain visibly bright even in direct sunlight.
Camera: A Major Upgrade
- 200-megapixel primary sensor with f/1.7 aperture, PDAF, OIS
- 10-megapixel telephoto sensor with PDAF, f/2.4, and 3x optical zoom
- 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor with f/2.2 and dual pixel PDAF
- Cover selfie camera – 10-megapixel sensor
- Main selfie camera – 10-megapixel sensor with f/2.2 aperture
- Video support – 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, 1080p at 120fps
The Z Fold 7 makes a significant leap in its camera capabilities. It features the same primary sensor as the Galaxy S25 Ultra and S25 Edge— a 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 with PDAF, OIS, and an f/1.7 aperture. The 12-megapixel Sony IMX564 ultra-wide camera remains from the previous generation but adds autofocus functionality, a feature the predecessor lacked. Additionally, it boasts a 10-megapixel telephoto camera (3x), also equipped with PDAF and an f/2.4 aperture. Both selfie cameras have seen minor updates as well, now featuring a 10-megapixel Sony IMX374 sensor on the cover and inner display, although they continue to use fixed focus.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 introduces the first 200-megapixel primary camera in the Galaxy Z series.
In practical terms, the primary camera is the standout feature of the Z Fold 7. It is capable of capturing stunning photos under daylight conditions, with good detail retention and accurate color reproduction. The sharpness and dynamic range are notable, effectively rendering skin tones and textures. The 2x shots from the primary camera maintain detail well, while portrait shots exhibit proper subject isolation and an appealing amount of background blur—examples of which are provided below for reference.
Daylight samples captured by the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (click for larger images).
Turning to the telephoto camera (3x), the Z Fold 7 showcases its proficiency in capturing zoomed images, maintaining impressive detail levels in ample light.
Telephoto (3x) shot samples taken with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (click for larger images).
The zoom quality remains satisfactory, although the digital zoom should ideally be kept below 10x for optimal results. Below are examples showcasing the zoom capabilities of the Z Fold 7.
Telephoto (3x) sample taken with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (click for larger image).
10x zoom sample taken with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (click for larger image).
20x zoom sample taken with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (click for larger image).
30x zoom sample taken with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (click for larger image).
The ultrawide camera benefits from the addition of autofocus, enhancing the Z Fold 7’s versatility, something missing in the previous model. The dynamic range, color accuracy, and sharpness are satisfactory, as reflected in the samples below, although the ultrawide camera does not match the performance of the primary sensor.
Ultrawide camera samples from the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (click for larger images).
The Z Fold 7 provides dual cameras for selfies—one on the cover display and another on the main display. Both options are effective, producing pleasing skin tones and good detail. Selfies taken in daylight are impressive, however, low-light conditions may lead to some loss of detail along with visible noise in the images.
Indoor camera samples taken with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (click for larger images).
In low-light conditions, performance is less impressive than that of the S25 Ultra, though it remains better than most foldables. Detail sharpness diminishes in very low light, and color accuracy may falter. Some night shots were softer and exhibited noticeable noise. Yet, in lighter settings, the performance is commendable, showcasing accurate color representation, good detail retention, and balanced white balance. The telephoto and ultrawide cameras struggle in low-light to an extent but produce images still suitable for social media sharing.
Low-light camera samples from the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (click for larger images).
Samsung has also improved video capabilities, allowing recordings in up to 8K at 30 frames per second with the primary camera. The device also supports slow-motion recording at 240fps and 120fps in Full HD. For professional users, the Galaxy Log feature facilitates video downloads for color grading. The Fold 7 includes an AI Audio Eraser that enables selective volume adjustments in videos. Overall, the video quality produced by the primary camera is impressive.
In summary, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a substantial advancement in Samsung’s camera technology, positioning it alongside top performers like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The main display features a 10-megapixel camera that offers an expansive 100-degree field of view.
Performance: A Flagship Experience
- Processor – Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM and storage options – 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, 16GB + 1TB
- Operating System – Android 16 with One UI 8
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, which is also featured in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Daily tasks are executed seamlessly, with no noticeable issues in multitasking capabilities. Apps launch rapidly, and switching between them is fluid. While the Fold 7 is not specifically marketed as a gaming device, its performance suggests otherwise.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the same processor found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Configurations for the Z Fold 7 include options of 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, or 512GB, and a 16GB RAM version offering 1TB storage. Given the device’s high price, one might expect a 16GB variant available across all offerings. Samsung utilizes LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage in the Fold 7, and benchmark tests indicate substantial performance improvements over the Z Fold 6.
| Benchmark | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Cover/ Main) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Cover/ Main) | Pixel 9 Pro Fold (Cover/Main) |
| AnTuTu v10 | 1,820,509 / 1,845,876 | 1,642,118 / 1,695,896 | 11,15,037 / 10,65,151 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 15,854 / 16,187 | 18,688 / 18,460 | 13,686 / 12,744 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,784/ 1,923 | 2,216/ 2,197 | 1,872 / 1,651 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,239/ 8,798 | 6,725/ 6,689 | 3,734 / 3,971 |
| GFXB T-rex (fps) | 120 / 120 | 120 / 120 | 120 / 119 |
| GFXB Manhattan 3.1 (fps) | 120 / 120 | 120 / 120 | 119 / 86 |
| GFXB Car Chase (fps) | 119 / 119 | 119 / 119 | 78 / 49 |
| 3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL ES 3.1 | Maxed Out / Maxed Out | Maxed Out / Maxed Out | Maxed Out / Maxed Out |
| 3DM Slingshot | Maxed Out / Maxed Out | Maxed Out / Maxed Out | Maxed Out / Maxed Out |
| 3DM Wild Life | 16,474 / 16,742 | 15,678 / 15,210 | 8,683 / Maxed Out |
| 3DM Wild Life Stress Test | 18,871 / 18,336 | 18,786 / 17,898 | 8,948 / 9,273 |
While the device does warm up during gaming and extended uses such as navigation or camera operations, it does not become excessively hot to the touch.
The speakers on the Fold 7 are adequately loud and clear, capable of filling a medium-sized room, while call quality remains steady, with consistent connectivity on both Airtel and Jio networks. The Fold 7 demonstrates a strong ability to maintain mobile network connections in low-signal areas like basements or during elevator rides.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 operates on One UI 8 layered over Android 16 right from the start.
Boasting a slim profile and an elongated aspect ratio, the Fold 7’s cover screen functions effectively as a standard phone. Typing out long emails, texts, and engaging in basic photo editing with apps like Canva has proven enjoyable. The Z Fold 7 represents a marked improvement over the Z Fold 6 that utilized the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
The software offerings on the Z Fold 7 place it among a select few Samsung devices launching with Android 16 ahead of the Pixel models. One UI 8 does not introduce revolutionary changes, as previous One UI updates have already implemented significant enhancements.
Galaxy Z Fold 7 users will be among the first to experience Android 16.
One UI 8 continues to enhance the user experience with minor changes such as improved split-screen features, along with the introduction of the Now Bar and Now Brief for real-time updates. The Reminder app has also been revamped, providing users with a comprehensive tool for managing tasks. Quick Share features have received refinements, simplifying file sharing.
The Fold 7 incorporates several AI features including Gemini Live, Photo Assist, and Audio Eraser, among others.
There are also numerous AI functionalities available, such as Call Assist and Writing Assist, to name a few. The camera app has incorporated useful improvements, enabling quick switching between rear and front cameras. The default browsing application has also seen updates, ensuring that all sharing options and features are clearly visible within the menu. Overall, One UI 8 enhances the Samsung experience and provides added utility for Z Fold 7 users.
Samsung has redesigned the main display to be lighter, thinner, and tougher.
Battery: Consistency Without Improvement
- Battery Capacity – 4400 mAh
- Charging Support – 25W wired and 15W wireless
- Charging Speed – 50% in 30 minutes
The battery is one area where the Z Fold 7 shows no progression, retaining the 4,400mAh capacity found in its predecessor. This seems inadequate compared to newer flagship devices launched this year. Furthermore, charging speed at 25W also feels sluggish.
The back panel of the Fold 7 is fortified with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
In practice, the Fold 7’s battery life lasts an entire day under a full charge, yielding over 5 hours of screen-on time. Users may desire a bit more endurance from their device. However, convenient options to regulate charging to 80% or slightly higher can be beneficial.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 can be used comfortably with one hand when folded.
Charging time remains roughly 30 minutes to reach 50%, while a full charge takes around 80-90 minutes. This duration is on the slower side and highlights a missed opportunity for improvement.
Final Verdict on the Galaxy Z Fold 7
This year, Samsung has positioned the Z Fold 7 as a well-rounded device that combines robust performance and aesthetic appeal. With premium specifications set in a sleek design that attracts attention, it is propelled by a high-performance processor ensuring exceptional capabilities. The notable camera upgrades closely align it with flagship status, thanks to components from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Running on One UI 8 layered atop Android 16, the experience is bolstered by a promise of 7 years of software support, a rarity amongst Android devices.
The Z Fold 7 starts at a retail price of Rs. 1,74,999, going up to Rs. 2,16,999 for the highest configuration.
However, certain drawbacks persist. The slower charging speeds may feel outdated, and the battery life does not set a new benchmark. Additionally, the absence of S Pen support diminishes its appeal as a multitasking powerhouse. Coupled with a notable price increase, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 retains the same luxurious positioning as its predecessor.
The upgraded Armour FlexHinge is slimmer and lighter, featuring a newly implemented multi-rail design to minimize creasing visibility.
For those evaluating alternatives, the Galaxy S25 Ultra stands as a strong non-folding contender. The Vivo X Fold 5 directly competes in the foldable segment, while the anticipated Pixel Fold from Google could soon provide an additional option for consumers.
