For years, foldable smartphones have been heralded as the next frontier in mobile technology. Yet, many iterations felt more like prototypes than polished products. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series, in particular, often appeared bulky, resembling two devices stacked together. However, the unveiling of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 marks a significant evolution, potentially setting the stage for Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable market.
A Slimmer, More Refined Design
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 addresses one of the most significant criticisms of its predecessors: thickness. When folded, the device measures a mere 8.9mm, a notable reduction from the 12.1mm of the previous model. Unfolded, it boasts an astonishingly slim profile of 4.2mm. To put this in perspective, the iPhone 16 Pro is 8.2mm thick, and the rumored iPhone 17 Air is expected to be around 5.5mm. This achievement is attributed to a redesigned hinge mechanism and a more efficient internal component layout. The result is a foldable device that feels as sleek and manageable as a traditional smartphone.
Enhanced Display Experience
Samsung has made significant strides in the display department. The cover screen now measures 6.5 inches with a 21:9 aspect ratio, offering a more traditional smartphone experience when the device is closed. Upon unfolding, users are greeted with an expansive 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, capable of reaching up to 2,600 nits of brightness under specific conditions. This larger screen enhances multitasking capabilities and media consumption, providing a tablet-like experience in a pocket-sized device.
Camera Innovations
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s upgraded camera system. It features a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. For selfies and video calls, there’s a 10MP cover camera and a 10MP under-display camera on the main screen. Samsung’s ProVisual Engine enhances image processing, offering always-on 10-bit HDR+ color, noise reduction, and improved low-light video capture. These advancements position the Z Fold 7 as a formidable contender in mobile photography.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, built on a 3nm process. This is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options up to 1TB. The device runs on Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8, integrating enhanced AI features through One UI 8, Google Gemini, and Galaxy AI. These software enhancements improve multitasking, gaming, and overall user experience.
Battery and Charging
The device houses a dual-cell 4,400mAh battery, supporting 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Samsung claims the device can reach 50% charge in approximately 30 minutes using a compatible 25W adapter. While the battery capacity remains consistent with its predecessor, efficiency improvements in the chipset and software optimizations aim to provide longer usage times.
The Absence of S Pen Support
In its pursuit of a slimmer design, Samsung made the decision to remove S Pen support from the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The company cited minimal usage among prior users as the primary reason for this omission. While this may disappoint some users who valued the stylus functionality, the trade-off results in a more streamlined and lightweight device.
Implications for Apple’s Foldable Aspirations
The advancements showcased in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 provide valuable insights for Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone. Reports suggest that Apple is exploring a book-style folding mechanism, similar to Samsung’s approach. The anticipated device may feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner screen, aiming to offer a seamless and crease-free experience. Apple is also rumored to prioritize durability, battery life, and high-end materials like titanium alloy for the hinge. Pricing is expected to be premium, potentially ranging between $2,000 and $2,500.
Samsung’s latest offering sets a high bar in the foldable market, emphasizing the importance of design refinement, display quality, and software integration. As Apple prepares to enter this space, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 serves as both a benchmark and a challenge, urging innovation and excellence in the next generation of foldable devices.
