Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review: Reigniting the Foldable Throne

The foldable market has become a battleground, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series has consistently aimed for the crown. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung seeks not only to maintain its position but to decisively reclaim dominance. We’ve spent weeks putting the Z Fold 7 through its paces, scrutinizing every aspect from its innovative hinge to its cutting-edge processor, to determine if it truly represents a return to the kingly status it once held. This review delves into the specifics, offering a comprehensive look at what makes the Z Fold 7 a contender for the best foldable phone of the year.

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Familiar Yet Refined Design

The initial experience with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is immediately premium. The packaging itself reflects a sophisticated aesthetic, hinting at the technology within. Upon unboxing, the device presents a familiar form factor, instantly recognizable as a Galaxy Z Fold, but with subtle refinements. The hinge, noticeably slimmer, contributes to a more streamlined appearance when folded. The materials exude quality, a testament to Samsung’s commitment to flagship craftsmanship. The weight, while still substantial, feels balanced and manageable in hand. The box contains the phone, a USB-C charging cable, and the SIM ejector tool. Note that a charging brick is not included, aligning with Samsung’s recent environmental initiatives.

Design and Build Quality: A Leap in Durability and Aesthetics

Samsung has made significant strides in addressing the durability concerns that plagued earlier foldable models. The Z Fold 7 boasts an improved Armor Aluminum frame, providing enhanced protection against drops and impacts. The cover screen and rear panel are shielded by the latest generation of Corning Gorilla Glass, offering superior scratch resistance. The hinge mechanism, a critical component of any foldable device, has been redesigned for greater resilience. Samsung claims a higher bend test rating, ensuring the hinge can withstand hundreds of thousands of folds without compromising its integrity. The IPX8 water resistance rating returns, providing peace of mind against accidental splashes and spills, although dust resistance remains absent, a notable omission. The overall design language is evolutionary, building upon the established Z Fold aesthetic while incorporating subtle improvements to enhance both form and function. The available color options are Phantom Black, Beige, and a new, eye-catching Emerald Green.

The Redesigned Hinge: A Near-Seamless Fold

The improved hinge is arguably the most impactful design change. It allows the Z Fold 7 to fold almost completely flat, minimizing the gap between the two halves when closed. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a slimmer profile and reduced dust ingress. The folding and unfolding action is smooth and satisfying, with a reassuringly solid feel. The hinge also supports Flex Mode, allowing the device to be propped open at various angles for hands-free viewing or content creation.

Display Technology: Brighter, Sharper, and More Immersive

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 features two displays: a cover screen and a foldable main screen. The cover screen is a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It’s bright, sharp, and responsive, making it ideal for quick tasks like checking notifications, making calls, or browsing the web. The main screen is a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This display is the star of the show, offering a truly immersive viewing experience. The colors are vibrant and accurate, the contrast is excellent, and the refresh rate makes scrolling and animations incredibly smooth. Samsung has also reduced the crease in the center of the display, making it less noticeable during everyday use.

Under-Display Camera: Improved but Still Imperfect

The under-display camera (UDC) on the main screen has been further refined, resulting in a less distracting visual experience. While the camera remains visible under certain lighting conditions, it’s significantly less prominent than on previous models. Image quality from the UDC is still not on par with traditional front-facing cameras, but it’s adequate for video calls and occasional selfies.

Performance: Powerhouse Performance with Enhanced Efficiency

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, paired with ample RAM and storage. This combination delivers blistering performance, handling even the most demanding tasks with ease. Multitasking is seamless, allowing you to run multiple apps side-by-side without any noticeable lag. Gaming is a joy, with smooth frame rates and stunning visuals. The device also benefits from improved thermal management, preventing overheating during prolonged use.

Software and User Experience: One UI Refined for Foldable Functionality

The Z Fold 7 runs on Samsung’s One UI, which has been further optimized for the foldable form factor. The software offers a range of features designed to enhance productivity and multitasking, including App Pair, which allows you to launch two apps simultaneously in split-screen view, and Flex Mode, which optimizes app layouts when the device is partially folded. Samsung has also improved the integration of Microsoft apps, such as Outlook and Office, making it easier to work on the go.

S Pen Support: Unleashing Creative Potential

The Z Fold 7 supports the S Pen, allowing you to take notes, draw, and navigate the device with precision. The S Pen experience has been further refined, with improved latency and tilt recognition. The S Pen Fold Edition is specifically designed for the Z Fold 7, featuring a retractable tip to prevent damage to the display.

Camera System: Flagship-Level Photography in a Foldable Form Factor

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts a versatile camera system that rivals those found on traditional flagship smartphones. The rear camera setup includes a primary sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens, all of which deliver excellent image quality in a variety of lighting conditions. The camera app is intuitive and feature-rich, offering a range of shooting modes and manual controls.

Image Quality: Sharp, Vibrant, and Detailed

Images captured with the Z Fold 7 are sharp, vibrant, and detailed. The primary sensor captures excellent dynamic range, preserving detail in both highlights and shadows. The ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots, while the telephoto lens allows you to zoom in on distant subjects without sacrificing image quality. Low-light performance is also impressive, with the camera capturing bright and clear images even in challenging lighting conditions.

Video Recording: Professional-Grade Video Capabilities

The Z Fold 7 is capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution, offering exceptional detail and clarity. The camera also supports a range of video recording features, including Super Steady mode for smooth and stable footage, and Director’s View, which allows you to switch between different lenses during recording.

Battery Life: Improved Efficiency for All-Day Use

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a larger battery compared to its predecessor, and thanks to improved power efficiency, it delivers impressive battery life. In our testing, the device easily lasted a full day on a single charge, even with heavy usage. When the battery does run low, the Z Fold 7 supports fast charging and wireless charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery.

Charging Speed: Fast and Convenient

The Z Fold 7 supports fast charging, allowing you to charge the battery from 0% to 50% in approximately 30 minutes. The device also supports wireless charging, making it easy to charge the battery without plugging in a cable.

Connectivity: Cutting-Edge Wireless Technology

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 supports the latest wireless technologies, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. This ensures fast and reliable connectivity, whether you’re streaming videos, downloading files, or connecting to wireless accessories.

5G Performance: Blazing-Fast Download Speeds

With 5G connectivity, the Z Fold 7 offers blazing-fast download speeds, allowing you to download large files in seconds. This is especially useful for streaming high-resolution videos or downloading large games.

Magisk Module Integration: Expanding Customization Potential

As enthusiasts who run Magisk Modules and maintain the Magisk Module Repository, we understand the importance of customization. While rooting voids warranties, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, like its predecessors, will undoubtedly attract developers eager to create Magisk modules for enhanced control over the device. Potential modules could focus on improving camera performance, battery optimization, or adding unique features not available in the stock software. We anticipate a vibrant community will emerge, creating custom solutions that further enhance the Z Fold 7’s capabilities, though we must stress the inherent risks associated with rooting.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective

Pros:

• Stunning Foldable Display: Immersive and vibrant with a reduced crease.
• Powerful Performance: Snapdragon processor delivers exceptional speed and efficiency.
• Versatile Camera System: Flagship-level image quality in a foldable form factor.
• Improved Durability: Enhanced hinge and robust materials.
• Refined Software: One UI optimized for foldable functionality.

Cons:

• Price: Remains a premium device with a high price tag.
• Dust Resistance: Lacks dust resistance, a notable omission.
• Under-Display Camera: Image quality still not on par with traditional front-facing cameras.
• Bulk and Weight: Still a relatively large and heavy device.

Alternatives: Exploring the Competition

The foldable market is becoming increasingly competitive, with several alternatives to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 available. These include:

• Google Pixel Fold: Google’s entry into the foldable market, offering a unique design and Google’s signature software experience.
• Oppo Find N2 Fold: A compact and stylish foldable with a focus on design and portability.
• Vivo X Fold2: A premium foldable with a focus on camera performance and battery life.

Conclusion: A Worthy Successor That Solidifies Samsung’s Foldable Leadership

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a significant step forward in foldable technology. It addresses many of the shortcomings of previous models, offering improved durability, performance, and camera capabilities. While the price remains a barrier to entry for many, the Z Fold 7 delivers a premium experience that is unmatched by its competitors. For those seeking the ultimate in foldable innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a worthy successor that solidifies Samsung’s leadership in the foldable market. Its enhanced durability, coupled with the performance boost and refined software, make it a compelling option for power users and tech enthusiasts alike. Although the absence of dust resistance and the continued presence of the under-display camera limitations are notable drawbacks, the overall package represents a significant advancement. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is not just a phone; it’s a statement, a glimpse into the future of mobile computing, and a device that truly earns the title of “Return of the King.”