The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is one of the most eagerly anticipated smartphones of 2025, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology and futuristic design. Priced at a hefty $2,000, this foldable phone aims to redefine the way we interact with mobile devices. As a flagship model from Samsung’s innovative foldable line, it promises to deliver an immersive experience, with a foldable display, improved performance, and a sleek design that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. But does it live up to the hype? After spending a week with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, I find myself conflicted.
In this article, I will dive deep into my experience using the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 for seven days. I’ll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the device, evaluate its features, and explore why, despite the impressive technology it packs, I wished I loved it more. Let’s take a closer look at the features that stood out during my testing and why this $2,000 device didn’t quite meet my expectations.
From the moment you unbox the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the first thing that strikes you is its premium design. The phone feels solid and well-built, with a smooth, polished exterior that radiates sophistication. The large foldable display is one of the highlights, with its flexible glass that bends effortlessly to transform the device from a regular smartphone into a tablet.
The hinge system, a critical part of any foldable device, has seen significant improvements compared to previous generations. Samsung has done an exceptional job making the hinge more durable, smooth, and resistant to wear and tear. It feels robust and promises a long lifespan, though only time will tell if it truly stands the test of durability.
However, while the design is undeniably striking, it’s not without its compromises. The device is significantly heavier than traditional smartphones, and the bulkiness of the foldable mechanism can feel cumbersome after prolonged use. At 9.2 ounces, it’s noticeably heavier than other premium flagship phones, and the added thickness when folded can make it harder to slip into a pocket. This makes it less portable than other devices in its price range, which may be a dealbreaker for some users who prioritize convenience and portability.
The centerpiece of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is, without a doubt, its display. Samsung has refined the foldable screen technology, and the 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is vibrant, crisp, and delivers stunning colors. Watching videos, browsing the web, and using apps on this expansive screen is a true joy, with immersive visuals that rival those of high-end tablets.
When unfolded, the display offers a tablet-like experience that feels more akin to a small laptop. It’s perfect for multitasking, and you can easily split the screen to run multiple apps side-by-side. This functionality is a great advantage for productivity-focused users or anyone who prefers a larger display for daily tasks. It’s clear that Samsung has gone above and beyond to ensure the Z Fold 7 is not just a gimmick but a genuinely useful device for work and play.
However, the foldable screen comes with a set of challenges. The crease down the middle, where the screen folds, is visible and noticeable, especially when the display is lit up with bright colors or when using it for extended periods. While it’s not as pronounced as earlier versions, it’s still there, and for a $2,000 device, this imperfection detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, while the foldable screen provides a unique form factor, it’s not always as practical as I expected. When folded, the 6.2-inch outer screen is usable for basic tasks like texting and checking notifications, but it feels cramped compared to standard smartphones.
When it comes to performance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 excels in almost every area. Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it delivers lightning-fast performance, handles multitasking with ease, and can run the most demanding apps without breaking a sweat. Whether I was playing graphically intensive games, editing photos, or using productivity tools, the phone handled everything seamlessly.
The 12GB of RAM ensures that apps open quickly, and the device doesn’t show signs of lag, even with several apps open in the background. The foldable nature also adds a layer of flexibility, as users can customize their multitasking experience to a degree not possible with traditional phones. This is a fantastic feature for those who rely on their devices for work or heavy multitasking.
However, as powerful as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is, I encountered a few usability issues during my week-long test. The outer screen, while functional, feels a bit too small for certain tasks. It’s difficult to fully enjoy media or navigate larger websites on the 6.2-inch display. The main screen, on the other hand, feels somewhat unwieldy when folded, as it takes up a significant amount of space in your pocket or bag.
Despite its technological advancements, the form factor of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 feels more like a concept than a finished product. It’s clear that Samsung has poured immense effort into the device, but it doesn’t quite feel as refined or comfortable to use as other flagship smartphones. The overall experience is slightly marred by the device’s awkward ergonomics and the lack of fluidity in transitioning between folded and unfolded states.
One of the most crucial aspects of any smartphone is its battery life, and with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung has equipped it with a 4,400mAh battery. In my week of testing, I found the battery life to be decent, but not exceptional. With regular use—checking emails, browsing social media, streaming videos, and using apps—the device typically lasted a full day on a single charge. However, when using the foldable display for extended periods, especially when multitasking or playing games, the battery drains faster than I anticipated.
Fast charging is available, but given the size of the device, wireless charging could be a bit slow for users expecting more immediate power. While it’s clear that the battery is optimized for the foldable form, I found myself needing to charge more frequently than I would with other flagship smartphones, especially when using the device heavily throughout the day.
Samsung’s camera system on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is impressive, but it doesn’t quite push the envelope in the same way the foldable screen does. The main camera array consists of three lenses: a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens. The photos produced by the Galaxy Z Fold 7 are vibrant and detailed, and the telephoto lens offers solid zoom capabilities.
However, while the cameras perform admirably, they don’t surpass the competition in terms of overall image quality. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 delivers great photos, but the lack of significant innovation in the camera department may leave some users wishing for more, especially considering the high price tag. In comparison, other flagship devices from brands like Apple and Google offer better low-light performance and more refined computational photography features.
The software experience on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by One UI, Samsung’s custom Android skin. One UI is known for its clean, user-friendly interface, and on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it shines. Samsung has optimized the software to take full advantage of the foldable display, offering features like multitasking, flexible app layouts, and a more intuitive way to navigate between screens.
While One UI is highly functional, it’s still not perfect. The transition between folded and unfolded states isn’t always seamless, and there are occasional glitches when switching between apps. Additionally, certain apps are not fully optimized for the foldable screen, leading to awkward resizing and scaling issues. While this is a limitation inherent in foldable devices, it’s something that Samsung will need to address in future iterations to make the experience feel more polished.
