The Surprising Appeal of the Galaxy Z Fold 7: A Comprehensive Review

As a professional in the realm of phone reviews, there’s a particular type of device that has always left me somewhat perplexed.

I may be exaggerating slightly, but for the longest time, I couldn’t wrap my head around foldable phones. Why invest double the amount of a regular smartphone in a bulky device that seems to offer minimal real-world advantages?

However, when I was on the hunt for a new Samsung phone last month to experience the latest One UI 8 software, the only option available was the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Thus, I faced a decision: stick with my trusty Pixel 10 Pro XL or make the leap to a £1,799/$1,899 device. A tough choice, I’m sure you can sympathize.

In the end, I reluctantly chose the Z Fold 7, challenging myself to keep an open mind about foldables. Could they have actually improved?

Now, after nearly a month of using the device, I find myself transformed. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been a delight to use, changing my perspective on the future potential of foldable phones. Just like Google’s Gemini AI assistant, my views have undergone a complete shift.

A Regular Smartphone – Until It Isn’t

The main issue I’ve had with foldables in the past has been their design.

Early foldable phones were clunky and heavy, feeling like two devices clumsily merged together.

But recent models, like the Honor Magic V3 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, have made significant strides in design. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, in particular, has seen substantial chassis upgrades, shrinking its overall footprint significantly.

At just 8.9mm when closed, it’s barely thicker than most regular phones, making it quite portable. And at 215g, it’s 24g lighter than its predecessor, showing a significant improvement in weight.

Additionally, the unsightly crease on the internal display has been nearly eliminated, with no impact on the stunning 8-inch panel and its exceptional viewing experience.

After switching to the Z Fold 7, I found myself admiring its design and proudly showing it off to friends and family – a rarity for me as a tech journalist.

The Days of Spec Compromise Are Over

For a long time, purchasing a foldable device meant compromising on essential specs like performance, battery life, or camera quality.

But Samsung has bridged that gap with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, offering comparable performance to the Galaxy S25 Ultra in all key areas.

Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 200Mp main rear camera, the Z Fold 7 delivers exceptional performance. The dual displays provide an immersive viewing experience, especially for multimedia content.

Despite the smaller 4400mAh battery, the Z Fold 7 offers impressive battery life, lasting two to three days with light usage. However, charging speeds remain a downside, with slow 25W charging.

Overall, the Z Fold 7 excels in all the essential smartphone specs, while the second display enhances the user experience significantly.

No One Does Software Like Samsung

One of the main reasons I switched to a Samsung phone was the software, and One UI 8 didn’t disappoint.

Known for its sleek design, intuitive interface, and extensive customization options, One UI 8 is among my favorite phone software. The larger internal screen optimizes Samsung’s stock apps, providing more information at a glance.

Even third-party apps have been optimized for the Z Fold 7’s dual screens, enhancing the user experience across various applications.

With multitasking features like split-screen mode, floating windows, and Edge panels, the Z Fold 7 offers a comprehensive software experience.

Moreover, the option to disable the app drawer encourages intentional phone usage, a feature I appreciate for reducing mindless scrolling.

Additionally, the Z Fold 7 will receive software updates for over six more years, ensuring long-term usability until 2032.

While software was a weakness for the Honor Magic V5, it stands out as a strength for the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Not as Expensive as It May Seem

Despite its high price tag of £1,799/$1,899, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers a unique value proposition for those willing to invest.

When compared to non-folding flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, the monthly cost of the Z Fold 7 may not be significantly higher.

Choosing the Z Fold 7 on a contract basis can make the device more affordable, making it a feasible option for many consumers.

While the upfront cost may be steep, the long-term benefits of the Z Fold 7’s innovative design and features could justify the investment for those who value the internal display.

Galaxy Z Fold 7: Stick or Twist?

Despite my positive experience with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, I am inclined to return to a single-screen Samsung Galaxy phone in the near future.

As my smartphone plays a secondary role in my daily life, I find more value in a traditional device for productivity and entertainment.

While the Z Fold 7 excels in certain scenarios, such as gaming and multitasking, I prefer a simpler phone for my current needs.

My next move may be towards the Galaxy S25+, offering the benefits of One UI 8 in a more compact and lightweight form.

While I’m not ruling out a return to foldables in the future, manufacturers will need to further enhance the user experience to convince me of the necessity of a dual-screen device.