The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, unveiled on July 9, 2025, at the Galaxy Unpacked event in Brooklyn, New York, marks a significant milestone in foldable smartphone technology. With a sleeker design, upgraded performance, and cutting-edge features, the Z Fold 7 aims to redefine the foldable experience. However, some decisions, like the removal of S Pen support, have sparked debate among fans. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Galaxy Z Fold 7 stand out, its controversies, and what it means for the future of foldables.
A Sleeker, Lighter Design
Samsung has pushed the boundaries of design with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, making it the thinnest and lightest foldable in its lineup yet. Measuring just 8.9mm when folded and 4.2mm when unfolded, and weighing 215 grams (24 grams lighter than the Z Fold 6), this device feels closer to a traditional smartphone. The larger 8-inch main display (up from 7.6 inches) and 6.5-inch cover screen (up from 6.3 inches) offer more screen real estate for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. Available in Jet Black, Silver Shadow, and Blue Shadow, the Z Fold 7 combines elegance with functionality.
Despite its slim profile, the device retains an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability, though it offers limited dust protection compared to higher IP standards. The refined hinge and slimmer bezels enhance the premium feel, making it a standout in the foldable market.
Powerhouse Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, delivering blazing-fast performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Paired with up to 16GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, it’s built to handle anything you throw at it. The device runs on Android 16 with One UI 8, which introduces enhanced Galaxy AI features, including screen-sharing with Gemini Live for real-time AI assistance. This makes the Z Fold 7 a productivity powerhouse for professionals and creatives alike.
Camera Upgrades
The Z Fold 7 boasts a revamped camera system, headlined by a 200MP main camera borrowed from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Housed in a sleek pill-shaped module, the triple-camera setup delivers stunning clarity and versatility for photography enthusiasts. The improved 10MP front camera ensures sharper selfies and better video calls, addressing a common pain point in foldables. Whether capturing landscapes or low-light shots, the Z Fold 7’s camera is designed to impress.
Battery and Trade-Offs
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 retains the 4,400mAh battery from its predecessor, with a rated life of 40 hours and 28 minutes, though real-world usage may vary. While this battery capacity supports a full day of moderate use, some users have expressed disappointment, hoping for a larger battery to match the device’s power-hungry features.
A more controversial decision is the removal of S Pen support, a staple of previous Z Fold models. Samsung cites the slimmer design as the reason, but this move has drawn criticism from loyal users who valued the stylus for productivity and creativity. The trade-off for a thinner profile has left some fans questioning whether the sacrifice was worth it.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes with a premium price tag, reflecting its advanced technology. In Europe, prices start at €2,227 for the 256GB model and €2,309 for the 512GB variant (including 22% VAT in Italy). In India, the starting price is rumored to be around ₹1,69,990, a notable increase over the Z Fold 6. Pre-orders began on July 9, 2025, at 3 PM, with general availability set for July 25, 2025. Samsung is sweetening the deal with pre-order perks, including double storage (e.g., 512GB for the price of 256GB), up to $1,000 in trade-in credit, and a $50 accessory credit.
The new Galaxy Club subscription offers expanded access to Google AI Pro and 2TB of cloud storage for six months at no cost, adding value for early adopters. Samsung is also showcasing the device at Galaxy Experience Spaces in Paris, London, and New York City, giving consumers a hands-on look.
