At The Next Pulse, we prioritize accurate, research-backed reporting. This review draws on trusted sources such as Samsung Newsroom, Engadget, TechRadar, Android Central, and Gadgets 360 to give you verified insights. Our goal is to help readers make informed decisions by presenting expert opinions, user benefits, and unbiased analysis of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Samsung continues to lead the foldable smartphone revolution. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the brand sets a new standard—thinner, lighter, and stronger than ever. It’s a tablet-in-your-pocket that Engadget even calls “foldable phone nirvana”. Let’s break down everything—design, display, AI features, performance, price—and see if it truly lives up to the hype.
1. Design & Build
- Thickness: 8.9 mm folded, 4.2 mm unfolded
- Weight: 215 g (lighter than Z Fold 5’s 253 g)
- Hinge: Redesigned Armor FlexHinge reduces crease visibility and boosts durability
- Protection: IP48 rating, Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 (cover), Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (back)
👉 This is Samsung’s sleekest foldable yet—both premium and practical.
2. Displays
| Display | Size | Tech | Refresh Rate | Brightness |
| Main (Inner) | 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 120 Hz adaptive, Vision Booster | 2,600 nits peak | Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 |
| Cover (Outer) | 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 120 Hz | 21:9 aspect ratio | Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 |
Both panels deliver flagship brightness, smoothness, and color accuracy—perfect for multitasking or entertainment.
3. Performance & Battery
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- Speed Gains: +38% CPU, +26% GPU, +41% NPU vs Z Fold 6
- RAM & Storage: 12 GB / 16 GB RAM, up to 1 TB storage
- Battery: 4,400 mAh with efficiency boosts (up to 24 hrs video playback)
Samsung’s mDNIe power engine ensures longer runtime without increasing battery size.
4. Camera System
| Camera | Specs | Features |
| Main | 200 MP | ProVisual Engine |
| Ultra-wide | 12 MP | Wider field of view |
| Telephoto | 10 MP | 3× optical zoom |
| Front Cameras | Dual 10 MP under-display | Seamless selfies & video calls |
The 200 MP sensor makes this one of the most powerful smartphone cameras yet.
5. Galaxy AI & Software
Runs on Android 16 with One UI 8—optimized for foldables.
Key AI tools:
- Photo Assist: Generative edits with live preview
- Writing & Transcript Assist
- Gemini Live & Now Brief
- Circle to Search & AI Mode
- Multimodal AI for productivity (scheduling, summaries, recording notes)
- Samsung Knox Vault: Advanced security
This isn’t just hardware—it’s AI-powered productivity.
6. Pricing & Availability
| Region | Base Variant | Top Variant | Availability |
| Europe | €2,109 (12/256 GB) | €2,529 (16 GB/1 TB) | Pre-order July 9, shipping July 25, 2025 |
| U.S. | ~$1,999 (with trade-ins) | Varies with storage | Same as above |
Samsung is also offering trade-in deals and Samsung Care+ for better affordability.
7. Engadget’s Verdict: “Foldable Nirvana”
Engadget praised the Fold 7’s:
- Thin, sleek design
- Improved hinge with minimal crease
- Brilliant displays
- Powerful 200 MP camera
- AI-driven features
Downside? The steep price. But if budget isn’t an issue, this is as close as it gets to foldable perfection.
8. Fold 7 vs Fold 5 Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
| Weight | 215 g | 253 g |
| Hinge | Armor FlexHinge (stronger) | Older hinge design |
| Main Display | 8-inch, 2600 nits | 7.6-inch, 1750 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Camera | 200 MP main | 50 MP main |
| AI Features | Advanced Galaxy AI | Basic AI tools |
👉 The Fold 7 is a big leap forward, not just an incremental upgrade.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the most refined foldable yet. Slim, light, durable, powerful, and packed with AI tools—it balances innovation and practicality. Yes, it’s expensive. But for tech enthusiasts, power users, and early adopters, it’s worth the investment.
Samsung may have finally delivered the “foldable phone nirvana” we’ve all been waiting for.
Looking for Samsung’s broader impact on the economy? Don’t miss our deep-dive on how chaebols like Samsung shape South Korea’s economy.
If you’re curious about other 2025 flagships, check out our full Xiaomi 15 Ultra review and see how it stacks up against the Fold 7.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 waterproof?
It has an IP48 rating, meaning it’s dust-protected and splash-resistant, but not fully waterproof.
Q2: How much does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 cost in the U.S.?
Around $1,999, with Samsung trade-in deals lowering the price.
Q3: Does the Fold 7 support S Pen?
Yes, it’s compatible with the S Pen Fold Edition, but sold separately.
Q4: What’s the biggest upgrade from Z Fold 5?
The lighter weight, brighter displays, 200 MP camera, and AI features make it a massive step forward.
Q5: Who should buy it?
Ideal for tech enthusiasts, professionals, and early adopters who want cutting-edge foldable tech.
