The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 takes center stage at this year’s summer Unpacked event, and it’s a game-changer. As the thinnest and lightest book-style foldable Samsung has ever released, it finally delivers on the dream of a truly portable foldable phone that doesn’t feel bulky or awkward in your pocket. This seventh-generation Fold marks a massive leap in design and engineering, offering a nearly seamless experience between phone and tablet modes.
With upgraded durability, a wider and more usable cover screen, powerful internals, and improved cameras, Samsung is positioning the Z Fold 7 as both a productivity powerhouse and a flagship alternative. For those who’ve been waiting for a foldable that finally feels like a normal phone—this might be it.
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A Foldable That Finally Feels Familiar
Samsung’s headline act at its summer Unpacked event is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — the company’s thinnest and lightest book-style foldable yet. It’s the first time a Fold device truly delivers on the promise of merging smartphone portability with tablet versatility, without the usual bulk.
Gone are the days when owning a foldable meant stuffing a mini brick into your pocket. With the Z Fold 7, Samsung has come closer than ever to achieving the ideal foldable experience.
Surprisingly Slim and Light
You really need to hold the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to appreciate its engineering. Having handled every generation since 2019, this year’s leap from the Z Fold 6 is astonishing.
- Closed thickness: 8.9mm (just shy of the 8.2mm Galaxy S25 Ultra)
- Unfolded thickness: 4.2mm (thinner than the 5.8mm S25 Edge)
- Weight: 3 grams lighter than the S25 Ultra
For context, the Z Fold 6 was 12.1mm thick when closed and 5.6mm when open. Samsung has managed to shave down the form factor while keeping the core appeal intact.
Wider Screens for Real-World Use
Samsung also addressed one of the most consistent criticisms of its Fold series: the narrow cover screen.
- Cover Display: 6.3 inches, 21:9 aspect ratio
- Inner Display: 8 inches (widened as a result of cover screen increase)
This makes the phone easier to use in its closed state, no longer feeling like a cramped TV remote in your hand. App content now appears more naturally, and the whole experience feels more balanced.
Improved Durability and Build Quality
Samsung has reinforced the Z Fold 7 with upgraded materials and design improvements:
- Armor Aluminum frame for added durability
- Cover and rear glass: Upgraded to Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 and Victus 2
- Folding screen: 50% thicker glass surface with a titanium plate for structure
While the materials are tougher, foldables remain delicate by nature — only real-world use will reveal how much abuse the Z Fold 7 can truly handle. One compromise? No S Pen support, due to screen modifications and minimal user adoption in previous models.
Performance Gets the Ultra Treatment
Under the hood, Samsung gave the Z Fold 7 an “Ultra” spec bump:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage Options: 256GB and 512GB
- Battery: 4,400mAh (same as Z Fold 6)
Although the battery capacity hasn’t increased, improved chip efficiency could help maintain comparable runtime. We’ll know more after extensive testing.
Camera: Borrowing from the Flagship Playbook
The camera system now competes with top-tier flagships:
- Main Camera: 200MP (from S25 Ultra)
- Ultra-Wide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front Cameras: 10MP on both the cover and inner displays
Samsung also improved the ProVisual Engine to enhance low-light shots and reduce video noise. Videos now support 10-bit HDR, further raising content quality — though the demo area lighting was staged to perfection. Field tests will show the real results.
Smart AI Features, Without the Overload
While competitors are cramming their devices full of AI tools, Samsung is taking a more measured approach with the Z Fold 7:
- Google Gemini AI: Available in split-view and pop-up window modes
- Multimodal interaction: Text, voice, and camera input
- Audio Eraser: Removes background noise from videos
- Circle to Search: Enhanced with gaming tips for mobile players
It’s enough AI to be useful without feeling overwhelming — a thoughtful touch.
Price Tag: Innovation Doesn’t Come Cheap
Here’s the catch: $2,000. Foldables are still premium devices, and despite six years of development, Samsung hasn’t brought the price down — in fact, it’s gone up. But with the Z Fold 7, you’re getting both a phone and a tablet that won’t weigh you down (literally).
Availability
- Pre-orders start: Today
- Official release: July 25
- Where to buy: Samsung.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Z Fold 7 weigh?
It weighs slightly less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra—around 3 grams lighter.
Is the Z Fold 7 more durable?
Yes. It features stronger materials, a titanium plate, and tougher Gorilla Glass.
Does the Z Fold 7 support the S Pen?
No, S Pen support has been removed due to changes in screen structure.
What are the camera specs?
The phone includes a 200MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto lens.
When is it available?
Pre-orders begin today, and the phone ships starting July 25.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the first foldable that genuinely feels like a phone when closed and a tablet when open — without the compromises of the past. It’s sleek, powerful, and more durable than ever. If you’ve been waiting for a foldable to make sense in the real world, this might be your moment — assuming your wallet agrees.
