On July 9, 2025, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 7 at its Galaxy Unpacked event in New York City, continuing its legacy of pushing the boundaries of foldable smartphone technology. This eighth-generation foldable device (despite the “7” in its name) introduces significant upgrades in design, display, performance, and camera capabilities. Aimed at tech enthusiasts and productivity-focused users, the Z Fold 7 combines a sleek form factor with cutting-edge features. This comprehensive overview explores every aspect of the device, from its release details to its software innovations, based on the latest available information.
Release Date and Availability
- Announcement: July 9, 2025
- Pre-order Start: Immediately following the announcement
- Retail Availability: Expected to hit store shelves between July 23-25, 2025
Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, marked the official debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Pre-orders opened right after the announcement, allowing early adopters to secure the device. Retail availability is anticipated around July 25, 2025, aligning with Samsung’s typical two-week post-announcement shipping timeline.
Pricing and Deals
- Starting Price: $1,999 for the 256GB model
- Price Comparison: A $100 increase from the Galaxy Z Fold 6, with European prices reportedly starting at €2,227 for the 256GB variant and €1,425 for the 512GB model
- Available Deals:
- Samsung: Offers generous trade-in deals for older devices.
- Verizon: Up to $1,000 off with a trade-in and a new line on an Unlimited plan.
- T-Mobile: Up to $1,000 off with a trade-in and an eligible plan (Go5G Plus/Next), or $600-$800 off with a new line.
- AT&T: Up to $1,000 off with a trade-in and select unlimited plans.
The price increase reflects the enhanced features, but carrier promotions and trade-in offers make the device more accessible for those upgrading from older models.
Design and Build
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is one of the slimmest foldable phones to date, with a refined design that enhances both aesthetics and functionality:
- Dimensions:
- Folded: 8.9mm thick
- Unfolded: 4.2mm thick (some rumors suggest 3.9mm or 4.5mm)
- Weight: 215g
- Materials:
- Frame: Advanced Armor Aluminum, 10% stronger than previous generations
- Hinge: Armor FlexHinge, designed to be thinner, lighter, and reduce display creasing
- Colors: Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet-black, Mint (Jet-black and Mint exclusive to Samsung.com)
- Durability: IP48 rating for dust and water resistance
The slimmer profile and lighter weight make the Z Fold 7 more practical for daily use, while the improved hinge technology addresses a key pain point by minimizing the visible crease on the foldable screen. The rounder design and stronger frame enhance durability, making it a robust choice for a premium device.
Display
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 features two high-quality AMOLED displays tailored for different use cases:
- Cover Display:
- Size: 6.5 inches
- Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2x
- Aspect Ratio: 21:9
- Protection: Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Peak Brightness: Up to 2,600 nits
- Features: Supports ProScaler for enhanced visuals
- Main Display:
- Size: 8 inches (up from 7.6 inches on the Z Fold 6)
- Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2x
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Features: Vision Booster, potentially crease-free due to advanced hinge and display layers
The larger main display offers more screen real estate for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. The reduced or potentially eliminated crease is a significant improvement, addressing a common critique of foldable phones. The use of blue phosphorescent OLED (PHOLED) technology may contribute to brighter displays with lower power consumption, enhancing both visibility and efficiency.
| Display Feature | Cover Display | Main Display |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5 inches | 8 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2x | Dynamic AMOLED 2x |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 2,600 nits | 2,600 nits |
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 | N/A |
| Additional Features | ProScaler | Vision Booster, reduced crease |
Camera System
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 introduces a robust camera system, with a standout 200MP main sensor:
- Rear Cameras:
- Ultra-Wide: 12MP (Dual Pixel AF, F2.2, 1.4μm, 120˚ FOV)
- Wide-Angle: 200MP (Quad Pixel AF, OIS, F1.7)
- Telephoto: 10MP (PDAF, OIS, F2.4, 1.0μm, 36˚ FOV, 3X optical zoom)
- Front Cameras:
- Cover Camera: 10MP (F2.2, 1.12μm, 85˚ FOV)
- Inner Selfie Camera: Reports vary, with some sources citing a 10MP camera (F2.2, 1.12μm, 100˚ FOV) and others mentioning a 4MP under-display camera
- Camera Features:
- ProVisual Engine for enhanced image processing
- Night Video with motion detection
- AI Tools: Photo Assist, Portrait Studio, Generative Edit, Side-by-Side Editing, Show Original
The 200MP wide-angle camera, borrowed from the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, delivers exceptional detail and clarity, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts. The ultra-wide and telephoto lenses provide versatility, while the AI-driven features enhance creative possibilities. The uncertainty around the inner selfie camera (10MP vs. 4MP under-display) suggests that final specifications may vary, but the cover camera ensures reliable selfies and video calls.
| Camera Type | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Wide | 12MP, F2.2, 120Ëš FOV | Dual Pixel AF |
| Wide-Angle | 200MP, F1.7, OIS | Quad Pixel AF |
| Telephoto | 10MP, F2.4, 3X zoom | PDAF, OIS |
| Cover Camera | 10MP, F2.2, 85Ëš FOV | Standard selfies |
| Inner Selfie Camera | 10MP or 4MP (under-display, unconfirmed) | Wide FOV or under-display tech |
Performance
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, offering significant performance improvements:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- Performance Gains:
- 41% boost in Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
- 38% boost in CPU performance
- 26% boost in GPU performance compared to the previous generation
- RAM:
- 12GB for 256GB and 512GB models
- 16GB for the 1TB model
- Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (no microSD card slot)
The Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures seamless multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven tasks, making the Z Fold 7 one of the most powerful foldable phones of 2025. The increased RAM in the 1TB model caters to heavy users who demand top-tier performance.
Battery and Charging
- Battery Capacity: 4,400mAh (unchanged from previous models)
- Charging Speeds:
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
- Reverse Wireless: 4.5W
Despite the slimmer design and larger displays, the battery capacity remains at 4,400mAh. Samsung likely relies on software optimizations and the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset to maintain battery life. However, heavy users may need to manage power consumption, especially with the larger screens.
| Battery Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,400mAh |
| Wired Charging | 25W |
| Wireless Charging | 15W |
| Reverse Wireless | 4.5W |
Software and Features
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 runs on One UI 8, based on Android 16, with a focus on AI-driven enhancements:
- Operating System: One UI 8 (Android 16)
- AI Features:
- Gemini Live (multimodal AI)
- Circle to Search with gaming tips
- Galaxy AI optimized for large screens:
- AI Results View
- Split/Floating View
- Drag-and-drop AI content
- Drawing/Writing Assist
- Additional Features:
- Flex Mode for hands-free usage
- Samsung DeX for desktop-like productivity
- 7 years of software and security updates (until 2031)
- S Pen Support: Notably absent due to the removal of the stylus digitizer layer to achieve a thinner design, a decision that has sparked debate among fans of the feature.
The AI integrations enhance productivity and creativity, particularly for multitasking on the large foldable screen. The long-term software support ensures the device remains relevant for years to come.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- NFC: Supported
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 (latest standard)
- USB: Type-C
The Z Fold 7 offers robust connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with modern accessories and networks.
Comparison with Previous Models
Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Z Fold 7 offers several key upgrades:
- Display: Larger 8-inch main display (vs. 7.6 inches) with a reduced crease.
- Camera: Upgraded 200MP main camera (vs. lower resolution in Z Fold 6).
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with significant performance boosts.
- Design: Slimmer and lighter, with a stronger frame and improved hinge.
- Drawback: Removal of S Pen support, a feature present in previous models.
These improvements make the Z Fold 7 a more refined device, though the lack of S Pen support may be a trade-off for some users.
Potential Drawbacks and Controversies
- S Pen Removal: The decision to drop S Pen support has been controversial, as it was a popular feature for productivity-focused users. Some rumors suggested a new S Pen with a larger body and improved tip, but official reports confirm no stylus support.
- Price Increase: The $100 price hike may deter some buyers, especially in markets like Europe where prices are significantly higher.
- Battery Life Concerns: The unchanged 4,400mAh battery capacity, combined with larger displays, raises questions about battery life for heavy users.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a bold step forward in the foldable smartphone market, offering a larger, brighter display, a powerful 200MP camera, and top-tier performance with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Its slimmer design, reduced display crease, and AI-driven software features make it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium, versatile device. However, the removal of S Pen support and the price increase may give some potential buyers pause. With attractive carrier deals and long-term software support, the Z Fold 7 is poised to be a leading foldable phone in 2025.
For the latest updates and hands-on reviews, visit trusted sources like PhoneArena and Tom’s Guide.
