Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 review : A beautifully crafted device with a bit of compromises.

Note: This article is written by its original author, Emmy, from her perspective.

I’ve never had any experience with a folding phone before but here I am, writing my very first review of one! So, let me take you through my first impressions and, of course, a review from a non-foldable phone user 🤓.

The honor of being my very first foldable phone review goes to (cue the drumroll 🥁 please…) the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, which was just launched on July 9, 2025 and a remarkable seventh generation of Samsung’s foldable device (although it’s the eight foldable device they have overall).

Now, let’s dive into the review~

First Impression: Lightweight and surprisingly thin

When I first got my hands on the Galaxy Z Fold7 in Blue Shadow (without a phone case), the very first thing that crossed my mind was, “Why is it so lightweight?” Like, is that even normal for a foldable phone? I definitely watched the launch keynote, so I knew Samsung shout a lot on how much thinner and lighter the Z Fold7 was, but weighing at just 215g, which is lighter than many flagship slab phone, honestly it’s still caught me by surprise. And can we talk about that blue? It’s absolutely stunning, sleek, firm, and effortlessly elegant.

I had to finish my task first before I could actually play with this new phone, so I set it down beside my current phone  and that’s when I realised, at the first glance, the thinness of this Z Fold7 makes it look like just a regular slab phone. For context, my current phone is 8.8mm thick, and the Z Fold7 is a just a bit thicker at 8.9mm when folded and 4.2mm when unfolded. It’s like Samsung took a regular smartphone, split the thickness in two, instead of multiply the regular smartphone thickness by 2.

Comparing the Z Fold7’s Slim Profile

Thanks to my awesome colleagues who have other foldable phones for me to compare in this review. The left photo below I’m pitting Z Fold7 against its older sibling, the Z Fold6 (remember that chunky 12.1mm thickness?) and then on the right, is the thinnest foldable in the world, the HONOR Magic V5 vs the Z Fold7.

It’s amazing, really. A foldable phone that can be nearly as sleek as a typical smartphone? For those who’ve held off on Samsung foldables because of bulk in the past, now you really have no excuse. And Z Fold7, you’ve definitely got my attention too.

Unfolding Challenges and the Simple Solution

But with that super slim and sleek, comes the first problem, at least for me as the first timer using a foldable phone. I tried to unfold Z Fold6 and it’s not as easy as I wished. The phone felt a bit slippery, and I wasn’t sure how much force I should use. Too much force, and it might slip right out of my hand yet it still wouldn’t unfold. Too little, and it just wouldn’t budge. So you really have to get familiar with your grip and strength (may the force be with you ✨)

But hey every problem comes with a solution. The phone case. Samsung designed a grip case for the Fold7 to make handling it easier, and honestly, these days a phone case is kind of a must anyway for protection and for style.

So yeah, problem solved, and now it’s back to the excitement!

The Crease and Screen Quality

So I just found out the middle part is called the crease (yes, I just learned that 🥹hype me up, please!). And honestly? The crease is not even that noticeable. Like, when you’re watching YouTube or scrolling through content, there’s no distracting line or weird bump. It really feels like you’re looking at a tablet with a massive 8-inch screen with nothing getting in the way.

Of course, I had to touch the crease (yes, I let my intrusive thoughts win 😅) just to feel how deep it actually is. and I tell you it’s barely there. There’s a slight dip, sure, but nothing dramatic. And I think that’s exactly why the screen feels almost seamless.
And what should I say about the screen quality? It’s gorgeous (It’s Samsung, the top display maker in the world!) and definitely one of the best smartphone display you can have right now.

Working with  the Galaxy Z Fold7

Now let’s talk about actually using the Z Fold7. Why do we even need a foldable phone, right? For most of us, it’s not just about the cool factor, we want something that can boost productivity and help us get work done, anytime, anywhere.

For me, multitasking is a must. I usually juggle between my laptop and tablet when working, researching, typing, then double-checking so I need a split screen that can handle these 3 things . Having a device that can handle all of that in one? Yes, please. 

And guess what? The Z Fold7 delivers. It supports real multitasking, and that’s a game-changer. I can work on a document, browse for references, and even confirm things all in a split screen. You can have 3, 4, and even more apps in pop up mode, though for me 3 works best especially when having the on-screen keyboard. And of course the One UI maturity does help in optimising the extra screen space.

Performance: A Beast Inside

More tasks to handle, means the device need to deliver more power. Worry not, this Z Fold7 is a beauty outside and a beast inside. This bad boy is powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and let me tell you, it’s an absolute powerhouse.

the Z Fold7 handles it all like a Jedi Master. Calm, smooth, and without breaking a sweat..

Seriously, throw anything to it, it will keep up. From opening gazillion apps, playing graphically intense games (even on that massive inner screen), or just scrolling through your social needs, the Z Fold7 handles it all like a Jedi Master 🧘🏻. Calm, smooth, and without breaking a sweat, thanks to it’s very capable vapor chamber cooling system.

The Galaxy Z Fold7 is ready to serve, no performance anxiety required! 😎

The Camera

How can I put this… from my perspective, it captures images that represent true to life colors. The reproduction of colors honestly looks like what you’d see with your own eyes, maybe just slightly enhanced to make the moment look even more beautiful and social media ready.

The details? It is powered by a 200MP camera with a ProVisual Engine so on theory it should look sharp, although the reality is, I believe it should be a bit better. While it is still able to produce high resolution images with intelligently detailed, but in some photos, there are still noticeable noises especially in low light scenario. However, to be honest, as a person who snaps a ton of photos (just for my own collection, mind you) I am actually happy with the results and I can totally see myself living with the Z Fold7 without feeling like I’m missing out on anything. 🥳

But is there really nothing to miss when using the Galaxy Z Fold7?

After spending time heavily with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 during my review period and doing my homework, actually I’ve spotted a few trade-offs Samsung made. Here are my absolute top two:

First up on the list is no more S-Pen. I wish it is still supported in this Z Fold7 but it’s a bummer Samsung decided to ditch it. Although to be fair, I cannot say I miss it since I never got to play or use any previous Galaxy Fold. But I can totally imagine how it’d be a deal breaker for me. If the s-pen was still there, the Z Fold7 would practically be my perfect all rounder device. It could keep my slab phone and my iPad (together with the Apple Pencil) resting in my drawer. Samsung, I still wish and hope that the S-Pen will make a comeback in your future foldable phone.

Alright, the second one. The battery. In an era where battery tech has seriously stepping up, it’s a daylight robbery when Samsung is still chilling with this tiny 4,400mAh in the Z Fold7. Yeah, I said “tiny” because this isn’t just any phone. It’s a 6.5-inch smartphone that morphs into an 8-inch tablet! When I’m really leaning into that big, gorgeous inner screen (which is the main reason why I want to use a foldable phone) the battery life feels just.. average. And to pour salt on the wound, charging isn’t exactly zippy, still stuck at that same old 25W speed. Why Samsung, why 🥺?

Now for the good news. If I stick to the outer screen more and honestly, it feels just like using any other regular slab phone, normal form factor, this battery actually holds up like a champ! It’s more than enough to cruise through a full day without panicking.

Conclusion

For my very first experience with a foldable phone, I have to say, I’m genuinely blown away. From the lightweight feel to the super sleek, clever design, the Galaxy Z Fold7 has opened my eyes me to another category of smartphones that I never even bothered in the past.

The big question is, am I ready to jump on the foldable wagon especially now the bulk and chunky issue is basically gone, and it’s loaded with cool features and productivity perks that really fits my usage? For me, it all comes back to the price, if it’s worth the return. Galaxy Z Fold7 starts at RM7,799 all the way up to RM9,899! To put that in perspective, with the same amount of money, you can actually get a brand new Samsung Galaxy S25 and a Galaxy Tab S10 FE. So is the Z Fold7 expensive? It is, well at least for me. But hey, if money isn’t a factor, I will definitely buy it. Well that’s the price you need to pay in return of ultimate convenience and.. style.

Off I go with sparkles. Until the next wonder.  CC out✨

Made with curiosity and a touch of chaos.