After months of anticipation fueled by countless leaks, Samsung has officially launched the revamped Galaxy Z Fold 7, and it’s quite a game changer. Having used it for eight days, I can confidently say it stands out as the best folding phone for most users despite a few minor drawbacks. This latest iteration offers significant advancements in design, display quality, and hinge mechanisms, making it feel just like a traditional smartphone when folded.
Alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung also showcased the Galaxy Z Flip 7, the Flip 7 FE, and the latest Galaxy Watch 8 series. There were hopes for a sneak peek at their first trifold device, rumored to be named the Galaxy G Fold.
My excitement for Samsung’s upcoming trifold phone has skyrocketed after using the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and here’s why.
The Key Innovations of the Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 demonstrates Samsung’s ability to create a sleek phone that is essential for ensuring the upcoming Galaxy G Fold remains user-friendly and pocketable when folded. With a mere thickness of 4.2mm when unfolded and just 8.9mm when folded, it carries the feel of a standard smartphone. There is a camera bump to accommodate the powerful 200MP camera, which outperforms the one found in the Galaxy S25 Edge but trails behind that of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
To enhance the appeal of its trifold phone, Samsung will need to ensure that the G Fold is even thinner. While the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate measures only 3.9mm when unfolded, the advancements in the Z Fold 7 lead me to believe that Samsung can achieve similar results.
Moreover, Samsung’s software capabilities position the Galaxy G Fold to shine. The Z Fold 7 suggests that we can expect more software experiences optimized for larger screens, especially with Android 16 introducing support for native multitasking and Gemini features tailored for this format.
A Standout Feature of the Galaxy Z Fold 7
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is its larger screen, which manages to tackle the ongoing concern about the crease. In fact, it’s the least noticeable crease I’ve experienced across all existing folding phones. While it may occasionally be visible under certain light conditions, it’s more perceptible visually than when running your fingers over it.
With a trifold device that inherently features two creases, the significant issues found in earlier Samsung folding phones could detract from the user experience. However, the updated titanium hinge and carbon fiber materials give me confidence that this won’t be a setback.
The Competitive Landscape
Samsung has played a pivotal role in the folding phone market’s evolution and is expected to lead the way in the trifold sector as well. However, other brands are already stepping up to the challenge. Huawei has debuted the Mate XT Ultimate as a competitor in the trifold arena. With Huawei historically strong in this domain, it will be interesting to see how the Galaxy G Fold compares.
For instance, Huawei is gearing up for a successor to their Mate XT, aiming to push boundaries once more. In addition, Tecno recently unveiled a trifold concept, lending further credibility to the notion of trifold smartphones becoming a mainstream reality.
Areas for Improvement in the Galaxy Z Fold 7
One noticeable area for enhancement is the battery life of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, equipped with a 4,400 mAh battery. In contrast, the Huawei Mate XT packs a larger 5,600 mAh battery. While differences in phone sizes can make battery comparisons tricky, Samsung’s commitment to Lithium-Ion technology makes me hopeful they will consider adopting Silicon Carbon tech for the Galaxy G Fold. This shift could offer a significant boost in energy density without affecting size.
On the camera side, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts a superior 200MP main camera, it will be crucial to see how it fares against the Mate XT Ultimate’s 50MP main camera in practical scenarios.
Another aspect to consider is the current lack of S-Pen support. Samsung has removed the digitizer layer to reduce thickness, but adding this functionality back in would greatly enhance usability for power users.
Despite its flaws, I am thoroughly impressed with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It stands as the best folding phone yet, particularly given its market availability. Now, I am eagerly anticipating what Samsung has in store for us with the Galaxy G Fold.
Throughout this journey with Samsung’s latest innovations, it becomes clear that the future of foldable technology is bright. To stay updated and explore more insights into the tech world, be sure to check out Moyens I/O.