After months of speculation, Samsung has finally revealed the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and it’s a game-changer in the folding phone market. Having spent a full week with it, I can confidently say it’s the best folding phone for most users, despite a few flaws. Samsung’s latest offering is not just innovative; it blurs the lines between a traditional smartphone and a folding device, thanks to remarkable advancements in design, display quality, and hinge functionality. When closed, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 feels just like a standard smartphone.
Along with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Z Flip 7, the Flip 7 FE, and the Galaxy Watch 8 series. Excitingly, many are hoping for a glimpse of a future product—a tri-folding phone likely named the Galaxy G Fold, similar to the sneak peek of the Galaxy S25 Edge during its launch.
Having experienced the Galaxy Z Fold 7, my excitement for Samsung’s first tri-folding phone has reached new heights. Here’s why I believe the future is bright.
The Key Learnings from the Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 demonstrates Samsung’s ability to design remarkably thin devices, an essential factor for ensuring the Galaxy G Fold remains ergonomic and pocket-friendly. At just 4.2mm thick when unfolded and 8.9mm thick when closed, it’s almost indistinguishable from a regular smartphone. While there is a necessary camera bump to accommodate the stunning 200MP camera, it still surpasses the one found in the Galaxy S25 Edge, yet falls short of the quality seen in the S25 Ultra.
If Samsung aims to make its tri-folding phone appealing, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will need to become even thinner. The only other tri-fold on the market, the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, measures in at a mere 3.9mm when unfolded. However, Samsung’s improvements give me confidence in their ability to achieve this goal.
Moreover, I anticipate that Samsung will excel in the software department with the Galaxy G Fold. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 showcases potential for experiences optimized for larger screens, especially as Android 16 supports better multitasking and integrates features specifically designed for large displays.
One Key Feature That Makes a Difference
The larger displays on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 also highlight Samsung’s innovation in addressing a common concern: the crease. It has the least noticeable crease I’ve encountered on a folding device so far. While you might catch sight of it under particular lighting, you feel it much less frequently than with earlier models.
Given the inherent design of tri-folding phones, they will have two creases, making the previous noticeable divots in display models concerning. Fortunately, the redesigned titanium hinge and carbon fiber sheet give me hope that this won’t be an issue moving forward. In an exclusive discussion with Samsung’s VP of smartphone development, I learned about an impressive hinge design aimed at enhancing the longevity and aesthetic appeal of the crease over time.
Anticipating the Competition
Samsung has played a crucial role in shaping the current folding phone market, yet competition is heating up in the realm of tri-folding devices. Huawei was the first to unveil a tri-fold smartphone, the Mate XT Ultimate, building on its solid foundation in folding phone technology. Rumor has it that Huawei plans to reveal a successor soon, making the question of whether the Galaxy G Fold will match or surpass it particularly pressing.
The concept of the Tecno G Fold has also emerged, aimed for unveiling at MWC 2026 in February. While Tecno’s previous concepts have not transitioned to commercial products, their growing interest indicates that companies are eager to explore the tri-folding category. Just as Samsung has been a cornerstone in the folding phone industry, it seems set to play a pivotal role in the evolution of tri-folding smartphones.
Areas for Improvement
However, there’s always room for improvement. One of my primary hopes is for enhancements in battery capacity. With a 4,400 mAh battery in the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it falls short compared to the 5,600 mAh in the Huawei Mate XT, which, although larger, sets a higher standard in longevity. Samsung has been steadfast in using Lithium-Ion batteries, yet the Galaxy G Fold could serve as an opportunity to adopt Silicon Carbon technology, potentially offering up to 24% more capacity without sacrificing slimness. As it stands, poor battery life could affect daily usability.
When it comes to camera capabilities, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts impressive specs, including a 200MP main camera that outperforms the 50MP of the Mate XT Ultimate. The telephoto lens, however, only offers 3x zoom, which lags behind Huawei’s 5.5x telephoto capabilities.
Lastly, I believe the absence of S-Pen support is something Samsung should reconsider. Removing the digitizer layer to achieve a thinner profile has its trade-offs, but many users rely on the S-Pen for enhanced productivity. It would be exciting to see if Samsung can reintegrate this feature in future models.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may have its limitations, but it’s undoubtedly the top folding phone available today. As I eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the Galaxy G Fold, I remain optimistic about what Samsung will bring to the table in the tri-folding landscape. For more insights and updates, explore related content on Moyens I/O.