The new Galaxy Z Fold 7 is impressively slim, making it a top contender among folding phones today. However, one significant drawback stands out: its camera design.
Samsung has retained its signature vertical camera array on the left rear of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but this section is noticeably thicker than the rest of the device. Surprisingly, it doesn’t feel overly top-heavy, yet the design inevitably leads to a frustrating wobble when the phone is placed rear-side down on a surface. If you’ve ever tried putting your phone down with vibrations enabled, you know how annoying this can be.
You might think that a case could resolve the wobble issue, but most of the cases I’ve tested fall short. There is one solution, but it has a substantial flaw. Here’s what I discovered.
Common Approaches in Galaxy Z Fold 7 Cases
Many of the cases available for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 take a similar approach: primarily protecting the phone’s back and camera while adding accessories to the bottom half of the case. Samsung’s official options follow this mold, focusing on specific functionalities rather than an all-encompassing design.
The silicone case includes a kickstand, but it does nothing to counter the wobble. The carbon fiber case is ultra-thin yet provides minimal protection and fails to address the wobble as well. The same applies to the clear case.
What’s surprising is that many third-party cases also overlook this wobble issue, focusing on durability or thinness instead.
Does the Official Clear Grip Case Help with Wobbling?
Enter the clear grip case, which I noticed for the first time at Galaxy Unpacked. I had high hopes that this case would solve the wobble issue. Unlike the regular clear case, this one comes with an adjustable grip strap that is nearly the same thickness as the camera bump.
Sadly, it almost works. The grip is positioned on the same side as the camera bump, so it doesn’t balance out the weight distribution. While this case partially addresses the wobble, its placement results in an imbalanced feel.
Imagine if Samsung had placed the grip on the opposite side for better balance! The strap can adjust between two positions; at the smaller one, it mirrors the camera bump’s height, making it tricky for those with larger hands. In its larger setting, it exceeds the camera bump’s thickness.
A Better Solution for the Wobble Issue
I believe this is a missed opportunity for Samsung. A more effective solution would have been to design cases with the grip on the opposite side. Although this might compromise comfort, it could significantly improve stability.
Another viable approach could be including small components within the case that would perfectly counterbalance the camera. We’ve seen customers creatively modify their Z Fold 7s to tackle the wobble, indicating there’s a genuine demand for a solution. Will a case manufacturer step up to provide this?
What Are the Best Galaxy Z Fold 7 Cases Available?
After testing numerous Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases, I’ve concluded that while several options are versatile, the design of the phone itself is simply too appealing to hide it. While I appreciate the functionality of the kickstand on the silicone case, and the grip case is excellent for maintaining hold, both diminish the phone’s aesthetic appeal.
We are finalizing our guide to the best Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases. So far, I find Spigen’s ultra-thin case to be the top choice for a carbon fiber option, while Samsung’s official grip case excels in providing a secure hold. If you’re interested in kickstands, Samsung offers the best silicone option, and Thinborne delivers a protective yet ultra-thin design with magnetic capabilities for charging.
Don’t forget, the official Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases come with an anti-reflecting screen protector, which is an excellent addition worth considering.
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