Upgraded from Galaxy Z Fold 5 to Galaxy Z Fold 7 and I'm hesitant to make the leap further
Samsung has unveiled its latest innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Here's a rundown of the key changes and enhancements that make this device a noteworthy upgrade.
A Larger Screen for Improved Usability
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts a larger screen, with the main unfolded display now measuring 8.0 inches, a 0.4-inch increase from the previous model. The cover display has also grown, now at 6.5 inches, up from 6.3 inches. This translates to an 11% increase in screen area, making multitasking and immersive viewing a breeze.
Optimized Software and AI Integration
Samsung has taken software optimization to the next level with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The device comes with the new One UI 8 on Android 16, and Samsung's Galaxy AI platform. AI-powered features like "AI Results View" allow split or floating views for search results and AI-generated content, ensuring your primary content is never covered, improving multitasking and workflow efficiency.
Enhanced Content Interaction and Multitasking
New abilities include dragging and dropping AI-generated images/text across multiple windows and floating view panels that support uninterrupted content consumption or editing. This makes apps and streaming content more accessible and manageable on the larger display.
Improved Visibility
With Vision Booster technology and up to 2,600 nits peak brightness, the large main screen remains visible even in direct sunlight, enhancing streaming and app usage outdoors.
Performance and Camera Upgrades
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, an upgrade from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Galaxy Z Fold 5. This chip provides quick performance and holds up well when playing modern games. The device also features a 200 MP main camera, an improvement over the 50MP shooter on the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Other Notable Features
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is thinner than its predecessor, measuring 0.35 inches when folded and 0.17 inches when unfolded. However, the camera bump on the device feels more noticeable due to its thinness, making balancing the phone in clamshell mode difficult.
The crease on the main display is much less noticeable on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, leading to a more immersive viewing experience. Unfortunately, the device can no longer use an S Pen due to efforts to make the phone thinner.
Pricing and Battery Life
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 retails for $1,999, a significant expense compared to other phones and even some laptops. While the improved Snapdragon 8 Elite chip has not yet led to a breakthrough in battery life, the device has yet to surpass the 11-hour mark on battery tests.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 delivers a notably improved large-screen experience over previous foldables, with increased display size and advanced AI-driven multitasking and app interaction features that boost utility, productivity, and streaming usability. However, its high cost may deter some potential buyers, especially those who currently own a Galaxy Z Fold 5 or 6. For those with older foldable devices or those who have never tried a foldable before, the Galaxy Z Fold 7's improvements in the foldable experience and seven years of guaranteed support make it an appealing choice.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 incorporates state-of-the-art gadgets, such as smartphones, turning multitasking and immersive viewing into hassle-free tasks with its optimized screens reaching up to 8.0 inches. Moreover, the device harnesses the power of AI through the Galaxy AI platform, allowing seamless integration and management of content with AI-powered features like "AI Results View."
