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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 launched! Check out our first impressions

Finally feels finished

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Nishant Padhiar 9 Jul 2025 09:00 PM

Samsung’s Fold series has always been about getting thinner, faster, and more expensive each year. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 feels different. It feels like Samsung has actually put in more effort into the redesign this time and it shows the moment you lift one up. 

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be available for pre-order starting July 9, and will go on sale on July 25. Prices for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 start at Rs. 1,74,999 for the 12GB/256GB variant, going up to Rs. 1,86,999 for the 12GB/512GB options and Rs. 2,16,999 for the 16GB/1TB variant. Customers who pre-order the 256GB option will get the 512GB option at no extra cost, for both the Fold 7 and Flip 7.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 first impressions: Design

Let’s discuss size. The Fold 7 is 8.9mm thin when closed, which is a full 3.3mm slimmer than the Fold 6. For a year-on-year target, this is a massive jump and it is noticeable. You can feel the difference in your pocket, your hand, and even in how it opens and closes. The new weight of 215g also makes it one of the lightest full-size foldables available. This is a reduction from 239g last year, nearly as light as a whole chocolate bar.

The design’s had a durability glow-up too. Out goes the usual aluminium and Gorilla Glass. The display is the part that is chunkier than before, thanks to a Grade 4 titanium layer, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 for the screen and a tougher hinge Samsung calls Armor Flex. Rear panel? Now rocking a new aluminium  and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass combo. Basically, it feels less like a novelty gadget and more like a flagship. Strangely, the battery size is unchanged at 4400mAh, but Samsung claim that with the progress they have made in power efficiency, it should outlast the Fold 6. A full test in the coming days shall reveal that.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 first impressions: Specifications and software

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Inside, it runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite, customised for Samsung’s AI shenanigans and yes, the 4400mAh battery stays the same as the Fold 6.

AI isn’t a gimmick this time. One UI 8 (running on Android 16 out of the box) goes all-in on multimodal interaction. Talk, touch or type and it responds contextually. You can now screen share via Gemini Live, speak naturally, and get real-time info while presenting something on your Fold. It’s clever without being flashy. Usefully, AI mode is live in the US and India, and you get six months of Google Pro AI for free with the Z Fold 7.

ALSO SEE: Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge review

Gemini’s also been optimised for the bigger screen, so split-screening AI results or dragging and dropping generated content across apps is way more fluid. Even gaming gets smarter with Circle to Search now working during gameplay, pulling up character builds or walkthroughs mid-fight without kicking you out.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 first impressions: Camera

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

And the camera’s been leveled up too. The Fold 6 had a 50MP main. The Fold 7? A 200MP sensor, paired with a 10MP 3x optical zoom, plus dual 10MP selfie cams on both cover and main displays. Night mode is sharper. Colours are cleaner with 10-bit HDR. AI-driven Generative Edit now gives better erase suggestions, and Audio Eraser optimises your sound in real-time based on what you’re watching.

Even the screen’s had work done. One of the biggest differences between the Fold and its competition was the width of the cover screen, making it seem tall and narrow. Now, the width is up by 5mm and the 21:9 aspect ratio makes it a lot more user-friendly without the need to unfold it for every task. The 10MP outer screen cam comes with a wider 100° field of view and 2.5x more clarity than the Fold 6. It looks less like a bendy phone and more like a proper compact tablet.