Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: Is it worth it?

TL;DR: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review

✨The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, released during the summer of 2025, is Samsung’s thinnest, lightest foldable phone yet. We can’t lie; it is indeed impressive, and many users and reviewers are very happy with it overall. It provides a seamless tablet experience when you use the inner screen, it fits easily into a pocket or a small purse, and you’ll enjoy excellent everyday performance powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. This purchase undoubtedly makes sense for anyone looking for an efficient, easy-to-carry device, especially if you’re upgrading from a non-foldable phone or from a much older model.

This phone, however, isn’t for everyone. Heavy-duty users, for example, may get frustrated with how quickly the battery drains when you use the inner screen for too long, while stylus-dependent creatives may severely miss the S Pen. Repairs for foldable phones can also cost a pretty penny, so those on a tight budget may be more risk-averse for this reason.

Why can you trust our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review?

With so much new technology out there today, including the revelation of foldable phones over the past few years, it can be hard to decide which one to get, or if a foldable is even what you want at all. But at Back Market, our goal is to make tech reliable, sustainable, and simple. To do that, we’ve sorted through all the news, tech specs, and real-world user reviews so you don’t have to.

Our extensive experience with phones, including foldables like the Z Fold 7, also gives us a leg up. We work with professional third-party refurbishers who inspect, clean, repair, and test these phones on a daily basis, so they know these devices inside and out. They know how these phones perform during everyday use, what makes them tick, and how they compare to other smartphones on the market today. Now, we’re passing that knowledge along to you to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

What are the pros and cons of the Galaxy Z Fold 7?

✨ The Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers a thin, lightweight build, excellent displays, and fast, tablet-like performance, but it lacks battery life, and some may miss the S Pen.

What are the specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

✨ The Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs are impressive when it comes to size, design, and AI features, but its camera and battery life are lacking compared to other smartphones.

What are the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 features and benefits?

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a lot of bells and whistles that make it a strong contender for the best foldable phone in 2026. It’s not for everyone, though, so let’s explore its features and benefits in detail to help you make the best purchasing decision.

How is the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s performance?

✨Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and armed with One UI 8, the Z Fold 7’s performance is smooth and efficient.

“On the Geekbench 6 benchmark, the Z Fold 7 actually traded wins with the iPhone 16 series. It beat all Apple’s current phones on the multi-core test that measures performance on the more-demanding apps, while it lost on the single-core test that sees how fast it handles everyday apps like email and web browsing.” — Henry T. Casey at CNN Underscored

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 boasts the octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a step up from the Z Fold 6’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This more powerful chip very obviously delivers more powerful performance, with transitions, app usage, streaming, and even mobile gaming feeling quick and fluid. With its base of 256GB of storage and at least 12GB of RAM, running demanding apps on this device feels extremely fast no matter which display you’re using. The Z Fold 7 also supports the newest Wi-Fi 7, meaning you get faster data speeds and fewer lags.

In addition, the Z Fold 7 debuted with Samsung One UI 8, which may only include incremental upgrades from the previous One UI version, but is still fast and reliable. The Samsung Fold 7 One UI 8 also allows several new AI features to run more smoothly on the larger screen, basically bringing the foldable up to speed with the brand’s other non-foldable smartphones. Users can take advantage of handy AI tools like Gemini Live, Now Brief, Photo Assist, Circle to Search, and many more without a hitch.

Speaking of bringing the foldable up to speed, the Z Fold 7 didn’t quite beat out other Samsung phones in the scores mentioned in the quote above. If you’re considering the Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. the S25 Ultra, the Ultra actually beat out this foldable phone in performance tests for more demanding apps.

How are the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s displays?

✨The Z Fold 7’s displays are both some of the highest quality you can find on the market today.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes with a 6.5-inch outer screen and a massive 8-inch inner screen, allowing the phone to essentially double as a tablet. Both screens have adaptive 120Hz refresh rates and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, making graphics and transitions smooth and the screens easy to read even outside.

While the outer screen has a higher resolution (2520 x 1080) than the inner screen (2184 x 1968), the difference is so subtle that most people won’t even notice. It is worth noting that some apps may get cropped a little strangely on the inner screen, so it’s worth watching a tutorial about how to use a split-screen if you’re not already familiar with Android phones.

One major change Samsung has made on the displays is the inner camera. On the Z Fold 6, the inner camera was cleverly tucked under the display, which made it discrete but sacrificed camera quality. On the Z Fold 7, Samsung has returned to the punch-hole setup for the inner camera. This new design stands out as a black punch hole (hence the name) against the inner screen, but the higher quality, in our opinion, is worth it — more on that later. As far as the screen goes, you’re certainly going to notice the camera much more, but if camera quality is a priority to you, this is a welcome tradeoff.

This 8-inch split-screen usage is a major advantage, though, as it makes video and photo editing much easier. It also makes Galaxy Z Fold 7 multitasking a breeze. If you want to stream videos on one side while writing work emails on the other, the phone can run both apps simultaneously and you have enough workspace not to feel cramped doing it.

How is the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s design?

✨The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s design is incredibly thin and lightweight, outperforming many other foldable and regular smartphones.

“Just got my Z Fold 7 and I'm genuinely shocked at how thin this thing is !” — Reddit user

Just like the Redditor above said, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is incredibly thin. For a phone with two displays and a hinge that allows it to fold and unfold, the 0.35 in thickness when closed is simply astounding. It’s even thinner when unfolded at just 0.17 in.

This thinness also translates into a lightweight build overall, with the phone weighing a mere 7.6 oz. Whether you plan to carry it in a pocket, a bag, or one hand, this phone fits there easily and feels light as a feather.

The Redditor from above also said “The thinness is absolutely ridiculous. Like I'm genuinely worried I'm going to snap it in half.” This is a fair concern at the surface level… until you see the Galaxy Z Fold 7 durability rating. Made with an Advanced Armor aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass, the phone has an IP48 rating and is remarkably durable for something that size. That rating breaks down into two numbers: the 4 means it's protected against solid particles larger than 1mm, like dust and debris, though it's not fully dust-tight, and the 8 means it can handle continuous submersion beyond the standard 1-meter benchmark, in this case up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. In practical terms: dropping it in a puddle or getting caught in the rain won't hurt it, but you shouldn't take it swimming or expect it to survive being buried in sand at the beach.

Naturally, the Z Fold 7’s design often gets compared to that of the new Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. While the TriFold seems even more modern and sleek in comparison, it is indeed thicker and heavier. If this design point is a major concern for you, you may agree with this Redditor, who said,

“This is part of the reason why I partially cannot consider a Tri Fold as much as the tech geek inside of me wants one. I'm so spoiled by my Fold7 that I literally don't feel I could ever go back to anything thicker/heavier.”

A foldable phone’s hinge is also a major part of its design, as it makes a major difference in thinness and overall comfort of use. For the Z Fold 7, Samsung has introduced the new and very durable Armor FlexHinge, which closes thinner than that of the previous generation and is barely noticeable. On the flip side of the hinge, though, is the crease in the inner screen. It is indeed visible, but it’s much less noticeable than in previous Fold generations, and most users have said they forgot it was there after a few minutes of use. Many users have also reported that the crease becomes a little more noticeable after several weeks of regular use, but it doesn’t continuously worsen over time.

The main design complaint we’ve noticed is that the camera lenses on the rear stand out a little too much, very noticeable against the phone’s otherwise thin frame. In fact, many real-world users have mentioned that the phone wobbles a little when placed on a flat surface thanks to the camera bump, which could indeed get annoying. However, this is just a small detail for most.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 camera review: How does it perform?

✨The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s cameras are a huge step up from those of the Z Fold 6, but they’re still not the best that you’ll find on the market today.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes with an admittedly impressive triple-lens setup on the back, with a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP dedicated telephoto lens. This is a massive jump from the Z Fold 6’s 50MP main sensor, allowing you to capture more detail and enhance photos taken in low-light settings.

You’ll also enjoy better zoom capabilities than with previous generations, with 3x Optical Zoom, 2x Optical Quality Zoom, and Digital Zoom up to 30x. However, it’s worth noting that the zoom capabilities still aren’t up to par with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The Z Fold 7 is capable of shooting 8K video at 30fps, and the new software and faster chipset make it easier to use AI tools like Audio Eraser to enhance your footage. The large display, as mentioned, also assists with split-screen photo and video editing, so you can create your content on the go.

While the main sensor is a major step up for Samsung, its other sensors remain unchanged, and images taken with zoom can look a little low-quality. While the camera is decent, it won’t satisfy professional photographers or those who love taking distance shots.

The inner-display selfie camera, though, takes a major step up from the Z Fold 6. We mentioned above that the swap from the Z Fold 6’s under-display camera to the Z Fold 7’s punch-hole camera is a worthy trade, but just how much better is it? Well, since there’s nothing blocking the punch-hole camera (such as the glass of the display), selfies come out noticeably more detailed, less noisy, and much brighter and more colorful. The jump from the Z Fold 6’s 4MP to the Z Fold 7’s 10MP also helps.

How is the Galaxy Z Fold 7 battery life?

✨The Galaxy Z Fold 7’s battery life is a little lacking in real-world use, especially if you’re a heavy inner screen user.

“I only wish it had better battery life. The fold 8 is supposed to have a bigger battery. I feel the fold 7 battery life went down significantly after the one ui 8.5 update a couple months ago. Not sure if it's the OS update or wear on the battery (in US, it doesn't show battery health).

I used to be able to get 8-10 hours screen on time streaming youtube or netflix, now I only get 5-6 hours.” — Reddit user

While Samsung boasts a battery life of up to 24 hours of video streaming for the Z Fold 7, real-world use often says that’s not the case. Those using the inner screen more often have reported up to about 20 hours or even less, like the Redditor above, and many have had to plug it in for a few minutes throughout the day to get through the evening.

With a 4400mAh cell, you probably weren’t expecting a super long battery life anyway, but up to only 6 hours is incredibly short compared to Google’s Pixel Pro, iPhones, and even other Samsung models. If you travel a lot and don’t always have access to outlets, this may not be the phone for you, unless you carry a power bank everywhere.

This shortcoming also holds up in tests run by many tech media outlets. PCMag UK, for example, tests battery life by streaming a 1080p video on Wi-Fi with the brightness set to 100%. In this test, the Z Fold 7 lasted just over 13 hours. This is almost a full 2 hours more than the Z Fold 6, which has the same size battery, but it is indeed less than you might like for a phone in this price range, especially when the brand is claiming so much more.

The foldable does support charging at up to 25W wired via USB-C and 15W wireless, though, so the battery can reach up to 50% in about 30 minutes. So, if you do need to plug it in, at least it doesn’t have to be for terribly long.

Does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 have S Pen support?

✨One of the major downsides of this foldable is that Samsung has removed S Pen support, upsetting many users.

Whether you’re a student, creator, or professional, many people prefer to have a stylus for note-taking, drawing, and design, especially on a device that can essentially double as a tablet. While the Z Fold 6 didn’t come with an S Pen (you had to buy it separately) and didn’t have a notch to hold one, it still supported the device so you could still use it.

Unfortunately, that’s not so with the Z Fold 7. Samsung has removed S Pen support completely for the new foldable model, citing thinness and screen durability as the main reason. In order to achieve the unbelievably thin profile of the Z Fold 7, the brand had to remove the digitizer from the inner screen, which is what makes a display S Pen-compatible. By removing the digitizer, Samsung was able to free up internal space and create the sleek profile that users have been raving about.

While this tradeoff may be worth it to some, designers and creatives may be left disappointed. If you rely on the S Pen daily, it may be better to choose an older model like the Z Fold 6.

Who is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 best for?

Your choice on whether to get a Z Fold 7 or not will depend heavily on how you plan to use your phone. Explore the following use cases to see if the purchase might be worth it.

Who should not buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7?

We believe a foldable phone review in 2026 should be honest, and that’s why we’re explicitly telling you who should NOT buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7. If you fall into any of the following categories, we recommend thinking twice before spending your money on a phone that may not meet your needs. Skip the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if…

• You have a long commute and are worried about battery life

• You travel a lot without access to charging ports

• You only plan to use your phone for messaging and calling

• You’re a designer who relies on a stylus

• You’re on a tight budget

• You typically keep your phones for 5+ years and want proven long-term reliability

How does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 compare to the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold?

If you want a foldable phone but you’re not sure what to choose between the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and its main competitor, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, you’re not alone. Both of these foldables pack powerful performance and AI features in, but they each have strengths and weaknesses.

They have the same size inner screen (8 in) and similar build materials, although the Pixel 10 is a little more durable than the Z Fold 7 with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance compared to the Z Fold 7’s IP48. However, the main thing to consider here is the overall size of the phone: the Z Fold 7 is much thinner and lighter than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which is a huge advantage when it comes to foldable phones.

The battery life is similar, with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold lasting only a little longer than the Z Fold 7 in PCMag’s battery tests, but not long enough to make this a major selling point for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Performance-wise, the Z Fold 7’s Snapdragon chip wins out over the Pixel 10’s Tensor G5 processor, but Google opts for a starting memory of 16GB whereas Samsung only starts with 12GB. Camera performance on these two is interesting though. Samsung boasts higher-resolution sensors, but Google offers better optical zoom for sharper photos. Samsung does, however, beat out Google with its 8K video capabilities.

One major point for Samsung over Google, though, is its multitasking capabilities. The Z Fold 7 allows you to split the inner screen 3 ways and you can configure your floating windows in any way you’d like, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold only supports splitting the screen 2 ways and only in one configuration.

Finally, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is indeed slightly cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, coming in with a launch price of $1,799.99 to Samsung’s $1,999.99.

So, which one should you choose?

Get a Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold if…

• Photography is your priority and you want to benefit from AI features to help with your photos

• You have a tighter budget and don’t care much about the upgrades Samsung offers

• You value a stronger grip over thinness

Get a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if…

• Shooting video is your priority

• You’re a heavy multitasker

• You want the thinnest foldable phone possible

How can I save money on a Galaxy Z Fold 7?

✨While waiting for sales events and bundling accessories may save you a bit of money, the best way to save is to buy refurbished from Back Market.

Foldable phones aren’t cheap, especially newer models like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. There are, however, a few ways to save. The first is to wait for sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, during which many retailers may reduce prices on tech. Or, you could bundle your new phone with accessories like headphones to save a bit of money on both. Finally, you could wait until newer models drop to see if the Z Fold 7 becomes available for a lower price.

If you want a Z Fold 7 now, though, try shopping refurbished at Back Market. A Galaxy Z Fold 7 refurbished at Back Market can cost you up to 50% less than the price of a new one*, and we offer these deals all year round, so you don’t have to wait. All of the devices you see on our pages are inspected, tested, repaired, cleaned, and graded based on their condition, so you can be sure you’re getting a premium device for less. Each item also comes with a 1-year warranty, and a 30-day return period for peace of mind.

And if a refurbished Z Fold 7 stretches your budget, consider stepping down a generation. A refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Z Fold 6 offers the same core folding experience, big inner display, split-screen multitasking, at a noticeably lower price than the Z Fold 7. You'll trade this year's thinner build for real savings, a solid way to try the category without committing to the latest model.

*Prices and savings percentages reflect Back Market listings at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Is a refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 7 worth it?

Yes, buying a refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 7 is definitely worth it. “Refurbished” doesn’t just mean “used” at Back Market. Our professional third-party refurbishers put each device through a rigorous inspection process, checking, cleaning, repairing, and testing it to ensure it performs up to its original benchmarks. Only then does it hit our sale pages, so you can be sure you’re getting a device you can rely on.

These phones, and all our other devices, offer premium quality at 20% to 50% lower than the price of buying new. Plus, you’ll enjoy a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee for added confidence.

Buying refurbished is also better for the planet. By giving old tech a second life, you keep perfectly good devices from ending up in landfills as e-waste, support a circular economy, and reduce the need for new manufacturing.

*Prices and savings percentages reflect Back Market listings at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Trade in your old tech

Another great way to save is to trade in any old tech you’ve got lying around in your drawers for cash. Our trade-in program at Back Market is simple: fill out an online form with details about the device you want to trade in, and get a quote from us. Should you choose to accept the quote, ship your device to us for free. Once it’s been received and verified by us, you get paid. You can either get credit toward your next Back Market purchase, like the Z Fold 7, or get money back in your pocket. It’s that easy.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 price and availability

*Back Market prices are set by sellers and taken at the date of publication — these are subject to change.

Final thoughts: Should you buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7?

Whether or not you should spring for a Galaxy Z Fold 7 depends heavily on your priorities and your budget. If you want a thin and lightweight foldable phone that enables smooth multitasking, casual gaming, or photo/video editing, the display size and quality may make this phone worth the price.

If you’re a heavy user who often drains battery or you’re a creative who relies on a stylus, you should probably consider either foldable phones that have stylus support or a different type of smartphone altogether. In addition, if you only use your phone for basic tasks like messaging and calling, the hefty launch price may not be worth it for you.

Those wanting to get their hands on the Z Fold 7 without paying the full launch price, though, should shop at Back Market. Our refurbished Z Fold 7 models perform up to their original standards while coming at a lower price, giving you more bang for your buck. Shopping refurbished with us also supports a more sustainable, circular economy, so you really can’t go wrong.