Galaxy Z Fold7: A Practical Review

Summary

The video explores the Samsung Galaxy ZFold 7, highlighting its significant improvements, particularly in form factor and usability. It addresses how the folding phone is now more practical, with a thinner design and a better outside screen. The ZFold 7 offers flagship-level performance, with a 200MP camera and enhanced multitasking. However, issues like subpar battery life and app scaling problems detract from its overall experience. While it’s a major leap forward for folding phones, it's not quite at the level of the Ultra models, making it a solid choice for folding enthusiasts but not perfect for everyone.

Takeaways

• 😀 Samsung's Galaxy ZFold 7 is an impressive folding phone with a near-perfect balance between a normal flagship and a tablet experience.
• 😀 The form factor has improved significantly, with the ZFold 7 being thinner and closer to the Galaxy S25 Ultra in thickness when folded.
• 😀 The outside screen of the ZFold 7 is now more usable, featuring a 21:9 aspect ratio, which is much more comfortable compared to previous models.
• 😀 The phone offers flagship-level performance thanks to its high-end processor, which matches the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
• 😀 The ZFold 7 features the same 200-megapixel main camera as the S25 Ultra, allowing for incredibly detailed photos and selfies.
• 😀 Multitasking on the ZFold 7 is excellent, with a large, wide screen that allows apps like email and documents to be used side-by-side efficiently.
• 😀 While the phone performs well in many areas, the battery life is a downside, offering only around 5 hours of screen-on time.
• 😀 A major issue with the ZFold 7 is app scaling: many apps haven't been optimized for the foldable display, leading to inefficient use of the extra screen real estate.
• 😀 There is a noticeable table wobble when the phone is placed flat on a surface, which can be a minor annoyance.
• 😀 The ZFold 7 has some notable differences from the S25 Ultra, such as a less advanced camera system, no titanium rails, and slower charging speeds.
• 😀 The ZFold 7 is not quite the 'Ultra' version of a folding phone but remains the best option for those specifically looking for a folding device.

Q & A

What is the main goal of folding phones like the Galaxy ZFold 7?

The ultimate goal is to provide a device that functions as a normal flagship phone when folded, with flagship performance, cameras, and battery life, but can be unfolded into a full-fledged tablet without any compromise.

How does the form factor of the Galaxy ZFold 7 compare to previous models?

The Galaxy ZFold 7 is now thinner and more similar in thickness to the Galaxy S25 Ultra when folded. Additionally, the front screen has been made wider and more usable, which was a major issue with previous models.

What are the key performance features of the Galaxy ZFold 7?

The ZFold 7 boasts the best mobile processor on the market, the same one found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The phone provides smooth and snappy performance for daily tasks, although there was a slight lag during video editing in Cap Cut.

What makes the camera of the Galaxy ZFold 7 unique?

The ZFold 7 features the same 200-megapixel main sensor as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. A standout feature is the ability to take 200-megapixel selfies using the rear-facing camera, which is a rarity in the smartphone world.

How does the Galaxy ZFold 7 handle multitasking?

Multitasking on the ZFold 7 is excellent due to the wider inside screen, allowing users to effectively use two apps side by side. It is particularly useful for tasks like copying and pasting between a document and an email.

What is the overall battery life like on the Galaxy ZFold 7?

The battery life on the ZFold 7 is average, with about 5 hours of screen-on time per day. While it's not terrible, the reviewer would prefer a longer battery life of 6 to 7 hours.

What is the issue with app scaling on the ZFold 7?

While the ZFold 7 offers more screen real estate when unfolded, many apps have not been optimized for the folding screen, causing them to display less content than expected. For example, TikTok shows fewer pieces of content when unfolded than on the cover screen.

How does the ZFold 7 compare to the Galaxy S25 Ultra in terms of camera and build?

Although the ZFold 7 shares the same 200-megapixel main sensor as the S25 Ultra, other cameras on the ZFold 7 are closer to the S25, not the Ultra. Additionally, the ZFold 7 lacks certain features like titanium rails, 45-watt fast charging, and an anti-reflective display found in the Ultra.

What are the two main complaints the reviewer has about the ZFold 7?

The two main complaints are the average battery life, which only lasts around 5 hours of screen-on time, and the app scaling issues, where many apps do not utilize the full screen when the device is unfolded.

Does the ZFold 7 feel like a true flagship folding phone?

The ZFold 7 is described as a flagship folding phone, but not an ultra version. While it has flagship-level features like the 200-megapixel camera, it lacks some of the premium features and performance seen in the S25 Ultra, such as better build quality and faster charging.