Samsung has just unveiled its seventh-generation foldable phones, moving away from the long and narrow Z Fold design that had become outdated. The Z Flip also receives a significant upgrade with a full-size cover screen, departing from its previous file folder shape. After years of minor enhancements, Samsung’s foldables are finally making bold strides, though the price may raise eyebrows.
The Fold 7 is noticeably thinner, a fact confirmed by both rumors and hands-on experience. At just 8.9mm thick when folded, it rivals the Oppo Find N5 in slimness. The design is so lightweight that it feels like a completely different device compared to the bulkier Fold 6. However, this thinner profile comes at the cost of S Pen support, as the removal of the necessary screen layer allowed for the slim design.
The new wider format of the Fold 7 is a welcome improvement. The cover screen measures 6.5 inches with a resolution of 2520 x 1080p, a significant upgrade from the Fold 6’s 6.3-inch screen. The inner display is now 8 inches, and Samsung has opted for a 10-megapixel selfie camera with a hole-punch cutout, moving away from its previous under-display design. The device retains the same IP48 water and dust resistance rating as its predecessors.
Now for the price: the Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999. Given rising production costs and tariffs, this isn’t surprising, but the $2,000 price tag feels steep.
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On a positive note, the Z Flip 7 features an edge-to-edge cover screen for the first time, similar to Motorola’s approach with the Razr. The larger display allows for improved functionality, displaying time and date alongside widget panels.
While the Flip 7 is slightly slimmer than its predecessor, it retains a familiar feel. Key upgrades include a larger 4,300mAh battery and support for DeX and Gemini Assistant on the cover screen—features previously absent in earlier versions. It also maintains the same IP48 water and dust resistance.
Additionally, Samsung has introduced the Z Flip 7 FE, a more affordable alternative at $899, compared to the $1,099 Z Flip 7. While cheaper, it feels somewhat forgettable against Motorola’s $699 offering.
The Z Fold 7 marks a pivotal moment for foldable phones, evoking the realization of how a device should truly feel. Still, one can’t help but wish that this revelation came with a lower price tag.
SOURCE: THE VERGE
