Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 Review: The Top Foldables of 2024

Introduction: The Evolving World of Foldable Smartphones

The foldable phone market keeps growing fast, and Samsung leads the charge. Every year, they push out new models with better design and features. This year’s Galaxy Z series promises real improvements, not just small tweaks. If you’re wondering whether these foldables are worth the price or just fancy gadgets, this review has you covered. We’ll look at how Samsung’s latest devices stack up for tech lovers and everyday users alike.

Design and Build: Thinner, Lighter, and More Usable

Significant Hardware Improvements in Foldability

The big story with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is how much slimmer and lighter it is. When unfolded, each side is just over 4mm thick. When closed, it’s a slim 8.9mm—about the thickness of a standard USB-C port. It weighs only 215 grams, which is lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. That’s a huge jump from last year’s models, making it easier to carry around.

Samsung has worked hard to strengthen the internal parts. The hinge and chassis are now thinner, but much more durable. This means your foldable can last longer and feel more solid. The design improvements make a noticeable difference in everyday use, especially when you’re pulling it out of your pocket.

Folded and Unfolded Form Factors

The shape of the phone has changed for the better. When folded, the aspect ratio is optimized so it's more comfortable to hold and reach buttons. Open it up, and you get an 8-inch screen—big enough to replace a tablet in your bag. It’s perfect for multitasking, media, or just browsing without feeling cramped.

Samsung made it easier to use both closed and open. The wider screen on the Flip 7, for example, means quick access to notifications, widgets, or even taking selfies with the main camera. The new design makes these foldables more practical than ever.

User Experience and Practical Design Features

Button placement has been rethought. The fingerprint reader and buttons are thinner to keep with the slim profile. You don’t need two hands to operate these phones comfortably, which is impressive given their size.

These design tweaks give Samsung a competitive edge over other foldables and high-end phones. Whether you’re a tech geek or just want a sleek device, the new foldables deliver a more refined experience.

Camera and Imaging: Near-Flagship Quality in a Foldable

Core Camera Upgrades

One of the most exciting parts of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the camera system. Samsung managed to fit the iPhone 13 Pro’s flagship 200-megapixel main sensor from the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The lens and glass are thinner, fitting neatly inside the fold. The result? Photos that look as sharp and detailed as flagship slab phones.

This is a big leap since foldables usually struggle with camera quality. Now, you get pixel-rich images, even in low light, and more flexibility when shooting.

Supporting Cameras and Selfie Improvements

The ultrawide (12 MP) and telephoto (10 MP 3x zoom) cameras stay smaller but still perform well for everyday shots. The inside screen now has a 10 MP selfie camera with a wider angle and 120Hz refresh rate. That means selfies are clearer, and video calls look smoother.

For folks who love taking photos on the go, this camera setup makes the foldable much more capable. And with the flagship sensor, your photos will look sharper — no matter if you’re shooting landscapes or portraits.

Camera Durability and Handling

Having a high-megapixel camera on a foldable phone is bold. While it looks cool, protect it well. Most users will want a case or-screen protector, especially for the main camera module sticking out.

The big camera sensor is a huge advantage, but it also demands careful handling to keep it scratch-free and looking fresh over time.

Performance and Software: Powerhouse Inside

Hardware Specs and Capabilities

Under the hood, the Fold 7 is packed with a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip. It’s paired with 12 GB of RAM for standard models, and the 1TB version bumps that up to 16 GB. This setup assures smooth multitasking, gaming, or heavy-duty app use.

In practical terms? It’s fast, responsive, and handles multiple apps without breaking a sweat. The 8 Elite chip is still one of the best for Android phones, so performance feels top-tier.

Software Enhancements

The device runs on Android 16 with One UI 8. Samsung added features that make the big screen even more useful. Multi-window mode is improved, and AI tools help with tasks like editing photos or cleaning up backgrounds.

Samsung says their image editing has gotten smarter, making it easy to crop out objects or tidy up photos without needing extra software. These updates help you get more out of your foldable.

Battery and Charging

The battery capacity is 4,400 mAh, similar to last year’s. That’s enough for a full day for most users, especially with efficiency improvements. Compared to competitors like Honor’s Magic V5, Samsung keeps pace but might lag in battery capacity.

Some rumors suggest Samsung could switch to silicon carbon batteries in future models, which hold more power in less space. That could mean longer battery life down the line, but for now, the current capacity is decent for a foldable device.

Key Downgrades and Concerns: What to Keep in Mind

Removal of S Pen Support

One noticeable change: this year, Samsung dropped S Pen support. The last Fold allowed users to draw or take notes with the S Pen, but now it’s gone. That’s a disappointment for fans who valued the stylus. Samsung chose to prioritize a thinner, more durable build over this feature.

Price Increase and Value Proposition

The base price is now $2,000—up from $1,899 last year. For a foldable with this kind of tech, that’s expected, but it could scare off some buyers. When spending so much, many look for features or battery life that match the price.

Chip Choice Discrepancy in Z Flip 7

The Z Flip 7 now uses an Exynos 2500 instead of a Snapdragon chip. While the Exynos is decent, it’s not quite as efficient or fast as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Samsung might be testing the waters for a full shift to Exynos, possibly with a new 2nm chip on the horizon. For now, performance isn’t a big issue, but it’s something to watch.

Market Context and Competitors

How Samsung Compares to Other Foldables

Samsung’s foldables are still among the slimmest and lightest. Compared to the Honor Magic V5, which is even thinner and packs a larger battery, Samsung’s devices are competing at a high level. The camera system on the Fold 7 also pulls ahead of many rivals, making it a great choice for photography lovers.

The Future of Foldable Phones

Expect Samsung to keep innovating with even thinner, more durable designs. Rumors suggest future chips will offer better performance and battery life. Fold ratios may get larger, turning these devices into true mini tablets. The goal? Make foldables more practical and less fragile.

Unlocking the Full Potential: Tips for Users

• Protect the camera with a case or screen cover to avoid scratches.

• Use multitasking features to get the most out of the big screen.

• Keep an eye on battery life, especially when using high-performance modes.

• Experiment with customizing widgets and themes to make your device truly yours.

Conclusion: Are the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 Worth It?

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 pack serious upgrades. They’re thinner, lighter, and better designed for everyday use. The cameras finally match flagship standards, and the software improvements make multitasking smoother.

But, the price has creeping up, and some features like the S Pen are gone. The switch to Exynos chips might be a concern for performance fans. Still, if you want the most advanced foldable phones in 2024, these models are hard to beat. They strike a good balance of cutting-edge features and practicality, making them some of the best foldables yet.