Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 256GB Black 5G

After using an Apple iPhone for 15 years, switching to a Galaxy Z Fold 3 four years ago, I stopped using the Z Fold 3 after a year. The reason? The cover screen was far too narrow for regular use (texting, etc.). After reading and seeing many reviews, I decided to take the plunge again because the reviews about a wider cover screen and a thinner design were very positive.

My opinion: Finally, the cover screen is wide enough for regular use, slightly narrower than an Ultra version, but no problem with typing messages, checking emails, and other things. I use the cover screen quite a bit because I don't want to constantly open the Fold.

This Fold 7 is truly incredibly thin, perhaps a bit too thin. An extra layer in the screen to support the S Pen and/or a larger battery wouldn't have been a bad choice for Samsung if they had. It's now more or less as thick (or thin) as a 24/25 Ultra. I used the S Pen on an earlier Ultra version occasionally, but I would have liked the feature to take notes on the go on the large screen. A missed opportunity, I'd say.

I was also looking for a replacement for a tablet, which I use for reading books or browsing. The Fold 7's screen is perfectly suited for that and was therefore a good choice. Another plus is that it acts as a kind of computer when connected to a TV/external screen in Dex mode. It's not a laptop replacement, but for everyday tasks like answering emails, browsing, and other things, Dex mode works perfectly fine. Using photo, but especially video editing software, would be better off on a laptop.

I used the Fold 7 several times outside in full sun for reading by the pool, but the anti-reflection is poor. There was a lot of reflection, and often it was impossible to read the screen properly. It also got hot quickly and needed to cool down. I did use it in the shade with temperatures around 35°C, so it's not that surprising.

The battery: 4400mAh was a bit of a shock, but from my own experience with average to heavy use, including a large screen with high brightness, it goes from 100% to about 15% in the evening. At home/work with less intensive use, the battery is still around 30-40% at the end of the day, which is more than sufficient. It's a bit intimidating, but I find it quite reasonable in practice.

The fingerprint sensor is on the side and is generally very fast, but when used with a cover (it doesn't really matter which one), the sensor is so narrow that it's difficult to reach with your thumb or finger. Sometimes you have to try a few times, but personally, this isn't a big problem.

Super-fast charging isn't included, but I don't find that a problem for me, as I often charge it in the evening before I go to bed. Charging Samsung smartphones is definitely a lot faster than iPhones (with some exceptions these days).

Furthermore, Android has matured and, in my opinion as a 15-year-old Apple user, works very well, perhaps even better than iOS today. There are a huge number of customization options, which sometimes makes me dizzy, so as a new Android user, I have to delve into them myself. I do miss some things from Apple/iOS, but many of those things are (now) also possible on Android, and there are no longer any things that keep me stuck with Apple. Conversely, there are a huge number of things on Android that aren't even possible on Apple/iOS; for example: why isn't the number row above the keyboard?

In my opinion, the cameras are slightly inferior to the S24 Ultra, although I've only been taking photos with the Fold for a few weeks.

Expensive? Yes, that's true, but it's a smartphone, mini-tablet, computer, and camera all in one. That's how I use it. With the offer of a free Galaxy Watch Ultra, the price is actually quite reasonable for what you get, but it is a significant expense!

Tips for Samsung if they're reading this:

• Make the device a bit thicker, because:

• Larger battery
• Extra layer in the screen to support the S Pen (or can be purchased separately)
• Larger fingerprint sensor when used with a cover.

• Ensure (better) anti-reflective coating (both screens).

The new foldable phone is really cool. You can unfold it like a book, and then you have a large screen. That's great if you want to watch videos or play games. When you fold it shut, it fits right in your pocket. The screen looks nice and feels sturdy. Everything works quickly and smoothly. The battery lasts a good long time, so you don't have to charge it constantly. The photos you take with it are also very sharp and beautiful. The phone is a bit expensive, but you really do get something special. It's just like having a phone and a tablet in one. Super handy for people who use their phone a lot. This foldable phone is fun, smart, and very nice to use!

Fantastic phone, wonderfully large screen. Feels very robust and solid. It is nice to have virtually a normal smartphone size even when folded. Even though you can still unfold the Fold, it is barely thicker than another smartphone when folded.