Samsung’s latest unveiling of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has set the tech world abuzz with its impressive design and upgraded internals. The new form factor is especially appealing, making foldables more mainstream by competing directly with traditional smartphones—even the iPhone. However, the device’s evolution isn’t without setbacks that might affect its usability.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is slimmer and more expansive, but this sleekness comes with some sacrifices. While the device maintains a similar battery size as its predecessor, spatial constraints could still impact battery capacity. Thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chip crafted for the Fold 7, battery life may not be a significant concern, but there are notable changes that some might consider downgrades from the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
One major change is the removal of S Pen support. The larger screen had users hopeful for more interaction options, such as sketching or note-taking, which are now limited to just finger input. Samsung cites the pursuit of a slimmer design as the reason, yet for enthusiasts who valued the S Pen, this is a disappointing trade-off. Those who enjoyed this feature might find the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which still supports the S Pen, more appealing and at a lower price point.
Another significant change is the alteration of the in-display camera. The previous model’s under-display camera minimized distractions when viewing content. Although it had a slightly reduced resolution, this innovative design impressed many. Now, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung has opted for a conventional camera cutout, which seems like a step backward, leaving some wishing for an advanced version of the in-display technology instead.
Price is another factor clouding the excitement for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Starting at $1,999, it is $100 more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold 6. With economic challenges affecting many, this price hike could deter potential buyers. The increase might be justified by rising component costs and tariffs, but it makes the older model more enticing, especially if bought secondhand.
Despite these trade-offs, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 dazzles with its ultra-slim profile and enhanced camera setup. Will Samsung consider third-party stylus support in the future for this model? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
