Samsung Fold 7 Unfolds a Thinner, Better Design

Catching Up to Chinese Rivals, Samsung’s Latest Foldable Targets Global Dominance

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 7 marks a significant leap, not just for the company, but for the foldable phone industry it helped ignite. After years of competitors outdoing its hardware, Samsung has finally delivered a device that rivals and, in some areas, surpasses the competition.

A Dramatic Slim-Down

The most striking improvement in the Fold 7 is its dramatically reduced thickness. Measuring a mere 8.9mm when folded, it’s a substantial decrease from the 12.2mm of last year’s Fold 6. This makes the new model one of the slimmest foldables available, a notable achievement for Samsung.

The device also sheds weight, coming in at 217g compared to the previous 239g. This attention to physical design makes the Fold 7 considerably more pocketable and comfortable to hold.

From Worst Crease to Best?

Samsung has also tackled the persistent screen crease that has plagued previous foldables. While still faintly visible upon close inspection, the crease on the Fold 7 is significantly less pronounced. This is achieved by employing a hinge mechanism that allows the screen to fold into a gentle curve rather than a sharp angle, a technique long utilized by Chinese manufacturers.

In fact, the reviewer suggests Samsung’s execution of this hinge design results in a crease that is even less noticeable than those found on comparable new foldables from Honor and Vivo, potentially making it the best in the industry.

The reviewer notes that these advancements are not entirely novel, acknowledging that Samsung is largely catching up to innovations pioneered by Chinese brands since 2021, with models like Huawei’s Mate X2 and Oppo’s Find N5 leading the way in thinner designs, larger batteries, and better camera hardware.

Polished Performance and Persistent Gaps

Beyond its physical attributes, the Fold 7 boasts Samsung’s reliable hinge technology and is powered by an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, positioning it as one of the most powerful Android devices currently available. This combination of factors could solidify its standing as the industry’s top foldable hardware. As of August 2024, the global foldable phone market is projected to reach nearly $10 billion USD, with Samsung holding a significant share.

However, the camera system, while featuring a new 200-megapixel main sensor, still trails competitors. The 10-megapixel 3X zoom lens is considered dated, and the 12-megapixel ultrawide performs adequately only in good lighting. Battery capacity remains a point of contention, with the 4,400 mAh cell falling short of the 5,500+ mAh found in some Chinese competitors like the Honor Magic V5 and Vivo X Fold 5, which utilize more energy-dense silicon carbon battery technology. Despite this, the Fold 7’s battery is reported to last a full day for average users.

Global Ambitions

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is reportedly a massive success in its home market of South Korea, breaking pre-order records. With its improved hardware and strong brand recognition, Samsung is poised for significant global sales, particularly in markets where Chinese foldables have a limited presence.

While Chinese competitors have offered superior hardware for years, factors like distribution and brand appeal have limited their mainstream reach. Samsung’s renewed commitment to cutting-edge design with the Fold 7, combined with its established market presence, suggests it will capture a wide audience worldwide.