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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business Standard
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: Big displays, compact body, smarter UI
Samsung has made considerable progress in refining its book-style foldable smartphone since the category's debut in 2019. The seventh-generation model, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, is a significant departure from the original. It introduces comprehensive upgrades over its predecessor, making it more of an evolution than the incremental updates seen in earlier models. Key enhancements include larger cover and foldable displays, improved durability, a thinner and lighter form factor, foldable-specific software experiences, and an enhanced camera system. But do these changes collectively offer a more refined foldable experience? Let us find out: Design The bulky form factor once synonymous with foldable smartphones becomes a thing of the past with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The device measures 8.9mm at its thinnest point when folded and an impressive 4.2mm when unfolded. These figures may seem abstract in isolation but contribute to a seamless transition from traditional bar-shaped smartphones. It is worth noting that these measurements exclude the protruding rear camera bump, a vertically aligned unit placed in the top-left corner. This results in a noticeable wobble when the device is laid flat on surfaces such as tabletops. However, at 215g, the Z Fold 7 is lighter than many premium bar-style smartphones, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. The device features an aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the rear, and a thicker ultra-thin glass layer on the foldable screen. It is rated IP48 for dust and water resistance. Although the durability appears comparable to bar-type smartphones, users are advised to handle the device with care, as neither accidental damage nor dust and water ingress are covered under the standard warranty. As with its predecessor, the Z Fold 7 folds completely flat, eliminating the visible gap along the hinge. Despite protective elements in place, dust does manage to find its way in, as observed during usage. Displays The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is thinner, lighter, and marginally wider than its predecessor. This broader design accommodates a 6.5-inch cover display and an 8-inch foldable inner screen. Samsung stated that the broader design enables a 21:9 aspect ratio for the cover display, offering an experience akin to that of a bar-shaped smartphone when folded, and it largely succeeds in doing so. Although most bar-style smartphones have long since moved away from the 16:9 aspect ratio, only a few adopt 21:9. Despite this, 21:9 is considered the second-best aspect ratio, with 16:9 still dominating content formats such as movies and TV shows. The 21:9 display provides an enhanced experience for supported video content and offers more information per scroll for vertical-feed apps like Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. The same holds true for gaming, where select titles benefit from a wider field of view. However, the tall aspect ratio makes single-handed use impractical. To address this, Samsung has optimised One UI 8: the universal app menu search is now bottom-aligned, the quick settings menu is better laid out, and select Google apps like Chrome support relocating the address bar to the bottom. Even so, many commonly used third-party apps still necessitate two-handed use. The inner foldable display has an aspect ratio approaching square. This makes it suitable for productivity tasks rather than video consumption or gaming. With a default taskbar and multi-view interface, it delivers a tablet-like experience. While multitasking remains a strength, competing devices such as the OnePlus Open offer more advanced multitasking capabilities. Samsung could have further refined the foldable display's software functionality. Interestingly, the S Pen, a defining feature of the Fold series, has been omitted in favour of a thinner and lighter build. Cameras Samsung claims to deliver an 'Ultra' camera experience on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 by equipping it with the same primary sensor as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This sensor is also found in the Galaxy S25 Edge (review). Additionally, the camera on the main display now uses a punch-hole cutout instead of an under-display configuration for improved clarity. Other camera modules remain unchanged from the previous generation. While these upgrades may appear incremental on paper, they translate to noticeable improvements in use. The primary sensor captures high-quality images with strong detail, contrast, and a wide dynamic range. It consistently performs well across conditions, though it occasionally struggles with neon lighting in artificial environments. The large sensor offers enhanced depth-of-field, emulating portrait effects even for non-human subjects. With a resolution of 200MP, the sensor enables default 2x and 3x zoom shots, despite the presence of a dedicated telephoto lens. The telephoto sensor performs well but lacks the uniform colour science of the main sensor, leading to visible discrepancies. Although the impact on photography is minimal, this inconsistency is noticeable in video footage. The telephoto lens excels in well-lit conditions but falters in low light, often softening details to reduce noise. The ultra-wide sensor delivers good performance but introduces softens on the edges as it irons out distortion, resulting in some detail loss. It also shows colour inconsistency compared to the main sensor. Autofocus support in the ultra-wide module enables the 'Samsung Focus Enhancer' mode, facilitating macro-style captures – a practical if not standout addition. Regarding front cameras, the unit on the cover display is centre-aligned and doubles as a biometric sensor. Visual cues like a moving white ring improve the facial recognition process, although the unlocking speed is modest. Face unlock is also available on the inner display, and interestingly, enrolment through one camera enables it on both displays. The inner display camera unit is placed at an odd spot though, adding to distractions. Video capabilities match those of the Galaxy S25 series. Features include 10-bit HDR video for enhanced contrast and colour, log format for improved post-processing flexibility, UHD 4K recording at 60 fps across all sensors, and seamless switching between front and rear cameras during recording. The device also supports 8K video capture at 30 fps. Software and AI The Galaxy Z Fold 7 debuts with Samsung's One UI 8, based on Android 16. The software is optimised to fully leverage the foldable form factor, particularly the main inner display. As mentioned earlier, the user interface has been adjusted for improved one-handed usability on the cover screen. On the foldable display, tablet-style features enhance productivity and multitasking. These include a taskbar for quick app access, multi-view functionality for split-screen use in supported apps (e.g., WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Outlook), and the ability to maintain distinct layouts for the cover and main displays. Artificial Intelligence remains central to Samsung's ecosystem. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 introduces few new AI features, enhancements to existing ones place it ahead of most rivals. New AI-powered features include: Side-by-side comparison of original and edited images in generative editing mode Suggested erasures for one-tap removal of image distractions An 'audio eraser' toggle now available within the main video interface In collaboration with Google, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 introduces an improved 'Circle to Search' feature, which now includes in-game support. Users can access gameplay tips in a floating window, though the implementation is still rudimentary. A similar feature is under trial by Microsoft in Xbox via Copilot, which may have served as inspiration. Performance and battery Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the Z Fold 7 offers flagship-level performance. However, it heats up significantly under sustained workloads such as 4K video recording at 60 fps, graphically demanding gaming, multimedia editing, and GPS navigation. This thermal issue adversely affects battery life, which remains modest even under normal usage conditions. The device supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. Both are relatively slow by current standards, with the device taking over an hour to fully charge via the fastest available method. Verdict The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 advances the foldable smartphone category with meaningful upgrades that go beyond superficial refinements. With a starting price of Rs 174,999, it remains a premium offering, but its combination of a thin-and-lightweight design, enhanced camera system, foldable-optimised software experience, and industry-leading AI capabilities justify the investment for users seeking both innovation and utility. The device excels in key areas: its broader cover display brings usability closer to conventional smartphones, the inner foldable screen offers a tablet-like experience tailored for productivity, and the refined One UI 8, based on Android 16, supports enhanced multitasking and one-handed operation. Imaging performance, particularly through the main camera, is reliable and consistent, with support for high-quality video capture across all sensors. On the flip side, some limitations persist: app optimisation for the tall 21:9 cover screen remains a work in progress, thermal management under intensive workloads needs improvement, and the battery performance is modest at best. Additionally, the absence of S Pen support, once a key differentiator, may disappoint long-time Fold users. Nonetheless, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a significant step forward in making foldable smartphones more practical for everyday use. It sets a new benchmark in design, functionality, and software synergy, positioning itself as a genuinely viable flagship device that could turn foldables mainstream. 12GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 174,999 12GB RAM + 512GB storage: Rs 186,999 16GB RAM + 1TB storage: Rs 210,999
Deccan Herald
09-07-2025
- Deccan Herald
Samsung unveils ultra-premium Galaxy Z Fold7, Flip7 with Flip7 FE foldable phones
Samsung on Wednesday (July 9) unveiled the much anticipated premium foldable phones along with new generation Galaxy Watches in New advertised with the teasers released last month, the new Galaxy Z Fold7 comes with Galaxy S25 Ultra-like features in slimmest form and biggest measures just 8.9mm thickness when folded and when opened, the thickness is 4.2mm, making it the slimmest foldable phone. Also, it weighs just Search: Gemini-powered AI Mode is now available to all users in the front, it sports a 6.5-inch full HD+ (2520 x 1080p) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a pixel density of 422 pixels per inch (ppi) and support 120hz adaptive refresh rate. The new phone's frame and hinge are made sturdy materials armoured aluminium to deliver long the display is protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 shield and the back panel is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Furthermore, the device comes with IP48 water-resistant rating. Inside, it houses a wide 8.0-inch QXGA (2184x1968p) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with pixel density of 368 ppi and support 120Hz adaptive refresh device is powered by Qualcomm's custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset with Android 16- based One UI 8 OS, 12GB/16GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage and a 4,400mAh battery with 25W charging boasts of triple camera module— main 200MP wide-angle camera (with Quad Pixel AF, OIS, F1.7, Pixel size: 0.6μm, Field-of-View(FOV): 85-degree), with 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera Dual Pixel AF, F2.2, Pixel size: 1.4μm, FOV: 120-degree) and 10MP Telephoto camera(PDAF, OIS, F2.4, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 36-degree, 3X optical zoom) with LED flash on the Galaxy Fold7 features 10MP selfie camera (f/2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 85-degree) on the cover display and foldable display Galaxy Z Fold7 will be available for pre-order starting July 9, with general availability beginning July 25. The Galaxy Z Fold7 comes in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack and Mint(online exclusive) colour the other hand, the Galaxy Z Flip7 too comes with slimmer and lighter form factor with bigger display panels compared to the previous measures 13.7mm thickness (when folded), 6.5mm thickness (when opened) and weighs 188g, much lesser than the predecessor. It sports an edge-to-edge 4.1-inch cover cover and back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It features arbor flexing and armour aluminium frame. On the front, it features 4.1-inch (1048x948p) super AMOLED with refresh rate. Inside, it houses big 6.9-inch full HD+ (2520x1080p) Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It houses Samsung Exynos 2500 octal-core processor, Android 16-based One UI 8, 12GB RAM, 256GB/512GB storage, 4,300mAh battery with 25W charging features a dual-camera module— 12MP ultra-wide camera and 50MP wide-angle camera with LED flash on the back. On the front, it houses 10MP selfie also unveiled the new Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, an affordable version of the premium Galaxy Z Flip7. It features a smaller 3.4-inch HD cover display and a 6.7-inch full HD+ dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable screen inside. .It houses a Samsung Exynos 2400 octal-core processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB/256GB storage, Android 16-based One UI 8 OS, dual-camera module— 12MP+50MP with LED flash on the back, 10MP selfie camera on the front and a 4,000mAh battery with 25W charging the foldable phones support Gemini Live, improved Circle to Search in addition to Galaxy AI-powered Now Bar and Now Brief Galaxy Z Flip7 will be available for pre-order starting July 9, with general availability beginning July 25. The Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in Blue Shadow, Jetblack, Coral-red and Mint (online exclusive) colour options. The Galaxy Flip7 FE is available in Black and prices of Galaxy Z Fold7, Flip7 and Flip7 FE series starts at $1,999, $1,099 and $899, respectively. The India price details will be revealed Galaxy S25 Edge review: Elegance meets raw the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech.
Tom's Guide
02-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge durability test ends in a surprising result
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge just went on sale, and that means it was time to see how well it stands up to Zack from YouTube channel JerryRigEverything and his gadget-breaking durability test. After the mandatory comparison between the S25 Edge's thin frame and various household objects (plus the less-mandatory spattering the phone with ice cream), Zack's video begins the dissection process with his mineral picks, in order to figure out how scratch-resistant the display is. The Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 material Samsung uses still scratches at the same Moh hardness levels as other flagship phones with different Gorilla Glass displays — light marks at level 6 and deeper ones at level 7. The Galaxy S25 Edge also withstands 30 seconds of flame from a lighter. Hopefully, your phone won't be exposed to fire like this, but it's good reassurance to have all the same. But we were all waiting for one thing in this video: the bend test. It's surprising how many phones fail to survive an attempt to fold it in half, given how thin modern phones can be. I'll admit I was nervous for the Galaxy S25 Edge as Zack prepared to snap the phone like he was breaking off a chunk of chocolate. However, likely due to the Galaxy S25 Edge's titanium construction, the phone barely even flexed. A small panel gap opened up when bending the phone from the front, but nothing broke, leaving the phone still operable. Although, you'd probably still want to take it in for repairs to ensure the phone remains IP68 water resistant. So, durability fortunately seems to not be an issue for the Galaxy S25 Edge, especially with the help of the best Galaxy S25 Edge cases for additional peace of mind and defence against scratches. However, it's only one consideration to make when looking at buying Samsung's new thin flagship. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. You may well like the look and feel of this light-but-large Galaxy phone, or its big and bright display, or its AI powers. But bear in mind that the small frame has led to a shorter-than-average battery life, one fewer camera than other S25 models and slow charging speeds despite the price of the phone. There's more detail in our Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge review if you need it, although we must make it clear upfront — our particular testing method doesn't involve attacking phones with sharp objects.
India Today
01-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Samsung starts Galaxy S25 Edge sales in India, offers Rs 12,000 discount to woo buyers
The thinnest Samsung — the Galaxy S25 Edge — is finally on sale. Initially launched at Rs 1,09,999, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is now available for purchase via Samsung's official store and Flipkart, and there are some limited-time deals worth noting. With a thickness of just 5.8mm, the Galaxy S25 Edge features a 6.7-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED display and is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. The phone was originally priced at Rs 1,09,999 for the 256GB model and Rs 1,21,999 for the 512GB variant. However, the standout offer at the moment is that Samsung is selling the 512GB version at the same price as the 256GB one. Let's take a look at these offers in detail. advertisementSamsung Galaxy S25 Edge 512GB gets Rs 12,000 offSamsung has officially opened the gates for users to buy the Galaxy S25 Edge. As far as online shopping is concerned, users can buy the phone on Samsung's official website or via Flipkart. Now, while Flipkart offers a bank discount on both the variants — 256GB and 512GB, Samsung has the best offer saved for the higher variant. Samsung is offering the Galaxy S25 Edge 512 GB at the same price as the 256GB. This means that both variants are currently available at Rs 1,09,999 on the Samsung online store. With this offer, users can save Rs 12,000 by choosing the higher-end variant. All in all, for less money, you can get more storage. Flipkart's deals might not be quite as generous as Samsung's own store, but they're still worth considering. The e-commerce platform is currently offering a Rs 6,100 discount on the 512GB variant when you use a Flipkart Axis Bank credit card, bringing the price down to Rs 1,15,899. Meanwhile, the 256GB version also gets a solid Rs 5,500 off with the same card offer. With this offer, you can buy the vanilla variant at Rs 1,04,499. advertisementAdditionally, Flipkart also offers an exchange offer that can save you more bucks by selling off your old device. But, it is noteworthy that this price fully depends on which phone you are using and what the condition is the condition of your old device. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Specs and featuresBefore you rush to buy the device, here are a few specs and features that can help you decide better. Samsung's new Galaxy S25 Edge is turning heads, not just for what's inside, but for how impressively light it feels in the hand (read the detailed review here). Weighing just 163 grams and wrapped in a robust titanium frame, the phone is clearly designed for users who want flagship-grade specs without the bulk. The front is shielded by Corning's new Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, giving it a tough exterior to match its sleek the heart of the device is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the same top-tier chip found in the standard Galaxy S25 models. Samsung has also re-engineered the vapour chamber cooling system, making it thinner but wider to keep temperatures in check during intensive tasks like gaming or 4K video recording. And yes, it's still IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, in case you get caught in the 6.7-inch Quad HD+ AMOLED display is a standout, and has an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz. Photography lovers will be pleased with the 200-megapixel primary sensor, which Samsung claims is 40 per cent brighter in low light compared to the base S25. It's paired with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens that also doubles up as a macro shooter. On the front, there's a 12-megapixel camera for selfies and video the Galaxy S25 Edge ships with Android 15 and Samsung's One UI 7. You get a range of new AI-powered features like Call Transcript, Drawing Assist, and Writing Assist, along with Google's handy Circle to Search. Samsung has committed to an impressive seven generations of Android and security the connectivity front, the phone includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC and 5G. Powering it all is a 3900mAh battery that supports 25W wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging — or as Samsung calls it, Wireless PowerShare.
Tom's Guide
18-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Sorry Samsung, thinner phones like the Galaxy S25 Edge are not a selling point to me
Samsung grabbed some headlines this past week when it launched the Galaxy S25 Edge. But while the phone may be getting some positive buzz early on, I'm afraid it just doesn't grab my interest. Since the S25 Edge launch, I've been thinking about why that is. And then it came to me: I'm really not sold on using phones being thinner as a selling point. Here's the thing: there are a lot of things to like about some of the best phones, from new software and the rise of AI assistants, to longer-lasting batteries and improved displays. However, a phone's thickness isn't something that will make me pull out my wallet, as there are some serious downsides to thinner designs that I think people should be aware of. There's no denying thinner phones can be much lighter than standard devices, while also being easier to hold. Their thinner design also helps them to fit in your pocket better. All of this makes them much more pleasant to carry around, while also not ruining the line of your pants. For instance, I currently have an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and while it is a great phone, you really do notice just how heavy it is. Now I'm not implying you need to be Superman to lift a 7.8-ounce device, but it is noticeable, especially when compared to the 5.75 ounces the Galaxy S25 Edge weighs in at. On top of that, trying to use an iPhone 15 Pro Max with one hand can cramp your fingers and doesn't feel all that natural. Though that's the case with any big screen phone, thine ones included. I'll even admit that thinner phones have a certain look to them that really stands out. The phones have this futuristic quality that makes them just look advanced by simply being there. This can make them very appealing, and I understand why people buy them. But all that said, there are more than a few issues that make thinner phones unappealing to me. Three major issues keep me from embracing thinner phones. For starters, I find the devices less durable, as when you make a phone thinner, you make it more liable to bend. Trust me, while developers have been looking into making bending phones, we're not there yet. Now, to be fair, thinner phones are more durable than they used to be, and the Galaxy S25 Edge does offer Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 glass that should make that phone pretty tough. Still, I worry that the bending issue hasn't entirely been solved. Sure, you could buy a case for the phone that further protects it from harm. But that rather ruins the point of a thinner phone, doesn't it? In addition, hardware sacrifices must be made to make a phone thinner than most. One area where that's particularly noticeable is battery size. For instance, the Galaxy S25 Edge comes with a 3,900 mAh battery, which is a lot smaller than the 4,900 mAh cell inside the Galaxy S25 Plus, even though that phone matches the screen size of the Edge. Now, again in the spirit of fairness, companies are working to solve this problem. For instance, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to have a battery life on par with other iPhones. But we won't know for certain until that phone arrives later this year. On top of the battery, there are usually limitations on the cameras, or at least on how many cameras the phone will have. For instance, the Galaxy S25 Edge comes with the same 200MP main camera seen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is great. However, it doesn't have the 50MP Ultrawide, or 50MP telephoto as part of its camera array. Instead, a $1,099 phone only comes with a 12MP ultrawide to go with that main lens. I could get past that limitation regarding the number of cameras — hey, the iPhone 16 has just two, and it's rated as one of best camera phones. But that phone also costs $799, not $1,099 like the Edge. You pay four figures for a phone, you expect a more extensive camera setup. I could complain about these designs till I'm blue in the face, but it means nothing if I don't mention what would actually make me consider purchasing a phone. As such, I've gathered three examples that all feature something that I look for in a device. When it comes to buying a new phone, I want to see a clear upgrade over any predecessor, while also offering value for my money. For instance, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is a clear improvement over the Nothing Phone 2a, and it costs less than $500. I would happily grab one of these due to the improved camera performance, and the all-day battery life (something a 3,900 battery would struggle with.) Alternatively, I like a smaller phone, which I think is a more important factor than thickness. You can fit a smaller phone in your pocket and most of them are at least comparable to the bigger devices in terms of power. For instance, the Google Pixel 9a is a great piece of kit with a bright display, improved AI features and an incredibly bright 6.3-inch display. At the end of the day, whether you like a phone or not is really a personal choice, and I am fully aware that a lot of people will disagree with me. With that in mind, let me know what you think about phones getting thinner. Do you prefer it, or is there another design that your more invested in?
