Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Z Flip 7 Review: Thinner, Smarter, but No S Pen
"Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Z Flip 7 launched with thinner designs, Snapdragon 8 Elite AI, and bigger screens—but no S Pen. Full specs, price, review"
Samsung has once again pushed the boundaries of foldable smartphones with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2025. These devices bring thinner designs, advanced AI features, and upgraded hardware, but with one major omission—S Pen support on the Z Fold 7.
In this in-depth review, we'll break down:
- ✅ Key upgrades in design, display, and performance
- ✅ New AI features powered by Google Gemini and Snapdragon 8 Elite
- ✅ Why Samsung removed the S Pen—and whether it was the right move
- ✅ Pricing, availability, and alternatives (including the budget Z Flip 7 FE)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Thinnest Foldable Yet, But at What Cost?
1. Design & Build: Slimmer Than Ever
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now Samsung's thinnest and lightest foldable, measuring:
- 8.9mm thick when folded (vs. 10.2mm on Z Fold 6)
- Just 4.2mm when unfolded (thinner than a pencil!)
- Weight: 215g (down from 239g)
Key Improvements:
- ✔ New Armor FlexHinge – Reduces creasing, improves durability
- ✔ Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 – More scratch-resistant
- ✔ Titanium plate layer – Stronger yet lighter than aluminum
Trade-Off:
- ❌ No S Pen Support – Samsung removed the digitizer layer to achieve this slim profile.
2. Display: Bigger Screens, Better Multitasking
- Main Screen: 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (11% larger than Z Fold 6)
- Cover Screen: 6.5-inch 21:9 aspect ratio (easier one-handed use)
- 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (smoother scrolling)
- 2,600 nits peak brightness (best-in-class visibility)
3. Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite & AI Boost
- Processor: Custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
- 41% faster NPU (for on-device AI tasks)
- 38% CPU & 26% GPU boost (vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3)
- RAM & Storage: Up to 16GB RAM + 1TB storage
AI Features:
- ✔ Gemini Live – Real-time voice commands (e.g., "Find flights to Tokyo")
- ✔ Photo Assist – AI-powered photo editing (remove objects, adjust angles)
- ✔ Audio Eraser – Remove background noise from videos
4. Cameras: 200MP Sensor & Pro-Grade Upgrades
- 200MP Wide-Angle Lens (4x more detail than Z Fold 6's 50MP)
- 12MP Ultra-Wide & 10MP Telephoto (3X Zoom)
- Night Video Mode – Better low-light recording
Verdict: The Z Fold 7 is a powerhouse for productivity and creativity, but power users will miss the S Pen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Bigger Cover Screen, Better AI
1. Design: Slimmer & More Durable
- 13.7mm thick when folded (vs. 14.2mm on Z Flip 6)
- 4,300mAh battery (+300mAh vs. Z Flip 6)
- 4.1-inch FlexWindow (edge-to-edge, up from 3.4")
2. AI & Software: Gemini Live on Cover Screen
- Type messages, check weather, control music without unfolding
- Camera Sharing on Gemini Live – Show AI what you see for instant help
3. Performance & Pricing
- Snapdragon 8 Elite (same as Z Fold 7)
- Starts at ₹1,09,999 (India)
Who's It For?
Great for social media lovers who want a compact, stylish foldable with AI smarts.
Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: Budget Foldable at ₹89,999
- 6.7-inch main display, 50MP FlexCam
- 4,000mAh battery, 128GB/256GB storage
- No Snapdragon 8 Elite (likely Exynos chip)
Best For: First-time foldable buyers who want Samsung quality at a lower price.
Why Did Samsung Remove the S Pen?
- Thinner hinge design couldn't fit the digitizer.
- Focus on AI (Gemini Live, Photo Assist) over stylus input.
- Market demand – Only 10% of Fold users actively used the S Pen (per Samsung).
Should You Care?
- ✔ Yes if you sketch/take notes.
- ❌ No if you mainly browse, watch videos, and use AI tools.
Pricing & Availability
| Model | Price (India) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Z Flip 7 FE | ₹89,999 | July 25 |
| Z Flip 7 | ₹1,09,999 | July 25 |
| Z Fold 7 | ₹1,74,999 | July 25 |
Pre-order Bonuses:
- Free Galaxy Watch 8 (early buyers)
- 6 months of Google AI Pro
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
- ✅ Upgrade if: You want the thinnest foldable, best AI features, and bigger screens.
- ❌ Skip if: You need the S Pen or own a Z Fold 6/Z Flip 6 (incremental upgrades).
Alternatives:
- Motorola Razr (2025) – Better cover screen UI
- Honor Magic V3 – Thinner than Z Fold 7, with stylus support
FAQ
Does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 support the S Pen?
No, Samsung removed S Pen support to make the Z Fold 7 its thinnest foldable yet.
What is the price of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in India?
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts at ₹1,09,999 in India.
Final Thoughts
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are Samsung's most refined foldables yet, with thinner builds, smarter AI, and better displays. However, the lack of S Pen support may disappoint professionals.
Will you upgrade? Let us know in the comments!
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