Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review: Is it worth Dh7,599?

Khaleej Times

2 days ago

Foldables have often felt like prototypes wrapped in premium packaging. But with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung seems to have finally struck gold. It's slimmer, lighter, more refined, and with Galaxy AI baked into the DNA of the device, it's no longer just about the fold.
So let's unfold what it could mean for the everyday user.
In the UAE, we're aware that luxury intersects with utility and aesthetics matter as much as specs. That said, the Fold 7 is one of Samsung's most convincing flex yet.
Display
Now, I'll be honest here: I've never really liked foldables. They always felt clunky, fragile, and like a compromise. A phone I had to think about too much before using. But after trying out Samsung's latest, it felt different.
At just 8.9mm when closed and a wafer-thin 4.2mm when open, the Fold 7 feels radically different in hand. Weighing only 215g, it's the first Fold that doesn't feel like you're carrying a mini tablet in your pocket, even though you technically are.
The 6.5-inch outer screen is perfectly usable, thanks to its 21:9 aspect ratio. You won't feel forced to open the phone every time you want to get something done. It's a proper smartphone when folded, and a tablet when open. And yes, if you're a first-time user, it still takes a bit of muscle memory to open and close regularly.
Once you do, the 8-inch inner display, is Samsung at its best: QXGA+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh, and peak brightness.
This is also the phone for multitaskers. I was able to run up to five apps at once, switching between Google, WhatsApp, Camera, YouTube, and Docs without breaking a sweat. It's a productivity beast.
For content creators, the Fold 7 is practically a mini production studio. Open it up, drag your clips into timeline mode, edit with precision, and upload — all from the same screen.
Performance & AI
Under the hood is the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a 3nm powerhouse designed in collaboration with Qualcomm. It could handle all the multitasking and gaming like a breeze. Paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, there's very little this phone can't do.
But the real game-changer? Galaxy AI. Features like Live Translate, Circle to Search, Generative Edit, and Audio Eraser feel less like gimmicks and more like essential tools. Imagine speaking in Arabic while your voice call gets translated to Hindi in real time. Or editing a photo of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque without tourists in the frame — cleanly, with a single AI tap.
Cameras, battery, and where's the S pen?
Samsung has finally dropped the compromise. The 200MP main sensor, 10MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom deliver flagship-level results. Photos are crisp, dynamic range is excellent, and video is silky even in low light.
Front-facing 10MP cameras are functional, though not spectacular. Still, the rear setup is strong enough to use in Flex Mode for vlogging or hands-free shooting.
Samsung sticks with a 4,400mAh battery, and while efficiency has improved, this is not a two-day phone. Moderate users will get a full day, power users won't. 25W wired and 15W wireless charging remain painfully slow compared to Chinese rivals pushing 80W+. For a phone that costs over Dh7,000, this is an area where Samsung needs to stop playing it safe.
The absence of S Pen support will sting for Galaxy Note loyalists. But in Samsung's defense, ditching the stylus allowed the phone to finally slim down. It's a trade-off — weight and thinness over functionality. For creatives and execs who liked scribbling on the Fold, this may be a deal-breaker.
To sum it up, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a genuine productivity and creativity tool. Given our lifestyle, this foldable makes sense today, not in some futuristic roadmap. Sure, the charging speed is underwhelming, and stylus fans will have to look elsewhere. But as a daily driver, productivity machine, and creative canvas, it finally feels complete.
UAE pricing and availability
The price for Galaxy Z Fold7 starts from Dh7,599 with 12GB RAM and 256GB Storage. It comes in four colours: Silver Shadow, Jet Black, Mint and Blue Shadow. Prices go up to Dh9,349.
Should you buy it?
Yes, if you:
Want the best foldable experience money can buy
Juggle work, content, and creativity on the go
Appreciate Galaxy AI's genuinely useful tools
Skip it if you: