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Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I put the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6 through a 10-round camera face-off — here's the winner
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has come to replace the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and design-wise, the difference is obvious. But what about the cameras? The new Fold 7 ups the main camera from 50MP to 200MP, and the inner camera gets a boost from 4MP to 10MP. Plus, Samsung says that the Fold has an improved ProVisual engine for better low-light performance. To see how much better (or not) Samsung's new foldable is at taking photos, I put the Z Fold 7 vs Fold 6 through a 10-round camera face-off. If you're considering an upgrade or want to know which model could be the better buy for you, this is a comparison you won't want to miss. Our first round features this main camera shot looking across a rugby field. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses a 200MP main camera while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 uses a 50MP one, but both take 12MP shots by default, like this example. The shot from the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a less intensely blue sky, but has more saturated colors elsewhere. It's vice versa with the Z Fold 6, which can be interpreted as a good or bad thing depending on what you want the focus of the photo to be. Overlooking the Regent Canal, these two phones give us a good idea of their color treatment for their photos. While both photos look good, we can see when looking at the bricks of the surrounding buildings or the painted sides and roofs of the narrowboats, that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has a cooler overall tone, while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is slightly warmer. This moody shot of a brightly painted canal boat near Paddington station shows how the two phones display the balance of light and shadow. There is more dramatic lighting in Z Fold 7 shot, with larger shadowed areas beneath the boat, for example. Meanwhile, the clouds are darker in the Z Fold 6 image, while the shadows are lighter, showing a slightly different HDR interpretation. We switch now to a different camera for a photo of this church. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 brings out the blue in the sky again, and also the golden yellow tones in the brickwork of the church, with starker shadows too. The Galaxy Z Fold 7's less intense light shows the detail of the brickwork much better, and handles the glaring late-afternoon light more deftly. I took these images of a sign for Church Street Market on Edgware Road with both foldables' 3x telephoto cameras. While there's no difference in detail quality, it's another piece of clear evidence of these two phones' different color sensitivities. The red part of the sign is stronger on the Z Fold 7, while it's the blue part on the Z Fold 6. The outer selfie camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is near-enough indistinguishable from the inside camera, as we'll see in a moment. So it's the comparison with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 that really matters here. The Z Fold 6 has produced a decent photo, but there's some excessive sharpening around my hair, and flatter lighting. It does have an arguably nicer color overall though, with the red sensitivity of the Z Fold 7 making me look unfortunately pink. Samsung has been using under-display cameras for its Z Fold phones' inner selfie shooters for years, but the Galaxy Z Fold 7 changes this to a punch-hole camera while upping the resolution from 4MP to 10MP. This should make the inner camera good for taking actual photos rather than just a functional video call method with the phone open. As we can see here, the Z Fold 6's camera makes the shot quite fuzzy, but with a more uniform brightness level. The Z Fold 7's shot is perfectly clear, even if the lighting and colors of the shot aren't as appealing to my eye. It's worth noting that portrait mode works on both of the Galaxy Z Fold 7's selfie cameras. It only works on the external front camera on the Z Fold 6, so this comparison uses the outer cameras of both phones. Looking at selfies I ended up with, both have good blur with intelligently-applied blurring. The over sharpening of the Z Fold 6 is back, as is the redder coloration of the Z Fold 7. In low light, I aimed the two phones at a row of figurines on a shelf. It's clear that the Galaxy Z Fold 7's image is brighter, but also a little yellower. The darker Z Fold 6 shot does bring out some extra shading detail in the two white plushies, but that does not offset the overall better lighting in the newer foldable's image. While both of our contestants have functionally the same ultrawide camera, the Z Fold 7's version comes with autofocus, which opens up proper macro photography like you get on Samsung's other flagship phones. As this comparison shows, you can get far closer while staying in focus with the Z Fold 7. The Z Fold 6's image is decent, and arguably has better colors, but getting any closer makes the image too blurry to be useable. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is unsurprisingly the better camera phone according to this series of comparisons. A year is a long time in smartphone development, after all. But the ways in which it differs from and improves upon the Galaxy Z Fold 6 are interesting. The ultrawide camera is the most obviously upgraded rear camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, despite the fact the 200MP main camera is the most noteworthy spec bump over the Galaxy Z Fold 6. The Galaxy Z Fold 7's new inner display selfie camera is dramatically improved, too, although the jury's out on whether adding a punch-hole cutout was worth it or not. Our Galaxy Z Fold 7 review is still in progress, and we'll be comparing its camera capabilities against more phones than just the Galaxy Z Fold 6. But it's clear to see the Z Fold 7 is a notable camera upgrade over the Z Fold 6. Let us know in the comments what you think of the Z Fold's 7 cameras and if you think the $2,000 price is worth it.


Geeky Gadgets
13-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Z Fold 6: Is It Worth The Upgrade?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 brings a host of notable advancements over its predecessor, the Z Fold 6. With a sleeker design, improved display technology, a faster processor, and a significant camera upgrade, it positions itself as a strong contender in the foldable smartphone market. However, some features remain unchanged, and the higher price tag may leave you questioning whether the upgrade is worth it, especially if you already own the Z Fold 6. Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Build The Galaxy Z Fold 7 introduces a more refined and compact design, making it thinner and lighter than the Z Fold 6. Measuring just 8.9 mm thick and weighing 215 grams, it is 26% thinner and 24 grams lighter than its predecessor. These changes enhance portability and improve comfort during daily use. Additionally, the Z Fold 7 debuts a new oval-shaped rear camera bump, giving it a fresh and modern aesthetic. While the design updates are subtle, they contribute to a more polished and premium overall look. For Z Fold 6 users, these design improvements may feel incremental rather than new. However, if portability and aesthetics are high on your priority list, the Z Fold 7's sleeker build could be a compelling reason to consider upgrading. Display Enhancements The Z Fold 7 features larger and more immersive screens, with an 8-inch inner display and a 6.5-inch cover screen. Both displays use AMOLED 2X technology, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrasts. The outer screen adopts a taller 21:9 aspect ratio, which enhances the viewing experience for multitasking and media consumption. The 120 Hz refresh rate remains unchanged, making sure smooth scrolling and fluid animations. While these enhancements improve usability, they may not feel innovative for Z Fold 6 users. If you're already satisfied with your current display experience, the upgrades might not justify the cost of switching to the Z Fold 7. However, for first-time foldable buyers, the larger and more advanced displays could be a significant draw. Performance Upgrades The Z Fold 7 is powered by a next-generation processor, offering noticeable improvements in multitasking, app responsiveness, and gaming performance. Whether you're juggling multiple apps or running graphics-intensive games, the device handles tasks effortlessly. This makes it particularly appealing for users who rely on their smartphones for productivity or entertainment. For Z Fold 6 owners, however, the performance gains may not feel substantial enough to warrant an upgrade. The Z Fold 6 already delivers robust performance, so the difference might be more incremental than fantastic. If your current device meets your performance needs, upgrading solely for speed may not be necessary. Camera Improvements The Z Fold 7 introduces a significant camera upgrade, featuring a new 200 MP main sensor compared to the 50 MP sensor on the Z Fold 6. This enhancement allows for sharper and more vibrant photos, particularly in low-light conditions. The ultrawide and telephoto cameras remain unchanged, but the front cameras now feature upgraded 10 MP sensors, improving selfie quality and video calls. If photography is a priority for you, the Z Fold 7's camera advancements could be a major selling point. The ability to capture more detail and achieve better results in challenging lighting conditions makes it a standout feature. However, if you're satisfied with the Z Fold 6's camera performance, the upgrade may not feel essential. Battery and Charging In terms of battery and charging, the Z Fold 7 retains the same 4,400 mAh capacity and 25W wired charging as the Z Fold 6. While this ensures reliable battery life and reasonably fast charging, it may disappoint users hoping for advancements in battery technology or faster charging speeds. If battery performance is a key factor in your decision, the lack of improvement in this area might make sticking with the Z Fold 6 a more practical choice. However, for new buyers, the existing battery performance is still sufficient for most daily tasks. Pricing and Storage Options The Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999, with storage options ranging from 256 GB to 1 TB. In comparison, the Z Fold 6 is now priced at $1,899, with potential discounts making it a more budget-friendly option. For first-time foldable buyers or those upgrading from older models, the Z Fold 7 offers innovative features and a premium experience. However, for Z Fold 6 owners, the price difference may outweigh the benefits of upgrading. Should You Upgrade? The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an excellent choice for users upgrading from older foldable devices or entering the foldable market for the first time. Its thinner design, enhanced display, faster processor, and improved camera system make it a standout option in the foldable smartphone category. However, if you already own the Z Fold 6, the decision becomes less straightforward. Unless the thinner design or camera upgrades are priorities for you, sticking with the Z Fold 6 may be the more cost-effective choice. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific needs, preferences, and budget. The Z Fold 7 undoubtedly represents the next step in foldable technology, but whether it's the right step for you depends on what you value most in a smartphone. Here are more detailed guides and articles that you may find helpful on Foldable smartphone comparison. Source & Image Credit: Demon's Tech Filed Under: Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.


Tom's Guide
12-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
I just tested the Galaxy Z Fold 7's new selfie camera vs. the Fold 6's under-display camera — and the results are drastically different
So much has changed with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 that you may not have noticed one of the most crucial differences between it and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. After four generations of under-display cameras on the Z Fold's main screen, Samsung has finally called it quits and moved back to a punch-hole camera. It's also over twice as detailed, using a 10MP sensor rather than a 4MP one (that is technically 16MP - it's complicated). Arguably, the punch-hole is less optimal for the big inner display that defines the Z Fold, but it should be much better for taking actual photos. So to see what difference this and other upgrades have made to the inner (and outer) front cameras of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, we're doing a full selfie camera comparison against the Z Fold 6. How big a difference is there? Does it really matter? We're gonna find out. Taking both foldables out on a particularly sunny London day, I found a nice shady spot to start off this comparison. The Galaxy Z Fold 6's shot is quite dark given how bright it was when I shot this, and also makes every bright spot in the shot look pixellated, thanks to the display being in the way of the camera sensor The Z Fold 7 shot just looks like a normal selfie, which is appropriate since it's a normal camera. The highlights are a bit too bright for my liking, but it's still the far stronger shot and quickly shows exactly why Samsung made this change. There's no hardware difference between the outer selfie cameras of the Z Fold 6 and the Z Fold 7, but in the interest of science, I tried these too. And as it turns out, you can in fact see some differences. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 looks over-sharpened in comparison, which has me leaning towards the Z Fold 7 still as the superior shot. but the Z Fold 7 has made my face look quite pink, which isn't necessarily the most flattering either. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. One of the key special features of selfie cameras is their ability to use a bokeh effect to center the subject (you) against the background. Hence why this was my next step in testing the Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 7's selfie photography abilities. Beginning with the outside cameras this time, we again see more extreme colors on the Z Fold 7, and increased sharpness on the Z Fold 6. But both have a similarly strong bokeh effect and accurately cut around my glasses. The Galaxy Z Fold 7's new inside camera not only brings enhanced quality, but also brings portrait mode with it. It works just as competently as the outer cameras, while the Z Fold 6's inner camera is stuck taking regular photos only. Software and firmware updates can have an impact on camera performance in the dark just as much as the physical sensors. So while hiding indoors from the heat, I did another round of inner and outer selfie shots. In our first pair, using the outer cameras, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has picked up a lot more of the red color present in the room than the Z Fold 6 has, and has lost detail in return. Samsung's clearly tweaked something in the Z Fold 7's image processing pipeline to make its selfies like this, and I hope that this gets changed with an update in the future. As for the inner camera comparison, we have the starkest quality difference we've seen so far. The Z Fold 7's image is again rather pink-looking, but the Z Fold 6's under-display camera takes a photo is so noisy that it looks decades older. One benefit of foldables you may forget about is the option to take selfies with the main camera by opening up a preview window and camera controls on the outer screen. It seemed an appropriate place to finish off this comparison, especially now that Samsung has switched the Galaxy Z Fold 6's 50MP main camera for a 200MP camera on the Z Fold 7. That said, there is not as much of a difference as I expected. Granted, both of these cameras still shoot by default at 12MP, but I still thought there would be more dividing these shots beyond the color tuning differences that we've already observed. Swapping to portrait mode, we finally see the Z Fold 7 produce the less intensely-colored shot of the two. The Z Fold 7's portrait effect is slightly better too, cutting around my ear and the back of my head properly, unlike the Z Fold 6. Obviously I am just one person with one particular hair color, skin tone and pair of glasses, so things may vary for other people trying to snap themselves. But as this test shows, Samsung's big inner selfie camera switch pays off in terms of quality. Maybe some users felt that the quality loss from the under-display camera was worth it for a more seamless-looking display, but I and likely many others will much prefer having a usable inner camera over a few more square millimeters of active screen space. That said, the color of the Galaxy Z Fold 6's shots were generally more to my liking, especially on the outer screen selfie camera which is identical to the Z Fold 7's. Fingers crossed this is a temporary issue, otherwise it's going to be a bit embarrassing for Samsung. We'll keep testing how other cameras compare in the coming days, so stay tuned for that. But check out our Galaxy Z Fold 7 hands-on review for our thoughts as they stand.


CNET
09-07-2025
- CNET
I'm a Samsung User and Almost Never See Galaxy AI on My Phone
At Samsung Galaxy Unpacked this year, company president TM Roh took the stage in Brooklyn, NY, to tout the transformative nature Galaxy AI. The presentation talked about how Samsung's AI tech customizes information and systems to become your personal companion. It gives you morning briefs, for example, synthesizes your health information and can integrate across different form factors, like foldables, VR and wearables. I am an active user of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 phone, but I've never once seen any of Samsung's Galaxy AI features surface in my use. And it's not like I'm not looking out for this stuff. I'm literally an AI reporter at CNET. What am I missing? Part of the reason I never notice Galaxy AI is that it's hampered by the defaults of Google's open source Android operating system. Unlike Apple, Samsung doesn't control the software running on its devices. Instead, it uses Android. I've used a Galaxy Z Fold 6 for the last year or so. Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Samsung and other smartphone makers can add their own software features on top of Android. Google, however, doesn't allow Android partners to completely delete Google's included apps. So, if partners want their own interpretations of a calling app or text messaging app, it has to live alongside Google's versions. Historical note: Years ago Samsung attempted to launch its own mobile operating system called Tizen, but, like with Windows Phone and other mobile operating systems, getting app developers on board proved challenging. Where's my AI, Samsung? I have yet to see any of the AI features Samsung touts. Apart from Samsung's daily brief there's a host of editing features, including audio eraser for clearer audio, auto trim for video editing and generative edit, which lets you use AI to retouch images. On Samsung's Galaxy AI website, the company says there's call transcript, writing assist and interpreter features. I'm personally not a big photo bug, so I don't spend too much time snapping pics and setting aside time to edit photos for Instagram. So, being blind to these features is on me. But I am reporter, so the transcript and interpreter features are particularly handy. Well, they should be if I'd ever seen them. I jumped on an impromptu call with my co-worker Corin Cesaric to test if these transcript features would activate. They didn't. I went into the settings to double-check if any of the AI features were enabled. Apart from Note Assist, all of them were turned on in the settings. The problem was perplexing. Turns out, it comes down to which apps you set as default when setting up your device. It's all about defaults To get Samsung's AI features, you have to use Samsung's apps. But when I first set up my phone, I guess I clicked the box for Google's suite of apps, maybe because I was coming from a Google Pixel device. For example, there's separate versions of the phone, messages and photo apps, one from Google and one from Samsung. The Samsung Messages app wasn't even installed on my device as Samsung made Google Messages the native app back in 2021. I had to go to the Samsung Store (yes, Samsung has a separate app store on Android) to install it. The bicameral nature of Samsung devices running Google's operating system is to blame for all this confusion. Many Samsung and Google apps have the exact same names, making the issue even more confusing. I think Google has tacitly acknowledged this division as a problem. Google advertises its Pixel-line of devices as having software that's embedded deeply with Google DNA, mixing design and AI in ways that just work. If Google wants Samsung and other partners to have that same kind of clean integration, it needs to allow them to have greater control. Otherwise consumers will simply conclude that Samsung, or OnePlus or Motorola are to blame.


CNET
09-07-2025
- CNET
Samsung Unpacked Live Reveals: New Galaxy Fold 7, Galaxy Flip 7 and Galaxy Watch 8
Samsung redesigned the wide camera assembly to fit into the Galaxy S25 Edge's svelte frame. Samsung/Screenshot by Jeff Carlson The stars of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event are rumored to be updates to the Z Fold and Z Flip phones. While I appreciate a good bendable screen, I'm just as interested in the cameras that will be on them. Compared to the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra models, the lenses on the current Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 feel dated. For example, both of those phones include a 50-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera; the Z Fold adds a 10-megapixel 2x telephoto. You can still get good photos from them, don't get me wrong. But if you're paying a premium for a phone -- $1,900 for the Z Fold 6 -- I believe you should expect a premium camera experience, too. The traditional argument for limiting the cameras has been space. Physical room is so premium in a foldable phone that many camera assemblies just won't fit. But then I look at the Galaxy S25 Edge, which worked in a slimmed-down 200 megapixel f/1.7 camera with the same specs as the main camera in the S25 Ultra, and did it in a thin 5.8mm frame (though the camera bump protrudes to 10mm). Megapixels aren't the whole story, but having more opens up options such as getting optical-quality telephoto images without invoking digital zoom. And the photos from the S25 Edge are pretty nice. Hopefully, Samsung will boost the ultrawide cameras in each new phone to at least 50 megapixels and maybe even the telephoto, too. Motorola's 2025 Razr shows it can be done. Will Samsung match or even exceed these specs? We'll find out Wednesday.