Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 5G Review (2026): The “Ultra” Camera We Wanted, The Charging Speed We Hate

For years, Samsung was the default answer if you wanted a foldable phone. But in 2026, the game has changed. The OnePlus Open 2 is thinner, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has better AI, and Chinese foldables are pushing boundaries we didn’t think possible.

So, where does the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 5G land?

Launched at a watering-eye price of ₹1,74,999, the Fold 7 brings two massive upgrades we’ve been screaming for: a flagship 200MP Main Camera (borrowed from the S25 Ultra) and the beastly Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. But it also keeps one “feature” that is frankly insulting at this price point: 25W Charging.

Is the “Ultra” camera enough to save it? I’ve used the Fold 7 as my primary device—typing emails, gaming, and taking portraits—to see if it’s truly the productivity beast Samsung claims it is.

2. Quick Specs: The Paper Tiger

3. Design & Build: Slimmer, Wider, But Still Thicker

Read more: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 5G

Samsung has been on a diet. The Z Fold 7 is the thinnest Fold yet, shedding a few grams and millimeters compared to the Fold 6.

• The Cover Screen: Finally, it feels like a normal phone! The 6.5-inch cover screen is wider (22:9 aspect ratio), making typing on the outer screen much less cramped. You no longer feel like you’re typing on a remote control.
• The Hinge: The “Armor FlexHinge” is stiff and sturdy. It holds its angle perfectly for “Flex Mode” (laptop style).
• The Crease: The real truth? It’s still there. Samsung claims it’s reduced, and sure, visually it’s fainter than the Fold 5. But run your finger across the middle, and you will definitely feel the dip. It’s not “invisible” like the OnePlus Open 2.

4. Display & Visuals: The Best Screens in the Business

This is where Samsung flexes its muscles.

• Inner Canvas: The 8.0-inch main display is glorious. With 2600 nits peak brightness, using this phone outdoors in Indian summers is no issue. The colors are punchy, sharp, and watching HDR content on Netflix is a cinema-like experience.
• Under Display Camera (UDC): The inner selfie camera (4MP) is still hidden under the pixels. It’s better at hiding than before, but if you look for it, you’ll see the pixel grid.
• Durability: The screen feels harder and less “plasticky” than previous generations. I (accidentally) ran my fingernail across it while gaming, and it didn’t leave a permanent mark.

5. Performance & Productivity: A Pocket PC

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is overkill for a phone, but perfect for a foldable.

• Multitasking: I regularly ran 3 apps at once—YouTube (top), WhatsApp (bottom left), and Chrome (bottom right). The phone didn’t stutter once. The taskbar at the bottom makes switching apps feel like Windows 11.
• Gaming (Genshin Impact / BGMI):
  • Settings: Maxed out.
  • Performance: A solid 60fps on Genshin Impact. The larger surface area dissipates heat well, keeping the device around 41°C even after 45 minutes.
  • Ratio Issue: Some games still don’t scale perfectly to the square aspect ratio, leaving black bars. This is an Android issue, not a Samsung one.
• Galaxy AI: The AI features shine here. “Circle to Search” on this huge screen is addictive. The “Note Assist” feature that summarizes long meetings is a lifesaver for corporate users.

6. Camera: The 200MP Upgrade We Waited For

For years, Fold users complained: “Why does the S-series get better cameras than the more expensive Fold?”

Samsung listened. The Fold 7 finally gets the 200MP Main Sensor from the S25 Ultra.

• Main Camera (200MP): The detail is insane. You can crop into a photo significantly and still have a usable shot. Low-light performance is vastly improved—night shots are brighter and less noisy.
• Telephoto (10MP 3x): It’s good, but not “Ultra” good. It lacks the 5x or 10x periscope zoom of the S25 Ultra. At ₹1.75 Lakh, a 3x zoom feels a bit limited.
• Selfies: The 10MP cover camera is great. The 4MP inner camera is… potato quality. Only use it for video calls; never take a selfie with it.

7. Battery & Endurance: The Achilles’ Heel

This is the heartbreaking part of the review.

Despite the new efficient chip, the battery capacity remains 4,400 mAh.

• Real World Drain:
  • Heavy Day (Navigation, Teams calls, Gaming): Dead by 6 PM.
  • Moderate Day: 10-15% left at bedtime.
  • Verdict: You will need a power bank if you are a power user.
• Charging Speed (The insult): It still supports only 25W wired charging.
  • 0-50%: 30 Minutes.
  • 0-100%: 1 Hour 20 Minutes.
  • comparison: The OnePlus Open 2 charges fully in roughly 35 minutes. Samsung’s refusal to upgrade this is baffling.

8. The Competition: Fold 7 vs OnePlus Open 2 vs Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Verdict:

• Winner (Productivity): Samsung. One UI is simply miles ahead in window management and software polish.
• Winner (Hardware): OnePlus Open 2. It has a better battery, faster charging, and a virtually non-existent crease.

9. Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the most refined foldable you can buy, but it is no longer the undisputed king. It wins on software maturity and camera resolution but loses hard on battery tech.

Buy it if:

1. You are a Multitasking Maniac: No other phone handles 3-app split-screen as smoothly as Samsung’s One UI.
2. You want the Best Camera on a Foldable: The 200MP sensor is a legitimate flagship shooter.
3. You need Durability: With IP48 rating and Armor Aluminum, it feels less fragile than the competition.

Skip it if:

1. You hate Slow Charging: Waiting 80 minutes for a full charge in 2026 is painful.
2. You hate the Crease: The OnePlus Open 2 offers a much flatter screen experience.
3. You are on a Budget: At ₹1.75 Lakh, it is a luxury item. The Fold 6 (now cheaper) offers 90% of the experience.

10. FAQs (People Also Ask)