Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Review: How Ultra-Thin Design and One UI 8 Are Redefining Mobile Multitasking

If you follow cutting-edge gadgets, you have probably felt the same frustration many power users experience today: smartphones are incredibly powerful, yet their form factor still limits true productivity.

Foldable phones promised to solve this problem, but for years they came with compromises such as bulky bodies, heavy weight, and software that could not fully exploit larger screens.

With the Galaxy Z Fold7, Samsung is making a bold statement that this era may finally be ending.

This device is not just thinner and lighter than its predecessors; it represents a strategic shift toward making foldables feel practical enough to replace both a phone and a tablet.

By combining extreme hardware miniaturization with a redesigned multitasking experience in One UI 8, Samsung aims to change how people work, create, and consume content on the go.

In this article, you will discover how the Galaxy Z Fold7 achieves this balance, why controversial decisions like removing S Pen support were made, and what real-world performance data says about its strengths and weaknesses.

If you are considering a foldable phone for productivity, creativity, or advanced multitasking, this deep dive will help you understand whether the Galaxy Z Fold7 truly delivers on its promise.

The Maturing Foldable Smartphone Market and Samsung’s New Strategy

The foldable smartphone market has clearly entered a new phase of maturity, and this shift fundamentally changes how leading manufacturers must compete. In the early years, foldables were defined by novelty and experimentation, often accompanied by compromises in durability, thickness, and everyday usability. By 2025, however, industry observers widely agree that foldables are no longer niche concepts but are approaching practical mainstream devices, especially among technology enthusiasts and productivity-focused users.

According to analyses by firms such as Counterpoint Research, global foldable smartphone shipments have continued to grow year over year, while Samsung has maintained the largest share of this segment. At the same time, competitors from China, including Honor and Xiaomi, have rapidly narrowed the hardware gap by delivering thinner designs and aggressive specifications. This environment leaves little room for incremental updates, and it is within this context that Samsung’s strategic recalibration becomes especially significant.

Rather than relying solely on hardware dominance, Samsung appears to be shifting toward a two-pronged strategy: extreme refinement of physical design and deeper differentiation through software. The dramatic reduction in thickness and weight seen in its latest Fold generation directly addresses one of the most persistent barriers to adoption. For many potential buyers, the perception of foldables as bulky or inconvenient has outweighed their benefits, and Samsung’s design choices suggest a clear intent to remove that psychological hurdle.

Equally important is Samsung’s emphasis on software as a long-term competitive moat. As hardware differences between foldables gradually shrink, user experience becomes the deciding factor. Samsung has publicly positioned its One UI for large screens as a productivity platform rather than a simple Android skin, a direction that aligns with academic research showing that larger and dual-screen environments can significantly improve task efficiency. Studies cited by human–computer interaction researchers indicate productivity gains of up to 30 percent when users can reference multiple information sources simultaneously.

This strategic pivot also reflects a realistic assessment of competitive pressure. With Google offering its own foldable vision and Chinese brands excelling in rapid hardware iteration, Samsung cannot rely on scale alone. Instead, it is leveraging its strengths in software optimization, long-term OS support, and enterprise trust. Industry commentary from outlets such as Forbes and PCMag frequently highlights this ecosystem advantage as a reason Samsung continues to set the reference standard for foldables.

In a maturing market, success is defined less by being first and more by being indispensable. Samsung’s new strategy suggests that the company understands this transition well and is deliberately positioning its foldable lineup not as experimental gadgets, but as credible primary devices for work, creativity, and everyday life.

Ultra-Thin Hardware Engineering and the Limits of Physics

The Galaxy Z Fold7 represents an aggressive pursuit of ultra-thin hardware engineering, pushing foldable smartphones to the very edge of what physics allows. When folded, the device measures just 8.9 mm, and only 4.2 mm when unfolded, figures that rival or undercut many conventional smartphones and tablets. According to analyses by CNET and PCMag, achieving this required a fundamental rethinking of internal architecture rather than incremental refinement.

At this scale, every fraction of a millimeter becomes a battleground. Samsung redesigned the hinge using a titanium-based lattice structure, reducing material bulk while maintaining torsional rigidity. Materials science research cited by Samsung engineers indicates that Grade 4 titanium offers an optimal balance of strength, elasticity, and weight, but it also introduces electromagnetic interference challenges that ripple through component design.

The most controversial consequence of this thinness is the removal of the EMR digitizer required for S Pen support. Wacom’s electromagnetic resonance system, used in prior Fold models, demands not only its own layer but also shielding and bonding materials. Industry teardowns estimate a cumulative thickness penalty of roughly 0.3 mm, a margin that engineers could no longer justify in a sub-9 mm folded device.

Physics also imposes strict limits on heat management. With less internal volume, the vapor chamber and heat-spreading layers must be smaller, reducing sustained thermal performance. Independent stress tests reported by HotHardware show stability scores below 50 percent under prolonged GPU load, a direct manifestation of thinness colliding with thermodynamics.

In essence, the Fold7 illustrates a core truth of hardware engineering: extreme portability is never free. Each gain in thinness exacts a cost elsewhere, and the Galaxy Z Fold7 stands as a clear, tangible case study of how modern mobile design now negotiates directly with the limits of materials science and physics.

Why Samsung Removed S Pen Support and What It Means for Users

Samsung’s decision to remove S Pen support from the Galaxy Z Fold7 has surprised many long‑time users, but the background is rooted in very practical engineering trade‑offs. According to Samsung’s own product engineers and coverage by outlets such as PCMag and CNET, the company prioritized extreme thinness and weight reduction as its core design goal. The Fold7 reaches 8.9mm when closed and about 4.2mm when unfolded, figures that place it among the thinnest foldables ever shipped. Achieving this required eliminating internal layers that were previously considered essential.

The S Pen relied on a Wacom EMR digitizer layer embedded beneath the flexible display. While this layer is thin on its own, display experts have pointed out that it requires additional protective and adhesive layers to ensure durability in a foldable panel. Industry analysis estimates this stack adds roughly 0.3mm or more to the display structure. In a device where fractions of a millimeter directly affect hinge design, battery volume, and thermal solutions, Samsung appears to have judged that cost as too high.

Another factor frequently mentioned by display specialists is signal interference. The Fold7 introduces new titanium alloy reinforcement around the hinge and display frame. Reports cited by Business Standard suggest that these metallic components can disrupt electromagnetic resonance signals, further complicating reliable S Pen operation. From a manufacturing perspective, maintaining consistent pen accuracy across millions of units would have been difficult without increasing thickness again.

For users, the implications depend heavily on how the Fold has been used. Power users who relied on handwriting, annotation, or illustration lose access to pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, functions that capacitive styluses simply cannot replicate. Samsung does allow basic capacitive pens, but reviewers have consistently noted that this experience is closer to finger input than to true digital writing.

At the same time, Samsung seems to believe that the broader market values a lighter, slimmer foldable more than pen input. Market research firms like Counterpoint Research have shown that foldables are moving from early adopters toward general consumers, a group that historically uses stylus features far less. In that context, the Fold7’s design signals a clear message: Samsung is redefining the Fold line around everyday usability, even if that means disappointing its most devoted S Pen users.

Bigger Displays, Better Ratios, and Improved Immersion

The most immediately noticeable evolution of the Galaxy Z Fold7 lies in its displays, which have grown not only in size but also in practical usability. Samsung’s decision to expand both the inner and outer screens is not about chasing numbers, but about addressing long-standing ergonomic complaints that foldable enthusiasts have voiced for years. As a result, daily interactions feel more natural, and immersion improves in ways that become apparent only after extended use.

The main display now measures 8.0 inches, up from 7.6 inches on the previous generation, with a QXGA+ resolution of 2,184 × 1,968. According to CNET’s comparative analysis, this pushes the Fold7 into the same visual territory as compact tablets like the iPad mini, fundamentally changing how content is consumed on the go. Text-heavy webpages display more lines at once, spreadsheets require less zooming, and split-screen multitasking benefits from wider, less cramped panes.

More important than raw size is the refinement of aspect ratios. The inner display maintains a tablet-like squarer shape, which is particularly effective for side-by-side apps and document review. Research cited by the NIH on multiscreen environments suggests that reducing frequent context switching lowers cognitive load and error rates, and the Fold7’s broader canvas supports exactly that kind of sustained focus. You can read reference material on one side while drafting notes on the other without constantly resizing windows.

The cover display also deserves special attention. At 6.5 inches, it is not just taller but noticeably wider, bringing its aspect ratio closer to that of a conventional smartphone. This change dramatically improves one-handed typing and quick interactions. Industry reviewers at PCMag note that tasks previously reserved for the unfolded state, such as replying to emails or editing messages, now feel comfortable without opening the device at all. This reinforces the idea that the Fold7 is not two compromised screens, but two genuinely usable ones.

Samsung continues to use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels on both displays, ensuring consistent color reproduction and contrast. Peak brightness levels are high enough for outdoor visibility, a point repeatedly highlighted in Forbes’ hands-on impressions. HDR video benefits from deeper blacks and precise highlights, which enhances immersion when watching films or streaming sports. Combined with the larger screen real estate, cinematic content feels closer to a small tablet experience than a stretched phone display.

Another subtle but impactful improvement is the reduced visibility of the crease. While Samsung does not publish exact measurements, multiple independent reviewers report that the fold line is less distracting during scrolling and video playback. From an immersion standpoint, this matters more than spec sheets suggest. The human eye is highly sensitive to interruptions in uniform surfaces, and minimizing visual discontinuities helps the display fade into the background, allowing content to take center stage.

Camera cutouts on the main display have also shifted in philosophy. Samsung appears to prioritize image quality over complete invisibility, moving away from earlier under-display compromises. Although this introduces a visible element on the screen, experts argue that clearer video calls and sharper selfies ultimately contribute more to perceived quality, especially for users who rely on the Fold7 for remote work and collaboration.

Taken together, these changes redefine immersion not as a single wow factor, but as a collection of thoughtful refinements. Bigger displays, better ratios, and improved visual consistency allow the Galaxy Z Fold7 to function seamlessly as both a phone and a tablet. For users deeply invested in content consumption, reading, and multitasking, the display experience alone represents a meaningful step forward in foldable maturity.

One UI 8 and the Evolution of Multitasking on Foldables

One UI 8 marks a clear inflection point in how multitasking is conceived on foldable devices, and on the Galaxy Z Fold7 it feels less like a feature set and more like an operating philosophy. Samsung’s approach is not about cramming more windows onto a larger screen, but about aligning screen real estate with human attention in a way that feels natural during extended use.

The most talked-about evolution is the flexible window system often described as the 90:10 split. Instead of forcing users into rigid 50:50 or 70:30 layouts, One UI 8 allows one application to dominate the canvas while a secondary app remains visually present but cognitively quiet. According to analyses by Android-focused media such as Android Police, this design closely mirrors how users actually multitask: one primary task supported by peripheral information.

In practical terms, this means watching a nearly full-screen video while keeping a messaging app subtly docked, or writing in a document while reference material waits at the edge. User feedback aggregated from long-term Fold users indicates that this layout reduces accidental taps and mental fatigue compared with traditional split-screen modes.

This direction is supported by academic productivity research. Studies cited by institutions such as the NIH suggest that reducing task-switching frequency lowers error rates and working memory strain. One UI 8’s multitasking design implicitly applies these findings by allowing secondary apps to remain visible without demanding equal attention.

Another subtle but important evolution is how multitasking adapts across folded and unfolded states. On the cover display, One UI 8 prioritizes continuity, allowing users to start interactions that fluidly expand into richer multitasking layouts when the device is opened. Samsung’s own developer documentation emphasizes this “continuity-first” principle, and in daily use it makes the Fold7 feel less like two devices and more like a single, shape-shifting workspace.

It is also worth noting that One UI 8’s multitasking improvements are tightly integrated with system-level AI features. When AI-generated summaries or contextual results appear, they intelligently occupy secondary panes instead of interrupting the main task. This behavior reinforces the idea that multitasking on foldables should support flow rather than fragment it.

In essence, One UI 8 evolves multitasking from a spatial challenge into an attention-management tool. On the Galaxy Z Fold7, this evolution transforms the large foldable display into something closer to a mobile command center, where information is layered by importance rather than merely arranged by size.

Galaxy AI Features That Replace and Enhance Traditional Input

With the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy AI plays a critical role in compensating for the loss of traditional input methods, most notably the S Pen. Rather than positioning AI as a novelty, Samsung uses it as a functional replacement that reduces reliance on precise manual input while expanding what users can accomplish through voice, context awareness, and on-screen intelligence.

One of the clearest examples is system-level Gemini Live integration. By allowing users to converse with the assistant while it understands what is currently displayed on the screen, **Galaxy AI effectively replaces handwriting, annotation, and manual searching**. Google’s own documentation on multimodal AI highlights that contextual assistants significantly reduce task-switching costs, a benefit that becomes even more pronounced on large foldable displays.

AI Results View further enhances this shift by automatically placing generated summaries or explanations into split or floating windows. Instead of copying text or jotting marginal notes, users can review AI-generated insights side by side with the original content. Research published via the U.S. National Institutes of Health suggests that parallel information presentation lowers short-term memory strain, which explains why this feature feels immediately productive on the Fold7.

Creative input also evolves through Sketch to Image. Even without pressure-sensitive hardware, rough finger drawings can be converted into refined visuals, diagrams, or photo composites. **This reframes creativity as intent-driven rather than tool-dependent**, a trend echoed in Adobe and Samsung joint discussions around generative design workflows.

On a practical level, this transition aligns with broader human-computer interaction research. According to studies referenced by Google and Samsung, voice and contextual AI inputs can reduce interaction time per task by double-digit percentages, particularly on mobile devices. For Fold7 users, Galaxy AI becomes the new interface layer, quietly absorbing tasks once handled by pens, keyboards, and meticulous touch gestures.

Productivity Science: How Large Screens Affect Focus and Efficiency

Large displays are often praised as a shortcut to higher productivity, but cognitive science shows that the real benefit depends on how the screen is used. Research from Wichita State University and John Peddie Research indicates that dual-screen or large-screen environments can improve task efficiency by roughly 18 to 42 percent, particularly for comparison-heavy and transcription tasks. This improvement comes not from raw size alone, but from reduced context switching, which lowers working memory load.

On an 8-inch class foldable display, two documents or apps can remain visible at the same time. **This persistent visibility allows the brain to offload short-term memory demands onto the screen**, a principle well documented in human–computer interaction research published via the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Users make fewer errors because they no longer need to remember details while jumping between apps.

However, productivity science also warns against assuming that more information always equals better focus. Studies on attention management show that excessive parallel content increases cognitive load and can reduce comprehension. According to peer-reviewed findings in applied cognitive psychology, performance drops when users attempt to actively engage with multiple streams at once. **Efficiency improves only when one task remains clearly dominant**.

This is why modern large-screen workflows emphasize asymmetry rather than equal multitasking. A primary workspace supported by a secondary reference area aligns closely with how selective attention works in the human brain. Instead of forcing the user to divide focus evenly, the layout preserves a clear attentional hierarchy, which neuroscientists describe as essential for sustained concentration.

From a productivity science perspective, large foldable screens succeed when they act as cognitive scaffolding rather than distraction hubs. By keeping relevant information visible without demanding constant interaction, they support deeper focus, faster decision-making, and lower mental fatigue. **The screen becomes an extension of thought, not a competitor for attention**, and that distinction ultimately determines whether a big display truly makes work more efficient.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Performance and Thermal Throttling Challenges

The Snapdragon 8 Elite inside the Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers exceptional peak performance, but that power comes with clear thermal challenges that cannot be ignored. According to Qualcomm, this chipset offers major gains in CPU, GPU, and NPU throughput, and short benchmark runs confirm those claims with top-tier Geekbench 6 scores that rival any Android flagship available today.

However, sustained workloads tell a more complex story. Multiple independent reviews, including detailed stress testing by PCMag and HotHardware, report aggressive thermal throttling once internal temperatures rise. The ultra-thin chassis, while impressive from an industrial design perspective, limits the volume and efficiency of the vapor chamber cooling system.

These figures suggest that the Fold7 cannot sustain its theoretical performance envelope for long periods. In real-world scenarios such as graphically intensive games, frame rates reportedly drop after 15 to 30 minutes, with noticeable heat buildup around the camera module. This behavior has been consistently observed by reviewers and experienced users.

For everyday multitasking, AI processing, and productivity-focused usage, performance remains smooth and responsive. Samsung appears to have optimized the thermal profile for short bursts rather than prolonged peak output. As Forbes Vetted notes, this design choice aligns with typical foldable usage patterns but makes the Fold7 a poor fit for users expecting gaming-phone-level endurance.

In essence, the Snapdragon 8 Elite shows immense potential, yet the Fold7’s extreme thinness places a firm ceiling on sustained performance. This trade-off highlights the ongoing tension between form factor innovation and thermal physics in next-generation foldable devices.

Battery Life in a Thinner Body: Real-World Endurance

Achieving long battery life in an ultra-thin foldable body is widely regarded as one of the hardest challenges in mobile engineering, and Galaxy Z Fold7 approaches this problem with a strategy focused on efficiency rather than sheer capacity. Despite the dramatic reduction in chassis thickness to just 4.2mm when unfolded, Samsung has retained a 4,400mAh battery, the same nominal capacity as the previous generation.

This decision might sound conservative at first, but **real-world endurance tells a more nuanced story**. According to standardized web browsing tests conducted by PhoneArena, Galaxy Z Fold7 recorded approximately 14 hours and 18 minutes of continuous use, a clear improvement over the Fold6’s 12 hours and 42 minutes. This gain is primarily attributed to the improved power efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform and refinements in Dynamic AMOLED 2X display power management.

In everyday usage, this translates into a full workday of mixed activity without anxiety for most users. Tasks such as email, document editing, messaging, and split-screen web research benefit from the large display while remaining surprisingly power-efficient. **Samsung’s adaptive refresh rate and more aggressive background process management play a critical role here**, dynamically scaling performance based on what is actually visible on screen.

Authoritative semiconductor analysis from Qualcomm highlights that Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers double-digit gains in performance-per-watt compared to its predecessor, particularly during low-to-medium load scenarios. This aligns well with how foldables are typically used, where multitasking and productivity apps dominate over sustained peak workloads.

That said, the thinner body does impose unavoidable limits. During prolonged high-load activities such as 3D gaming or extended camera use, thermal constraints can trigger power throttling, which indirectly affects battery efficiency. Independent reviews from PCMag and HotHardware note that while heat buildup is noticeable under stress, **battery drain remains predictable rather than erratic**, avoiding the sudden drops that plagued earlier thin designs.

From a user-experience perspective, this balance feels intentional. Rather than chasing 5,000mAh figures seen in thicker competitors, Samsung appears to have optimized for portability without sacrificing trust in daily battery life. For users who treat the Fold7 as a mobile workstation rather than a gaming device, the result is a device that lasts as long as it needs to, even in a remarkably thinner body.

Galaxy Z Fold7 vs. Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Rising Chinese Competitors

The competitive landscape around the Galaxy Z Fold7 has become noticeably more complex, and it will no longer be sufficient to evaluate Samsung’s latest foldable in isolation. When placed next to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and a new wave of Chinese foldables, the Fold7 reveals both its strategic strengths and its carefully chosen compromises.

Samsung’s core advantage remains software maturity and ecosystem depth, while its rivals increasingly challenge it on hardware pragmatism and value. This contrast defines the current foldable market more clearly than raw specifications alone.

When comparing the Fold7 with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the philosophical divide becomes immediately apparent. Google prioritizes camera intelligence and tightly integrated AI features, leaning on Tensor G4 to optimize everyday photography and voice-driven workflows. According to evaluations by major Western tech media, Pixel’s zoom performance and color science continue to outperform Samsung in long-range scenarios, which appeals strongly to content-focused users.

Samsung, by contrast, emphasizes multitasking density. One UI’s window management and flexible split ratios make the Fold7 feel closer to a mobile workstation than a camera-first device. Industry analysts often describe this as a “productivity-first foldable” approach, especially in enterprise and professional use cases where app switching costs matter more than computational photography.

Chinese competitors such as Honor and Xiaomi introduce a different pressure altogether. Devices like Honor’s Magic V series demonstrate how aggressive hardware engineering can deliver thinner frames and batteries approaching 5,000mAh, addressing two of the most common user complaints about foldables. Market tracking firms such as Counterpoint Research note that these brands are steadily gaining share in Asia by offering flagship-level hardware at more accessible prices.

However, this hardware-led strategy also exposes limitations. Software update cadence, global carrier certification, and long-term OS support remain inconsistent outside China. For users who rely on stable updates and international service networks, Samsung still offers a safer long-term proposition, even if its hardware no longer dominates every metric.

Ultimately, the Galaxy Z Fold7 positions itself as a balancing act rather than an absolute winner. Against Pixel, it appeals to users who value control and customization over automation. Against Chinese rivals, it trades headline specifications for trust, polish, and ecosystem continuity. In a market that is rapidly diversifying, this positioning may not satisfy every enthusiast, but it does explain why Samsung continues to anchor the premium foldable segment.

参考文献

• Counterpoint Research：Global Foldable Smartphone Shipments Hit Record in Q3 2025
• PCMag：Galaxy Z Fold 7 Loses Compatibility With Samsung’s Stylus
• CNET：Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Z Fold 6: Slimmer Body, Bigger Screens
• Qualcomm：The Most Powerful Snapdragon Mobile Platform Fuels Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
• PhoneArena：Galaxy Z Fold 7 Battery and Charging: Test Results
• Samsung Newsroom：Revolutionize Your Workflow with Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Z Fold7