When comparing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 to its predecessor, the Z Fold 4, several critical features define these flagship foldable smartphones. As the foldable phone market continues to evolve rapidly, Samsung has introduced significant upgrades that are noteworthy for potential buyers. Below, we explore the differences and similarities in design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience.
Design and Build
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Launched in August 2022, the Z Fold 4 features a sturdy design with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ for protection.
- Dimensions: When unfolded, it's 7.6 inches (main display), and 6.2 inches when folded, with a slightly thicker profile at 15.8mm.
- It weighs approximately 263 grams, making it relatively heavy compared to traditional smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Released in 2025, the Z Fold 7 builds upon the Z Fold 4’s design with enhanced durability, likely using improved materials.
- Dimensions: Unfolded, the screen is about the same size at 7.6 inches, but it features a thinner profile of approximately 13.5mm when folded, contributing to a lighter weight around 250 grams.
- It includes improvements in hinge technology that enhance the clamshell experience and further prolong the device's lifespan.
Display Technology
Z Fold 4
- Main display: 7.6 inches QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, supporting 120Hz refresh rate.
- Cover display: 6.2 inches HD+ AMOLED, also at 120Hz.
- The displays are highly praised for vibrant colors and deep contrasts, ideal for multitasking.
Z Fold 7
- Main display: Maintaining the same size at 7.6 inches, the Z Fold 7 introduces better peak brightness, enhancing sun visibility and HDR performance.
- Cover display: The cover display is slightly larger, potentially improved to around 6.5 inches with better resolution, also incorporating under-display camera improvements for a much cleaner look.
- Enhanced multitasking features allow for more seamless app interactions, making it easier to run multiple applications simultaneously.
Performance
Z Fold 4
- Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, it delivers solid performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Memory options include 12GB RAM with storage variants of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
Z Fold 7
- Upgraded to the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, offering improved performance, energy efficiency, and AI capabilities.
- RAM options remain at 12GB, but storage has improved options with up to 2TB available, addressing storage needs for power users.
Camera Systems
Z Fold 4
- Main rear camera: 50MP, ultra-wide 12MP, and telephoto 10MP.
- The front camera is 10MP on the cover display and 4MP under the main display, which has been criticized for quality.
Z Fold 7
- Enhanced camera setup with a main sensor featuring improved 50MP, ultra-wide and telephoto with better low-light performance.
- New features include computational photography improvements, giving users access to advanced AI-driven editing functionality in the camera app.
- The front camera on the Z Fold 7 is more advanced, significantly improving the under-display camera experience, targeting a 10MP sensor.
Battery Life and Charging
Z Fold 4
- 4,400 mAh battery that often allows a full day of use, depending on the workload.
- Supports fast charging and wireless charging, though endurance could fluctuate based on usage patterns.
Z Fold 7
- Featuring a slightly larger 4,800 mAh battery for extended longevity.
- Enhanced battery optimization through software combined with the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will likely provide better daily performance.
Price and Availability
- The Z Fold 4 initially launched with a starting price of around $1,799.
- The Z Fold 7 is anticipated to have a similar price point but may range higher due to upgrades and enhanced features, starting near $1,999 depending on storage options.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a tangible step forward from the Z Fold 4, with numerous enhancements in design, display quality, camera capabilities, and internal performance. While maintaining similar dimensions, the Z Fold 7 emerges as a lighter, more refined device capable of meeting the evolving needs of foldable smartphone users. If you are considering a foldable phone with premium functionalities, the Z Fold 7's upgrades may justify the investment for enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike.
For further specifications and details, you can check Samsung and PCMag for in-depth reviews.