GoKawiilPaul Jones / Android Authority
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 finally proved Samsung has the chops to make an ultra-thin foldable. I used both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and the 8.9mm thickness of the latter made it feel like using a traditional smartphone for the first time, even when folded. Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s slim profile is a clear leap in every way but one — the older models were easier to open.
Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is just as thin as the Fold 7, but it sports redesigned side rails with a subtle chamfer that makes them easier to open. The Galaxy Z Fold 7’s flat design worked when Samsung foldables were thicker. At their current sub-9mm thickness, a change was overdue.
After using the Galaxy Z Fold 7 for a year, I’m already convinced this subtle Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra tweak will be one of the foldable’s best upgrades.
Did you find the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 hard to open? 9 votes Yes, it was thin and boxy 56 % No, it was just right 44 %
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is what happens when thin becomes too thin
Paul Jones / Android Authority
There is such a thing as too thin. Back when I used the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the phone’s 12.1mm thickness felt like a non-starter. Samsung managed to shave three millimeters off the Galaxy Z Fold 7, bringing the thickness down to 8.9mm. Unfortunately, it didn’t change much about the design language. Both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 have mostly flat side rails and a rectangular shape.
The design made sense for the Galaxy Z Fold 6, as each side rail was about 5.6mm thick. There’s plenty of surface to grip on either side, making it easy to open and shut. With two hands, I barely have to apply any force to open the Galaxy Z Fold 6. I could even manage opening it with one hand in a pinch, although it’s admittedly an awkward maneuver.
More often than not, I try to wedge my fingernail in the opening to unfold it.
... continue reading