Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Update: This story was first published on July 8 and was updated on July 23 to reflect the new sales information.
Has Samsung finally done it? I've been asking myself that question this whole day, as I've been going about life with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. By now, my previous daily driver, the Pixel 9 Pro, devoid of SIM cards and battery life, has been relegated to my drawer of forgottenness. With a foldable this thin, light, and capable, it just had to be this way.
CNET survey: 64% of people say 'no thanks' to foldable smartphones
Samsung's latest Z Fold 7 looks and feels like what tech enthusiasts had all hoped for when the form factor was introduced six years ago. It also looks like a 'phone from the future,' as my Uber driver curiously put it during an afternoon trip yesterday.
Then I broke the bad news: the Samsung phone costs $2,000. That earned me a startled laugh -- hopefully a five-star rating, too.
My first day with the Z Fold 7 made one thing clear to me: slim phones, whether they fold or not, are here to stay. Compared to its predecessor, the Z Fold 7 is noticeably thinner (3.2mm less), with a weight that's 24 grams lighter, and a pair of displays that are both wider and larger. While those may just be numbers on a spec sheet, they equate to a hardware experience that's significantly improved compared to last year's Z Fold 6.
Also: The best Samsung phones to buy in 2025
The sides of the Z Fold 7 fit the contours of my palm more naturally when my other hand is holding onto a subway pole, the 6.5-inch cover screen gives just enough added width to greatly reduce typos, and when unfolded, the 8-inch canvas feels like a playground for multi-app usage, media consumption, and Circle to Search galore.
Having tested the Oppo Find N5 and Honor Magic V5 ahead of Unpacked, it's safe to say that Samsung finally has a foldable phone design that can compete with the best on the market. And I'm glad more people will be exposed to this technology, whether they upgrade to the device or simply pick it up at a carrier store or retailer.
... continue reading