Samsung has been perfecting the book-style foldable form factor for seven generations now, and the Fold 7 is the first one I'd recommend without caveats to any smartphone buyer — not just foldable enthusiasts.
The Hinge Finally Disappeared
The crease — the persistent criticism of every foldable since the original — is, for the first time, genuinely difficult to see in normal use. It's still there if you look for it at the right angle under bright light, but it no longer intrudes when you're reading, watching video, or using apps. This is the result of Samsung's new "Zero-Gap Hinge 3.0" design that allows the display to sit flush with zero air gap when closed.
Software Catches Up to Hardware
Android 15's foldable-specific APIs are now mature enough that most major apps — including all Google apps, WhatsApp, Spotify, and Netflix — have proper large-screen layouts. Samsung's own Multi-Active Window mode allows three apps to run simultaneously with drag-and-drop between them, and it actually works in daily use rather than being a demo feature.
"This is the first phone I've owned where I genuinely don't miss my iPad for anything," wrote one reviewer in our early-access programme.
Battery Life
The 4,500mAh cell inside is smaller than you might expect for a device this ambitious, but it comfortably makes it through a full day of heavy use — including extended periods on the large inner screen, which is the most power-hungry mode. 45W wired charging takes it from 20% to 80% in around 40 minutes.
The Verdict
At ZAR 38,000 / USD 1,999, the Fold 7 remains a premium purchase. But it's no longer a niche one. If you want the best possible mobile screen experience and can stomach the price, this is it.
