Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Under-Display Camera Review: Essential Buying Guide

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Under-Display Camera Review: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Key Takeaways

• The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 under-display camera review highlights a refined but still imperfect hidden front camera.
• UDC technology offers a nearly invisible camera for an immersive full-screen experience, but image quality trails traditional punch-hole cameras.
• S Pen support remains a key differentiator, making the Fold 7 a top choice for productivity-focused users.
• Pricing starts at an expected $1,899, with a release likely in early 2026.
• Comparisons with the OnePlus Open 2 and Pixel Fold 2 show trade-offs in thickness, camera quality, and value.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 under-display camera review is already generating intense discussion among tech enthusiasts. This review is for anyone weighing pros and cons before deciding whether to purchase. We’ll cover key evaluation points including S Pen support, specs, price, and competitor comparisons. The hidden front camera is a defining feature that solves the notch versus full-screen debate, and we’ll assess if it truly delivers.

Deep Dive into the Under-Display Camera (UDC)

Introduction to the UDC Technology

Samsung has been refining UDC since the Galaxy Z Fold 3. For a full look back at the journey, read our guide on the Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. The Z Fold 7 uses a 4-megapixel sensor, the same resolution as the Fold 6, but with a significantly improved pixel-binning algorithm and a brighter sub-display area, according to leaks from SamMobile and Android Authority. The result is that the camera is nearly invisible during normal use, with no distracting dot or shadow above the screen.

Video Call Performance

The UDC excels in well-lit conditions, capturing clear, acceptable 1080p video for Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet. Low-light performance remains grainy, but software processing, likely using AI noise reduction, makes it usable. This is based on early hands-on reports from GSMArena.

Still Selfie Quality

Selfie quality is adequate but not flagship-level. Colors are slightly washed out compared to a traditional punch-hole camera, though it remains fine for social media posts.

Screen Quality Over the Camera

The display area covering the camera uses a higher-density sub-pixel arrangement than before. Most users will not notice the camera unless they look very closely at an angle, per GSMArena. This positions the Z Fold 7 as a strong contender for the best foldable phone with hidden front camera 2026 title.

The Complete Spec Sheet & Price Point

Specifications

• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy (overclocked).
• RAM: 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X.
• Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.0.
• Battery: 4,400mAh with 45W wired charging. For a comparison of the best battery-centric phones, check out our list of the Best 10 Powerful Smartphones with the Longest Battery Life.
• Main Camera: 50MP wide (f/1.8) + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto (3x optical).
• Cover Display: 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz.
• Inner Display: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, with under-display camera.
• S Pen Support: Yes (external silo, requires case).
• Build: IP48 water resistance, Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 3.

Release Date

An early 2026 launch is expected, possibly February or March alongside the Galaxy S26 series, per The Elec and Bloomberg leaks. Samsung may move to a twice-a-year foldable cycle.

Price

The expected starting price is $1,899, same as the Fold 6. The UDC feature alone does not justify the premium; it is the combination of the foldable form factor, S Pen support, and Samsung’s software ecosystem. For a full breakdown of Samsung Z Fold 7 specs price release date, see the details above.

The S Pen Experience on a Foldable

S Pen Support Overview

The Fold 7 supports the same S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro as previous models, per XDA Developers and Samsung Newsroom. There is no built-in silo, as that would add unacceptable thickness, so a case with a dedicated holder or the “S Pen with Slim Case” accessory is required. If you are looking for more options to protect your device, see our roundup of the 10 Top Essential Accessories for Your Smartphone.

Practical Use Cases

The large 7.6-inch inner screen is ideal for note-taking, sketching, and document markup. The UDC does not interfere with S Pen writing, as the digitizer layer works across the entire display, including over the camera area. For photo editing in apps like Lightroom or Snapseed, the S Pen offers pixel-level precision.

Handling and Ergonomics

Comfortable one-handed hold while writing is achieved thanks to a slightly redesigned hinge that makes the phone flatter when unfolded. The trade-off is that the UDC means lower selfie quality, but productivity users likely do not care. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 S Pen support features remain a key differentiator.

The Crucial Comparison – Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Competitors

Comparison Table

• Under-Display Camera: Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Yes), OnePlus Open 2 (No), Pixel Fold 2 (No).
• S Pen Support: Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Yes), OnePlus Open 2 (No), Pixel Fold 2 (No).
• Inner Screen Size: Galaxy Z Fold 7 (7.6-inch), OnePlus Open 2 (7.82-inch), Pixel Fold 2 (7.6-inch).
• Main Camera: Galaxy Z Fold 7 (50MP+12MP+10MP), OnePlus Open 2 (48MP+48MP+64MP), Pixel Fold 2 (48MP+10.8MP+10.8MP).
• Thickness (folded): Galaxy Z Fold 7 (13.4mm), OnePlus Open 2 (11.7mm), Pixel Fold 2 (12.1mm).
• Battery: Galaxy Z Fold 7 (4,400mAh), OnePlus Open 2 (4,800mAh), Pixel Fold 2 (4,821mAh).
• Price: Galaxy Z Fold 7 ($1,899), OnePlus Open 2 ($1,799), Pixel Fold 2 ($1,799).

Data sourced from 9to5Google and Android Police. If you are unsure which device suits you, read our dedicated guide on How to Choose the Perfect Foldable Phone for You.

Where the Z Fold 7 Wins

• Best S Pen integration, unique in the foldable space.
• UDC, the only foldable with a truly hidden front camera.
• Samsung DeX and One UI software maturity.

Where the Z Fold 7 Loses

• Thicker and heavier than the OnePlus Open 2.
• Camera setup is still behind Google’s computational magic and OnePlus’s hardware.
• UDC quality is inferior to a traditional punch-hole for selfies and video calls.

Decision Guidance

If immersive full-screen media and S Pen productivity are your top priorities, the Z Fold 7 is the clear choice. If camera quality, thinness, or value for money matters more, consider competitors. A Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs competitors comparison is essential for any commercial buyer.

Who Should Buy This? (Final Verdict)

Pros

• Nearly invisible front camera for uninterrupted viewing.
• Best-in-class S Pen support for productivity.
• Solid overall specs and build quality.
• Strong software support with 4 major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

Cons

• UDC image quality is only average.
• Higher price than rivals.
• No built-in S Pen silo.
• Thicker and heavier than some competitors.

Buy This If

• You are a power user who consumes media, takes notes, and edits documents on the go.
• You value an immersive full-screen display and see the UDC as a worthy trade-off over a tiny hole-punch.
• You need S Pen capability in a foldable form factor.

Consider a Competitor If

• Camera quality is your absolute number one priority. You can improve your results with a guide on How to Improve Your Smartphone Photography Skills.
• You want a lighter, thinner foldable with a lower price tag.

Actionable Conclusion

Wait for early hands-on reviews from trusted sources like The Verge, MKBHD, or TechRadar after the official launch. Pre-orders typically offer trade-in bonuses that can bring the effective price below $1,200. The Z Fold 7 is shaping up to be the best foldable for productivity and media enthusiasts, but it is not for everyone. This Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 under-display camera review shows you must decide based on your priorities, not the hype.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the under-display camera on the Z Fold 7 good for selfies?

It is adequate for social media but not flagship-level. Colors can be slightly washed out compared to traditional punch-hole cameras.

Does the Z Fold 7 support the S Pen?

Yes, it supports the S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro, but requires a case with a holder for storage.

What is the expected price of the Z Fold 7?

The expected starting price is $1,899, matching the Fold 6’s launch price.

When will the Galaxy Z Fold 7 be released?

It is expected to launch in early 2026, possibly February or March alongside the Galaxy S26 series.

How does the Z Fold 7 compare to the OnePlus Open 2?

The Z Fold 7 has a UDC and S Pen support, but is thicker, heavier, and has a smaller battery than the OnePlus Open 2.