Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: A Comprehensive Comparison

Samsung’s 2025 flagship lineup introduces two premium devices: the innovative Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the robust Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both cater to high-end users but target different needs—one redefines productivity with its foldable design, while the other excels in traditional flagship performance. This blog provides a detailed comparison of their performance, design, display, camera, battery, and software to help you decide which suits your needs.

Design and Build

Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Z Fold 7 pushes boundaries with a slimmer, lighter design, reportedly measuring 3.9–4.5mm unfolded and ~9mm folded, weighing around 215g. This makes it the thinnest foldable yet, even lighter than the S25 Ultra. Its larger 6.5-inch cover display (21:9 aspect ratio) and 8.2-inch inner foldable screen offer a tablet-like experience in a pocketable form. The reduced bezels (~1mm on the inner display) and thinner hinge enhance aesthetics and portability. However, foldables are inherently less durable than traditional phones due to their hinge and flexible screen.

Galaxy S25 Ultra: The S25 Ultra sticks to a conventional bar-style design, weighing ~218g with a titanium frame and Gorilla Armor 2 glass. Its 6.9-inch flat Dynamic AMOLED 2X display ensures durability and one-handed usability. The angular design and built-in S Pen (now without Bluetooth) cater to productivity enthusiasts. While less innovative, its robust build and IP68 rating make it a safer bet for rugged use.

Verdict: The Z Fold 7 wins for portability and innovation, folding into a compact form with a tablet-like experience. The S25 Ultra offers superior durability and a familiar form factor, ideal for users prioritizing reliability.

Display

Galaxy Z Fold 7: Features two displays: a 6.5-inch AMOLED cover screen and an 8.2-inch inner foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, both with 120Hz adaptive refresh rates and ~2,800 nits peak brightness. The larger inner screen excels for multitasking, gaming, and media consumption, but the under-display camera (rumored to improve from 4MP) may still be visible. Thinner bezels enhance immersion.

Galaxy S25 Ultra: Boasts a single 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 3120x1440 (QHD+) resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,600 nits peak brightness. Its anti-reflective coating reduces glare, and Gorilla Armor 2 ensures scratch resistance. The display offers superior pixel density and color accuracy for crisp visuals.

Verdict: The Z Fold 7’s dual displays and larger inner screen are unmatched for multitasking and immersive experiences, but the S25 Ultra’s single, high-density display delivers sharper, more consistent visuals.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (3nm TSMC process), delivering top-tier performance with improved thermal efficiency and AI capabilities. Benchmark tests on the S25 Ultra show ~3,000 (single-core) and ~9,000 (multi-core) on Geekbench, and the Z Fold 7 is expected to perform similarly.

Galaxy Z Fold 7: Offers 12GB RAM standard, with a potential 16GB option for power users juggling multiple apps on the 8.2-inch screen. The foldable’s dual-screen setup may slightly impact performance due to higher power demands. Storage options range from 256GB to 1TB.

Galaxy S25 Ultra: Comes with 12GB RAM (up to 16GB in some variants) and storage options up to 1TB. Its optimized software integration reportedly offers smoother multitasking and gaming, giving it a slight edge in real-world performance.

Verdict: Performance is nearly identical, but the S25 Ultra’s single-display design and software optimization may provide a marginal advantage in sustained tasks.

Camera

Galaxy Z Fold 7: A major upgrade is the rumored 200MP main sensor, aligning it with the S25 Ultra’s camera prowess. It retains the 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 10MP cover selfie, and an improved under-display camera (possibly >4MP). Enhanced AI and the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s ISP should improve low-light performance and image processing, but it lacks the S25 Ultra’s versatile zoom.

Galaxy S25 Ultra: Features a quad-camera setup: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 50MP 5x periscope telephoto. This system excels in versatility, especially for zoom and low-light photography. The 12MP front camera ensures sharp selfies.

Verdict: The S25 Ultra’s additional telephoto lens and proven camera performance make it the photography champion, though the Z Fold 7’s 200MP upgrade closes the gap significantly.

Battery Life

Galaxy Z Fold 7: Likely retains the 4,400mAh battery of its predecessor, with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. The dual displays and larger inner screen may drain the battery faster, but optimizations in the Snapdragon 8 Elite help. Expect a full day of moderate use.

Galaxy S25 Ultra: Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, 45W wired, and 15W wireless charging. It offers superior battery life, lasting over a day with heavy usage, as shown in tests (e.g., 20h 49m browsing, 8h 54m video).

Verdict: The S25 Ultra’s larger battery and single-display efficiency make it the clear winner for longevity and faster charging.

Software and Features

Both devices are expected to run Android 16 with One UI 8, featuring Galaxy AI tools like real-time translation, Circle to Search, and live call summaries. Samsung’s 7-year update commitment ensures support until 2032.

Galaxy Z Fold 7: Leverages its foldable design for enhanced multitasking, supporting multiple apps simultaneously on the inner screen. AI features are optimized for the foldable format, potentially offering unique productivity tools.

Galaxy S25 Ultra: Includes the S Pen for precise input, ideal for note-taking and creative tasks. New AI features like AI Select enhance screen interactions. One UI 8’s polished interface ensures a smooth experience.

Verdict: The Z Fold 7 excels in multitasking, while the S25 Ultra’s S Pen and refined software cater to traditional flagship users.

Price and Value

Galaxy Z Fold 7: Rumored to start at ~$1,999/£2,000, reflecting its premium foldable design. The high price may deter some, but its tablet-like functionality justifies the cost for productivity-focused users.

Galaxy S25 Ultra: Starts at ~$1,299/£1,299, with deals often lowering the cost. Its traditional design and versatile features offer better value for most users.

Verdict: The S25 Ultra is more affordable and accessible, while the Z Fold 7’s price reflects its niche, innovative design.

Conclusion

Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 7 if you prioritize innovation, a larger display for multitasking, and a compact yet versatile form factor. Its thinner design, upgraded 200MP camera, and tablet-like experience make it ideal for productivity enthusiasts willing to pay a premium.

Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want a durable, traditional flagship with superior camera versatility, longer battery life, and S Pen functionality at a lower price. It’s the safer, more versatile choice for most users.

Both devices showcase Samsung’s cutting-edge technology, but your choice depends on whether you value foldable innovation or refined flagship performance. Reserve now at Samsung’s official site to explore these devices at their July 9, 2025, Unpacked event in Brooklyn, New York!

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