For consumers in Nairobi and around the globe, deciding whether to upgrade or choose between these two cutting-edge devices is a significant investment. This comprehensive comparison and review blog will delve deep into every aspect of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. We’ll examine their design philosophies, scrutinize their stunning displays, compare their raw processing power, evaluate their revamped camera systems, assess their battery endurance, and explore the nuances of their software experiences, including the latest advancements in Galaxy AI.
By the end of this extensive analysis, you’ll have a clear understanding of the generational leaps Samsung has made and which foldable best suits your needs and aspirations.
The Evolution: Refinement vs. Revolution
Samsung’s approach to the Z Fold series has largely been one of incremental refinement rather than radical overhauls, and this trend continues with the Z Fold 7.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, released in July 2024, was a significant step forward, particularly in its form factor. It introduced a wider cover screen, making the phone more usable in its folded state, and generally refined the hinge and overall build. It brought the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “for Galaxy” processor, ensuring top-tier performance, and enhanced its camera capabilities with refined processing. The focus was on making the foldable experience more practical and mainstream.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, launched in July 2025, builds directly on the Z Fold 6’s successes. Its primary objective appears to be further perfecting the foldable design, pushing the boundaries of thinness and lightness, and integrating next-generation AI capabilities. While it retains many core features, the Z Fold 7 aims to offer a more polished, premium, and intelligently enhanced user experience. It addresses some of the lingering criticisms of previous generations, particularly regarding bulk and camera performance.
This generational progression means that while the Z Fold 6 remains a highly capable device, the Z Fold 7 brings several key advancements that could justify the upgrade for discerning users.
Design and Build Quality: The Quest for Ultimate Thinness
One of the most noticeable and impactful upgrades in the Z Fold 7 is its design, particularly its dimensions and weight. Samsung has clearly prioritized making the device more akin to a traditional smartphone when folded and an incredibly thin tablet when open.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 measures 153.5 mm×68.1 mm×12.1 mm when folded and 153.5 mm×132.6 mm×5.6 mm when unfolded. It weighs 239 grams. It features an Armor Aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the cover screen and back, and IPX8 water resistance. The hinge was improved, offering a slightly less visible crease than its predecessors. The wider cover screen was a major design change, making it much more comfortable to type and interact with.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 takes a dramatic leap forward in terms of form factor. It measures a remarkably thin 158.4 mm×72.8 mm×8.9 mm when folded, making it significantly thinner than the Z Fold 6 (by over 3mm). When unfolded, it’s an astonishing 158.4 mm×143.2 mm×4.2 mm, almost fitting the USB-C port into its thickness. At just 215 grams, it’s also noticeably lighter than its predecessor. This reduction in thickness and weight is largely due to a new Armor FlexHinge made from Grade 4 Titanium Lattice, which Samsung claims is stronger and results in an even lesser crease. The Z Fold 7 uses Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front (cover screen) and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, along with an Advanced Armor Aluminum frame. It retains the IPX8 water resistance.
Design and Build Takeaway: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the undisputed winner here. Its significant reduction in thickness and weight makes it a far more comfortable and pocketable device, blurring the lines between a traditional smartphone and a foldable. The improved hinge further reduces the crease, contributing to a more seamless inner display experience. While the Z Fold 6 was a step in the right direction, the Z Fold 7’s design is a game-changer for the Fold series, addressing one of the primary pain points of previous generations. The Z Fold 7’s more prominent camera bump is a minor trade-off for its overall slimness.
Displays: Bigger, Brighter, and More Immersive
The displays are the heart of any foldable, and Samsung continues to push boundaries in terms of size, quality, and usability.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a 6.3-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X cover screen with a resolution of 968×2376 pixels (410 ppi) and a 22:9 aspect ratio. The internal foldable display is a 7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X with a resolution of 1856×2160 pixels (374 ppi). Both displays support an adaptive 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate and reach a peak brightness of 2600 nits. The cover screen’s wider aspect ratio was a welcome change, making it feel more like a regular phone. The inner display still had a noticeable, albeit improved, crease and featured an under-display camera (UDC) for a truly immersive, uninterrupted view.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 takes the display experience up a notch. The cover screen is now a larger 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080×2520 pixels (422 ppi) and a more standard 21:9 aspect ratio, further enhancing its “phone-like” usability when folded. The inner display grows to a truly expansive 8.0-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2184×1968 pixels (368 ppi). Both displays support 120Hz adaptive refresh rates, 10-bit HDR, and boast an incredible 2700 nits peak brightness. Critically, the Z Fold 7 has sacrificed the Under-Display Camera (UDC) on the inner screen for a punch-hole cutout. While this improves the quality of the inner selfie camera, it means the immersive, all-screen experience of the Z Fold 6’s inner display is gone. However, Samsung claims the crease is even less noticeable thanks to the new hinge technology.
Display Takeaway: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers larger and brighter displays, with the cover screen’s new aspect ratio being a significant improvement for daily use. The reduced crease on the inner display is also a welcome refinement. However, the removal of the Under-Display Camera (UDC) on the inner screen in favor of a punch-hole camera is a polarizing change. While it boosts selfie camera quality, it sacrifices the true full-screen immersion that some Z Fold 6 users cherished. For productivity and an even more tablet-like experience, the Z Fold 7’s larger inner screen is superior. For those who prioritize a truly uninterrupted inner display, the Z Fold 6 might still hold an appeal.
Performance: Next-Gen Processing and AI
Powering these premium foldables requires the absolute best in mobile processing, and Samsung consistently delivers with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chips.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, a 4nm octa-core processor specifically optimized for Samsung’s devices. This chip delivered a significant boost in CPU, GPU (Adreno 750), and NPU (Neural Processing Unit) performance over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It’s paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is a powerhouse, offering exceptional speed for gaming, multitasking, and on-device AI operations.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 steps up to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy SoC (likely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, or a custom variant). This 3nm octa-core processor features an entirely new architecture, including custom Oryon V2 Phoenix cores. It is designed to deliver a generational leap in raw computing power, graphics rendering (Adreno 830), and most importantly, on-device AI processing. The Z Fold 7 comes with a more generous 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM as standard, with storage options up to 1TB (UFS 4.0). This enhanced NPU performance is critical for the deeper integration of Galaxy AI features.
Performance Takeaway: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 with its Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy represents a clear generational upgrade in terms of raw processing power and, crucially, AI capabilities. While the Z Fold 6’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy is still exceptionally powerful and capable of handling anything thrown at it, the Z Fold 7 offers more future-proof performance, especially as more demanding AI features become integrated into daily use. The higher base RAM of 16GB on the Z Fold 7 also provides a tangible advantage for heavy multitasking.
Camera System: Megapixel Boost and AI Enhancements
Samsung has often been criticized for not putting its absolute best camera hardware from the Ultra series into its Foldables. The Z Fold 7 aims to change that narrative.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Camera System: The Z Fold 6 featured a capable triple-camera setup, building on previous generations:
- 50MP Main Camera: f/1.8 aperture, 1.0µm pixels, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS.
- 12MP Ultrawide Camera: f/2.2 aperture, 123˚ field of view, 1.12µm pixels.
- 10MP Telephoto Camera: f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom, 1.0µm pixels, PDAF, OIS.
- Cover Camera: 10MP selfie camera, f/2.2.
- Under-Display Camera (Inner): 4MP, f/1.8 (often criticized for its quality).
The Z Fold 6 utilized the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s ISP and Samsung’s computational photography for solid results, but it wasn’t a class-leader compared to dedicated camera flagships. Video recording went up to 8K at 30fps.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Camera System: This is where the Z Fold 7 sees one of its most significant upgrades, borrowing heavily from the S Ultra series:
- 200MP Main Camera: f/1.7 aperture, Quad Pixel AF, OIS, 0.6µm pixels (with pixel binning). This brings the Z Fold series in line with the S Ultra’s high-resolution capabilities, offering significantly more detail and flexibility. It boasts 2x optical quality zoom from this sensor.
- 12MP Ultrawide Camera: f/2.2 aperture, 120˚ field of view.
- 10MP Telephoto Camera: f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom. (Note: The Z Fold 7 drops the secondary telephoto of the S25 Ultra, but still offers strong zoom).
- Cover Camera: 10MP selfie camera, f/2.2.
- Inner Camera (Punch-hole): 10MP selfie camera, f/2.2. The switch from UDC to punch-hole means a much-improved quality for this camera, with a wider 100-degree field of view.
Key Z Fold 7 Camera Features:
- Photo Assist: Leverages AI for advanced editing like moving, erasing, or enlarging objects, adjusting angles, and filling in backgrounds.
- Enhanced Generative Edit: Smarter background filling and a new “Suggest Erases” feature to remove passersby with a tap.
- Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original: Enhanced workflow for photo and video editing on the large screen.
- Audio Eraser: Upgraded with a new toggle in the Gallery to detect and remove unwanted background noise from video recordings (wind, traffic).
- Video Capabilities: 8K video recording, 4K at 60fps across main and selfie cameras.
Camera Takeaway: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a substantial upgrade in camera hardware, particularly with the 200MP main sensor. This should translate to significantly better detail, improved low-light performance (with pixel binning), and more versatile cropping options. The improved inner punch-hole camera is also a major win for video calls and selfies. While the Z Fold 6 had a competent camera, the Z Fold 7 aims to deliver a true flagship camera experience, closer to the S Ultra series, combined with enhanced Galaxy AI editing tools. For photography enthusiasts, the Z Fold 7 is the clear choice.
Battery Life and Charging: Consistent Capacity, Future-Proofing
Battery life is always a concern with powerful, dual-screen devices. Samsung has largely maintained the battery capacity while focusing on efficiency.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is equipped with a 4400 mAh (typical) Li-Po battery. It supports 25W wired fast charging (reaching approximately 50% in 30 minutes), 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, its battery life was generally good, lasting a full day for most users under mixed usage, often achieving over 10 hours of screen-on time in testing.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 retains the same 4400 mAh (typical) Li-Po battery. It also supports 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. While the battery capacity remains unchanged, the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy is designed to be even more power-efficient. Samsung claims the Z Fold 7 is rated for 24 hours of video playback, suggesting improved efficiency compared to the Z Fold 6.
Battery Life and Charging Takeaway: Both devices offer a 4400 mAh battery with identical charging speeds. While this might seem like no improvement, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is likely to translate into marginally better real-world battery endurance. Samsung’s claim of 24 hours of video playback is a good indicator of this. Neither phone offers the ultra-fast charging speeds seen in some competitors, but 25W is decent for a foldable, and the inclusion of wireless and reverse wireless charging is convenient. For heavy users, both should provide all-day power.
Software Experience: Galaxy AI’s Evolution on One UI
The software experience is paramount for a foldable, as it dictates how seamlessly users navigate between modes and utilize the larger display. Both devices run Samsung’s One UI on top of Android, but the Z Fold 7 brings the latest advancements in Galaxy AI.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 launched with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1. It introduced the initial suite of Galaxy AI features, including:
- Circle to Search: Search by circling objects on the screen.
- Chat Assist: Tone adjustment and translation for messages.
- Note Assist: Summarize, format, and translate notes.
- Transcript Assist: Transcribe meeting recordings.
- Generative Edit: Basic AI photo editing for moving/resizing objects and filling backgrounds.
- Live Translate: Real-time two-way voice and text translations during calls.
Samsung committed to 7 years of major Android OS updates and security patches for the Z Fold 6, ensuring long-term software support.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 ships with Android 16 and One UI 8, bringing an even more refined and extensive suite of Galaxy AI features, heavily leveraging the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s enhanced NPU:
- Enhanced Photo Assist & Generative Edit: As mentioned in the camera section, these are smarter and more intuitive.
- Upgraded Audio Eraser: For removing background noise from videos.
- Deeper Gemini Live Integration: Google’s advanced chatbot for more sophisticated conversational AI and cross-app capabilities.
- Advanced Multi-Window & Flex Mode Optimizations: One UI 8 further refines the multitasking experience on the larger screen, making it even more intuitive to drag, drop, and resize applications.
- Side-by-Side Editing: Optimizations for photo and video editing workflow on the large screen.
- Exclusive Z Fold AI Features: Expect specific AI functionalities that take advantage of the foldable form factor for unique use cases.
Samsung also offers 7 years of major Android OS and security updates for the Z Fold 7, matching its predecessor’s commitment.
Software Experience Takeaway: While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 received many of the initial Galaxy AI features via updates, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 launches with the latest Android 16 and One UI 8, offering a more mature and deeply integrated AI experience. The Z Fold 7’s more powerful AI processor ensures these features run more smoothly and efficiently, and it will be the first to receive future AI advancements. For users who want the absolute bleeding edge of Samsung’s AI capabilities and the most optimized foldable software experience, the Z Fold 7 is the way to go. Both benefit from Samsung’s excellent long-term software support.
Other Notable Features
- S Pen Support: Both the Z Fold 6 and Z Fold 7 support the S Pen (Fold Edition), though it is sold separately and requires a compatible case for storage. However, some early reports suggest the Z Fold 7 might have dropped S Pen support on the inner display, focusing it only on the S Ultra series. This would be a significant downgrade if true, as S Pen has been a key productivity tool for Fold users. Based on the latest information, it appears the Z Fold 7 does NOT support the S Pen, unlike the Fold 6. This is a critical point to consider.
- Security: Both utilize a side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor (which is often faster and more reliable than under-display sensors on foldables) and robust facial recognition. Samsung Knox and Knox Vault provide enterprise-grade security.
- Audio: Both phones feature stereo speakers tuned by AKG, providing excellent audio quality for media consumption. Neither has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Connectivity: Both support the latest Wi-Fi 7 standards, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and UWB (Ultra-Wideband). They offer comprehensive 5G support (Sub6 and mmWave).
- Durability: Both use Armor Aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (or Ceramic Glass 2 on the Z Fold 7’s cover screen) and boast IPX8 water resistance, making them highly durable against water ingress. The Z Fold 7’s new hinge is designed to be even stronger and contribute to less crease visibility.
Pricing and Availability in Kenya (and Mobihub Electronics)
Foldable smartphones are premium devices, and their pricing reflects the advanced technology involved. Prices in Kenya can fluctuate due to exchange rates, supply, and specific retailer policies.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Price in Kenya: As the older model (released July 2024), the Z Fold 6 might see price reductions.
- The 12GB RAM / 256GB storage model typically starts from around KSh 155,000 to KSh 175,000.
- The 512GB and 1TB variants will be more expensive.
- Mobihub Electronics and other local retailers list the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 starting from KSh 158,999 to KSh 174,995 for the 256GB/512GB models.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Price in Kenya: As the brand-new flagship (released July 2025), the Z Fold 7 comes at a premium.
- The base model (12GB/256GB or 16GB/256GB) is expected to start from KSh 268,000 to KSh 284,000.
- Higher configurations (512GB, 1TB with 16GB RAM) can reach KSh 322,000 or more.
- Mobihub Electronics (and Price Point Electronics) list the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 from KSh 268,000 for the 256GB model, up to KSh 322,000 for the 1TB model.
Pricing Takeaway: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is significantly more expensive than the Z Fold 6 at launch, with a price increase of over KSh 100,000 for the base models. This price gap makes the Z Fold 6 a much more appealing option for those on a tighter budget who still want a top-tier foldable experience. For the absolute latest and best, the Z Fold 7 demands a premium. Always check Mobihub Electronics for the most current pricing and any available promotions.
The Verdict: Is the Z Fold 7 Worth the Upgrade?
The choice between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a classic case of evaluating incremental upgrades against significant cost differences. Both are phenomenal devices, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if:
- You prioritize the absolute latest and greatest: You want the thinnest, lightest, and most refined foldable design to date.
- You demand the best possible performance and future-proofing: The Snapdragon 8 Elite and 16GB of RAM ensure top-tier speed and AI capabilities for years to come.
- Camera quality is paramount: The 200MP main camera and improved inner selfie camera, combined with enhanced AI features, deliver a significantly better photography experience.
- You want the most advanced Galaxy AI features: The Z Fold 7 benefits from the latest One UI 8 and deeper AI integration.
- You can justify the significant price premium.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 if:
- You want a premium foldable experience without the bleeding-edge price tag: It offers excellent value, especially if purchased after the Z Fold 7’s release.
- You prefer an under-display camera on the inner screen for a truly uninterrupted viewing experience, even if the quality is lower.
- S Pen support is crucial for your workflow. (As it appears the Z Fold 7 may have dropped this feature for the Fold series).
- The Z Fold 6’s performance is still more than adequate for your needs. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 remains incredibly powerful.
- You are willing to accept a slightly thicker and heavier design for a substantially lower cost.
Final Thoughts:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is undeniably the superior device in terms of design, raw power, and camera hardware. Its slimmer profile and improved displays, coupled with enhanced AI, make it a compelling package for those who want the absolute best foldable experience Samsung has to offer. It feels like the foldable form factor is truly maturing with this iteration.
However, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains an incredibly capable and impressive foldable, especially with its refined form factor (compared to previous generations) and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. The substantial price difference between the two models makes the Z Fold 6 a very attractive option for value-conscious buyers who still desire a top-tier foldable without needing every single cutting-edge improvement. The potential lack of S Pen support on the Z Fold 7’s main display is a significant point of consideration for productivity users, where the Z Fold 6 might retain an advantage.
Ultimately, both devices offer a glimpse into the future of mobile technology. Your decision will hinge on whether the Z Fold 7’s significant advancements in design, camera, and AI justify its considerable premium, or if the excellent value and proven capabilities of the Z Fold 6 are sufficient for your needs in 2025. Be sure to visit Mobihub Electronics in Nairobi to compare these devices firsthand and find the best deals! Sources