Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Thinner, Smarter, but at What Cost?

Samsung has officially lifted the curtain on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, and while the new foldable brings much-needed refinements, it also leaves behind a beloved feature. With its sleeker design and improved usability, the Z Fold 7 aims to reclaim dominance in a market it once pioneered—but at the cost of the S Pen support. Here’s why this is a pivotal moment for Samsung’s foldables.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: A Game-Changing Design Overhaul

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 finally answers the community’s cry for a thinner, more usable foldable. Gone is the bulky, brick-like profile. In its place is a streamlined body that feels nearly as compact as the Galaxy S25 Ultra when closed. The external display is now significantly wider, making it possible to type with both thumbs—something Fold fans have long awaited.

For the first time, the Z Fold feels like a \”normal\” smartphone when shut, addressing years of complaints about ergonomics and pocketability. This overhaul marks a strategic pivot in Samsung’s foldable journey, focusing on practicality rather than gimmicks.

No S Pen Support: The Foldable’s Necessary Sacrifice?

Perhaps the most controversial change: no S Pen support. Despite years of marketing the Fold as a productivity powerhouse, Samsung has removed the Wacom digitizer needed for S Pen functionality. This isn’t an oversight—it’s a calculated decision aimed at reducing internal bulk and improving form factor.

Samsung’s official FAQ confirms the move, marking a departure from the productivity-focused direction of previous Folds. While the S Pen was once seen as a Fold differentiator, it ultimately became a compromise too costly to maintain. Cases designed to carry the S Pen were bulky and impractical. Even dedicated users often left the stylus at home.

Why Samsung Had to Pivot

The Z Fold 7’s design shift isn’t just cosmetic. It’s a direct response to increasing competition from Huawei, Honor, and Google. These rivals have refined their foldables with better cameras, thinner bodies, and more user-friendly displays. Samsung was first to the foldable race but lagged in innovation after the initial wave.

Brands like Honor have focused on making their devices as thin and usable as possible, while others, like Vivo and Huawei, have invested in improving camera hardware. With users demanding more from their premium devices, Samsung had no choice but to reevaluate its strategy. And it worked—the Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE, a precursor to the Z Fold 7 with a similar design and no S Pen, sold out repeatedly in China and South Korea.

The Future of Foldables Without the S Pen

Does this mean the end of the S Pen? Not necessarily. Samsung is reportedly working on alternative technologies to bring stylus functionality without the need for internal digitizers. A truly wireless, standalone S Pen could one day solve the current design limitations—but it’s not ready for prime time.

For now, Samsung is betting that a better in-hand experience will outweigh the loss of a feature used sporadically by most. The shift speaks volumes about user preferences and signals that the foldable market is evolving towards mainstream usability rather than niche power-user tools.

What You Gain—and What You Lose—with the Z Fold 7

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• Thinner Body: Feels more like a regular phone, even when folded.
• Wider Cover Screen: Easier to type and interact with one-handed.
• No S Pen Support: A trade-off that improves design but removes a core productivity tool.
• Price Bump: At $200 more than its predecessor, is it worth it?

Who Should Buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7?

If you’re a foldable enthusiast or a power user looking for the most refined experience yet, the Z Fold 7 is the best Samsung has offered. But if your workflow relies heavily on the S Pen, you might want to stick with the Z Fold 5 or wait for a future version with stylus reintegration.

First Impressions and Community Reactions

The fanbase is divided. While many are thrilled with the new design, others mourn the loss of the S Pen. Still, early sales indicators and pre-orders suggest Samsung made the right call. Sometimes, evolution requires sacrifice, and in this case, it might just lead to a better foldable future.

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You Must Know:

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 compatible with the S Pen?

No, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 does not support the S Pen due to the removal of the internal digitizer required for stylus functionality.

Why did Samsung remove S Pen support in the Z Fold 7?

Samsung removed S Pen support to achieve a thinner and more ergonomic design. This aligns with user demand for a more pocket-friendly foldable.

What are the major upgrades in the Z Fold 7 compared to the Z Fold 6?

The Z Fold 7 features a thinner design, wider cover screen, and improved usability. However, it drops S Pen support and comes with a higher price tag.

How much does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 cost?

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is priced $200 higher than the previous model, reflecting its design improvements and market positioning.

Is the Z Fold 7 worth upgrading to?

It depends on your needs. If you value portability and improved usability, yes. If you rely on the S Pen, you might want to reconsider.

Will Samsung bring back the S Pen in future Fold models?

There are rumors that Samsung is developing a stylus that doesn’t require a digitizer, but nothing official has been confirmed yet.