For years, the technology world has been searching for the perfect convergence device: one machine that can effortlessly handle the demanding tasks of a laptop, the portability of a smartphone, and the expansive canvas of a tablet. Every attempt—from phablets to convertible laptops—has required a compromise. Until now.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has arrived, and it is more than just a phone that folds. It is the culmination of Samsung’s foldable vision, marrying the power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset with an unprecedented suite of software and hardware refinements. The result is a device so versatile, so capable, and so seamlessly adaptable that it fundamentally challenges the need for a separate tablet.
At BestPrice Electronics, we’ve spent weeks using the Z Fold 7 as our primary device—ditching our tablets, challenging our laptops, and pushing its 8.0-inch Main Display and 6.5-inch Cover Display to their limits. Our conclusion is bold: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the ultimate 2-in-1 device, and for many, it signals the definitive end of the traditional tablet as a separate purchase.
Here is our deep dive into the five critical areas where the Z Fold 7 succeeds in merging the smartphone and tablet into a single, compelling form factor.
- 📱 Two Screens, One Seamless Workflow: The Display Mastery The Z Fold 7 is defined by its displays, offering a pocketable phone experience when closed and an expansive tablet when unfolded. The true genius, however, is the fluid interaction between the two.
1.1. The Pocketable Power of the Cover Screen Closed, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 presents a 6.5-inch Cover Screen (2520 x 1080 pixels) that is wider and more usable than previous generations (Source 1.1, 1.3). This is crucial: the Z Fold 7 now feels like a premium, standard flagship phone—a Galaxy S Ultra in miniature—rather than a cumbersome compromise.
One-Handed Utility: Daily tasks—quick message replies, navigation, music control, and wallet access—are handled effortlessly with one hand on the Cover Screen (Source 2.2). Flagship Specs: With a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and high resolution, this screen doesn’t feel like a secondary display; it’s a full-fledged, high-end smartphone screen (Source 1.1, 1.2). 1.2. The Tablet-Sized Inner Canvas Unfolding the Z Fold 7 reveals the stunning 8.0-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X Main Display (2184 x 1968 pixels) (Source 1.1, 1.2). This expansive, square-ish canvas transforms the device instantly.
Immersive Media: While the aspect ratio (roughly 4:3) isn’t traditional 16:9, it is perfect for web browsing, reading two pages of an e-book side-by-side, and reading digital comics—tasks where a traditional rectangular tablet excels (Source 5.1). Minimal Crease, Maximum Immersion: Samsung’s refined hinge and Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) minimize the visual distraction of the crease, making the transition from a standard screen to a large, uninterrupted surface nearly seamless (Source 2.3). The experience of watching video or browsing on the inner screen is truly immersive (Source 4.4). 1.3. App Continuity: The Instant Switch The software bridge, App Continuity, ensures that the transition between the two screens is instant and logical (Source 2.2). Start reading an email on the Cover Screen, unfold the device, and the app instantly expands to the main display, ready for split-screen multitasking. Fold it back up, and the email snaps back to the cover screen for one-handed messaging (Source 2.2). This fluid adaptation is the single feature that most clearly defines the Z Fold 7 as a single 2-in-1 device rather than two screens stitched together.
- 🧠Multitasking Powerhouse: Beyond Tablet Limits The single biggest argument for the Z Fold 7 replacing a tablet is its superior, desktop-class multitasking capabilities, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and 12GB/16GB of RAM (Source 1.2, 1.4).
2.1. The Three-Window Workstation Unlike the rigid limitations of most tablet operating systems, the Z Fold 7’s Multi-Window feature, integrated into One UI 8, allows users to run up to three apps simultaneously in a split-screen configuration (Source 1.1, 2.1).
Real-World Scenario: We tested a common professional workflow: a Google Meet video call running in the top window, Google Docs open for live note-taking in the bottom-left, and an email client open in the bottom-right. The Z Fold 7 handled this complex load without a stutter, thanks to the Elite chipset’s dedicated cores (Source 1.2, 2.1). The Taskbar Edge: The persistent Taskbar at the bottom of the main screen acts like a desktop dock, allowing users to drag and drop new apps into the split-screen configuration instantly, or save frequently used app pairings (App Pairs) for one-tap launch (Source 2.2, 4.4). This level of control is simply unavailable on standard tablets. 2.2. Flex Mode: The Built-in Stand The Z Fold 7’s ability to fold and hold its position—Flex Mode—turns the device into a free-standing productivity tool, eliminating the need for a separate kickstand or case (Source 4.4).
Virtual Laptop: Folded at 90 degrees, the bottom screen transforms into a trackpad or virtual keyboard, while the top screen displays content—mimicking a tiny laptop perfect for a café or plane tray table (Source 2.2, 4.4). Hands-Free Media and Calls: This mode is perfect for hands-free video calls, watching YouTube (where the controls move to the bottom screen), or taking stable long-exposure photos (Source 4.4). 3. 🖥️ DeX and the Desktop Experience: Replacing the PC The ultimate trump card in the Z Fold 7’s arsenal is Samsung DeX. This feature transforms the foldable into a true desktop computing environment, challenging not only the tablet but the laptop too (Source 2.3, 4.3).
3.1. Rebuilt DeX for One UI 8 With the One UI 8 update, DeX has been rebuilt, making the desktop experience significantly more capable and intuitive (Source 4.1).
PC-Like Workflow: By connecting the Z Fold 7 wirelessly to a Smart TV or wired to any monitor, DeX launches a full desktop interface (Source 4.2). This includes a familiar taskbar, resizable windows, system notifications, drag-and-drop file management, and right-click functionality (Source 4.3). The Widget Advantage: New to DeX is widget support, allowing users to place calendar, weather, or stock tracking widgets directly onto the desktop home screen—a small change that dramatically enhances the desktop feel (Source 4.1). Genuine Workstation: For users who only need to manage emails, use office suites (like Microsoft 365), browse the web, or access cloud services, the Z Fold 7 combined with a monitor and a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse is a fully functional PC replacement (Source 4.4). 3.2. Integration of Galaxy AI The inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Galaxy AI features further enhances the Z Fold 7’s desktop potential (Source 1.3).
Gemini Live & Real-Time Assistance: AI tools like Gemini Live offer real-time assistance, running complex queries, translating screens, or summarizing information from one of the multiple open app windows—all in the background while the user continues to work (Source 1.1, 5.3). This acts like a true co-pilot, a feature far more sophisticated than anything on a standard tablet (Source 5.3). Photo Assist: Utilizing the powerful 200MP Main Camera (Source 1.1, 1.3), users can capture high-resolution photos and videos, and then use generative AI tools like Photo Assist on the large 8.0-inch display for precise, desktop-level editing, removing the need to transfer files to a dedicated computer (Source 2.1, 5.3). 4. ⚖️ The Form Factor Tipping Point: Portability vs. Power The single most defining feature that allows the Z Fold 7 to replace the tablet is its dramatically improved form factor.
4.1. Ultra-Thin and Pocketable The Z Fold 7 is the lightest and slimmest Fold yet, engineered with a new Advanced Armor Aluminum frame (Source 1.1, 1.2).
Folded Thickness: At a folded thickness of 8.9mm (Source 1.3) and a weight of 215 grams (Source 1.2), it is only slightly thicker than a standard flagship phone and is less than half the weight of an iPad Pro (Source 5.3). This difference is not just numerical; it changes how you use it. Comfort and Convenience: This device can be carried comfortably in a jacket or trouser pocket all day (Source 5.3). A traditional tablet, even a mini one, remains a backpack or briefcase item (Source 5.1). The Z Fold 7 provides tablet screen real estate wherever you are, seamlessly adapting to your needs without needing a second bag (Source 5.3). 4.2. Durability and All-Day Power The durability of the hinge system and the battery life have been key focuses, addressing common concerns that previously held the device back.
Ceramic Shield 2: The device uses Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the cover screen and an improved hinge design, providing greater peace of mind for an all-day, every-day professional device (Source 1.1, 1.3). Optimized Battery Life: The 4,400mAh battery (Source 1.2) is optimized by the highly efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite, providing reliable all-day use even with the power-hungry 8.0-inch screen and 120Hz refresh rate (Source 1.4, 2.1). 5. đź’” The Only Compromise: A Critical Stylus Note While the Z Fold 7 is the ultimate 2-in-1, it is essential to address the one area of compromise: the apparent removal of S Pen support (Source 3.4).
The Missing Feature: Unlike its predecessor, the Z Fold 7 does not support S Pen input (Source 3.4). This decision, made to achieve a thinner, lighter design and potentially a stronger inner display (Source 3.4), represents a trade-off for creative professionals and dedicated note-takers. Who This Impacts: Users who rely on the tablet functionality for hand-written annotations of PDFs, detailed drawing, or structured hand-written notes (using apps like Samsung Notes or OneNote) may find this a significant drawback, forcing them to consider the older Z Fold 6 or a dedicated Samsung Tab S series device (Source 3.3, 5.2). The Verdict on Trade-off: For the majority of users—who primarily use the large screen for media consumption, multitasking, web browsing, and document viewing—the added thinness and improved performance outweigh the removal of the S Pen. For them, the Z Fold 7 remains the superior choice (Source 3.4, 5.3). 🚀 Final Verdict: A New Era of Mobile Computing The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is not just an incremental update; it is a paradigm shift.
By unifying the premium smartphone experience (6.5-inch Cover Screen) with a powerful, multitasking-focused tablet experience (8.0-inch Main Screen) and packaging it in an impossibly thin and light form factor, Samsung has created a device that genuinely deserves the 2-in-1 title.
The superior hardware, the refined One UI 8 software, the seamless App Continuity, and the transformative power of DeX all converge to make the Z Fold 7 the only mobile computing device most people need.
For the vast majority of consumers, the question is no longer “Should I carry a phone and a tablet?” The answer is the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and for tablets whose primary use is media and light work, the final curtain is drawing closed.
