Samsung has given us two incredible flagship options in 2025, but they couldn’t be more different. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 at just 215 grams is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra, making it a surprisingly portable foldable device. Meanwhile, the S25 Ultra continues Samsung’s traditional flagship formula with premium features at a more accessible price point.
Which Device Fits Your Lifestyle?
Choosing between these devices comes down to how you use your phone daily. The Z Fold 7 transforms from a regular smartphone into a tablet-sized device, while the S25 Ultra focuses on being the ultimate traditional smartphone with professional capabilities.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents Samsung’s biggest design leap yet. It is just 8.9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded, making it remarkably thin for a foldable device. The engineering achievement here is impressive – Samsung managed to create a foldable that’s actually lighter than their traditional flagship.
The S25 Ultra maintains Samsung’s premium build with a titanium frame and glass back. At 218 grams and 8.2mm thick, it’s slightly heavier and thicker than the Fold 7 when folded, but offers that familiar solid smartphone feel that many users prefer.
Display Experience
Galaxy Z Fold 7 Display Features:
- 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display with new 21:9 aspect ratio
- 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, 11% larger than previous generation
- Both displays support 120Hz refresh rate and 2,600 nits peak brightness
Galaxy S25 Ultra Display Features:
- 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz)
- Peak brightness is 2,600 nits, screen-to-body ratio around 92%
- Protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Armor 2
Performance and Power
Both devices pack the same powerhouse – Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset. This means you’ll get identical performance whether you choose the foldable or traditional design. The Z Fold 7 comes with up to 16GB RAM in the 1TB model, while other variants include 12GB. The S25 Ultra consistently offers 12GB RAM across all storage options.
Camera Capabilities
Here’s where things get interesting. Samsung gave the main camera a huge upgrade, going from 50MP to a whopping 200MP sensor, the same one found on the S25 Ultra for the Z Fold 7. This means both devices now share the same impressive main camera system.
However, the S25 Ultra still maintains an edge in overall camera versatility with its more comprehensive telephoto system and superior zoom capabilities. The S25 Ultra still has a more versatile system when it comes to long-range photography.
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy S25 Ultra wins clearly in this category. It comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery versus the Fold 7’s 4,400mAh cell, giving you all-day battery life with moderate use. It also charges faster at 45W versus 25W.
The smaller battery in the Z Fold 7 makes sense given its thinner profile, but it means you’ll likely need to charge more frequently, especially when using that large inner display extensively.
Pricing and Value
This is where the decision becomes clearer for many people. Samsung increased the price of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 by $100 compared to the Fold 6, raising its starting price to a whopping $1,999. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra starts at $1,299, saving you $700.
Key Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Galaxy S25 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1,999 | $1,299 |
| Weight | 215g | 218g |
| Thickness | 8.9mm (folded) | 8.2mm |
| Main Display | 8-inch foldable | 6.9-inch flat |
| Battery | 4,400mAh | 5,000mAh |
| Charging Speed | 25W | 45W |
| S Pen Support | No | Yes (built-in) |
| Storage Options | 256GB/512GB/1TB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
Who Should Choose Which Device?
Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 7 if:
- You want the versatility of a phone-tablet hybrid
- You’re excited about the latest foldable technology
- You frequently multitask with multiple apps
- You don’t mind paying premium prices for cutting-edge design
- You rarely use a stylus
Choose the Galaxy S25 Ultra if:
- You prefer traditional smartphone design
- You need S Pen functionality for notes or creative work
- You want better battery life and faster charging
- You’re looking for better value for money
- You need superior telephoto zoom capabilities
Both devices represent the peak of Samsung’s engineering in 2025. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 pushes boundaries with its incredibly thin foldable design and tablet-like capabilities. The Galaxy S25 Ultra perfects the traditional flagship formula with excellent cameras, S Pen functionality, and better value.
Your choice ultimately depends on whether you value innovation and versatility (Z Fold 7) or proven excellence and practicality (S25 Ultra). Both will serve you well, but they appeal to very different user preferences and budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Galaxy Z Fold 7 support the S Pen?
A: No, Samsung removed S Pen support from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, making the S25 Ultra the only 2025 Samsung flagship with stylus functionality.
Q: Which device has better camera zoom capabilities?
A: While both share the same 200MP main sensor, the S25 Ultra offers superior telephoto zoom performance and overall camera versatility.
Q: Is the Z Fold 7 really thinner than the S25 Ultra A: Yes, when folded, the Z Fold 7 is 8.9mm thick compared to the S25 Ultra’s 8.2mm, but it’s also lighter at 215g versus 218g.
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