I tried a new Galaxy phone, and it's Samsung's most exciting device in years

Samsung is no stranger to foldable smartphones. Its first flexible device with a bendable screen was unveiled all the way back in 2019 and we've seen upgrades launched every year since. It's clearly incredibly clever technology that feels like something from the future, but I've never been a massive fan of the Korean firm's Z Fold range.

Yes, you get a huge tablet-style screen that's great for working or watching a movie but once things are snapped shut, the sheer size and weight have always put me off squeezing one in my pocket.

It has almost felt like you're lugging around two normal phones just so you can get a bigger screen.

I've tried all of Samsung's previous Z Fold gadgets, and despite being blown away by the technology, they have never replaced my normal phone.

However, that could be about to change. For the very first time, I'm actually truly smitten with a Samsung foldable.

The tech giant has just released its new Z Fold7, and it really has to be seen to be believed.

Thanks to a new design and updated Armour FlexHinge technology, things have been seriously slimmed down this year, which makes the device feel much easier to handle.

In fact, once folded shut, the Z Fold7 is nearly the same dimensions as the 8.2mm Galaxy S25 Ultra, with it measuring in at just 8.9mm thin, not including the camera bump. As a guide, the Z Fold6 was a tubby 12.1mm thick!

Having had it in my pocket for the past few days, it really does feel like a standard phone and not a giant thick brick like some of its predecessors.

It's also beautifully made and feels super premium when you get it in your hand.

Another vital change this year is a boost to the cover screen. Samsung has made things bigger in 2025 with the Fold7 getting a 6.5-inch display - that's compared to a 6.3-inch panel on the Z Fold6.

That makes it far more useful, and you honestly don't need to flip things open unless you want access to that more expansive 8-inch main panel.

Thanks to the new look, you finally get a Samsung foldable that offers the best of both worlds without the chunky compromises from before.

It's also powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, has slightly longer battery life and gets a boost to its triple-lens camera thanks to the inclusion of a 200MP main lens.

Of course, it's still massively expensive (the entry-level option starts from £1,799) and it has lost the S Pen compatibility this year, which won't please those who like scribbling notes on the big main screen.

Like all foldables, some might be worried about durability, although Samsung reckons this Z Fold7 is made of tough stuff and should stand the test of time - I'll have to wait and see how it performs in the real world.

I still need more time with the Z Fold 7 and I won't be giving it the full 5 stars until I run more battery tests and put the camera through its paces.

But, on first impressions, this really is a huge update from Samsung that finally makes the Fold seem far more appealing.

Since getting it in my hands, I've struggled to put it down, and it's definitely a device that will cause a stir when you pull it from your jeans at the local pub.

Has Samsung now done enough to make the Z Fold7 a mainstream smartphone? My full review will be coming soon.