Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Z Fold 7 – Is the Foldable Worth $800 More?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7 are Samsung’s two most powerful flagships of the year. Both offer cutting-edge performance, stunning displays, and top-tier cameras — but one is a traditional smartphone, and the other is a foldable that costs roughly $800 more. The question is: is that extra investment really worth it?
📱 Design & Build Quality
The Galaxy S25 Ultra keeps the classic candybar form factor with sharp lines, premium glass, and a sleek aluminum frame. It’s durable, IP68 water-resistant, and feels refined in hand.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, on the other hand, unfolds into a tablet-sized experience. Samsung has slimmed down the hinge, reduced the crease, and improved the folding mechanism. While the Fold offers unmatched multitasking space, it’s thicker, heavier, and requires more care.
🖥️ Display Experience
S25 Ultra:
6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display
1440p resolution, 1–120Hz adaptive refresh
Bright and crisp, perfect for media and gaming
Z Fold 7:
6.3-inch cover display (front)
7.6-inch foldable inner display
Ideal for split-screen multitasking and immersive reading/gaming
Slight crease still visible, but less distracting than previous generations
If you consume a lot of media, the Z Fold 7’s tablet mode is a game changer — but the S25 Ultra’s single display is sharper and easier to use one-handed. Check out the full video below which shows the screen in action:
⚡ Performance & Gaming
Both phones use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 for Galaxy chipset, paired with up to 12GB RAM. Everyday use feels lightning-fast, but gaming is where the Fold starts to stand out.
The extra screen real estate makes RPGs, MOBAs, and emulators shine. That said, the S25 Ultra’s thermals are slightly better, meaning it stays cooler during long gaming sessions.
📸 Camera Comparison
S25 Ultra: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, dual telephoto lenses (3x & 10x optical zoom)
Z Fold 7: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
The Ultra’s camera system is simply more versatile. If photography or zoom quality is a top priority, it wins without question.
🔋 Battery Life & Charging
The S25 Ultra packs a 5,500 mAh battery with 45W wired charging, while the Z Fold 7 houses a slightly smaller 4,800 mAh battery. Despite efficient chipsets, the Fold’s larger display drains power faster, meaning you’ll likely charge it more often.
💰 Price & Value
S25 Ultra starting price: ~$1,199 USD
Z Fold 7 starting price: ~$1,999 USD
That’s a difference of about $800. The Fold gives you a two-in-one device — a phone and tablet — but you’re paying for novelty, engineering, and productivity perks.
🏆 Final Verdict – Is the Fold Worth It?
If you’re a power user, love multitasking, and want the most futuristic smartphone experience available, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is worth considering.
If you value camera quality, better battery life, and a more pocketable device without the high price tag, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the better buy.
In short:
Get the Fold if you’ll actually use the tablet mode daily.
Get the Ultra if you want the best all-around phone for less.
