By Mark Shephard
Samsung keeps calling the Z Fold 7 an “Ultra Foldable”… but after putting it head-to-head against the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I’ve got to be honest — I’m still not convinced that title is deserved. Yes, the Fold 7 packs next-gen design, big horsepower, and wildly fun AI tools… but when you stack it directly against Samsung’s bar-shaped champ, some very clear differences emerge.
Let’s break it down the way I did in the video: real-world use, side-by-side tests, and brutal honesty.
Design & Daily Use — One’s Sleeker… One’s Smarter
The Fold 7 is beautifully thin and surprisingly light this year — but those sharp, squared-off edges can dig into your palm. Meanwhile the S25 Ultra looks massive when you compare them closed, but thanks to its rounded design it’s actually more comfortable to hold long-term.
But open up the Fold and it transforms from “a little odd” into “a productivity monster.” Split-screen apps, floating windows, stacked widgets — you can flat-out do more on the Fold’s inner display than you ever could on a bar phone. If you’re a multitasker, this is one of the biggest real-world differences.
Performance — Same Chip, Surprisingly Different Results
Both phones use the Snapdragon 8 Elite and run Samsung’s One UI 8… so opening regular apps and games? It’s a dead tie.
But the second you push them, the story changes:
- Z Fold 7 actually beat the S25 Ultra in my subtitle-rendering test in PowerDirector…
- …but then got overtaken in export speed once that thin chassis heated up and throttling kicked in.
So, yes — the S25 Ultra is technically faster under sustained load thanks to better cooling, but the Fold 7 feels quicker in day-to-day use because of its optimized UI and massive workspace.
Camera Battle — 200MP ≠ 200MP
Both phones advertise “200-megapixel” main cameras, but don’t be fooled — they are not the same sensors.
- Z Fold 7: Fantastic point-and-shoot output from the 200MP sensor… but once you rely on zoom, the limitations show fast: only a 3× optical zoom and 10MP telephoto camera.
- S25 Ultra: Much stronger zoom system (5× optical, 100× Space Zoom), larger sensor, and sharper telephoto details.
Portraits, color science, and daytime shots? Nearly identical. But if you’re a zoom or wildlife shooter — the Ultra remains king here.
Battery & Charging — One Clearly Wins
- S25 Ultra: 5000 mAh + faster charging = solid full-day battery, less anxiety.
- Z Fold 7: 4400 mAh + painfully slow 25 W charging = expect to hit the charger by late afternoon if you use that inner display a lot.
Stamina belongs to the bar phone, no question.
Productivity & Features — Fold is Fun… but Missing One BIG Thing
The Fold 7 simply does more thanks to its dual-screen setup and multitasking tools. If you juggle emails, scripts, social media, Canva, YouTube, Teams, and web research all at once — the Fold is borderline addicting.
The catch? Samsung removed S-Pen support this year. Meanwhile, the S25 Ultra still houses its stylus. If you’re a note-taker, artist, or someone who likes handwriting — that’s a big win for the Ultra.
Which One Should You Buy?
Here’s my honest takeaway:
| You Should Buy… | If You… |
|---|---|
| S25 Ultra | Want best-in-class cameras, battery life, stylus, durability, and long-term performance. |
| Z Fold 7 | Prefer multitasking workflows, large portable screens, AI tools, and unique foldable magic. |
Personally? I love what Samsung’s done with the Fold 7, and I enjoy using it more as a device. But if we’re judging which one truly deserves the “Ultra” crown — the S25 Ultra still wears it, mainly because it doesn’t compromise on battery, zoom, cooling, or usability.
Want to see the full camera tests, performance races, and my real-world verdict? Watch the comparison video above — and let me know in the comments, does Samsung now have two Ultra phones… or is there only room for one king? For now click on over to the photo gallery to see the full images of the S25 Ultra and Z Fold 7.
Click the image to watch..
