Switching from iPhone 16 Pro Max to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?
What happens when an iPhone user switches to Android? To find out, I made the switch from an iPhone 16 Pro Max to the newly launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The experience was nothing short of eye-opening, and here’s a detailed account of how this foldable changed my perspective on smartphones.
First Impressions: A Refined Form Factor
Previous generations of foldable phones often felt bulky and heavy, which kept me from switching earlier. But the Galaxy Z Fold 7 immediately stood out. At just 8.9 mm thick when folded and an incredibly slim 4.2 mm when unfolded, it is an engineering marvel. Unlike earlier foldables, it doesn’t feel oversized or impractical. Instead, it feels like a premium yet lightweight device that can be used comfortably in daily life.
Dual Display Experience
One of the biggest concerns with foldables has always been the constant folding and unfolding. Surprisingly, with the Z Fold 7, I didn’t feel any irritation. The cover screen handled most day-to-day tasks like social media and messaging, while the larger 8-inch inner display transformed the device into a portable cinema for watching YouTube, movies, or podcasts. The viewing experience easily surpassed the iPhone 16 Pro Max and other flagship smartphones, offering a truly immersive experience.
Gaming Performance
While I’m not a heavy gamer, I do enjoy short gaming sessions, especially with BGMI. On the Galaxy Z Fold 7, gaming felt like playing on a mini tablet or console. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset ensured smooth performance, and the expansive display provided an immersive and responsive experience. Compared to regular flagship phones, the difference was dramatic.
Battery Life Surprises
Equipped with a 4400 mAh battery, the Z Fold 7 uses the same capacity as its predecessor, the Z Fold 6. Initially, I expected frequent recharges, but real-world use proved otherwise. As a medium user, I comfortably managed a full day with 6–7 hours of screen-on time. By night, the device still retained around 10% battery—far better than I anticipated. Samsung has clearly optimized battery performance this time around.
Productivity: A True Game Changer
For professionals, the Z Fold 7 excels. Reading and signing PDFs is seamless on the large display, while multitasking—watching videos on one side while replying to emails on the other—feels natural. With Google Gemini integration, productivity goes further. Long emails can be summarized with a single click, while on-the-go queries or plant identification are handled effortlessly.
Additionally, attending Zoom meetings and video calls became more convenient, as the phone can stand on its own without the need for a tripod or stand. This makes it a powerful laptop alternative for certain tasks.
Final Verdict
Switching from the iPhone 16 Pro Max to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 completely changed my perspective on foldable smartphones. From productivity to multimedia consumption, from gaming to everyday use, the Fold 7 delivers across the board.
For long-term use, it feels tempting to keep this phone as my daily driver. While my work requires switching devices every few months, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands out as one of the most compelling smartphones available today.
