The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 feature that may finally let me ditch my iPad

I've always carried a phone and an iPad, and I never thought one device could fully replace my tablet. Now, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, I'm starting to change my mind.

This foldable isn't aimed at digital artists or anyone who uses tablets for drawing. The Z Fold 7 doesn't support one, and it's not trying to compete with the iPad and Apple Pencil in that space.

If your iPad is primarily a larger screen used for watching content or doing light creative tasks, such as photo editing on the go, it's worth a closer look.

For the first time, I've found a device that lets me leave the iPad at home.

Related

I used the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and it's my dream big-screen foldable

Thin is most definitely in

Posts 5

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 gives me a tablet I can pocket

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's standout feature is its foldable display. It unfolds into an 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen. It's large enough for tablet-like tasks, yet compact when closed to be a phone.

Weighing only 215 grams, the Z Fold 7 is less than half the weight of an iPad. This difference matters when you carry a device all day.

You can't fit any iPad in your pocket. Even the iPad Mini is a stretch. The Z Fold 7 fits easily, and having a large screen you can take anywhere completely changes how often you use it.

During commutes or quick breaks at a café, the Z Fold 7 makes it easy to read an article, catch up on a show, or mark up a PDF. I used to rely on my iPad for those tasks, but that's no longer necessary.

When folded, I can send messages, make calls, or check maps with one hand and unfold into a tablet-sized display when I need more screen space. That convenience made the Z Fold 7 start to win me over.

I can shoot and edit everything on the same device now

The 200MP main camera is Galaxy Z Fold 7's strongest advantage over my iPad. While my iPad has a decent 12MP camera, tablets are awkward for photography, and I rarely use mine unless I'm scanning a document.

I avoided foldable phones in the past because of poor camera quality. Photography is central to my workflow, so I relied on a flagship phone for camera performance and used a tablet for large-screen productivity. That two-device setup felt necessary until now.

With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, I can take quality photos and 4K videos, then edit everything on the same device.

Speaking of editing, Samsung makes routine photo corrections simple. Photo Assist allows you to make generative edits from the Gallery app. Highlight an unwanted object, and Galaxy AI fills the background.

All of this means I now have one device that lets me create and share more often, and that's a win for me.

Related

I ditched my laptop for a week and used an Android tablet for work: Here's how it went

Can a tablet replace a computer?

Posts 2

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 gives me the freedom to work my way

Beyond hardware, another reason I'm considering replacing my iPad is the Galaxy Z Fold 7's software flexibility. This is where Samsung One UI, powered by Android, outpaces iPadOS.

On the Z Fold 7, I have full access to a traditional file system that I can fully customize. Accessing my files is as simple as plugging in a USB drive. I can even sideload apps that are unavailable in the Play Store.

While iPadOS has come a long way, the Android experience still feels much closer to a PC with more freedom.

These seem like niche needs, but they reflect a key difference in philosophy. The Z Fold 7 is something I can configure on my terms. Meanwhile, the iPad carries that unmistakable feeling of being in a walled garden.

I never felt like Siri understood me the way Gemini does

One of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's most powerful productivity features is its deep integration with Gemini.

Samsung worked closely with Google to embed Gemini into One UI 8, not as a standalone app but as a system-wide intelligence layer. Gemini powers everything from multitasking to writing and searching.

While Apple's iPadOS features Siri with a handful of on-device intelligence features, they operate in silos. In my opinion, iPadOS lacks a powerful, context-aware assistant that feels like a true copilot.

One foldable now handles what two devices used to do

Carrying both a phone and a tablet always added friction. I had to manually sync apps and decide which screen to use for each task.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 removes that problem. It's not a larger phone or a smaller tablet. It's both, depending on what I need.

While it's a shame the Z Fold 7 doesn't support a stylus, it still handles 90% of what I usually do on a tablet.

Samsung built a device that helps me travel lightly, stay creative on the go, and lean on AI tools to simplify everyday tasks. That combination persuades me to leave the iPad behind more than any spec sheet.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

RAM
12GB
Storage
256GB
Battery
4,400mAh
Operating System
One UI 8
Weight
215g
IP Rating
IP48

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the thinnest and lightest in the series to date, integrating a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor for enhanced AI capabilities and a 200MP pro-grade camera. Built for enhanced durability with an Armor FlexHinge and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, the device features a wider 6.5-inch cover screen and unfolds into an expansive 8.0-inch main display for immersive viewing and productivity.

$2000 at Samsung
Expand Collapse