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Galaxy Z Fold 7 struggles as a laptop alternative

Testing reveals significant usability issues with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in laptop mode.

July 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM

I replaced my laptop with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 - here’s what happened

Exploring the performance of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as a laptop alternative reveals significant issues.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 proves problematic as laptop substitute

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 attempts to position itself as a viable laptop replacement, but extensive user testing shows serious limitations. Priced at $2,000, the foldable phone offers Samsung DeX, allowing users to connect to external displays and use the phone as a mini PC. However, using the device revealed significant challenges. Users struggled with app navigation on a small keyboard layout, as well as battery life issues when using it in DeX mode. The experience emphasizes that while versatile, this technology may not fulfill expectations for users seeking a true laptop experience.

Key Takeaways

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The Galaxy Z Fold 7 costs more than many laptops but fails to deliver similar functionality.

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Samsung DeX offers innovative features but is not user-friendly for all tasks.

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Battery drain is a significant issue when using the phone as a PC.

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The keyboard layout on the Z Fold 7 is uncomfortable and impractical.

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Successful use of the Z Fold 7 requires compatible peripherals like a mouse and keyboard.

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This phone might excel for media consumption but not for productivity.

"Using the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as a PC is entirely possible with Samsung DeX, so long as you have a keyboard and mouse."

This highlights the reliance on additional hardware to make the device functional.

"You shouldn’t buy the Z Fold 7 just for its DeX capability alone."

This reflects the limited appeal of the device as a laptop substitute.

Testing the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as a laptop replacement highlights both the promise and the pitfalls of emerging technology. While Samsung DeX offers potential, the actual user experience falls short in comfort and efficiency. The differences in usability between smartphones and traditional laptops remain stark, suggesting that until these devices overcome usability hurdles, dedicated laptops will likely dominate the market for productivity tasks.

Highlights

Using the Z Fold 7 as a mouse is like trying to navigate a maze with a blindfold.
I had to choose between a wobbly keyboard or a tipping phone.
This phone is great for YouTube but not for serious work.
If I have to carry the mouse and keyboard, why not just use a laptop?

Challenges with using Galaxy Z Fold 7 as a laptop

The device's usability issues and high cost raise concerns about its practicality for serious tasks. Users face battery drain and uncomfortable keyboard layouts, making it less appealing for long-term use.

Future developments in foldable devices will need to address these limitations to compete effectively.

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