Another environmental consideration: dust resistance. The Z Fold 7 still doesn’t have a formal dust resistance rating; its IP48 means it’s fully water-resistant but only immune to very small particles, not specks of dust. Take extra care and consider adding Samsung’s extended warranty plan to cover pricey inner screen repairs.

With a refined and appealing design, plenty of power, smarter AI, smoother multitasking, and improved cameras, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the best folding phone you can buy, bar none.

We've been busy in the Engadget reviews department over the last few weeks, keeping up with Prime Day, product launches and the accumulating stack of devices on our desks. If you missed any of our in-depth testing recently,