Galaxy Z Fold 7’s Selfie Camera Change Divides Opinion
Samsung’s latest foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, has introduced some notable updates, but one change in particular has caught the attention of users and reviewers alike. The device has dropped the under-display camera (UDC) used in previous models in favour of a more traditional punch-hole selfie camera on the inner screen. While this new camera offers improved photo quality, it has unfortunately led to a frustrating user experience, especially when using the phone in landscape orientation.
Improved Camera Quality but Problematic Placement
The Galaxy Z Fold 7’s punch-hole camera delivers much better image quality compared to the 4MP under-display camera Samsung employed from the Z Fold 3 through the Z Fold 6. The UDC, although innovative in providing a nearly invisible camera, suffered from poor photo and video quality due to the display layer that covered the sensor. Despite its subtle presence, the UDC never quite met expectations for camera performance, which likely prompted Samsung to revert to a punch-hole design.
However, the decision to place the punch-hole camera centrally rather than in a corner has created significant usability issues. When the Fold 7 is used in landscape mode, the camera obstructs important UI elements and text across various apps, including Samsung’s own software like the Clock app, as well as popular third-party applications such as Amazon and Reddit. This interference is especially troublesome for users who frequently operate the device in split-screen mode.
Portrait Mode Issues and Software Oversights
The camera’s placement also causes problems in portrait orientation. For instance, in Samsung Notes, a key tool icon is obscured by the punch-hole, diminishing the overall user experience. Although the area over the camera remains touch-sensitive, the visual obstruction feels like a design oversight. It appears that Samsung may not have thoroughly tested the impact of this hardware change on app interfaces before finalising the design.
Such issues could have been mitigated if Samsung had adapted its own apps to accommodate the new camera position or opted to relocate the camera to a less intrusive spot. For comparison, Google’s foldable devices position their selfie cameras in the far right corner, avoiding interference with app content and system UI. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that third-party developers will redesign their interfaces specifically for this one device model, leaving Samsung to address the problem internally.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Samsung
While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers meaningful improvements in camera quality, the trade-off in user experience due to the punch-hole’s placement is a notable drawback. Samsung fans and foldable enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if the company takes this feedback into account for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8. Hopefully, future iterations will balance camera performance with thoughtful design that preserves app usability across all orientations.
For more detailed impressions and comparisons, the original insights from Android Authority’s Ryan Haines provide a thorough look at the Fold 7’s camera changes and their impact on daily use.
As Samsung continues to refine its foldable lineup, the handling of the selfie camera will be a key area to watch, especially as foldables become more mainstream and user expectations rise.