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People browsing Galaxy Z Fold 7 in stores have noticed a problem

Some potential customers have observed that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 doesn't open completely flat.

48comments

By Anam Hamid

Published: Jul 17, 2025, 6:48 PM

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a huge step forward from the Fold 6, earning the phone the title of the thinnest and lightest bendable phone around. Samsung went to great lengths to achieve the new design, including redesigning the hinge. That hinge appears to be affecting how the device unfolds, though.

The Fold 7 will begin shipping on July 25. As first reported by Android Central, some customers who went to check out the device at stores claim that the Fold 7 doesn't open completely flat. The fact that it doesn't open up all the way is making some potential customers wonder if there is something wrong with the new design.

Saw the fold7 In a shop. It doesn't open all the way

—djda9l, Reddit user, July 2025

Some Galaxy Z Fold 7 demo units remain slightly arched when fully opened. | Image Credit - Reddit user djda9l

Of course, some demo units may appear to have faulty hinges because they have been handled by a lot of customers. The Fold 6 is rated for 200,000 folding and unfolding cycles, and the number should be similar or higher for the Fold 7. The units on display were likely opened and closed far too many times, affecting the hinge mechanism.

The Fold 7 features the new thinner and lighter Armor FlexHinge. Samsung claims it's more durable, and there's also aluminum in the hinge housing to increase strength and hardness.

Would you still buy the Fold 7 after learning about the potentially flawed hinge?

Yes, a handful of demo units can't change my mind.

26.81%

No way, this is a $2,000 phone we are talking about!

53.43%

Probably, but only after reading detailed reviews.

19.76%

4494 Votes

It could be that the hinge is so firm that a little more pressure is required to open the phone all the way. We didn't come across any such problem during our hands-on time, but our Victor Hristov did notice that it's something of a struggle to open up the phone, though he didn't attribute that to the hinge. The thinner design might be making it harder to get a firm grip and open it.

There have also been complaints about the two sides of the phone looking misaligned when folded, suggesting something might be off.

The edges of this Fold 7 unit don't line up perfectly when the device is closed. | image Credit - Reddit user kyunghoonyoo

It's too soon to say if it's a widespread issue. If it's just about getting used to the thin design, it's not a big deal, but if the units truly don't open flat, then Samsung might have a problem on its hands. After all, this is a $2,000 phone, and if the hinge is flawed, most people would be hesitant to spring for it.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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