So Ive been a loyal Note user for like a decade and finally jumped to the Fold 4 a few years ago and now Im eyeing the Z Fold 7 release. I know my way around Android and UI customizations but foldables are a different beast when it comes to durability and actually being productive. My Fold 4 hinge started crunching last month so Im definitely upgrading as soon as the 7 drops later this year. I use my phone mostly for mobile excel work and some light video editing while I commute on the light rail here in Seattle so I need stuff that actually adds value not just bulk.
I already have a generic 45W brick but I heard the newer ones might need specific PPS protocols to hit top speeds without ruining the battery over time. Also I'm totally lost on cases this time around because the Fold 4 ones were so hit or miss with those annoying adhesive strips constantly failing and sliding around. I have about 200 bucks set aside for the initial setup.
What are the absolute must-have accessories you guys are planning for the Fold 7?
Let me know what you think is worth the cash...
To add to the point above, I unfortunately had issues with those bulky hinge protectors trapping grit. Im trying the thin Pitaka MagEZ Case 5 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 this time around instead.
> What are the absolute must-have accessories you guys are planning for the Fold 7? Saw this earlier but just getting to it now. Since you're worried about the battery and PPS protocols, just go with the Samsung 45W USB-C PD Wall Charger EP-T4510. I've been using the official ones for years and they're basically the only way to be 100 percent sure about the power handshake. No complaints so far, it just works and stays cool while charging. For the case situation, I'm really satisfied with the Ringke Slim Case for Galaxy Z Fold 7. They usually include extra adhesive strips in the box, but the fit is usually tight enough that the front cover doesnt really slide around like the cheap generic ones do. It's thin enough for your commute but adds enough grip so you dont drop it on the light rail. Since you do a lot of Excel work, you might actually want a stand instead of just holding it the whole time. I use the ESR Boost Phone Stand stuck to the back of my cases. It's super low profile and lets you prop the phone up at different angles for editing while you're sitting on the train. For the outer screen, grab the amFilm OneTouch Tempered Glass for Galaxy Z Fold 7. It comes with an alignment tool so you wont get bubbles. I wouldnt touch the inner screen protector tho... just let Samsung handle that if it ever starts peeling or you'll risk the warranty. Most of those aftermarket inner films feel like garbage compared to the factory one anyway.
Tbh I've had such a headache with cases on these foldables over the years. My Fold 4 frame actually got pitted and scratched because grit got trapped under one of those expensive rugged cases. Such a letdown when you spend that much on a device and the protection ends up damaging it. For your Seattle commute, you definitely want something that isn't a total brick but actually stays put without those gross adhesive strips. I've moved away from the big mainstream brands lately and found some better luck with these:
Just saw this. If you are doing Excel work, you really want a sturdy case that wont wiggle. Im probably getting the Spigen Slim Armor Pro Z Fold 7 because the sliding hinge protector doesnt rely on those cheap adhesive strips as much. Few other items to look at:
Works great for me
Definitely grab the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Slim S Pen Case! It solves the sliding front cover issue and keeps the pen super low profile. I love how it fits without that gross adhesive feeling. Since you're worried about battery health, the Anker 713 Nano II 45W PPS Wall Charger is a total game changer. It is tiny and hits top speeds perfectly. Forget extra screen protectors tho, the factory one is usually fantastic!