The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE, also known as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, sets a new standard for foldable smartphones. After experiencing it firsthand, I can confidently say that Samsung has refined the foldable experience into something truly extraordinary. This review dives into the highlights and features that make the Galaxy Z Fold SE worth the investment, from its impressive design to its high-performance specs and innovative camera setup.
Sleek and Sturdy Design with Foldable Versatility
One of the Galaxy Z Fold SE’s most impressive features is its design. The device unfolds into an 8-inch tablet-sized screen with dimensions of 157.9 x 142.6 x 5.6 mm, giving it a highly immersive, cinematic feel. When folded, it becomes compact at 157.9 x 72.8 x 10.6 mm—about the size of a standard smartphone. At 236 grams, it’s surprisingly light, given its premium feel, thanks to the durable glass front and back (with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection) and an aluminum frame. Samsung’s IP48 water resistance adds peace of mind, making the device resistant to minor splashes.
Stunning Display Technology: Unfolded and Folded
The display quality of the Galaxy Z Fold SE is simply breathtaking. The main 8.0-inch foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, which makes visuals rich, crisp, and vibrant. This large screen is a game-changer for tasks like reading, gaming, or watching videos, especially with its near 91.2% screen-to-body ratio that maximizes every inch of the display.
When folded, the device switches to a 6.5-inch cover display, which is also Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate and the same peak brightness. The cover display is as smooth and responsive as the main screen, making it convenient for one-handed use. Samsung’s Ultra Flexible Glass (UFG) technology ensures that the screen feels sturdy yet flexible.
Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Seamless Multitasking
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold SE runs on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, with an octa-core CPU configuration that includes a high-powered Cortex-X4 core at 3.39GHz, paired with a GPU capable of handling graphics-intensive applications. With 16GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the device effortlessly handles multitasking and demanding applications without lag or stutter.
Samsung promises up to seven major Android updates, ensuring that the Galaxy Z Fold SE will stay current for years to come. This device is built for those who want a powerhouse for productivity, entertainment, and multitasking, all within a highly portable format.
An Impressive Triple-Camera Setup and Advanced Video Capabilities
The Galaxy Z Fold SE doesn’t hold back on camera quality. Its triple-camera setup includes a powerful 200MP main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. The 200MP sensor captures outstanding detail, especially in low-light settings, and the ultrawide lens is ideal for landscape shots or group photos.
In terms of video, the main camera supports 8K recording at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, and 1080p at up to 240fps, with gyro-EIS stabilization. This makes it perfect for both casual and professional videography. Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the 4MP under-display camera on the main screen and a 10MP cover camera, both supporting 4K video recording with HDR.
A Complete Audio Experience and Advanced Connectivity
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Z Fold SE with stereo speakers, providing immersive sound, especially when the device is unfolded. The absence of a 3.5mm audio jack is compensated with high-fidelity 32-bit/384kHz audio tuned by AKG, delivering impressive sound quality for music, movies, and gaming.
The device’s connectivity options are equally robust, supporting 5G across multiple bands, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) for precise device-to-device communication. Additionally, Samsung DeX allows the Galaxy Z Fold SE to function like a desktop when connected to an external monitor, expanding its usability for professionals on the go.
Battery Life and Charging: Built for All-Day Use
The Galaxy Z Fold SE comes equipped with a 4400 mAh battery, which is substantial given the demands of a foldable device. The battery easily lasts a full day with moderate usage, even with the large 8-inch display. Charging is convenient, with support for 25W wired charging that powers the device up to 50% in just 30 minutes. Additionally, 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging make it versatile for charging on the go.
A Few Trade-offs to Consider
While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE offers a revolutionary experience, a few minor trade-offs are worth mentioning. First, it lacks expandable storage, which could be a limitation for users who require more than the 512GB internal memory. The device also doesn’t include a built-in stylus slot, which may be a drawback for those accustomed to Samsung’s Galaxy Note series. Finally, the price point, around 1870 EUR, makes it a significant investment, though it justifies the cost with its premium features and advanced technology.
Final Verdict: Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE Worth It?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE stands as a testament to how far foldable technology has come. Its elegant design, powerful hardware, impressive camera system, and unique multitasking capabilities make it an exceptional choice for those willing to invest in a versatile, next-gen smartphone. The device’s foldable nature adds an unparalleled level of convenience, allowing it to serve as both a smartphone and a tablet in one.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold SE is an ideal pick for tech enthusiasts, productivity-focused users, and anyone looking for a cutting-edge device with unmatched versatility. While the price may be steep, the features and performance make it worth every cent for those who value high performance, innovative design, and future-proofing in a smartphone.