I can forgive losing the S Pen, but the Samsung Z Fold 7 has been ruined by a more serious design faux pas

Now, “ruined” may be a bit excessive, but my Z Fold 7 does point up a drawback to designing a foldable with extreme lightness and thinness.

I’ve now had a chance to use the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, replacing my Z Fold 6 with the new one.

Less than a day has passed since I started using the phone, but I’m already liking the One UI 8 software updates, the larger screen, and the better camera array. But not every element of the design appeals to me.

• Also Check: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 fixes my biggest complaint, but I’d still never buy one – here’s why

Using the phone as a stand alone is one of my favorite applications. I frequently use it when cooking and then cleaning up after myself. By folding it in a V while watching a video on the cover screen, the smartphone will support itself so I can watch the video without having to carry around a phone stand.

Some apps, like YouTube, will transfer the video to the top half of the screen while providing video touch controls on the bottom half, allowing you to part-fold the phone while a video is playing on the inner display.

I usually liked to do this with the cover screen facing down, but you can do it with the outside face down as well. In order to prevent the cover screen from becoming scratched, I typically utilize this version of the self-standing feature while at my workplace, resting the phone on my smooth desk mat or monitor stand. I also wear a screen protector.

Additionally, the flat cover screen is more sturdy than the camera-bump side down, which can cause some swaying.

Unfortunately, if you open the Z Fold 7 too much while using it in this manner, the camera array will collapse under the weight of gravity, forcing the phone to fully unfold and no longer be propped up. This is probably because the hinge is narrower and the camera bump is heavier.

Furthermore, the self-opening threshold is positioned at the ideal angle for my requirements, with the screen open at about a 135-degree inclination.

I wanted to briefly point out one unexpected decline I’ve encountered in my initial testing, even though I’m becoming acclimated to holding the phone closer—at a right angle or just past it.

It’s a disappointment even if it’s a very tiny downgrade given the phone’s advancements and the fact that I’m already solving the issue.