Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Sound Review: Speakers, Dolby Atmos and Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers clear and balanced stereo sound for a foldable. Mids and highs are particularly well rendered, which benefits dialogue, podcasts and most streaming content. Bass depth is limited compared with thicker slab phones, and maximum loudness does not match the loudest flagship slabs on the market. Dolby Atmos and Samsung’s One UI audio tools improve perceived immersion and clarity, but if deep bass and extreme loudness are the top priorities, an S-series flagship or an external speaker will still outperform the Fold 7.

Why sound matters on a foldable phone

Foldable devices are designed to be versatile. The Galaxy Z Fold7 serves as a smartphone and, when opened, as a compact tablet. Typical usage scenarios where audio quality significantly affects user experience include:

• Streaming video on the inner display, where immersive audio enhances picture enjoyment.
• Portable gaming, where spatial audio improves situational awareness and immersion.
• Conference calls and speakerphone use during work or meetings.
• Listening to music or podcasts without headphones for casual, on-the-go listening.

Good on-device audio complements the Fold7’s visual strengths and extends the device’s utility in real-world settings. For buyers who expect the Fold7 to replace both phone and tablet, speaker performance becomes a practical decision factor.

Hardware and speaker placement on the Fold7

Samsung retained a two-speaker stereo layout for the Fold7, with speaker openings positioned so audio is audible when the device is used folded or open. One speaker is located along the top edge when the phone is folded, and the other is positioned near the bottom edge of the main chassis. The hinge design and slimmer profile of the Fold 7 reduce internal acoustic volume compared with thicker phones, which limits how much physical air movement the speakers can produce. That constraint primarily affects low frequency response and bass authority.

Practical consequences include strong stereo imaging and clear mids and highs, while the physical limitations of the thinner chassis mean the Fold7 cannot reproduce the same low-end thump as larger slab-style phones that have more internal space for resonant cavities.

Reviewer consensus

At launch and in early reviews, multiple sources converged on a similar conclusion. The Fold7 produces balanced and clear sound with an emphasis on midrange fidelity. The loudness level is sufficient for most indoor listening and for personal media consumption. However, objective and subjective reports indicate that deep bass and maximum loudness trail behind some of the very loudest slab flagships.

Reviewer highlights and test notes typically include the following observations:

• Clear vocal reproduction, which benefits movies, podcasts and voice calls.
• Crisp treble and good detail retrieval, with an emphasis on non-fatiguing top end.
• Moderate bass presence, but without strong low-end punch or sub-bass extension.
• Clean output up to comfortable listening levels, with mild compression or resonance reported only at very high volume settings.

Sound character — bass, mids, highs and distortion

Bass: The Fold7 delivers bass that is present and usable on many tracks, but it lacks the forceful low-end authority found in thicker phones. Track transients and bass impact are audible, but the deepest sub-bass notes and the strongest chest-impact are diminished because the speaker driver excursion is limited by the thin chassis.

Mids: Vocal clarity is a strong point. Dialogue in movies and spoken-word content comes through clearly and naturally. That quality makes the Fold 7 a solid device for watching series, movies, and conducting video calls.

Highs: Treble is generally crisp and detailed without being overly bright. This balance is pleasant for long listening sessions and helps maintain clarity across complex tracks.

Distortion and headroom: For typical listening levels, distortion is not commonly reported. When pushed to maximum volume on bass-heavy material, listeners may notice arming compression or some resonant artifacts. Overall, the Fold 7 manages clean playback up to levels that suit most indoor and personal-use situations.

Dolby Atmos and One UI audio tuning

One of Samsung’s strengths is software-level audio processing. The Fold7 includes Dolby Atmos and other One UI audio tools. Enabling Dolby Atmos often widens the perceived soundstage and improves the immersive effect when watching movies or playing games. The Equalizer offers presets and manual controls, providing a practical way to tailor tonal balance.

Practical tuning tips:

• Enable Dolby Atmos to widen the perceived soundstage and enhance clarity, especially for streamed video and movies.
• Experiment with equalizer presets. If you want more warmth, try boosting lower mids and lower bass modestly. Be cautious with large bass boosts, which can push the speakers into distortion at high volumes.
• For headphone listening, use Adapt Sound to personalize frequency response to your hearing profile. This is helpful when using Galaxy Buds or other headphones.
• UHQ Upscaler and similar features can improve perceived detail when playing compressed audio, though gains vary by source quality.

Many users report subjective improvement after activating these features, so toggling Atmos and trying different presets is an effective first step in optimizing listening.

Comparison with Fold 6 and slab flagships

Fold 7 compared to Fold 6: The Fold 7 aims to be thinner and lighter, which alters internal component layout. Audio hardware has not seen a dramatic overhaul between the two generations. Listeners report that the Fold7 and Fold6 are close in perceived audio quality, with the Fold7 sometimes sounding slightly leaner in the low end due to the reduced internal volume. Preferences vary, and some users do not notice a meaningful difference.

Fold 7 compared to Galaxy S-series or other slab flagships: Slab phones typically have more internal volume available for speaker cavities and can therefore deliver stronger bass and higher maximum loudness. If raw speaker power and deep bass are the deciding factors, slab flagships such as the S25 Ultra and similar competitors usually outperform the Fold 7 on loudness and low frequency punch. If the primary motivation is the foldable display and multitasking features, the Fold7’s audio is adequate for most scenarios.

Pros and cons focused on audio

Pros:

• Clear and articulate mids, excellent for dialogue and vocals.
• Balanced treble that avoids listener fatigue.
• Stereo imaging and perceived width improved by Dolby Atmos.
• One UI audio tools provide practical ways to tune sound.

Cons:

• Limited low-frequency authority compared to thicker slab phones.
• Not class-leading for maximum loudness.
• Mild resonance or compression can appear at extreme volumes with bass-heavy tracks.

Practical buyer guidance

Decide based on your primary use case. The Fold7 is a strong pick if you prioritize the foldable form factor, multitasking, and a premium content consumption experience. The speakers are good for solo viewing, gaming and voice calls. If your main priority is high-fidelity on-device speaker performance for parties or outdoor listening, consider a slab flagship or plan to use an external speaker.

Recommendations by user type:

• Casual media consumer: The Fold7 will satisfy most needs, because clarity and balance are prioritized.
• Gamer: The Fold7 gives immersive visuals and usable audio for handheld gaming. Headphones provide the most competitive advantage for critical audio cues.
• Audiophile: The Fold7 is not a replacement for high-quality headphones or portable DAC-enabled setups. Use wired or premium wireless headphones for critical listening.
• Professional user: For video calls and productivity, the clear mids and intelligible speakerphone performance are advantageous.

Price considerations: The Fold 7 launched as a premium device. Given that price position, weigh the device’s foldable benefits against the audio tradeoffs if speakers are a key buyer requirement.

Tips to improve Galaxy Z Fold7 sound

1. Enable Dolby Atmos through Quick Settings or Settings, then compare presets to find the most pleasing option for your content.
2. Use the equalizer to make small, deliberate adjustments. Modest boosts in low frequencies increase perceived warmth without overdriving speakers.
3. Choose high-quality audio sources and higher-bitrate streams when possible to preserve detail.
4. Pair with Galaxy Buds or other high-quality headphones for private critical listening. Samsung supports enhanced features for its earbuds that improve wireless listening.
5. For group listening, connect a portable Bluetooth speaker. The Fold7’s large display pairs well with an external speaker for movie nights or outdoor viewing.
6. Use cases that are well designed for the Fold7 and do not cover or block speaker ports. Some protective cases can muffle sound if they obstruct the speaker grills.
7. Keep speaker ports clean of dust and lint to maintain maximum clarity.

Final recommendation and conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a milestone for foldable phones. It is thinner and more portable than its predecessors, and it offers a large inner screen that enhances multimedia usage. The audio package complements the visual experience by delivering clear mids and highs, an expanded soundstage when Dolby Atmos is enabled, and clean playback at typical listening levels. The most notable limitation is bass depth, which is constrained by the thin design. If your priorities include deep low-end punch and the highest possible on-device loudness, consider a slab flagship or plan to pair the Fold 7 with external audio gear. For most buyers who value the foldable display and multitasking capabilities, the Fold7’s speakers provide a balanced and satisfying audio experience.

Before buying, test audio in a store with your own tracks, enable Dolby Atmos, try the equalizer, and consider whether headphones or a portable speaker would form part of your regular setup. Those steps will help you make the most informed decision based on your personal listening preferences.

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