Vivo X Fold 5 vs Samsung Z Fold 7 Comparison 2025

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Foldable Phones in 2025
• Design & Build Quality: Slim Practicality vs Luxurious Bulk
• Display Experience: Bigger Canvas or Brighter Clarity?
• Camera Performance: Raw Power vs Precision Optics
• Performance & Hardware: Elite Power vs Balanced Speed
• Battery & Charging: Close Race with a Fast Finish
• Software & Ecosystem: One UI Polish vs Origin Simplicity
• Price & Value: Premium vs Practical
• Final Verdict: Which Foldable Is Right for You?

Introduction: Foldable Phones in 2025

The foldable phone market is no longer a futuristic concept it’s very much part of our reality in 2025. With consistent innovation and user demand for bigger screens in smaller bodies, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what foldable smartphones can do. Two standout models in this race are the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Vivo X Fold 5. Both have made significant impressions, but they appeal to slightly different types of users. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll look at how these two foldables stack up in design, display, performance, camera technology, battery life, software, and overall value all to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your pocket.

Design & Build Quality: Slim Practicality vs Luxurious Bulk

Design is arguably the most critical aspect of any foldable phone. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 focuses on refinement and practical use. It features a lighter body at 215g, a narrower and more comfortable outer display, and a redesigned Armor FlexHinge that feels smooth and sturdy. The use of Armor Frame 3.0, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the front, and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back makes the device more durable, with an IP48 rating for water and limited dust resistance.

The Vivo X Fold 5 opts for a more luxurious and stylish appeal. It’s slightly heavier at 217g and offers a wider cover display, making it more natural for typing and one-handed use when folded. Vivo’s premium materials and Zeiss-branded camera module give it a sophisticated look, complemented by 2nd Gen Armor Glass. Its IP59 rating (IPX8 + IPX9 + IP5X) offers superior dust and water resistance, a rare feat for foldables.

While Samsung wins on portability and weight, Vivo’s superior IP rating and premium aesthetics appeal to those prioritizing durability and style. Learn more about foldable durability.

Display Experience: Bigger Canvas or Brighter Clarity?

Both smartphones bring stunning visuals to the table, but they go about it differently.

The Vivo X Fold 5 sports a massive 8.03-inch LTPO AMOLED main display with a 2480x2200 resolution, a smart refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, making it ideal for outdoor use. The 6.53-inch cover display (1172x2748) is also AMOLED, with 120Hz and Dolby Vision support, offering a wider, more usable surface for one-handed tasks.

The Z Fold 7 features a slightly smaller 8.0-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel (2184x1968), but it excels in brightness at 2,600 nits and has an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate that drops to 1Hz for efficiency. The 6.5-inch cover display (1080x2520) is narrower but optimized for one-handed use, with improved touch response and a less noticeable crease.

For sheer size and brightness, Vivo takes the lead, but Samsung’s refined responsiveness and crease reduction offer a more polished experience. Explore foldable displays.

Camera Performance: Raw Power vs Precision Optics

The biggest difference between these two foldables lies in camera technology.

The Z Fold 7 boasts a 200MP primary sensor with OIS, delivering exceptional detail and flexibility, paired with a 12MP ultrawide and a 10MP telephoto offering 3x optical and up to 30x digital zoom. The 10MP cover and 10MP under-display selfie cameras are functional but less sharp. Samsung’s Nightography 2.0 and ProRAW ensure top-tier performance across lighting conditions.

The Vivo X Fold 5 features a Zeiss-tuned triple 50MP setup: a 50MP Sony IMX921 main sensor (f/1.57, OIS), a 50MP ultrawide (f/2.05), and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto (f/2.55, OIS, up to 100x digital zoom). Its 20MP front cameras (cover and inner) excel in selfies and video calls, offering natural colors and bokeh. Vivo’s Zeiss tuning prioritizes consistency and dynamic range.

If raw image detail and zooming matter, the Z Fold 7 wins. For balanced, natural photography, Vivo’s Zeiss system is superior. Learn about 200MP cameras.

Performance & Hardware: Elite Power vs Balanced Speed

Under the hood, the Z Fold 7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, offering 38% faster CPU, 41% improved NPU, and 26% better GPU performance than its predecessor. Paired with 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage, it excels in gaming, video editing, and multitasking.

The Vivo X Fold 5 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, a capable chip but slightly behind in raw power. With 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, it handles demanding apps and games smoothly but may warm up during extended use, like navigation or camera tasks.

Samsung’s chipset advantage makes it ideal for power users, while Vivo’s performance suits professionals needing reliable speed. Discover Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Battery & Charging: Close Race with a Fast Finish

Battery life is a critical factor for foldables, and both phones perform well.

The Z Fold 7 has a 4,400mAh battery with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, offering 6.5–7.5 hours of screen-on time and up to two days with light use. The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s efficiency helps stretch endurance.

The Vivo X Fold 5 boasts a 6,000mAh carbon-silicon battery, the largest in foldables, with 80W wired and 40W wireless charging, achieving a full charge in ~35 minutes. It delivers superior stamina, often lasting well beyond a day even with heavy use, and includes an 80W charger in the box.

Vivo dominates in battery size and charging speed, while Samsung offers solid endurance for lighter users. Explore battery optimization.

Software & Ecosystem: One UI Polish vs Origin Simplicity

The Z Fold 7 runs Android 16 with One UI 8, optimized for foldables with features like taskbar pinning, App Pair for split-screen multitasking, Flex Mode for half-open use, and Wireless DeX for desktop functionality. Samsung promises 7 years of OS and security updates, ensuring longevity.

The Vivo X Fold 5 uses Android 15 with Funtouch OS 15, offering elegant dual-app multitasking and gesture support. However, it lacks Samsung’s ecosystem depth and is promised only 4 OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

Samsung’s robust, versatile software and longer support make it the clear winner for productivity and future-proofing. Explore One UI 8.

Price & Value: Premium vs Practical

Price is where the Vivo X Fold 5 shines. At ₹1,49,999 (~$1,799) for its 16GB/512GB variant, it undercuts the Z Fold 7, which starts at ₹1,74,999 (~$2,099) for 12GB/256GB and goes up to ₹2,16,999 (~$2,599) for 16GB/1TB.

Vivo offers excellent value with its large battery, fast charging, and Zeiss cameras. Samsung justifies its premium with better performance, durability, software, and update longevity. Check Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review.

Final Verdict: Which Foldable Is Right for You?

If you want the best foldable experience available today with class-leading performance, camera flexibility, multitasking power, and long-term software support the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is your device. Its 200MP camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite, and 7-year update promise make the $2,099 price tag worthwhile for power users and professionals.

However, if you want a more affordable foldable with a massive 6,000mAh battery, faster 80W charging, and a Zeiss-tuned camera system for natural photography, the Vivo X Fold 5 is a smart and stylish alternative at $1,799. It’s ideal for casual users, creative professionals, or anyone new to foldables.

We hope you found this comparison helpful. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know which foldable you’re eyeing! Check out other 2025 smartphones.