The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (2025) supports Expert RAW in DNG format and has no mechanical shutter — the image counter stored in each DNG file records total electronic captures. Drop an Expert RAW DNG file to read it instantly.
Check Image Counter →The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (released July 2025) is Samsung’s seventh-generation book-style foldable smartphone and the thinnest Galaxy foldable ever produced. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, it features an 8.2-inch main Flex Window display and a 6.5-inch cover display. The redesigned hinge delivers the slimmest profile in the Z Fold line while maintaining the 200,000-fold durability rating.
Like all smartphones, the Z Fold 7 uses CMOS electronic readout only. There is no mechanical focal-plane shutter. The image counter embedded in Expert RAW DNG files provides a reliable indicator of total usage intensity.
| Model | Release | Main Display | Chip | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 7 | 2025 | 8.2″ Flex Window | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Expert RAW (DNG) |
| Galaxy Z Fold 6 | 2024 | 7.6″ Flex Window | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Expert RAW (DNG) |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 | 2023 | 7.6″ Flex Window | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Expert RAW (DNG) |
| Galaxy S26 Ultra | 2025 | 6.9″ flat | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 | Expert RAW (DNG) |
.dng extension.exiftool -ImageNumber yourfile.dng to read the counter from the command line.| What to Check | How |
|---|---|
| Battery health | Settings → Battery and device care → Battery. A Samsung service centre can run a full diagnostic report |
| Hinge mechanism | Open and close the fold 20–30 times. The Z Fold 7 hinge is rated for 200,000 folds; feel for grinding or uneven resistance indicating early wear |
| Inner 8.2″ display | Check the fold crease, inspect for screen burn on the status bar and gesture navigation area, and look for delamination along the fold line |
| Cover 6.5″ display | Inspect for scratches and test touch responsiveness; the cover display is used intensively for one-handed operation |
| Camera lenses | Check all rear lenses for scratches or fogging; test each focal length in turn |
| Slim chassis integrity | Inspect the thinner frame for dents or stress marks that could affect the hinge seal and water resistance |
| Image counter | High count (>50,000) indicates intensive camera use — useful context, not a failure signal |
No. All Samsung Galaxy smartphones use CMOS electronic readout only. There is no focal-plane shutter mechanism in the Z Fold 7.
Install Samsung Expert RAW from the Galaxy Store and enable RAW capture. The native Camera app Pro mode may also save DNG files depending on your Galaxy OS version.
The Z Fold 7 is significantly thinner than the Z Fold 6, with a redesigned hinge that reduces overall thickness while expanding the inner display to 8.2 inches. The Snapdragon 8 Elite brings faster AI processing, improved Galaxy AI features, and better power efficiency compared to the Z Fold 6’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
No. The image counter is stored in persistent device memory and cannot be reset by a factory reset or firmware update.
The S26 Ultra has a 200 MP main camera and a more comprehensive multi-lens rear system designed for demanding photography, plus a built-in S Pen. The Z Fold 7 offers an improved camera over the Z Fold 6 within its slimmer foldable form, prioritising the large inner display experience. For photography-first use, the S26 Ultra is stronger; for versatility as a camera/tablet hybrid, the Z Fold 7 remains unique.