Some Galaxy Z Fold 7 Units Don’t Open Flat — But It Might Be Normal

Last week, Samsung officially took the wraps off the Galaxy Z Fold 7, its most refined foldable yet. The new Fold is slimmer, lighter, faster, and features a less visible crease — a long-standing complaint with foldables. But just days after launch, a curious issue has caught users’ attention. Some early units of the Fold 7 reportedly don’t open completely flat, sparking concern among early adopters.

Early users report a concerning issue with the Galaxy Z Fold 7

A Reddit user recently shared a photo of a Galaxy Z Fold 7 demo unit that didn’t open fully flat, showing a subtle but visible angle at the hinge. Another user chimed in, noting they noticed a similar thing on a display unit at a Best Buy store in the US. Naturally, this led to concern, especially since the phone has only just arrived in stores. Foldables have come a long way in terms of durability, so a display that doesn’t open all the way seems like a step back.

However, before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to note that these reports are based on demo units — not brand-new devices straight out of the box. Retail demo units often endure rough handling, with countless customers folding, pressing, and twisting them throughout the day. This kind of wear and tear, especially on a foldable, can easily affect how the device behaves. It’s entirely possible that the units in question were either not fully opened or simply worn down from excessive use.

Samsung has also previously noted that it’s normal for foldable devices with a Flex Hinge to not open exactly to 180 degrees. A slight deviation — up to 1.5 degrees in either direction — is within design specifications. So if your Galaxy Z Fold 7 opens at, say, 179 degrees, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a manufacturing defect. That said, you shouldn’t ignore it entirely. If something feels off or inconsistent, it’s always wise to visit a service center — especially when you’re spending nearly $2,000 on a premium device.