“Vivo’s X Fold 5, with its massive 6,000mAh battery and Zeiss cameras, takes on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, boasting a 200MP camera and slimmer design. As both brands vie for dominance in India’s foldable market, we explore their specs, features, and potential impact.”
Foldable Face-Off: Vivo X Fold 5 Takes on Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Launch Timelines and Market Strategy
Vivo launched the X Fold 5 in China on July 2, 2025, with an India launch expected by July 14, closely following Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 unveiling on July 9 at the Galaxy Unpacked event in New York. Vivo’s aggressive timeline aims to challenge Samsung’s dominance in the premium foldable segment, especially in India, where the X Fold 3 Pro gained traction last year.
Design and Build
The Vivo X Fold 5 is remarkably thin, measuring 4.3mm unfolded and 9.2mm folded (Titanium variant), weighing 217g. Samsung’s Z Fold 7, rumored at 8.9mm folded and 215g across all variants, edges out in consistency but may not match Vivo’s lightest model. Vivo also boasts superior durability with IPX8, IPX9, IPX9+, and IP5X ratings for water and dust resistance, surpassing Samsung’s expected IPX8 rating.
Battery and Charging
Vivo’s X Fold 5 features a 6,000mAh battery, the largest in any foldable, using dual Silicon-Carbon cells (3,275mAh + 2,725mAh). It supports 80W wired and 40W wireless charging, though slower than its predecessor’s 100W wired. Samsung’s Z Fold 7 sticks with a 4,400mAh battery, a potential drawback despite its efficiency optimizations via the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
Camera Systems
Vivo’s X Fold 5 sports a Zeiss-tuned triple 50MP setup: a 50MP IMX921 main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto, with 20MP dual front cameras. Samsung’s Z Fold 7 counters with a 200MP primary sensor, promising superior detail, alongside upgraded ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. Both prioritize AI-enhanced photography, but Samsung’s higher resolution may appeal to camera enthusiasts.
Performance and Software
The Z Fold 7 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, offering a performance edge over Vivo’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the X Fold 5. Vivo’s 8T LTPO displays (6.53-inch cover, 8.03-inch main) hit 4,500 nits brightness, while Samsung’s 8-inch main display and improved cover screen focus on usability. Both run Android 15 with AI-driven features, but Samsung’s One UI may offer better global optimization.
Pricing and Availability
Vivo’s X Fold 5 starts at CNY 7,999 (~₹93,000) in China, with imports available at nearly half the expected Z Fold 7 price of ₹1,75,000–₹1,79,000 in India. Vivo’s potential lower pricing could sway budget-conscious buyers, though Samsung’s brand loyalty and ecosystem may retain its premium market share.
Unique Features
Vivo’s X Fold 5 introduces Apple Watch pairing, a first for Android foldables, and a side-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner. Samsung’s Z Fold 7 may support the S Pen (like the Z Fold 6) and offer a new Blue Shadow color. Vivo’s focus on battery life and durability contrasts with Samsung’s emphasis on camera innovation and slimness.
Disclaimer: This article is based on news reports, leaks, and official announcements from Vivo and Samsung. Specifications and pricing are subject to change upon official India launches. Sources include India Today, SamMobile, NotebookCheck, and posts on X. Always verify details from official brand channels before purchasing.