Overview: Similar screens, different strengths
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Honor Magic V3, the two foldables align closely on the most visible specs: large internal and external displays, both offering 120 Hz refresh rates to keep UI motion smooth. In terms of raw screen performance, the two are neck-and-neck. Where they diverge is in brightness and the software approach to multitasking, which ultimately shapes how easily you can exploit the big screen in daily use.
Display performance and brightness
Both devices showcase impressive panels with crisp resolutions and ample real estate for apps, videos, and multi-app workflows. The key practical difference is peak brightness: Honor’s display tops out a bit lower than the Galaxy, which can matter in bright outdoor light or when you’re using the device at high brightness for long sessions. Despite this, both phones deliver excellent color accuracy and legibility, making the most of the large canvases on offer.
Multitasking: how each OEM leverages the big screen
Honor Magic V3 shines with a refined multitasking experience that emphasizes flexibility on both halves of the folding screen. You can split the screen with a dedicated app on each side and then pull floating windows over either half for true multitasking. An edge icon menu lets you switch between apps quickly, and you can toggle between vertical and horizontal split views with ease. This approach makes efficient use of the large display, especially for productivity tasks and multi-app viewing.
Samsung, however, centers the Fold 7 experience on productivity through its established multitasking flow, reinforced by Google’s ecosystem. Samsung has introduced a persistent bottom taskbar that appears whenever you open an app, providing quick access to app pairs and floating windows. This makes it easy to assemble and switch between app combinations, letting you run two or three apps side by side with minimal friction. The missing stylus support, a notable change for this model, shifts the workflow toward touch and on-screen keyboard input, but the overall multitasking fluidity remains a strong selling point for large-screen use on the Fold 7.
Software choices and everyday usability
Honor’s software layer prioritizes multitasking customization, offering a streamlined path from app to app with flexible windowing options. The interface supports rapid app switching and window resizing, which is particularly handy when you want to reference information in one window while drafting notes in another. Samsung’s software approach—centered around the bottom taskbar and seamless app pairing—supports quick, one-handed access to a curated set of actions and apps. For users who value a quick start to multi-app sessions, Samsung’s approach often feels more immediately productive, thanks to its persistent controls and well-integrated Google services.
Verdict: Which one makes better use of the big screen?
Both phones offer compelling large-screen experiences, but the verdict depends on your workflow. If you prefer highly granular multitasking with independent split screens and floating windows on each half of the display, Honor Magic V3 provides a specialized, flexible setup that excels in hands-on, multi-app scenarios. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its bottom taskbar and polished app-connecting workflow, delivers a slightly more streamlined and universally accessible productivity experience, especially for users deeply integrated into Google and Samsung ecosystems. Based on screen usage and everyday productivity, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 earns a small edge for most users seeking fast, predictable multitasking with a familiar Android experience. Overall ratings from testers tend to reflect this balance: Honor scores well for flexibility, Samsung slightly higher for rapid, dependable productivity on the big screen.
Bottom line
Both devices honor the promise of foldables that genuinely leverage the large screen for work and play. For sheer ease of use and a consistently strong multitasking experience, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 stands out. For those who value highly customizable windowing and per-app layout experiments, the Honor Magic V3 remains a compelling choice. If you prioritize a quick, plug-and-play large-screen workflow, the Fold 7 is the winner in this bout.
