Fold 7 Thermal Management Concern

[skun]

I have noticed that after just a couple minutes of outdoor exposure in ~80F sunny weather (drives the screen brightness all the way up) and I try to do something like take a photo, my screen starts to dim after just a minute or two.  It's even happened early in the morning when it wasn't more than 75F, but the combination of using the camera and screen brightness being driven up by bright sun, the screen would start dimming significantly.  Trying to research the problem I found posts on older galaxy generation phones where they suggested downloading the Thermal Guardian app vis Good Guardians.  I haven't changed any of the settings there, but I can see that with those actions noted above that cause the phone to exceed the "threshold", which is likely what is causing the screen diming.  I even found that sometimes even using it it my airconditioned home (72-75F) I could get it to exceed the threshold just by surfing the internet.  I have a fold 4 and have not experienced this issue.

I've read the cooling in this phone is different due to the slimness, but I'm not trying to game or anything, just take photos outside.  If it was 100F that would be different, but it's doing it at 80F.

I'm concerned it's a possible defect.  It doesn't every get physically hot and I never get any warnings (with the screen diming and other actions it takes, it seems to "manage"), but it seems like it shouldn't have to step in and reduce device performance for day to day activities.

Even when I'm not using the phone, in 72F indoors it never drops below halfway between blue and green emoji.  Compared to my Fold 4 which says it runs cooler on average and doesn't report it's running as hot so doesn't intervene (as quickly).  I did a test where I took both phones outside in sunny 80F weather and the Fold 7s initial cover screen brightness was much better than fold 4, but after a few minutes, it dimmed to be as dim, if not dimmer than fold 4.  

[meself]

Overheating:

Using a phone in direct sunlight, while charging, or with power-intensive apps can cause it to overheat. Overheating can lead to performance issues, decreased battery life, and even automatic shutdowns to prevent damage.

Cold Temperatures:

Extremely cold temperatures can also cause issues, such as battery drain and slow charging.

Battery Deterioration:

Both high and low temperatures can negatively impact the battery's lifespan and performance over time.

Safeguards:

Samsung devices have built-in temperature sensors and safeguards that will activate when the device gets too hot or cold. These safeguards can limit charging speed, reduce performance, or even shut down the device to protect it from damage.

Charging:

Charging a phone in extreme temperatures can also cause overheating. It's best to charge your phone in a cool, dry place and avoid using it while it's charging if it's getting too hot.

To prevent overheating:

Avoid direct sunlight: Keep your phone out of direct sunlight, especially during hot weather.

Close unused apps: Close power-intensive apps that you're not actively using.

Adjust settings: Lower screen brightness, reduce refresh rate, and turn off features like "Always on Display".

Use a case: If you're using a case, make sure it's not trapping heat.

Cool down: If your phone gets hot, turn it off, remove it from any cases, and let it cool down before using it again.

[skun]

Thanks for this information. I understand the purposes of thermal management and protection, however I wouldn't consider 70-80F ambient temperatures extreme in any way. I charge thr phone in a 72F air-conditioned household at night and despite this, it causes the phone to slightly exceed its default threshold.

One of the reasons (besides the thinness) I upgraded from Fold 4 is to make better photos. If taking outdoor photos in sunlight on a moderate day is pushing the system too hard, it seems the cooling system wasn't fully thought through. In all the instances I had only 1-2 apps open like camera and web browser. You can see that they were only taking 13% of cpu usage and that along with maximum screen brightness is enough to push it over the threshold.

[VerbumVeritum]

There is no harm in disabling all "Additional settings" in Thermal Guardian and setting the threshold to maximum. I do this with every phone, including the Z Fold 7.

[skun]

Thanks, I've been a little afraid to mess with them, just really download to try and figure out what's going on because my phone doesn't feel physically hot when it happens, so it seemed almost premature.
To be clear, to disable the additional settings that means checking the boxes by each of the options? The menu description is a bit confusing because it says "Selext settings to restrict strongly. It will help to control device temperature". To me that seems like checking the box will impose these restrictions even sooner (lower phone temp) to control temperature.

[VerbumVeritum]

Based on the screenshots provided, your phone really isn't getting that hot. The thresholds are low, and settings set somewhat on the precautionary side, to protect the device. All of the settings should be unchecked as pictured below:

[skun]

Thanks, all those settings were unchecked already from when i installed the Thermal Guardians app. The other other option is see is to raise the threshold, but it's it the middle of the slider (default).

I just checked thr app now and it says I'm above the threshold despite being on the front porch at Dusk and it's only 78F. Only apps open are this one a Tidal.

[VerbumVeritum]

Just set the threshold to max and forget about it. Keep us updated here if you still experience screen dimming. If your phone overheats, it will automatically shut off the device. I live in NYC where it regularly has reached 90+ degrees, and I walk around with my phone out taking pictures all the time. Does it get hot? Yes, but I never experience screen dimming or deceased performance.