Since you've exhausted nearly all standard troubleshooting methods, it seems you are dealing with a software or potential hardware fault that requires official intervention
Perform an Advanced Software Clear (Wipe Cache Partition)
This procedure clears temporary system files that may have been corrupted during the update process without erasing your personal photos or apps. This is a common fix for post-update glitches and is different from a full factory reset.
Power off your Z Fold 7.Connect your phone to a computer or a USB-C charger using a USB-C cable.Press and hold the Volume Up and Side (Power) buttons simultaneously.Release both buttons once you see the Samsung logo on the screen. The Android recovery menu will appear.Use the Volume Down button to navigate to Wipe cache partition.Press the Side (Power) button to select it.Use Volume Down to select Yes and confirm with the Side (Power) button.Once complete, select Reboot system now to restart your phone normally.
If the above steps fail, you have reached the limits of DIY fixes. The issue is likely a faulty hardware component or a software issue that needs flashing (reinstalling the OS from scratch), which you mentioned you cannot do yourself.
Contact Samsung UK Support: Call or chat with official support agents who can initiate a warranty claim or repair ticket. They have procedures for dealing with updates that cause device failure. You can find contact options on the official Samsung UK contact us page.
Visit a Local Authorised Repair Centre: You can use the Samsung Service Centre Locator to find a nearby authorized shop (like a Currys or Samsung Experience Store repair desk). They can diagnose the hardware professionally and perform a secure factory reset or firmware reinstallation.
Hope this helps