Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: A Major Upgrade in the Foldable Lineup

Samsung is breaking tradition with the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, and this time, it’s for all the right reasons. The device promises significant upgrades, particularly in terms of software and hardware, making it the most exciting foldable phone in Samsung’s lineup.

Android 16 and One UI 8 Right Out of the Box

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be the first Samsung device to ship with Android 16 and One UI 8, months ahead of other devices like the S-series. This comes as Google pushes up Android 16’s release to Q2, prompting Samsung to keep pace with the competition. This is a major leap forward, with One UI 8 debuting on the Fold rather than the usual S-series.

Powerful Hardware with No Compromise

A Geekbench listing has confirmed that the Z Fold 7 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the same powerhouse used in the S25 Ultra. Contrary to some rumors, Samsung is not opting for a watered-down version of the chip, providing users with top-tier performance without compromise.

New Features to Improve Usability

The Z Fold 7 brings several usability improvements, such as the auto-hide taskbar from One UI 7. This feature makes the taskbar disappear when you open an app, giving users a full-screen experience. Swiping up from the bottom can bring it back, offering a smoother and cleaner interface.

Missing Features and Disappointments

Despite the improvements, Samsung has decided not to bring some features to older devices. For example, the Now Brief feature, which could have enhanced the user experience, has not made its way to devices like the Z Fold 6. Another feature not making it to older models is the new Gallery search, which allows users to find specific photos by typing keywords like “dog at the beach.” This feature is useful, but it seems exclusive to the Z Fold 7.

Bigger, Better Displays

One of the biggest changes in the Z Fold 7 is the increase in screen size. The inner screen is rumored to be 8 inches, with some sources suggesting it could even reach 8.2 inches. The outer screen is also larger at 6.5 inches, making the foldable experience more practical. In addition to the size increase, the display is wider, moving away from the remote-control candy bar style seen on previous models.

A Significant Reduction in the Crease

The ever-present crease on foldable devices has been significantly minimized in the Z Fold 7. Following improvements seen in the Fold Special Edition, the crease is less noticeable, marking a significant step forward in the foldable phone space.

Camera Upgrades

The camera system on the Z Fold 7 sees major upgrades, including the same 200MP main sensor from the S25 Ultra. While the rear lenses remain unchanged, the under-display selfie camera is reportedly getting a quality boost. Though still stuck at 4MP, improvements to the sensor’s performance are expected. The camera bump is bigger this time, but this is understandable given that the phone itself is thinner.

Thinner Design and Enhanced Features

The Z Fold 7 is significantly thinner than its predecessor, with a thickness of just 4.5mm when unfolded and 9.5mm folded. While the camera bump is larger, the overall profile of the device is sleek and much more comfortable to handle. Additionally, the phone will feature better speakers, a larger vapor chamber for improved thermal management, and a redesigned S Pen (though, unfortunately, there’s still no S Pen slot).

Battery Life Still a Concern

Despite all the advancements, the battery remains a potential weak point. The Z Fold 7 retains the same 4,400mAh battery, which may not be sufficient for a device of its size. However, previous models like the Fold Special Edition managed to maintain solid battery life despite being larger, so there’s hope Samsung has optimized the device behind the scenes.

A Big Leap Forward for Foldables

Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents the biggest improvement we’ve seen in Samsung’s foldable lineup in years. While it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking new features, it addresses the pain points that have plagued previous models, such as bigger screens, improved usability, a flagship camera, a thinner design, and more polish. And with the launch of One UI 8, the Fold 7 will offer even more software enhancements to make the user experience smoother.

Want to know what One UI 8 brings to the table? Click here to watch the breakdown!