Headline alteration: Samsung's anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 7: Possible factors persuading skeptics to embrace the foldable phone trend
Ditching the Rat Race: Why Samsung's Next Foldables Shouldn't Just Focus on Thinness
Foldable phones have been gracing the smartphone market for half a decade now, and competition among the best ones is heating up. While I've been fortunate enough to test numerous handsets, including the top-notch foldables, I've yet to find a compelling reason to make one my primary device.
Devices like the Motorola Razr 2023 and the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 have left me impressed at times, while others, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, haven't quite convinced me. But despite the high costs that foldables carry, Samsung's latest contenders - likely the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 - are right around the corner.
Samsung's teases hint at these foldables being thinner, lighter, and more advanced than ever. However, focusing solely on the design tweaks seems like a step backward. Instead of obsessing over design like they're still fighting last year's battle, Samsung should focus on showcasing the unique benefits that make foldables worth their hefty prices.
The Foldables Arms Race
Assuming Samsung isn't talking about a different model, it's clear they're referring to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in their trailblazing spiel about the "thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet - meticulously crafted and built to last."
To be honest, while a more portable Galaxy Z Fold would definitely be welcome, I fear Samsung is still fixated on proving foldables are a viable design rather than demonstrating why we should pay more for them. It's not that I'm skeptical about the phone's durability; it's just that callousness about the price tag may leave consumers thinking, "So what?"
It's time for Samsung to recognize that we're already on the seventh version of the Galaxy Z Fold, and the market isn't exactly starved for alternative foldables offering similar designs. Making the device thinner and lighter at this stage might only translate into marginal improvements, which could be a waste if it necessitates limited battery life or a less capable S Pen.
Emphasizing Multitasking and AI Integration
If foldable phones aren't set to drop in price anytime soon, Samsung needs to concentrate on convincing us that the additional cost is justified. In my humble opinion, Samsung should focus on highlighting the unique multitasking capabilities of foldables and seamless AI integration.
The Galaxy Z Fold series already allows for simultaneous app multitasking and features a handy taskbar, but I think there's room for more expansion. Samsung could draw inspiration from the OnePlus Open and its dynamic Open Canvas feature, which hasn't been updated in nearly two years.
I'd also like to see more apps optimized to fully utilize the larger foldable screens, as well as some foldable-exclusive AI features to make the Galaxy Z Fold truly shine. Samsung's recent teaser mention of "seamless AI integration optimized for the foldable format" gives me hope that they're planning something special.
A Promising Future for the Galaxy Z Fold 7
While I'm still hesitant to throw my weight behind foldables just yet, Samsung's upcoming models could tip the scales. Apart from the expected improvements to design and build, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to feature a staggering 200MP main camera like the S25 Ultra and Edge models and an improved under-display camera.
But to justify a price tag nearing $1,899, Samsung must make a compelling case. So far, previous Galaxy Z Fold models haven't delivered enough bang for their buck. I'll be watching with bated breath to see if the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will change my outlook on foldable phones.
More from Tom's Guide
- Samsung Unpacked July 2025 - Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Galaxy Watch 8 and everything to expect
- Massive Samsung leak tips Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 features - here's what we could see at Unpacked
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 teaser suggests a big AI camera upgrade is on the way
Enrichment Data:
Thinner, Lighter Profile
- Improved Foldable Profile: The Z Fold 7's thickness is estimated to decrease from 5.6mm to 3.9mm when open, and from 14.5mm to 8.9mm when folded, making it more portable and easier to carry[1].
- Making it More Pocketable: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will likely be lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, handily fitting into most pockets without causing significant bulk[1].
- Lighter Frame Material: The Z Fold 7's frame is rumored to transition from aluminum to titanium, shedding weight and enhancing durability[1].
Display and Performance Upgrades
- Elevated Display Quality: You can expect improved screen tech in the Galaxy Z Fold 7, leading to a smoother visual experience with reduced crease visibility[2].
- Wider Cover Display: The external display or cover screen may increase to around 6.7 inches, providing better functionality without unfolding the phone[3].
- Larger Main Display: Samsung is planning to focus on debuting an 8.2-inch screen for the main foldable display, offering more immersive media consumption and multitasking experiences[3].
- AMOLED with 120Hz Refresh Rate: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will feature the latest AMOLED technology and a quick 120Hz refresh rate across both displays for vibrant, smooth visuals[1].
- New Flagship Processor: Anticipated to use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, promising superior performance, improved energy efficiency, and better thermal management[1].
- Improved Battery Life: Rumors suggest the Z Fold 7 will include a larger battery and faster-charging capabilities, addressing users' chief complaints about foldables[1].
- Larger Memory and Storage Variants: With options of up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will cater to power users seeking innovative devices with ample room for their files[1].
These several enhancements promise a more refined foldable phone experience, addressing past limitations, improving multimedia experiences, and elevating the overall user experience. This amalgamation of features should strengthen the case for the high price tag by providing compelling reasons beyond just the device's design and portability.
The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 from Samsung, despite their anticipated improvements in design such as thinner and lighter profiles, should not solely focus on these enhancements. Instead, they should demonstrate the unique benefits and capabilities that justify their high prices by emphasizing multitasking, AI integration, and optimized app experiences, as well as introducing foldable-exclusive features.
In addition to the design advancements, incorporating a staggering 200MP main camera like the S25 Ultra and Edge models, an improved under-display camera, and increased battery life could fortify Samsung's case for justifying the expensive price tag of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Along with the latest AMOLED technology, a quick 120Hz refresh rate, and larger memory and storage variants, these features should create a more refined foldable phone experience that caters to power users.
