Latest news with #foldablephones
Android Authority
20 hours ago
- Android Authority
Samsung says S Pen could return to foldables after Galaxy Z Fold 7 snub
Alex Walker-Todd / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung confirms it's working on new S Pen tech to possibly bring back support for its foldable phones. The statement comes from the executive director of Samsung's mobile division. The company says it may bring back S Pen support for foldable phones once its new technology is fully ready, and if there's enough consumer demand for the feature. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung's thinnest and lightest foldable phone ever. But that sleek design came at the cost of the S Pen. Samsung no longer supports the stylus on its latest foldable wonder and has removed the digitizer layer from the inner display to trim down the phone's profile. However, this doesn't mean Samsung is done experimenting with S Pen support for future foldable phones. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may not be the notebook replacement you were hoping it would be, future Samsung foldables may resurrect S Pen functionality. According to comments made to ETNews by Kang Min-seok, executive director of Samsung's MX business division, the company is still looking into technology that could enable S Pen support on foldable phones without compromising on their slimness. 'The Fold 7 emphasized that consumers want a thin and light product. Please think of it (S Pen removal) as a trade-off where you lose one if you choose one. We are also researching and developing thinner and innovative technologies for the S Pen, so we will reconsider it when the level of perfection increases and there is consumer demand,' Kang explained. Last year, it was reported that Samsung is working with South Korean fabless chip firm HiDeep to develop new stylus technology that won't require a separate digitizer and battery. This technology would probably be similar to the one iPads use to support the Apple Pencil. They don't require a digitizer; instead, they work with a combination of technologies to support the stylus' functions, including pressure sensitivity and tilt detection. If Samsung brings back S Pen support on its next foldable phone — presumably the Galaxy Z Fold 8 — it's likely to make a lot of fans happy. One of them is my colleague Tushar Mehta, who recently voiced his disappointment over the removal of S Pen support on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Thinnest, lightest Z Fold to date • More durable design • 200MP primary camera • Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy MSRP: $1,999.99 Thin, light, high-powered, and it folds! The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 offers an 8-inch OLED screen, a 200MP camera, the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, and a 4,400mAh battery. The Galaxy AI experience is baked in, offering tools across the camera, Circle to Search, and much more. Best of all, Samsung continues to evolve their fold folding hinge assembly, promising reduced visibility of the crease. See price at Amazon See price at Samsung See price at Amazon Save $420.00 Limited Time Deal! Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Z Fold 6: Slimmer Body, Bigger Screens and Slightly Higher Price
At Samsung Unpacked in July, the phonemaker introduced its most advanced foldable yet: the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It supersedes last year's Galaxy Z Fold 6 with upgrades big and small (or rather, big and thin), but how exactly do they compare? Here's the Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6 specs comparison. Samsung has been releasing foldable phones for over half a decade now since the initial Galaxy Fold (no "Z" back then) launched in 2019, and the company has gotten pretty good at the newer smartphone format. Gone are the days of display and hinge durability issues; now, Samsung's foldable phones are as reliable as their flat counterparts… though at $2,000, the Z Fold series' prices are still high enough to put them out of reach of all but deep-pocketed enthusiasts. The Z Fold 7 packs the latest Samsung upgrades and some design innovations, while the Z Fold 6 is still a powerful and capable device, leaving either a great choice for those who can afford them -- just note the $100 difference in list price, as all those upgrades have led the Z Fold 7 to start at $2,000 while the Z Fold 6 starts at $1,900. Here's how both foldable phones compare. The Galaxy Z Fold 6. Lisa Eadicicco/CNET Design and display Both the Z Fold 7 and Z Fold 6 follow the same broad design: a book-style foldable that has an outer screen to function more or less like a flat smartphone when folded closed. It can be unfolded to reveal its wider, more tablet-like inner display, providing more screen real estate for tasks, games and watching media. The Z Fold 7, however, takes the Z Fold 6's design and slims down its thickness so it takes up even less space in pockets or bags. The Z Fold 7 is 8.9mm when folded up, down from 12.1mm thick in the folded-up Z Fold 6. Likewise, when unfolded, the Z Fold 7 is only 4.2mm thick, down from the 5.6mm in the Z Fold 6. That's even thinner than the Galaxy S25 Edge's 5.8mm thickness, which commands an $1,100 price because of its own deliberately thin and light design. Galaxy Z Fold 7. Numi Prasarn/CNET While users may not see how much thinner the Z Fold 7 is unless they put it side by side with another phone, there are areas where it's noticeably trimmed down -- there's hardly any bezel left around the top and bottom of the USB-C port. The new foldable comes in at 215 grams, which is about the weight of most flatphones, and lighter than the Z Fold 6's 239 grams. Both foldables are IP48 rated for dust and water resistance, meaning while they may survive being dunked in water for at least 30 minutes (the "8" in that rating), they won't protect against molecules smaller than 1mm (the "4" in that rating, lower than the "6" in most phones' IP68 rating) -- so keep either foldable away from dust and sand. Read more: I Held the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It's So Thin I Almost Forgot It's a Foldable The Z Fold 7 is overall slightly taller and wider than its predecessor, which results in bigger screens. The new foldable has a 6.5-inch AMOLED Full HD Plus (2,520x1,080 pixels) cover display, up from the 6.3-inch AMOLED Full HD Plus (2,376x968 pixels) cover display on the Z Fold 6. Both models have 1 to 120Hz variable refresh rates. Similarly, the Z Fold 7 has a larger 8-inch AMOLED tablet-like (2,184x1,968 pixels) inner display compared to the Z Fold 6's 7.6-inch AMOLED tablet-like (2,160x1,856 pixels) inner display. Both also have 1 to 120Hz variable refresh rates. The Galaxy Z Fold 6's camera block. Lisa Eadiccico/CNET Cameras The Z Fold 7's camera array is mostly unchanged from last year's model, with one glaring exception: the 200-megapixel main camera, which it inherits from the Galaxy S25 Ultra that launched in January (and also made it to the Galaxy S25 Edge that arrived in May). While we haven't had much time to try it out, the Z Fold 7's main camera should take sharper photos than the 50-megapixel one on last year's Z Fold 6. On paper, the Z Fold 7's remaining cameras seem otherwise identical to their counterparts on the Z Fold 6: a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto and a 10-megapixel front-facing camera on the cover screen. The 10-megapixel camera on its internal display is now inside of a display cutout, moving away from the under-display camera that prior Fold phones used. Both foldables shoot video in 8K at 30 frames per second. Galaxy Z Fold 7. Numi Prasarn/CNET Specs and battery It's not surprising that the Z Fold 7 gets a boost in specs over last year's Z Fold 6. The most notable is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Z Fold 7, which is more powerful and efficient than the Z Fold 6's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Z Fold 7 has the same internal storage options as its predecessor: 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. But whereas the Z Fold 6 only offered 12GB of RAM for all three of those storage options, the new foldable kicks it up a notch by offering 16GB of RAM for its largest storage (the 256GB and 512GB are again paired with 12GB of RAM). The Z Fold 7 has the same 4,400mAh battery capacity as last year's Z Fold 6. But until we test out the new foldable, we won't know whether its particular setup will result in more or less battery life -- the slightly larger displays on the Z Fold 7 would suggest it would drain its battery faster, and prior testing with Snapdragon 8 Elite phones found they drained more power. Connectivity-wise, the Z Fold 7 has the edge with its Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 support, which are newer and more advanced than the Z Fold 6's Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support. But there's still one area where the Z Fold 7 remains painfully behind the times: charging. The foldable still has 25-watt maximum charging, which is pretty dismal and borderline embarrassing in 2025 for a phone of this price -- even the flawed OnePlus Open that launched in 2023 had faster 67-watt charging, which filled that foldable from dead to 76% in half an hour. As a point of comparison, last year's Z Fold 6 (also 25 watts) recharged just over 40% in 30 minutes. Both phones also have Qi wireless charging. Samsung is selling magnetic cases for the Fold 7 that add compatibility with Qi2 wireless chargers and other magnetic accessories. Galaxy Z Fold 6. Lisa Eadiccico/CNET Software, support and AI The Galaxy Z Fold 7 launches with Samsung's One UI 8 and Android 16 out of the box, which is an improvement over the Z Fold 6 arriving with Android 14. Yes, despite being a year apart, Samsung's biggest foldable will arrive with the newest version of Google's mobile operating system, which the software giant surprise-dropped back in June months ahead of its usual release window. While this is obviously a big win for the new foldable to not have to wait weeks or months for Android 16, it's also a longevity upgrade: Samsung is once again promising seven years of software and security updates for the Z Fold 7, which means it should get annual upgrades until 2032. But while the Z Fold 6 has the same number of upgrades, one of those was Android 15 that came out later in its launch year -- meaning it should only get upgrades until 2030. Both folding phones get the full suite of Samsung's Galaxy AI features as well as Gemini access. From Google's Circle To Search to erasing objects in photos, there's a range of little tools and tricks. But because the Z Fold 7 gets more years of Android updates (and has a newer processor), it could get more Galaxy AI features in the future. Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Cover display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.5-inch AMOLED, 2,520x1,080p, 1-120Hz refresh rate 6.3-inch AMOLED; 2,376x968 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate Internal display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 8-inch AMOLED, 2,184x1,968p, 1-120Hz refresh rate 7.6-inch AMOLED; 2,160x1,856 pixels;1-120Hz variable refresh rate Pixel density Cover: 422 ppi; Internal display: 368ppi Cover: 410 ppi; Internal: 374 ppi Dimensions (inches) Open: 5.63 x 6.24 x 0.17 inches; Closed: 2.87 x 6.24 x 0.35 inches Open: 6.04x5.21 x0.22 in; Closed: 6.04x2.68x0.48 in Dimensions (millimeters) Open: 143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2mm; Closed: 72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm Open: 153.5x132.5x5.6mm; Closed: 153.5x68.1x12.1mm Weight (grams, ounces) 215g (7.58 oz.) 239g (8.43 oz) Mobile software Android 16 Android 14 Cameras 200-megapixel (main), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto), 10-megapixel (cover screen, selfie) 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) Internal screen camera 10-megapixel 4-megapixel (inner screen under-display); 10-megapixel (cover screen) Video capture 8K at 30fps 8K Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM/storage 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, 16GB + 1TB 12GB + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB Expandable storage No None Battery 4,400 mAh 4,400 mAh Fingerprint sensor Yes Side Connector USB-C USB-C Headphone jack No None Special features One UI 8, 25W wired charging speed, Qi wireless charging, 2,600-nit peak brightness, Galaxy AI, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, IP48 water resistance IP48 rating, 25W wired charging, wireless charging + powershare, 3x optical zoom (up to 10x digital and 30x Space Zoom with AI Super Resolution tech) US price starts at $2,000 (256GB) $1,900 (256GB) UK price starts at £1,799 (256GB) £1,799 (256GB) Australia price starts at AU$2,899 (256GB) AU$2,749 (256GB)
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
The Ridiculously Thin Galaxy Z Flip 7 Is Sturdy AF. Ask Me How I Know
If you're concerned about how durable Samsung's foldable phones are, I'm here to tell you not to worry. And that's especially true when it comes to the new Galaxy Z Flip 7, which holds its own among today's best smartphones. After less than six hours with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I accidentally performed my own informal drop test. At a catered affair in Brooklyn, I walked outside to get a view of the waterfront, and when I pulled the Z Flip 7 out of my pocket, I fumbled it. I watched helplessly as Samsung's newest foldable phone fell to the ground. The noise it made when it clacked against the concrete caused everyone around to look at me with a knowing, sympathetic expression that said, "Aw, that's a shame. Your phone is toast." Have you ever dropped your phone? There's that Schrödinger's cat-like moment before you pick it up when you're anxious to see if the phone survived. Fortunately, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 was fine. The 4.1-inch cover screen didn't have any cracks or scuffs. The 6.9-inch inner display was unharmed because the phone was shut. The only tell that it kissed the ground was a tiny scuff on the bottom of the phone near the microphones. Samsung's claim that its new "Armour Flex Hinge" is built to withstand impact is indeed true. In the early days of foldable phones, one of the biggest unknowns was their durability. It's amazing that about six years later, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 can handle being dropped on concrete like it had landed on a velvet pillow. Now, I still wouldn't take the Flip 7 (or any foldable phone) to the beach, as it can only withstand particles that are 1mm or larger. So going to a confetti factory would be fine, but a salt factory is a definite no-no. Ultra Thin: First Look at the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 Ultra Thin: First Look at the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 Click to unmute Video Player is loading. 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Ultra Thin: First Look at the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 The Galaxy Z Flip 7's thin design The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is 6.5mm thick when open and 13.7mm thick when closed. Joe Maldonado/CNET/PCMag The star of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event was the Galaxy Z Fold 7. At 8.9mm thick when closed, the Fold 7 is ridiculously thin. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 looks like it also went on Ozempic, but it's 13.7mm thick when closed. That's slim, but not Fold 7 slim. Why couldn't the Flip 7 be super slim like the Fold 7? I just keep imagining a Galaxy Z Flip 8 with the same thinness as the Fold 7. For some perspective, here's how the Flip 7 compares to its clamshell kinfolk: Galaxy Z Flip 7 thickness vs. other flip phones Phone Closed Open Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 13.7mm 6.5mm Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 14.9mm 6.9mm Motorola Razr Plus 15.32mm 7.09mm Motorola Razr Ultra 15.69mm 7.19mm Motorola Razr (2025) 15.85mm 7.25mm The Galaxy Z Flip 7's big cover screen Here are three Galaxy Z Flip 7 phones in different colors. Joe Maldonado/CNET The original Galaxy Z Flip had a tiny, 1.1-inch pill-shaped cover display. It was perfect for showing the time but pretty much useless for anything else. The defining feature on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is its 4.1-inch cover display. The screen looks incredible. I was checking my notifications on the screen under direct sunlight and was able to read everything. One of the hang-ups I had reviewing the Galaxy Z Flip 6 was switching from the inner screen to the cover display outdoors. There would be times on sunny days where I could barely make out what was on the cover display, despite having no issues with the main screen. Samsung has increased the maximum brightness of the Flip 7's cover screen to 2,600 nits, which is the same as the inner display. Both screens now top out at 120Hz, too, which should make for a much more consistent experience by having system animations, gameplay and scrolling through a social feed look super smooth. The 6.9-inch inner screen is big, but it doesn't feel unwieldy when I use it. The Flip 6 had a 6.7-inch display, but that extra 0.2 inches on the Flip 7's screen makes it feel much bigger, which my middle-aged eyes are grateful for. In terms of functionality, the cover screen's natural state is widgets. And some, like Spotify's widget, are all I need in lieu of using full apps. But I want apps on the home screen, so I need to enable this functionality in the Labs section of Settings and download the MultiStar app. It takes a couple of minutes to set up, but I do wish the interface supported apps by default. The Galaxy Z Flip 7's cameras The Z Flip 7 has a 50-megapixel camera with a wide-angle lens and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera in its cover screen. Joe Maldonado/CNET The Flip 7 has three cameras: a 50-megapixel wide-angle, a 12-megapixel ultrawide and a 10-megapixel selfie camera (in the main 6.9-inch screen). The cameras are the same as those on the Flip 6 and Flip 7 FE. But the phones run on different processors, so differences or improvements in photos and videos (if any) will come from Samsung's processing and machine learning. Here are some of my favorite photos from the Galaxy Z Flip 7 so far: Enlarge Image I grabbed this shot of the New York skyline with the Flip 7's main camera set at 2x. The highlights and texture in the clouds really make this photo pop. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image This image of CNET's Tara Brown and Vanessa Hand Orellana was taken with the Flip 7's main camera, which did a good job of handling the combination of warm front lighting and the bright white backlight from the sign. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image New York streets look great at night after it rains, especially in this photo I took with the main camera. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image I'm a fan of ultrawide cameras, and this snap that I took with the Flip 7 is one example why. I like the way Samsung's ultrawide lens distorts and exaggerates the subject and makes it look more dramatic. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image Here's another photo from the phone's main camera, taken in a dim airline cabin. Patrick Holland/CNET Enlarge Image Both these shots are from the main camera. The one on the left was lit purely by the sign, from behind me. And the one on the right captures the texture and details of the large gelato cone. Tara Brown, Patrick Holland/CNET Galaxy Z Flip 7 final thoughts for now The hinge on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is nearly 30% smaller compared with the one on last year's Galaxy Z Flip 6. Joe Maldonado/CNET/PCMag Samsung gave its foldable line a major overhaul. And while the Galaxy Z Fold 7 feels like an entirely different phone from previous Folds, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 seems like a nice refinement. I will say that I've had only two days with the phone. And as enamored as I am with the larger cover screen, I'm excited to see how the battery life measures up. Samsung gave the Flip 7 a 4,300-mAh battery (compared with the Galaxy Z Flip 6's 4,000-mAh battery), but I wonder if the increased capacity will be offset by the power needed for its Exynos 2500 chip and those larger, brighter displays. I have a lot more testing to do. But as I work my way toward a full review, I'll try not to drop the Flip 7 anymore. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 specs vs. Motorola Razr Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Cover display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 4.1-inch AMOLED, 948x1,048p, 120Hz refresh rate 4-inch pOLED, 2,992x1,224p, up to 165Hz variable refresh rate 3.4-inch AMOLED; 720x748 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate Internal display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.9-inch AMOLED, 2,520x1,080p, 1-120Hz refresh rate 7-inch AMOLED; 1,272x1,080p, up to 165Hz variable refresh rate 6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,640x1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz refresh rate Pixel density Cover: 342ppi. Internal: 397ppi Cover: 417 ppi. Internal: 464 ppi Cover: 306 ppi. Internal: 425 ppi Dimensions (inches) Open: 2.96x6.56x0.26 Closed: 2.96x3.37x0.26 Open: 2.91x6.75x0.28 Closed: 2.91x3.47x0.62 Open: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 Dimensions (millimeters) Open: 75.2x166.7x6.5 Closed: 75.2x85.5x13.7 Open: 73.99x171.48x7.19 Closed: 73.99x88.12x15.69 Open: 165.1x71.9x6.9 Closed: 85.1x71.9x14.9 Weight (grams, ounces) 188 g (6.63 oz) 199 g (7 oz) 187 g (6.6 oz) Mobile software Android 16 Android 15 Android 14 Cameras 50 megapixel (main), 12 megapixel (ultrawide) 50 megapixel (wide), 50 megapixel (ultrawide) 50 megapixel (wide), 12 megapixel (ultrawide) Internal screen camera 10 megapixel 50 megapixel 10 megapixel Video capture 4K at 60fps 4K TBD Processor Samsung Exynos 2500 Snapdragon 8 Elite Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM/storage 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB 16GB + 512GB, 1TB 12GB + 256GB, 512GB Expandable storage No None None Battery 4,300 mAh 4,700 mAh 4,000 mAh Fingerprint sensor Yes Side Side Connector USB-C USB-C USB-C Headphone jack None None None Special features One UI 8, IP48 water resistance, 25-watt wired charging, Qi wireless charging, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Galaxy AI IP48 rating, 68-watt wired charging, 30-watt wireless charging, 5-watt reverse charging, dual stereo speakers, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic cover display, 3,000 nits peak brightness on cover display, 4,500 nits peak brightness on main display, 5G. IP48 rating, 25-watt wired charging, wireless charging + powershare, 3x optical zoom (up to 10x digital and 30x Space Zoom with AI Super Resolution tech) US price starts at $1,100 $1,300 $1,100 Correction, Jul. 12: The Galaxy Z Flip 7 runs on Samsung's Exynos 2500 chip.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
PSA: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 won't work with an S Pen even if you buy one separately
The Galaxy Z Fold series has been compatible with Samsung's S Pen since the Z Fold 3, allowing users to draw on the Z Fold's larger internal display. It was also ideal for navigation, providing users with a more tablet-like experience with the added screen real estate. It may not be the most used feature of the Galaxy Z Fold phones, but for enthusiasts, it's a fantastic way to get their S Pen fix. Unfortunately, a price increase isn't the only surprise Samsung has for us with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung's newest book-style foldable will not support the S Pen. Samsung claims that the digitizer for S Pen compatibility requires an additional layer on the display, resulting in a thicker device. It's a disappointing turn of events, especially since Samsung has already limited the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, removing Bluetooth functionality. I was shocked when Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold 7 would not be S Pen compatible. I didn't love it when the company made changes to the S Pen in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but I accepted it, convinced that the Galaxy Z Fold series would be the last haven for enthusiasts. While plenty of people walk into their carrier stores and pick up Galaxy S25 Ultras, there aren't too many casuals plunking down $2,000 on a Galaxy Z Fold 7. It's disappointing that Samsung would remove S Pen compatibility, as it was a way for some people to justify the higher price of owning a Galaxy Z Fold, using the S Pen to draw sketches or mark up documents on the expansive internal display. If Samsung's most expensive (to date) device isn't immune to feature rollbacks, it's a disturbing sign. I know the company wanted to make the thinnest device possible, especially to compete with foldables from overseas, but I don't believe the two had to be mutually exclusive. I fear it's the beginning of the end for the S Pen. Samsung is sure to mention at every turn that user surveys reveal that not enough people use the feature to make it worthwhile. I disagree. Still, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 won't support an S Pen, and if a $2,000 smartphone can't keep its enthusiast features, which phone will?
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: 3 biggest wins and biggest misses
It's official, Samsung has finally shown off its latest entry into the world of foldable phones, and unlike the last few years, they're impressive. On July 9, 2025, Samsung held its Summer Unpacked event, where we saw new watches and phones. I've been critical of Samsung in the past because I know the Android-OEM giant can do better than it has. Not that I'm taking a sliver of credit, the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a significant departure from previous models, making me very happy in nearly every category a phone can offer. As I recently wrote about skipping the last two Z Fold models, the Z Fold 7 tempted me. A big reason for the skips and recent temptation is the increasing size and bulk of previous models year after year. Meanwhile, the competition, in the US and abroad, surpassed Samsung by offering thinner phones. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung is back in the game and in a big way. Looking at the chart above, you can see the monumental change between the Z Fold 7 and last year's Z Fold 6. While a difference of just over 3mm when closed may not seem like much, it makes a huge difference in hand and pocket. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is bested by 1.6mm, which previously held the crown for the thinnest foldable in the US. Then, depending on which model is the current titleholder of the thinnest folding phone in the world, the Honor Magic V5, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is thinner. I can't overstate how excited I am to get my hands on this phone. When I held the Honor Magic V3 at MWC this past March, I marveled at its thinness, measuring 9.2mm when folded. It truly felt like a regular phone in my hand. Considering the Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes in .3mm thinner, that has me vibrating with anticipation. When it comes to foldables and cameras, folding phones often fall short when compared to their slab counterparts. This isn't only a Samsung issue, but the technology behemoth may have been the worst offender. If we consider that many of Samsung's phones from the past have been among the best camera phones available, it's frustrating that the most expensive phone it currently sells doesn't measure up. Thankfully, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 isn't taking the same approach. Samsung gave its latest foldable the same 200MP camera as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and that's a big deal. While we weren't overly impressed with it in our review of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, even if it's underwhelming there, it's a welcome change for the Z Fold 7. The Z Fold 6 had a paltry 50MP sensor that struggled in most situations, but it also limited digital cropping or digital zoom. That's important with a foldable. Those 100X zoom shots don't work on something like the Z Fold 7 because there isn't room for the periscope-style telephoto lenses. So, digital cropping is important, and so is the number of pixels. The main camera isn't the only upgrade on that front, as we get a new 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a new 12 MP ultrawide. Can't forget the selfie camera on the inside. It's no longer the sad 4MP under-display option from before. Now, we have a 10MP sensor to capture clear images when the phone is open. In addition to gaining a more svelte exterior by shaving off millimeters from its frame, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 also loses some grams. While many will be quick to point out that this weight loss is due to a smaller battery for a smaller phone, that isn't the case. This year's book-style foldable from Samsung keeps the same 4,400mAh cell found in last year's Z Fold 6. I give Samsung a lot of credit here for not taking the easy route of making the phone lighter by shrinking the battery size. This is a primary culprit in our phone's weight, so Samsung found ways to cut weight in other ways. Making big strides year over year to make its latest foldable the lightest in the world, and besting the Z Fold 6 by 24g, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold by a whopping 42g. It's obvious that phone makers are looking for any edge possible to differentiate their devices from others. In many cases, phone design has greatly slowed down, leaving software as the area where brands can find separation. One of those software features is AI, and it has loads of potential, but I have yet to find a necessary use. Yes, I know AI is used for many functions in phones and many other electronics. It's the phrase that Samsung used during its presentation that struck me and gave me a slight feeling of nervousness: AI is the new UI. While this may not be a literal expression that AI is the user interface moving forward, the idea that Samsung wants to lean that way is one that I don't like. AI can do many great things, but it can also get in the way. I don't think the systems, interface, needs, platforms, and safety measures are fleshed out enough yet to give users truly natural, unimpeded ways to use their devices, with AI being the primary point of interaction. Samsung decided that the S Pen is no longer more powerful than the sword. Previous models of the Z Fold lineup, going as far back as the Z Fold 3, worked with Samsung's S Pen stylus. While it required a special version of the pen to use with the inner display safely, the option was great. However, it was a nuisance that you had to get a case to hold the pen or risk losing it, since it couldn't be easily inserted into the device like the S25 Ultra. Book-style phones, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, are ideal for using the S Pen, given their large displays. However, despite my appreciation for the stylus option, it's not a feature I would use frequently. Still, it's one of those things that, if it isn't there, you need it, but when it is, you don't. While I gave Samsung credit earlier for not shrinking the battery size from the Z Fold 6 to the Z Fold 7, sticking with 4,400mAh, I am disappointed that Samsung stopped pushing the envelope. I previously mentioned the Honor Magic V5 as the thinnest foldable in the world, depending on which model you choose, but the phone is about more than just being razor-thin. Honor packed a 5,820mAh battery in its latest foldable; even its previous model had a 5,150mAh battery. For two phones that are similar in dimensions, you'd expect similar battery sizes. However, Honor trounces Samsung here by using a newer battery tech that not only allows for greater energy density but also charges much faster. Samsung stuck with the tried-and-true graphite core lithium-ion battery, while Honor and some others are moving to a silicon carbide lithium-ion battery. As for the charging, Samsung maxes out at 25W wired and 15W wireless, whereas Honor can handle 66W wired and 50W wireless. It has been years since I've used a Samsung flagship phone, primarily because I couldn't find anything overly exciting. Each year, as the next Unpacked event drew near, I felt the excitement building. Hoping that the rumors were wrong, only to be disappointed in a bland rehash. I'm happy to say that while the aesthetic design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is as dull as ever, the change from previous models is phenomenal. From the weight and thinness to the processor and cameras, this foldable feels like an upgrade. While the battery, AI, and lack of S Pen are downers, I think that the rest of the phone will far outweigh those issues for me. I'm thrilled to see Samsung trying again in a category it helped to pioneer and join the race to bring foldables to the masses.
