Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Z Fold 6: There’s Much More Beneath the Surface
Samsung’s foldable smartphone range continues its progression, and the forthcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 seems poised to be a notable advancement—at least theoretically. While the Galaxy Z Fold 6 was a commendable enhancement over the previous model, it left some users eager for more. Now, with the speculated improvements heading to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung might be gearing up to offer a more enticing foldable experience. But is it worth the upgrade? Let’s explore the specifics.
A Recognizable Design with Nuanced Yet Important Alterations
Upon initial observation, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might appear almost indistinguishable from the Z Fold 6. Samsung appears to be remaining loyal to its established design philosophy—straight edges, defined corners, and a vertical camera arrangement. Nevertheless, leaked CAD images indicate that the Z Fold 7 will be slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, measuring just 4.5mm when open and weighing 236g. This positions it as the slimmest Samsung foldable to date, albeit not as sleek as rivals like the Oppo Find N5 or Honor Magic V3.
Enhanced, Larger Displays
One of the most thrilling projected enhancements is the display. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is anticipated to come equipped with a larger 8.2-inch inner OLED screen, potentially featuring a creaseless design—something Samsung hinted at during MWC 2025. The cover display may also see a slight increase to 6.5 inches. For comparison, the Z Fold 6 has a 7.6-inch inner display and a 6.3-inch cover screen. Both models are expected to maintain 120Hz refresh rates and AMOLED technology, but the Z Fold 7 could provide a more immersive, fluid viewing experience.
Processing Strength: Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Gen 3
Internally, the Z Fold 7 is rumored to debut with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset. This processor is tailored to manage more sophisticated AI functions and offers enhanced performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 utilized in the Z Fold 6. Both models will likely feature 12GB of RAM and storage options of up to 1TB, but the Z Fold 7’s processor may provide a more considerable advantage in speed and efficiency.
Camera Enhancements: At Last, a 200MP Sensor
Samsung has not made significant upgrades to the camera system on its foldables for years—until now. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to include a 200MP main camera sensor, a significant upgrade from the 50MP sensor on the Z Fold 6. While the ultrawide and telephoto lenses are believed to remain the same (12MP and 10MP, respectively), the new primary sensor could greatly enhance photo quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Selfie cameras are likely to remain unchanged: 10MP on the cover screen and 4MP beneath the display.
Software and Sustainability
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to launch with One UI 8 built on Android 16, while the Z Fold 6 currently runs One UI 6.1.1 on Android 14. However, Samsung ensures seven years of software updates for both devices, indicating that the Z Fold 6 will eventually close the gap in terms of software functionalities. This makes the previous model a sound long-term investment, particularly if you’re not pursuing the latest hardware.
Battery and Charging: Nothing New Here
Both devices are anticipated to be equipped with the same 4,400mAh battery featuring 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. While this is sufficient for the majority of users, it’s disappointing that Samsung has not upgraded charging speeds or battery capacity—especially when competitors are pushing beyond 65W.
Price and Availability
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 was launched at $1,899, and the Z Fold 7 is rumored to come with an even steeper price tag—potentially due to the enhanced chipset and camera specifications. Samsung is predicted to unveil the Z Fold 7 at its next Galaxy Unpacked event, likely in July 2025. Once it hits the market, the Z Fold 6 may see considerable price reductions, rendering it a more cost-effective option for those willing to forgo the latest features.
Final Thoughts: Should You Go for the Upgrade?
If you currently own a Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Z Fold 7 might not provide enough incentive to warrant an upgrade—particularly at a higher price point. However, if you’re using an older foldable or contemplating your first foldable phone, the Z Fold 7’s anticipated advancements in display, performance, and camera technology make it an attractive option.
That said, the Z Fold 6 remains a robust device with remarkable multitasking capabilities, an elegant design, and extensive software support. As prices decrease, it could emerge as the best value foldable available.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Z Fold
