Lucky Number Seven is Set to Make Waves This Year, if Rumors Hold True
In recent years, Samsung has been operating at what seems like a slow crawl regarding its foldable devices. This is especially the case for the Galaxy Z Fold series, which experienced its most significant innovations during its first three years and has since followed a more iterative path. However, the Z Fold 7 might finally alter this trend.
Ever since the Galaxy Z Fold 4 launched, it’s been straightforward to advise sticking with an older Z Fold model due to the series’ steep pricing. Transitioning to an $1,800 device doesn’t feel satisfying when there aren’t noteworthy technological advancements every year, and the Z Fold’s camera has never topped the rankings.
This isn’t to imply that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 isn’t a capable device, but it was dubbed the “master of refinements” for a purpose. Fortunately, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is shaping up to tell a distinctly different story, according to leaks and speculation, and we’re optimistic in recommending that you hold off to discover what Samsung has planned this summer. Here’s why.
Top-tier Specifications
Generally, the Galaxy Z Fold series has showcased some of the finest specifications in the market. Nevertheless, while the series has consistently included high-performance processors, RAM, and fast storage speeds, along with remarkable software, there have always been elements that felt like compromises, even with its $1,800 price.
That is expected to change this year as Samsung hints at “an Ultra experience” for its upcoming book-style foldable. Initially, we believed this suggested Samsung would launch a Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra model, similar to what was done in South Korea last year with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition, but the latest rumors indicate this is not the situation.
Instead, reports claim that Samsung will introduce a single model featuring “Ultra” specifications. This implies that you should anticipate not only superior performance and multitasking capabilities but also a significant upgrade to the overall experience compared to the Z Fold 6.
This begins with the design, which is rumored to be the slimmest foldable available globally. This represents a dramatic shift from even the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which was about 40% thicker than some rivals. At an anticipated 3.9mm when unfolded, it would be 0.3mm thinner than the current slimmest phone globally, the Oppo Find N5.
Being thin is more critical for foldables than for regular non-foldable smartphones, as evidenced by the Galaxy S25 Edge. This is mainly because these devices must fold in half and still conveniently fit in your pocket.
Samsung is believed to be increasing the screen size to enhance the tablet-like feel in your pocket. Additionally, Samsung unveiled a new crease-less display at MWC this year, which we speculate will feature in the Z Fold 7. Ultra-thin, larger screens, and no crease? That certainly sounds like a significant advantage for Samsung.
But What About the Cameras and Battery Life?
Cameras have consistently been a point of contention for the Z Fold series. Even as recently as last year, the Z Fold’s cameras have proven lackluster when stacked against competitors.
Rumors indicate that the under-display camera on the larger screen is set for an upgrade, while the main rear camera is rumored to receive a 200MP enhancement, akin to several other recent Samsung flagship devices.
However, there’s currently no indication of upgrades for the telephoto camera, which I consider the weakest link among all the sensors. A few foldables, like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, have managed to include a 5x optical zoom lens for the telephoto camera, and we hope that Samsung surprises us with improvements here.
Multiple cameras are reported to be enhanced, including a new 200MP main sensor.
We are also uncertain about Samsung’s approach with the Z Fold 7’s battery. Creating an ultra-thin device could involve compromises in battery size, but rumors suggest that the battery will maintain the same size as the Z Fold 6. Samsung is reportedly developing new battery technology, but it’s not expected to be revealed until next year’s Galaxy S26 series, leaving how they achieved this feat, if true, unclear.
We anticipate that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will retain the same 25W charging speed as the Fold 6, which feels somewhat sluggish for a modern device. Nevertheless, the battery life on the Z Fold 6 is sufficient to last through an entire day without issues.
Should You Hold Off?
In conclusion, waiting for the Z Fold 7 seems advisable as it promises to be a significant enhancement over the Z Fold 6 in almost every aspect. Thinner, faster, stronger, improved cameras, and possibly no display crease are all possibilities as we eagerly await further developments.
