For months, the buzz surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been relentless, amplified by bold claims that it would be the thinnest foldable phone ever made. But now that CAD renders and insider reports are surfacing, the truth is far less revolutionary. While still an impressive engineering feat, the Z Fold 7 falls short of living up to the hype in several critical areas. It seems that Samsung may once again be relying on clever marketing rather than delivering a groundbreaking redesign. This information is also featured on 9to9trends YouTube, so don’t forget to check it out.
The Thinnest Foldable? Not Quite
The first major claim Samsung fans were excited about was the supposed record-breaking thinness of the Z Fold 7. Early rumors, most notably from reputable leaker Ice Universe, teased a profile as slim as 3.9 mm when unfolded—a figure that would have undoubtedly made it the thinnest foldable on the market. However, new CAD renders shared by SamMobile have revealed the actual dimensions: 4.54 mm when unfolded and approximately 9 mm when folded. While these numbers are certainly slim, they are not enough to dethrone the Oppo Find N5, which edges out the Galaxy Z Fold 7 by a mere 0.1 mm.
Adding to the confusion is the phone’s protruding camera bump, which pushes the total folded thickness to over 10 mm. This immediately disqualifies it from any realistic claim of being the thinnest foldable, despite what Samsung’s marketing might eventually suggest. This wouldn’t be the first time the company stretched the truth—Samsung similarly positioned the Z Fold 6 as the slimmest foldable in its category, a move met with scrutiny by tech analysts and fans alike.
Titanium, Redesigned Internals, and Familiar Faces
Samsung continues to brand the Galaxy Z Fold 7 as a major redesign, but the truth is far more subdued. Yes, the device features titanium for the first time, but this implementation is restricted solely to the back plate. It’s a far cry from the full-frame titanium structure of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. While this addition does help bolster durability, especially around the hinge and the main foldable display, it’s hardly the radical overhaul enthusiasts had hoped for.
That said, the device does include several internal reworks. As highlighted in a tweet by PandaFlash Pro, Samsung has fully re-engineered four key parts of the Galaxy Z Fold 7: the hinge mechanism, the inner display layering, the vapor chamber, and a new iteration of UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass). These are not insignificant changes. A better hinge could mean improved reliability and a more fluid folding motion, while display layering and UTG upgrades could enhance screen longevity and visual clarity. Still, for many consumers and critics, these updates feel more like technical refinements than a bold leap forward.
Visually, the Z Fold 7 appears remarkably similar to its predecessor. From a design perspective, it remains nearly indistinguishable from the Z Fold 6, raising concerns that Samsung may be prioritizing internal tuning over noticeable, user-impactful changes. This sentiment is only amplified when comparing the Fold 7 to what companies like Oppo have already accomplished with devices like the Find N5. Samsung, in this light, feels more reactive than trailblazing.
Camera Upgrades Clouded by Design Compromises
One area where Samsung has made a headline-worthy change is in the camera department. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 reportedly boasts a powerful 200MP main sensor—an upgrade that brings it in line with Samsung’s flagship ambitions. However, this enhancement comes with an aesthetic cost. The new camera bump is awkwardly prominent, jutting out beyond the already slim frame and making the phone look uneven from certain angles.
To make matters worse, leaked prototype images from Android Headlines show a rear design nearly identical to the Z Fold 6, with only minor cosmetic differences like a repositioned flash module. The slim rings surrounding the camera lenses also raise doubts about their ability to house such a high-resolution sensor, leaving many to question the authenticity of these prototypes. If the leaks are accurate, the tradeoff for a better camera may be a more clunky and outdated appearance—a risk in a market where design and sleekness are paramount.
One UI 8 and the Ongoing Software Shuffle
On the software front, Samsung plans to debut One UI 8 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and its clamshell counterpart, the Flip 7. This comes even as One UI 7 is still rolling out across older devices in the Galaxy ecosystem. A prototype running One UI 8 has already been spotted and confirmed by SamMobile, suggesting that the new software is in advanced stages of development.
One UI 8 is expected to bring improvements tailored specifically to the foldable experience, likely including multitasking enhancements, more fluid animations, and refined gesture controls. However, while new software is always welcome, it alone won’t be enough to elevate the Z Fold 7 beyond what many will see as an incremental update. With fierce competition from brands like Honor and Oppo, who are not just updating internals but also reshaping how foldables look and feel, Samsung’s software polish might come off as insufficient.
A Wider Cover Display, But Still Playing Catch-Up
Another improvement in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the widened cover display. This adjustment finally makes the device more usable in its folded state, aligning it with the traditional smartphone form factor and solving one of the most common complaints about previous Fold models. In practical use, this should provide a better one-handed experience and reduce the need to unfold the device for basic tasks.
Yet even here, Samsung is not breaking new ground. Competitors like Vivo and Oppo have already refined this aspect in their foldables, offering wide and ergonomically friendly outer screens. In essence, Samsung is playing catch-up, fixing a design flaw that others resolved generations ago. For loyal Samsung users, this update will be appreciated, but for tech enthusiasts looking for the next big leap, it feels like too little, too late.
Pricing, Release Timeline, and Final Thoughts
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to retail at around $1,899, maintaining the premium pricing structure that has long defined Samsung’s foldable lineup. The official unveiling is anticipated at the company’s next Unpacked event, which is likely to take place in late July 2025.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 appears to represent a polished evolution rather than a transformative leap. It addresses some long-standing issues—like cover display usability and internal hardware refinement—but leaves much of its design language and core identity unchanged. Samsung will undoubtedly position the device as a flagship foldable, perhaps even the pinnacle of mobile engineering. But when judged against the rising standards of today’s foldable market, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is more about refinement than reinvention.
Last update on 2025-10-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
