Samsung is finally making some bold moves with its next-gen foldable. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is shaping up to be the most significant update the Fold series has seen in years. Thanks to a wave of credible leaks and early benchmark results, we now have a clearer picture of what’s coming—and it’s exciting. This information is also featured on 9to9trends YouTube, so don’t forget to check it out.
Android 16 Out of the Box: Fold Beats the S-Series
For the first time, Samsung is breaking its tradition. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will launch with Android 16 and One UI 8 right out of the box, ahead of the Galaxy S25 lineup. This move was made possible after Google shifted Android 16’s release to Q2, and Samsung wasted no time taking advantage.
Tipster Tarun Vats spotted the Fold 7 on Geekbench, confirming Android 16 and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “Elite” variant, the same flagship chip used in the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. This confirms that Samsung is not cutting corners this time. Earlier rumors of a weaker processor variant? Completely debunked.
One UI 8: Subtle But Smart Improvements
Samsung’s next UI update, One UI 8, doesn’t look revolutionary at first glance, but it’s smarter where it counts. One of the most practical upgrades is the auto-hide taskbar, a feature that first appeared in One UI 7. It now works even better. The taskbar disappears when you launch apps and reappears with a swipe. It’s a small change that massively improves multitasking and full-screen experiences—something foldable users will appreciate.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Display: Bigger, Wider, Better
The display setup is where the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 shines. According to reliable leaker Anthony, the inner display is now 8 inches, and the cover display is expected to be 6.5 inches. But more importantly, both panels are wider, solving one of the biggest complaints from previous Fold models. No more tall and narrow “remote control” look. Instead, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 brings a more usable tablet-like experience when unfolded and a normal phone size when closed.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Camera: A Real Upgrade for the Main Sensor
Samsung isn’t overhauling the entire camera system, but the main sensor is getting a serious upgrade. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to feature the same 200MP sensor found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, giving it true flagship-level photographic performance.
As for the other sensors, there’s not much change, but the under-display selfie camera is said to be improved. While the megapixel count remains unknown, multiple leaks confirm that Samsung has made progress in image processing and low-light performance.
Design: Slimmer Body, Bigger Camera Bump
One of the most interesting design changes is the balance Samsung is striking between form and function. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will have a larger camera bump, mainly due to the new main sensor. But surprisingly, the overall device is getting slimmer.
- Thickness when unfolded: 4.5mm
- Thickness when folded: 9.5mm
That makes the Fold 7 even thinner than the Fold 6 and the limited Fold Special Edition released in Korea. In return for a slightly larger camera module, users get a much sleeker profile—a trade-off most won’t mind.
Hardware Enhancements: Not Just Cosmetic
Beyond design and display, the Fold 7 is packing serious hardware improvements:
- Upgraded speakers for better stereo sound
- Larger vapor chamber for improved heat management
- Redesigned S Pen for more precision
Unfortunately, there’s still no built-in S Pen slot—something users have been requesting since the Fold 3. You’ll still have to carry it separately.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Battery: Same Size, Same Concerns
This is where the excitement dips a bit. The Fold 7 will still carry a 4,400mAh battery, unchanged from the Fold 6. For a device this size and with such powerful internals, that’s underwhelming. Samsung’s Ultra series phones offer bigger batteries and longer life. However, there’s hope: the Fold Special Edition showed surprising endurance using the same battery size, suggesting Samsung may have quietly optimized performance and power management. But we won’t know for sure until the device is tested in the real world.
Software Exclusivity: Some Features Locked Behind Fold 7
While One UI 8 will be available on older models, certain features like “Now Brief” and enhanced Gallery search are reportedly locked to the Fold 7 and newer devices. That’s not due to hardware limitations but a strategic move by Samsung to make newer devices feel more premium. For example, the Now Brief feature offers real-time, context-based widgets and reminders, and the upgraded Gallery search can recognize and find photos using natural descriptions like “dog at the beach.” These are software enhancements, but Samsung is choosing to make them exclusive.
Launch Timeline & Expected Price
Samsung is planning its next Unpacked event for July 2025, where it will unveil both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7. While pricing hasn’t been officially revealed, leaks suggest it’ll start around $1,799—similar to the Fold 6’s launch price. Of course, if Samsung throws in any extra features or storage tiers, we could see prices creep higher.
Final Thoughts: Samsung’s Most Meaningful Fold Upgrade Yet
With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung is finally doing what users have been asking for—real upgrades. Bigger, more usable screens. A thinner, more premium body. A powerful processor. Improved camera. Smarter software. It might not be perfect, especially with that unchanged battery and lack of S Pen slot, but it’s a massive step forward for the Fold series. If you’ve been on the fence about foldables, this might be the model to change your mind. We’ll continue tracking leaks, hands-on impressions, and official announcements as they come in.
Last update on 2025-10-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
