Samsung’s next flagship foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, is generating considerable buzz ahead of its anticipated July 9 launch. Recent leaks and renders paint a clear picture of a device poised to deliver a refined foldable experience, marked by a dramatically thinner profile, larger displays, and a notable shift in front-facing camera technology: the return of the punch-hole camera. This change signals a strategic move by Samsung to prioritize image quality and overall user experience over the aesthetic of an under-display camera (UDC) for its internal screen.
Key Takeaways:
- The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to be significantly thinner than its predecessor, the Z Fold 6, measuring as little as 3.9mm when unfolded.
- The internal foldable display is projected to expand to 8.2 inches, while the cover screen will grow to 6.5 inches.
- Samsung is reportedly ditching the under-display camera (UDC) for the inner screen, opting for a traditional punch-hole camera on both the inner and outer displays.
- The device is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and feature a 200MP main rear camera.
- The launch is slated for July 9, 2025, at the Galaxy Unpacked event in Brooklyn, New York.
A Slimmer, More Expansive Foldable Experience
Samsung has consistently worked towards making its foldable phones more compact and user-friendly. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 appears to be the culmination of this effort. Leaked dimensions suggest an unfolded thickness as low as 3.9mm, a substantial reduction from the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 5.6mm. When folded, the device is expected to be approximately 8.9mm thick, compared to the Fold 6’s 12.1mm. This significant reduction in thickness aims to make the Z Fold 7 more pocketable and easier to handle, addressing a common user feedback point regarding previous Fold models.
This thinner design does not come at the expense of screen real estate. The internal foldable display is tipped to increase from 7.6 inches on the Fold 6 to a more expansive 8.2 inches. The outer cover screen will also see an increase, growing from 6.2 inches to 6.5 inches. These larger displays promise a more immersive viewing and multitasking experience, further blurring the lines between a smartphone and a tablet. Both screens are expected to be Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and vibrant colors. Reports also indicate a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, which would significantly improve outdoor visibility.
The Return of the Punch-Hole Camera
One of the most noteworthy design changes revealed in the leaks is Samsung’s apparent decision to revert to a punch-hole camera for the internal foldable display. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 featured an under-display camera (UDC) on its main screen, a technology designed to offer an uninterrupted viewing experience. However, UDC technology often compromises image quality due to the screen layers obscuring the lens.
The move back to a punch-hole setup suggests Samsung is prioritizing front-facing camera performance, particularly for video calls and selfies taken with the unfolded display. While the under-display camera offered a “full screen” aesthetic, users often had to rely on the external cover screen’s punch-hole camera for higher quality self-portraits. By returning to a punch-hole on the internal display, Samsung aims to provide consistent and improved image quality across both front-facing cameras. The internal selfie camera is rumored to be a 4MP sensor, while the cover screen will likely retain a 10MP punch-hole camera. This decision reflects an understanding of user priorities, where camera clarity takes precedence over a completely uninterrupted display for the inner screen.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
Beyond its refined design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to pack a substantial punch in terms of performance. The device is widely anticipated to be powered by Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This chipset is expected to deliver significant improvements in processing power and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, crucial for the advanced multitasking and generative AI features that Samsung is integrating into its devices through Galaxy AI.
Storage options are rumored to include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, paired with either 12GB or 16GB of RAM, utilizing UFS 4.0 for fast data transfer. This configuration should provide ample space and smooth operation for demanding applications and large files.
The camera system is also set for a major upgrade. Leaks indicate the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will feature a 200MP primary rear sensor, a significant leap from the 50MP sensor found in its predecessor. This high-resolution main camera is expected to be complemented by a 12MP ultrawide lens and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This camera array positions the Z Fold 7 as a strong contender in mobile photography, bringing it in line with Samsung’s other premium offerings like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The battery capacity is reported to remain at 4,400mAh, similar to previous Fold models. However, the improved efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and software optimizations with One UI 8 (based on Android 16) are expected to deliver better overall battery endurance. The device is also likely to support 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Software and Ecosystem: One UI 8 and Galaxy AI
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to launch with One UI 8, based on Android 16, out of the box. This marks a significant step, as foldables are reportedly leading the charge in receiving the latest Android versions before even the S-series devices. Samsung has also committed to providing seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates for the Z Fold 7, underscoring its long-term software support.
A major focus for Samsung across its 2025 flagship lineup is Galaxy AI. The Z Fold 7 will undoubtedly leverage these AI functionalities, tailoring them for the unique foldable form factor. Features like Circle to Search, live translation, and advanced photo editing tools are expected to be further optimized for the larger internal display and enhanced multitasking capabilities. The return of S Pen support, possibly with a redesigned stylus, further highlights Samsung’s commitment to productivity features on its foldable line.
Evolution of Samsung’s Foldable Philosophy
Since the introduction of the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, Samsung has been at the forefront of foldable smartphone technology. Each iteration has brought incremental refinements, addressing hinge durability, display protection, and overall user experience. The initial models focused on proving the viability of the foldable concept, combining smartphone portability with tablet-like screen real estate. Subsequent generations refined the design, making devices thinner, lighter, and more resilient, with improved water resistance.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7, with its focus on a significantly thinner build and a pragmatic shift in internal camera design, represents a maturing of Samsung’s foldable philosophy. It indicates a move towards prioritizing practical user benefits and core performance metrics, such as camera quality, alongside continued innovation in form factor and display technology. The increased screen sizes reflect a growing understanding of how users interact with these devices for productivity and media consumption.
While competition in the foldable market is intensifying with offerings from Oppo, Honor, and Vivo, Samsung continues to hold a significant market share. The Z Fold 7’s rumored specifications and design choices aim to solidify its position as a leading contender, offering a blend of premium hardware, a refined user experience, and long-term software support.
Anticipated Launch and Availability
Samsung has officially confirmed its next Galaxy Unpacked event for July 9, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. This event is widely expected to be the platform for the official unveiling of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Pre-orders are likely to commence immediately after the event, with general sales beginning a week or two later.
While official pricing has yet to be announced, early leaks from European retailers suggest a slight increase compared to its predecessor. For instance, the 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 7 might be priced around EUR 2,227.71 (approximately ₹2,23,000), with the 512GB model around EUR 2,309.03 (approximately ₹2,31,100). These prices include local VAT and may vary by region.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is shaping up to be a compelling device that addresses critical aspects of foldable phone design and functionality. Its slimmer profile, larger displays, improved camera system, and powerful internal components, combined with Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support, aim to offer a complete and refined foldable smartphone experience.
FAQ Section
Q1: What are the key design changes expected in the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
A1: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to be significantly thinner when unfolded (around 3.9mm) and folded (around 8.9mm) compared to its predecessor. It will also feature larger displays: an 8.2-inch inner screen and a 6.5-inch cover screen.
Q2: Why is Samsung reportedly returning to a punch-hole camera for the inner display?
A2: Samsung is likely returning to a punch-hole camera for the inner display to improve image quality. While under-display camera (UDC) technology offers an uninterrupted screen, it often compromises the clarity and performance of the camera itself. This change prioritizes better photo and video quality for the internal selfie camera.
Q3: What processor will power the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
A3: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is anticipated to be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which will bring enhanced performance and advanced AI capabilities.
Q4: What are the camera specifications of the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
A4: The Z Fold 7 is rumored to feature a triple rear camera setup with a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The internal front-facing camera is expected to be 4MP (punch-hole), and the cover screen camera will likely be 10MP (punch-hole).
Q5: When is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 expected to be launched?
A5: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to be officially launched at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York.
Q6: Will the Galaxy Z Fold 7 support the S Pen?
A6: Yes, rumors suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will continue to support the S Pen, and there may even be a redesigned S Pen with new features.
Q7: What operating system will the Galaxy Z Fold 7 run?
A7: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to launch with One UI 8, based on Android 16, and will receive seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.
Q8: What is the expected battery capacity of the Galaxy Z Fold 7?
A8: The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to retain a 4,400mAh battery. Despite the similar capacity, efficiency improvements from the new chipset and software are expected to offer better battery life.
Q9: How will the Galaxy Z Fold 7 leverage AI features?
A9: The Z Fold 7 will integrate Samsung’s Galaxy AI functionalities, optimizing them for the foldable form factor. This includes features like Circle to Search, real-time translation, and advanced generative AI photo editing capabilities.
