Not long after our first round of renders for Samsung’s upcoming foldable, we’re getting a glimpse of a Galaxy Z Fold 7 dummy unit that really puts this year’s rumored changes into perspective.
Korean YouTube channel TheSINZA uploaded a full hands-on video with a Z Fold 7 dummy unit, complete with comparisons to last year’s Z Fold 6 and the China-and-Korea-exclusive Z Fold SE. After years of minimal changes to Samsung’s foldable design — all while competitors caught up and, in many ways, surpassed the Z Fold series — it’s clear Samsung is taking its fellow challengers seriously with this phone.
In many ways, this video confirms what yesterday’s renders already promised us. This is a significantly slimmer, larger foldable than the Z Fold 6, measuring in at just 4.5mm when unfolded. That’s slightly bulkier than what initial reports had suggested, but still equates to a sub-10mm folding phone, which I’d argue is the modern standard. The design changes introduced last year — the squared edges, the slick metal frame — are all sticking around for another generation, making for what I think is a pretty excellent looking smartphone.
Still, there are downsides to making a foldable that’s not much bulkier than a Galaxy S25 Ultra. The camera module, for example, protrudes extremely far out from the phone’s back, so don’t expect a stable desktop experience without a case. Likewise, the volume rocker and power button — which doubles as the fingerprint sensor — both look pretty slim, even by foldable standards. It’s tough to say if that could cause issues when using the phone without holding it ourselves.
If it wasn’t for the slimmer chassis, the sheer increase in size is likely what would catch our eye in the first place. Compared to the 6.3-inch outer panel on the Z Fold 6, the Z Fold 7 looks more in line with the Galaxy S25 Ultra than its actual predecessor. Samsung has long been the sole holdout on bringing a standard display shape to the front of its Z Fold-series, even as rivals like OnePlus and Google flocked to this design. With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, you’re looking at a pretty standard display.
We’ve still got a few weeks left to go until Samsung’s rumored July 9th Unpacked event, but so far, the Z Fold 7 is stacking up to be the change plenty of us have wanted from the company for generations.
Judging by the leaks, what do you think of this foldable so far?
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