Samsung will unveil its thinnest foldable smartphone to date when the Galaxy Z Fold 7 debuts at the company's Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9 in Brooklyn, featuring a redesigned form factor that addresses longstanding criticisms about the bulkiness of previous models. The device represents Samsung's most substantial design overhaul of its premium foldable line in years, with leaked specifications suggesting it will measure just 3.9mm when unfolded and 8.9mm when folded, compared to the 12.1mm thickness of its predecessor.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will feature an 8-inch inner display and 6.5-inch cover screen, both larger than the current generation, while maintaining the same $1,899 starting price according to leaked retailer listings12. The wider profile should finally deliver a more comfortable external display experience, addressing user complaints about the narrow cover screen that has plagued previous models3.
However, the thinner design comes with trade-offs. The device will retain the IP48 dust and water resistance rating of its predecessor, falling short of the full IP68 protection offered by some competitors45. European energy labels leaked ahead of launch show the phone earned an "A" rating for drop resistance but only a "C" rating for repairability5.
Samsung is positioning artificial intelligence as the centerpiece of the new device, teasing camera features that can "understand what you're looking at and respond to situations"12. The company plans to make all Galaxy AI features permanently free on the Z Fold 7, moving away from the previous model of offering AI capabilities only through 20253.
The phone will ship with a 200MP main camera, marking the most substantial camera upgrade for Samsung's foldable line in three generations4. Additional AI features will include enhanced photo editing capabilities and improved live translation tools5.
The launch comes as Samsung faces increased competition in the foldable market from Chinese manufacturers like Honor and Vivo, whose latest models already surpass Samsung's thickness and weight specifications1. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be Samsung's thinnest foldable, it will not claim the global title for the world's slimmest foldable phone.
Despite design improvements, the device maintains some limitations that have drawn criticism from durability experts. The phone's complex hinge mechanism and thin profile raise questions about long-term reliability, though Samsung has reportedly introduced new dust-protective brushes along the hinge2.
Preorders are expected to begin immediately following the July 9 announcement, with devices shipping to customers by July 23 or 253.
