Galaxy Z Fold 7: Bold Leap or Safe Bet?

SEOUL, South Korea, April 11, 2025 – ​Samsung is once again preparing to redefine the market for folding smartphones, and this time, the look of the technological world ​is set on the ​upcoming release of Galaxy Z Fold ​7. ​Scheduled for an official submission in ​July, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is not only a hardware update, it is the center of a ​much wider ​evolution, from silicone updates to software strategy. With the first confirmed ​reference point now showing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ‘Elite for Galaxy’ inside, the Fold 7 ​will share its core with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, consolidating ​its ​status as a real first-level device.

But Fold 7 doesn’t come alone. In addition, Samsung should introduce ​the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the new Galaxy Z Flip FE, a more economical folding ​designed to extend Samsung’s folding footprint. However, it is the Fold 7 ​that requires attention for its ​high ​performance ​innovations, controversial rumors of chipset, and early integration ​of Android 16 through One UI ​8. We will ​deepen the biggest developments, implications, and what all this means ​for both current ​and future Samsung users.

Does Galaxy Z Fold 7 really use the Snapdragon 8 Elite?

It was the question of a ​million dollars in many minds after the first speculations suggested that Samsung could master Golden 7 with a 7-core variant of ​the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This possibility, although plausible given the thermal restrictions on the folds, raises the eyebrows. It would be a ​curious gesture, especially ​for a ​phone for $1,799 or ​more.

As confirmed by the ​benchmarks and reliable leak reports, these fears can be established to rest. According to SamMobile and inside the extreme ice universe, ​the Fold 7 ​actually uses the same 8-core chip Snapdragon ​8 ​Gen 3 view on the Galaxy S25 line. This not only ​ensures parity in processing power through Samsung’s high-level phones, but also sends a clear signal: folds are no longer secondary experiences, ​they are badges in their own right.

Why is it important? Because for too long, the folds had to compromise somewhere, either the battery life, the camera equipment or the heat adjustment of the chipset. ​By including ​the complete Snapdragon 8 Elite, Samsung recognizes ​that users deserve full power without change. ​He also suggests that the company has found better solutions to manage heat ​dissipation, a known challenge in folding design.

Which software will the Galaxy Z Fold 7 ​work?

That’s where things get more intriguing. The Fold 7 is expected to ​start with One UI 8, the custom Samsung layer interface at top Android 16. This is a significant leap from the new One UI 7 release, which is based on Android 15. However, the transition to One UI 8 was not entirely smooth.

According to ​The Verge, Samsung stopped the global deployment of One UI 7 a few days after its launch due to a failure that prevented Galaxy S24 users in South ​Korea from unlocking their devices. The problem led Samsung to quietly press the update of its servers without a formal declaration, leaving some users ​trapped with unstable constructions. In this light, the sudden ​appearance of One UI 8 – currently in alpha in selected Galaxy Z Fold 6 units ​- looks like Samsung to accelerate its review of the user interface to pass through the One UI 7 breakup.

An IU 8 is not a radical exit but an exit focused on ​refinement. Initial ​work reveals modest ​visual updates to applications such as Gallery ​and File ​Manager, with a cleaner design in the Categories section and more consistent application. Although ​still under development, this ​update seems to be polite rather ​than changing. But the real story is that it will send on the ​Fold 7, maybe by making one of the first Samsung phones with Android 16 out of the ​box.

What new features should we expect from an 8-user interface?

Samsung seems to change gears with One UI 8, focusing on engine stability and progressive UX improvements. One feature ​that makes its way through alignment is Now Brief, originally exclusive to Galaxy S25. This AI-driven ​assistant customizes user suggestions according to daily habits, and now extends to devices like Fold 6, Flip 6, and probably Fold 7 as ​part ​of the new update.

According to Smartprix, the inclusion of Now Brief at the beginning of One UI 8 built (more specifically version ​F956BXXU2CYD7) highlights Samsung’s efforts to bring artificial intelligence features through its premium ecosystem. However, do not expect a revision of the IU. ​In its current state, One UI 8 appears more like an Android 16 update discolored with subtle refinements rather than a ​reimagination of user experience.

What is interesting is the context. The Fold 7 will probably launch with this software at a time when the ​old devices still expect stable One UI 7 built. ​Samsung can try to jump to the criticism of One UI 7 delays by prioritizing One UI 8 for the next clues, a calculated movement ​that suggests a change of strategy.

Does Galaxy Z Fold 7 receive an update from the main ​camera?

Yes, and that could be one of the ​biggest reasons to consider this update. According to TechRadar, one of the rumours is a long-standing 50MP main detector switch to ​a 200MP high ​resolution camera, apparently the same used in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This is a considerable ​blow and could ​significantly improve the details and performance of low light.

The sub-display ​selfie camera – a weak point in ​the previous Foldable Models ​- also sees improvements. Although the details remain rare, it is sure to assume that the sensor will be more usable in the iteration of 2025. ​However, there was a radiological silence in the remaining cameras, suggesting that ​they could remain unchanged. ​But even with these two updates, photographers have reason to be optimistic.

The movement towards a 200MP sensor ​also indicates ​Samsung’s intention to unify camera capabilities through ​its premium models. This is ​not ​just about more megapixels; ​It’s about ​reducing the commitment that folding buyers have had to make as an ​image, especially ​when they spend lead money.

Will Galaxy Z ​Plier 7 have a new design?

He expects ​subtle but significant changes. Reports suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will have a slightly larger 8-inch main screen (up to 7.6 inches) ​and a 6.5-inch ​cover screen (up ​to 6.3 inches). These are not massive jumps, but pushing ​the Wobble ​closer to being ​an appropriate tablet when ​it opens and a manageable smartphone when ​it closes.

Perhaps more remarkable is the ​thinning ​of the chassis. The plumbing suggests that the 7-fold could be only 4.5 mm thick when deployed, from 5.6mm ​in ​the 6-fold. Bend, it can ​fall under the 10 mm mark, making it significantly easier to pocket than previous generations. ​For the ​context, fold 6 is 12.1 mm thick when closed. If it is true, it is an improvement in the real ease of ​use, especially for ​a device already too large to be transported daily.

As for aesthetics, ​there are four color options whispered, including perhaps the red ​coral, a helmet ​previously reserved for the ​Galaxy ​S25 line. While the color options are always subjective, it is a little wink but welcome to the variety in a range of products often criticized by a limited design.

What users are ​looking for in version 7?

The Samsung community ​is full of expectations. Foldings ​are ​no longer niches, they become practical alternatives to slabs for multi-takers, creators and productivity-oriented users. There is a request for:

• Better battery life to handle the power-hungry foldable form factor.
• Durable hinges with even more refined water and dust resistance—perhaps pushing beyond ​the current IP48 rating.
• Enhanced ​multitasking UI to truly ​take advantage of the tablet-like screen.
• Longer software ​support now that Android 16 is arriving ​earlier.

Clearly, expectations ​are higher than ever. Users do not only want a folding ​for novelty, they want it to match, if it does not exceed, the performance ​and ​reliability of the ​flagship boats. The Fold ​7 has the possibility ​to do so, especially if Samsung nails the hardware, software and user experience trifect.

With only a few months to launch, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a swivel device. ​It’s an opportunity for Samsung ​to regain momentum after occupation One UI 7, to solidify folds as standard, and to demonstrate that innovation doesn’t always need to be striking, it ​only needs to be reflective. If it ​becomes a safe jump or ​bet, it depends on the effectiveness of these changes in the use of the real world.