If you've been tracking the rise of foldables like I have, each Galaxy Unpacked feels like a milestone moment. Samsung isn’t just iterating—it’s accelerating the category.
What Samsung Revealed
On July 9 in Brooklyn, Samsung unveiled a lineup that’s ambitious, polished, and distinctly AI-fluent:
- Galaxy Z Fold 7: Now the thinnest and lightest Fold yet—just 8.9 mm folded, 4.2 mm unfolded, tipping the scales at 215 g. It delivers a generous 8‑inch internal display and a stunning 200 MP main camera, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite and Android 16 with One UI 8 Engadget+15TechRadar+15Reddit+15.
- Galaxy Z Flip 7: A refined flip with a larger 4.1‑inch external screen (up from 3.4″) and a 6.9‑inch internal one, a bigger battery, and Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Elite options Tom's Guide+4TechRadar+4Indiatimes+4.
- Z Flip 7 FE: A budget-friendly step into foldables—mirrors the Flip 6 design, priced at $899 WIRED+15TechRadar+15Tom's Guide+15.
- Galaxy Watch 8 lineup: Including standard, Classic (with returning rotating bezel), and Ultra models featuring Google Gemini AI, new health sensors (like antioxidant tracking), and robust brightness for outdoor use TechRadar+2TechRadar+2Linus Tech Tips+2.
All devices are pre-orderable now, with shipping and in-store availability slated for July 25 YouTube+15Android Central+15TechRadar+15.
Why It Matters
- Slimmer, lighter, and smarter
Samsung trimmed bulk with Armor FlexHinge and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, addressing key concerns around weight and wearability TechRadar+10Samsung Newsroom+10Indiatimes+10. UI 8 brings enhanced Gemini AI tools across its ecosystem—live translate, photo assist, proactive notes—all baked in for free Indiatimes+2TechRadar+2Tom's Guide+2. - Pushing boundaries in design
At 4.2 mm unfolded, the Z Fold 7 competes with Slate phones in thinness yet offers full foldable versatility Tom's GuideYouTube+15TechRadar+15Tom's Guide+15. The Flip 7’s big external screen begins to blur the lines between closed and open functionality. - Answering competition head-on
Samsung leads in availability and carrier support worldwide—even as Oppo and Honor push innovative foldables Android Central+15TechRadar+15Reddit+15. The FR6 FE shows Samsung's willingness to play with pricing to expand its foldable audience.
My Take
Holding the Fold 7, it’s remarkable how far foldables have come. Thinner, lighter, and bar-phone sleek when closed—yet fully transformational when opened. That 200MP camera and free AI features elevate the experience beyond just engineering bravado.
Sure, Samsung has nudged prices up—Fold 7 starts at $1,999, Flip 7 at $1,099, and FE at $899. But in return, you’re buying a device that feels premium, practical, and future-ready for multitasking.
My only wish? Maybe a surprise tri-fold would’ve turned heads even more. But Samsung’s restraint here signals confidence in steady refinement over showmanship.
So… Are Foldables Ready for the Masses?
I’d say we’re edging closer. These designs no longer feel like coddled geek toys—they feel like legit competition to traditional flagships. And with the built-in AI smarts and health tracking on the Watch 8 series, Samsung is weaving a cohesive ecosystem—not just standalone toys.
For long-time foldable skeptics like me, this Unpacked shows real progress. The question now isn’t just can they replace slate phones—it’s should they, for more users than ever before.
What’s your take? Is the Z Fold 7 your next upgrade—or are foldables still a niche passion play?
— Senal