Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Thinnest Foldable Ever or a Step Too Far?

When Samsung first launched the original Galaxy Fold, it was nothing short of a technological marvel. A phone that unfolded into a tablet? It sounded like science fiction. Fast forward to today, and Samsung is redefining that vision again with the Galaxy Z Fold 7—and not just by polishing the software or tweaking the specs. This time, it’s breaking records.

According to the latest leaks and reports, Samsung may have achieved what no other smartphone maker has: the thinnest foldable phone ever created. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With upgraded cameras, software enhancements, and engineering breakthroughs, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 could represent a new chapter in foldable technology. But is it too ambitious? And is thinness really what users want?

Let’s unpack everything we know—and what it could mean for the future of smartphones.

Breaking Records: A Foldable Thinner Than Non-Foldables

A few months ago, early leaks suggested that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 would closely resemble its predecessor, the Fold 6. Fans expected a few refinements, some performance improvements, and maybe a design tweak or two. But now, it seems Samsung had a much more radical plan.

Initially, rumors pegged the Fold 7’s folded thickness at 9.5mm—already a solid improvement over the Fold 6’s 12.2mm. But then, the bombshell dropped. Tech Maniacs, a reputable source for mobile leaks, reported that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures just 8.2mm when folded.

Let that sink in: 8.2 millimeters.

That’s thinner than Samsung’s own Galaxy S25 Ultra, a traditional, non-foldable flagship phone. It’s not just slimmer than last year’s Fold 6 by nearly 4mm—it’s nearly 12mm thinner than the original Galaxy Fold.

To put that in perspective, Samsung didn’t just shave off millimeters—they’ve demolished thickness records. The Fold 7 would undercut Oppo’s Find N2 Fold, which previously held the world record for thinnest foldable at 8.9mm, by a significant 0.7mm margin. In smartphone design, that’s an enormous leap.

If these reports hold true, Samsung didn’t just upgrade the Fold—they engineered a category-defining masterpiece.

How Did Samsung Achieve This? Magic or Mastery?

The immediate question that comes to mind: how is this possible?

Building a foldable device is a challenge of balancing durability, hinge mechanisms, battery size, and screen integrity. Shaving off nearly 4mm from an already compact design seems impossible without sacrificing structural strength.

Some speculate Samsung may have redesigned the hinge at the last minute, similar to its surprise tweaks with the S25 Edge earlier this year. Others wonder whether these leaked dimensions are accurate at all—or if Samsung’s PR machine is playing into the hype cycle.

Regardless, if the 8.2mm figure is true, Samsung has managed to solve an engineering puzzle that even its fiercest rivals haven’t cracked. It suggests lighter materials, a smaller or reshaped hinge, and an ultra-thin display panel capable of withstanding thousands of folds.

But that raises another concern: has Samsung gone too thin?

Ultra-thin designs often mean compromises in battery capacity, heat dissipation, or durability. The original Galaxy Fold was famously delicate, requiring Samsung to recall its early units. Has the company learned from its past—or is it risking another fragility scandal?

Confirmed Upgrades Beyond Thinness: More Than Just a Pretty Face

While the Fold 7’s record-breaking thinness is making headlines, Samsung hasn’t stopped at trimming down the chassis. Several upgrades have already been confirmed or strongly rumored:

✅ A wider cover display that finally feels like using a “normal” phone when closed, fixing one of the biggest complaints about previous folds.
✅ A 200MP main camera, reportedly the same sensor found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, bringing flagship-level photography to the foldable form factor.
✅ A nearly invisible crease—yes, that annoying fold line in the middle of the screen may finally be subtle enough to forget.
✅ An upgraded under-display selfie camera, improving image quality without the distraction of a punch-hole or notch.
✅ A new S Pen design that can now charge wirelessly like an Apple Pencil, a long-requested feature for productivity users.
✅ Android 16 out of the box, with Samsung’s latest One UI 8, featuring new AI-powered tools under the mysterious “Galaxy AI” banner.

Each of these upgrades would be impressive on its own, but together they represent a significant generational leap.

The only disappointment? It seems the battery capacity hasn’t increased. In a world where thinness reigns supreme, something had to give—and it looks like Samsung sacrificed battery gains for slimness.

Galaxy AI and One UI 8: Software Smarts to Match the Hardware

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the Fold 7 isn’t physical at all. With Android 16 and One UI 8, Samsung is preparing to deliver its most advanced software experience ever.

Leaked reports mention “Galaxy AI” features, though Samsung hasn’t fully detailed what they include. Some speculate this refers to AI-assisted multitasking, camera enhancements, live translation, or content summarization.

Foldable phones benefit more from software optimizations than typical slabs. Features like multi-window support, app continuity across displays, and flex-mode customizations are critical for delivering a seamless experience. Samsung’s leadership in foldable software may be just as important as its hardware engineering.

If One UI 8 builds upon Samsung’s already polished interface, the Fold 7 could feel like the most refined foldable experience yet.

The Bigger Picture: Samsung’s 2025 Lineup Hints at an Even Wilder Future

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 may be the star of the show, but it’s not the only foldable Samsung’s cooking up. During a recent earnings call, Samsung confirmed that a Tri-Fold Galaxy Z Fold Ultra is in development, targeting a late 2025 release.

Imagine a device that unfolds not once but twice—transforming into a 10-inch tablet. This could blur the lines between smartphone, tablet, and even laptop.

Samsung is also reportedly reviving the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic this July, signaling a return to traditional smartwatch designs.

It’s clear that Samsung is betting big on hardware innovation across its entire ecosystem. The Fold 7 isn’t just a product; it’s a signal of where mobile tech is heading.

Is Thinner Always Better? The Debate Begins

As excitement builds for the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s launch, an important question emerges: is thinner always better?

Some users may love the idea of a foldable phone that’s lighter and more pocket-friendly. But others may worry that slimming down too far could mean compromises in battery life, thermal management, or durability.

After all, foldables are already more delicate than traditional smartphones. Will making them thinner exacerbate these concerns? Or has Samsung truly engineered a device that’s stronger, smarter, and sleeker than ever before?

Final Thoughts: A Milestone Moment for Foldables

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents more than an iterative upgrade—it’s shaping up to be a milestone moment in foldable technology.

If the leaks and reports are accurate, Samsung will have achieved something that seemed impossible: delivering a foldable device that’s not just functional but shockingly thin, while simultaneously upgrading its cameras, software, and user experience.

Whether or not thinness proves to be a double-edged sword remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Samsung is pushing the envelope of smartphone design like no other company in the world.

As we await the official unveiling, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 promises to be one of the most exciting, polarizing, and innovative devices of 2025.

Will it live up to the hype? Or will Samsung’s quest for thinness compromise the very qualities that make foldables great? We’ll find out soon enough.

Stay tuned—and get ready for a foldable future that’s slimmer, smarter, and more sophisticated than ever before.