It didn’t take lengthy after the primary batch of renders hit the online for us to get a extra grounded take a look at what may very well be Samsung’s largest foldable refresh in years. Due to a brand new hands-on video from Korean YouTube channel TheSINZA, we now have a full take a look at a Galaxy Z Fold 7 dummy unit, and it’s beginning to really feel like Samsung may lastly be taking its foldable competitors critically.
Within the video, the dummy will get stacked up towards each the Z Fold 6 and the Z Fold SE (that regional unique we by no means acquired our arms on), and the variations are laborious to overlook. After a number of years of small, cautious tweaks, this mannequin feels extra like a assured step ahead.
Slimmer, Greater — and About Time
Let’s begin with what everybody will discover first: this factor is slim. Unfolded, the Fold 7 measures simply 4.5mm thick. Certain, that’s a contact thicker than earlier rumors had us hoping, however nonetheless — we’re taking a look at a foldable that clocks in underneath 10mm when closed. That’s in step with what most fashionable foldables purpose for, and it brings Samsung’s gadget a lot nearer to the sleekness of normal slab telephones just like the Galaxy S25 Extremely.
The sharp corners, flat edges, and polished metallic body we noticed final 12 months are all nonetheless right here, and actually, it really works. Visually, the cellphone seems to be cleaner and extra refined, and it lastly seems like Samsung is catching as much as what rivals like Honor, OnePlus, and Google have already nailed down.
Not Every thing Is Good
In fact, no design change comes with out a few compromises. The digicam bump is big — like, noticeably protruding. Meaning laying this factor flat on a desk gained’t be straightforward with out a case to stage issues out. And the amount and energy buttons (the latter of which homes the fingerprint sensor) look a bit too skinny, even for a foldable. We’ll should see how that performs out in real-world use.
The Outer Show Lastly Makes Sense
Maybe essentially the most thrilling shift right here is one we’ve been ready on for a very long time: the outer show is wider and appears extra like a conventional cellphone display. Gone is the awkward, slim panel of previous Folds. The Z Fold 7’s entrance show leans extra into S25 Extremely territory than the Z Fold 6, which is an enormous win for usability.
For years, Samsung caught with a tall, skinny outer display whereas its rivals moved on to extra sensible dimensions. This time, it seems to be like they lastly listened — and the result’s a foldable that doesn’t really feel like a compromise when closed.
Huge Reveal Coming Quickly?
With Samsung’s subsequent Unpacked occasion rumored for July 9, we gained’t have to attend lengthy to see if the ultimate product lives as much as what this dummy is exhibiting us. But when this early look is any indication, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may very well be the most important redesign followers have been hoping for for the reason that Fold line first debuted. Up to now? It seems to be promising.