Galaxy Z Fold 7 Aims to Make Foldables Feel Mainstream
Samsung is flipping expectations once again with its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7, which promises to bring foldable phones closer to the feel—and practicality—of a standard smartphone. Ahead of the big reveal at its Galaxy Unpacked event, the company is already teasing significant upgrades in design and usability.
In an exclusive conversation with CNET, Drew Blackard, Samsung’s SVP of mobile product management, shared how the Fold 7 is shedding its former bulk and embracing a form factor that feels “normal”—even familiar—to longtime smartphone users.
From Niche to Normal: A Foldable That Feels Familiar
Foldable phones have often felt more like a tech showcase than an everyday device. Samsung wants to change that. “These devices will resemble traditional smartphones more than ever before,” Blackard emphasized.
Gone are the days of hefty folds and awkward grips. The Z Fold 7 is expected to be thinner and lighter than ever—possibly around 0.34 inches thick when folded and weighing just over 200 grams. That’s not just slimmer than previous Z Folds—it’s close in weight to an iPhone 16 Pro.
Design Driven by Feedback
Samsung isn’t making these changes in a vacuum. It’s responding to what its users want. According to internal data:
33% of Fold users asked for better portability
28% wanted flagship-level cameras
By improving these two areas, Samsung is hoping to convert skeptics and elevate foldables from tech novelty to everyday necessity.
No More Trade-Offs: Flagship Cameras, Foldable Form
One common complaint about foldables has been the trade-offs: big screen, but weak camera. Premium design, but shorter battery life. That narrative is shifting. The Z Fold 7 will reportedly feature high-end cameras, possibly rivaling those on the S25 Ultra, without compromising size or portability.
That’s a lesson Samsung already showcased with the Galaxy S25 Edge, a razor-thin phone that still packed a 200MP main camera. The Fold 7 will likely build on that, offering the best of both worlds.
Battery Life Still a Question Mark
Thinner phones typically mean smaller batteries—but Samsung isn’t confirming anything yet. If it follows the path of the S25 Edge, users can expect about a day’s charge, which might suffice for average use. But with a larger display, the Z Fold 7 could be under pressure to maintain battery endurance.
Opening the Door to More Price Points
The Fold 7’s predecessor started at $1,900—a significant commitment for most consumers. But Samsung might soften that barrier with a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, a rumored Fan Edition model. If it’s priced closer to Motorola’s $700 Razr, Samsung could grab market share from budget-conscious shoppers.
Feel It to Believe It
Samsung knows that a slick promo video won’t be enough to convince everyone. That’s why they’re focusing on hands-on retail experiences, where people can actually feel how light and sleek the device is.
“Feeling is believing,” Blackard said. And that moment—when a hesitant user holds the Z Fold 7 and realizes it’s no longer a tech oddity—might just redefine the future of smartphones.
Competition Is Coming, and That’s a Good Thing
Foldables still occupy a niche market. But Samsung is bracing for competition—especially if Apple joins the game in 2026 with a foldable iPhone or a thinner iPhone 17.
Far from nervous, Samsung sees competition as fuel. “We welcome it,” Blackard said. “It’ll only push us to be more innovative.”
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for all the updates from Galaxy Unpacked and beyond.
