Indications of Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra model have generated buzz, yet doubts remain whether it will rectify the main issue plaguing the Fold series.
New and Improved Yet Falling Short:
This year, Samsung is ready to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 7 – a device that has been teased with tantalizing details. But as the veil lifts, it seems Samsung hasn't quite ironed out the kinks from its previous iterations.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 promises to deliver an improved version, with whispers of an Ultra model indicating enhanced camera capabilities. It may boast much better cameras, but will it live up to the 'Ultra' name?
Size Matters:
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra could feature the same 200MP camera sensor as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, the sensor might not be as huge as you'd expect. Previously, the Galaxy S25 Edge, despite boasting a 200MP sensor, had a smaller sensor than the Ultra model. So, will the Fold 7 pull a similar stunt? It's likely that the Fold 7 Ultra will have a smaller sensor or reduced zoom capabilities compared to the S25 Ultra.
A Big Pixel or the Whole Enchilada?
Personally, I'd prefer one colossal 200MP sensor on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, larger than any other Samsung phone. Ditch the zoom or ultrawide lenses; let's go digital instead, just like the Leica Q3. Smartphones are short on space for big camera sensors, but Samsung has proven it can squeezed more into less.
Thinner Than Thou:
Samsung also hints that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be the thinnest Samsung phone you can buy. Given that the Z Fold 6 is already Samsung's thinnest model, it better be! The Z Fold 6 is just 5.6mm thin when open, making it slightly thicker than the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – the thinnest phone you can buy in the US.
But will it outmatch Oppo Find N5, the thinnest phone globally, at 4.2mm thin when open? It's doubtful Samsung will beat Oppo at being thin, and I'm not even sure it will overtake Google in the US market. However, the Z Fold 7 will certainly be impressively thin, with an elegant design and durable build that only Samsung can deliver.
The Elusive Normal:
Samsung makes a fuss about the Galaxy Z Fold's cover display being thinner, so it's easier to hold one-handed. While this might have been true in the early days of foldable devices, most modern foldables are incredibly thin – too thin to warrant the extra length of the cover display.
Leaked images suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 might retain its tall cover display – possibly with an aspect ratio of 22:9. This could mean it's sticking to its design, apart from advances in thinness and camera capabilities.
Maybe Samsung is onto something? The OnePlus Open sports a normal-looking cover display, while the Oppo Find N5 – should it have launched in the US as the OnePlus Open 2 – opts for flat phones instead. I might give the extra-tall, ultra-thin Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra a try, and perhaps it'll feel just right. Or maybe it'll feel freaky. We'll just have to wait until Samsung's next Unpacked event to find out.
Stay Tuned:
- A deluge of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 leaks has been unleashed
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be the thinnest and lightest model yet
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 rumored to sport 'industry-first' features
- Notes:
- It's highly likely that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Fold 7 Ultra will share a similar 200MP camera sensor. However, due to space constraints and the need to maintain a slim profile, the Z Fold 7 series might feature a smaller sensor compared to non-foldable flagship phones.
- The idea of using a gigantic 200MP sensor is appealing, but such a sensor might not fit into the slim form factor of foldable devices. Samsung might opt for digital solutions, like the Leica Q3, to enhance image quality.
- The zoom capabilities of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra are expected to be more limited compared to the S-series Ultra models.zzz
- Sources suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 could adopt a physically smaller sensor compared to the S25 Ultra’s 200MP sensor, although both devices might share the same nomenclature.
- Industry experts and analysts claim that foldable devices typically have smaller camera hardware due to space constraints and the need to keep the devices slim.
- Despite the promise of an Ultra model with enhanced camera capabilities, it's likely that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will feature a smaller sensor compared to non-foldable flagship phones, due to space constraints.
- Samsung might opt for digital solutions, like the Leica Q3, to enhance the image quality of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, instead of using a gigantic 200MP sensor that might not fit into the slim form factor of foldable devices.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 7, like its predecessors, could still be one of the technological marvels in the market, being teased as the thinnest and lightest model yet, rumored to sport 'industry-first' features.
