The latest iterations of Samsung's foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, have generated considerable buzz, highlighted by impressive pre-order numbers. Within just 48 hours of their launch on July 9, 2025, the devices racked up a combined 210,000 pre-orders. This strong early demand signals a promising trajectory for Samsung in the foldable market.

Design and Features

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 boast several enhancements over their predecessors. The Z Fold 7 arrives with a noticeably slimmer design, measuring a mere 4.2mm thick when unfolded and 8.9mm when folded. It is also lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, weighing in at just 215g. The device features larger screens, with an 8-inch foldable display and a 6.5-inch cover screen.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 also received design improvements, with a slightly taller, wider, and slimmer profile compared to the Flip 6. One of the most notable changes is the full-sized 4.1-inch cover screen, dubbed the Flex Window, which spans the entire front side of the device and wraps around the cameras. This allows users to access AI functionalities and a wider range of features without opening the phone.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, while the Galaxy Z Flip 7 utilizes the Exynos 2500 processor in all regions. Both devices offer ample RAM and storage options, with the Z Fold 7 boasting up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and the Z Flip 7 featuring 12GB of RAM with 256GB or 512GB storage options.

Both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 ship with One UI 8, based on Android 16. The new software includes the latest Galaxy AI features and, for the first time, Samsung DeX support on the Z Flip 7. Samsung is also promising seven years of software updates for the new foldables.

Market Impact and Competition

Samsung's strong pre-order numbers for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 come at a time when the foldable market is experiencing both growth and increased competition. While some analysts predict a slight decline in the foldable market in 2025, the long-term outlook remains positive, with projections estimating substantial growth in the coming years.

Despite the presence of competitors like Motorola, OnePlus, OPPO, and Vivo, Samsung has maintained a strong position in the foldable market, driven by its brand reputation and technological advancements. The company's focus on innovation, design, and user experience has resonated with consumers, as evidenced by the high demand for its latest foldable devices.

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 were officially unveiled at Samsung's July Unpacked event and are available for pre-order, with shipments beginning on July 25, 2025. Pricing for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999 / £1,799 / AU$2,899, while the Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts at $1,099.

Samsung's Foldable Strategy

Samsung has been a pioneer in the foldable smartphone market, introducing its first foldable device in 2019. The company has consistently invested in research and development to refine its foldable technology and user experience. Samsung's strategy involves maximizing product competitiveness through form factor innovation, enhanced portability and performance, and optimized AI integration.

Looking ahead, Samsung is expected to continue pushing the boundaries of foldable technology, with rumors of a tri-fold device, possibly named the Galaxy G Fold, potentially launching later in the year. By strategically pacing its innovation rollouts, Samsung aims to maintain consumer excitement and extend interest across multiple product categories.