As the tech world gears up for Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, excitement is building around the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This next-generation foldable smartphone promises to push the boundaries of design and innovation, and recent leaks have given enthusiasts an early glimpse into what could be Samsung’s most refined foldable yet. Hands-on images shared by tipsters have surfaced online, showcasing a sleek design, a slimmer profile, and a host of upgrades that could solidify Samsung’s position as a leader in the foldable phone market. In this article, we dive into the details of these leaks, exploring the design changes, rumored specifications, and what they mean for the future of foldable smartphones.
A Glimpse at the Design
The leaked hands-on images, credited to tipster Jukan Choi (@Jukanlosreve) on X, offer a tantalizing look at the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in its Blue Shadow color variant. The images reveal the front, back, and side profiles of the device, highlighting a refined design that builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. One of the most striking changes is the phone’s slimmer profile, measuring a reported 8.9mm when folded and just 4.2mm when unfolded—a significant improvement over the Z Fold 6’s 12.1mm folded and 5.6mm unfolded dimensions. This makes the Z Fold 7 one of the thinnest foldable smartphones on the market, rivaling competitors like the OPPO Find N5 and Honor Magic V3.
The rear design showcases a familiar vertical triple camera module, but with a notable tweak: the individual camera rings seen on the Z Fold 6 have been removed, giving the camera array a cleaner, more integrated look. The LED flash has also been repositioned lower on the camera bump, aligning with rumors of a significant camera upgrade, potentially featuring a 200-megapixel main sensor. The side profile reveals a visible SIM card slot and a speaker opening, with the device appearing to open fully without hinge resistance, suggesting improvements in hinge technology. The Blue Shadow colorway, paired with a titanium backplate and rounded corners inspired by the Galaxy S25 Ultra, adds a premium aesthetic that sets it apart from previous models.
A Crease-Free Display and Larger Screens
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, as seen in the leaked images, is its seemingly crease-free inner foldable display. The crease has been a persistent challenge for foldable smartphones, often detracting from the user experience. Samsung’s advancements in display technology, showcased at MWC 2025 with a “creaseless foldable panel,” appear to have been implemented in the Z Fold 7. This improvement ensures a smoother, more immersive viewing experience on the expansive 8-inch main display. The outer cover display is also larger, measuring 6.5 inches with a taller 21:9 aspect ratio, making it more akin to a traditional smartphone screen and improving usability for tasks like typing and browsing.
These larger displays align with Samsung’s goal of addressing one of the key criticisms of earlier Z Fold models: the narrow outer display. By adopting a wider aspect ratio, the Z Fold 7 offers a more comfortable experience when closed, bringing it closer to the form factor of conventional slab-style smartphones. This design shift is evident in leaked renders and hands-on images, which show a noticeably wider cover screen compared to the Z Fold 6’s 6.3-inch panel. The combination of a larger, crease-free inner display and a more practical outer screen positions the Z Fold 7 as a versatile device for both productivity and entertainment.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
While the leaked images focus primarily on design, rumors and leaks provide insight into the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s internal specifications. The device is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, a custom variant of Qualcomm’s latest processor, offering a 45% boost in single-core and multi-core performance and 40% better efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the Z Fold 6. This chipset, also used in the Galaxy S25 series, ensures the Z Fold 7 can handle demanding tasks like multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven features with ease.
The Z Fold 7 is rumored to come with up to 16GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, catering to users who need ample space for apps, media, and files. The device is expected to run One UI 8 based on Android 16 out of the box, introducing new software features and optimizations tailored for foldable displays. Additionally, a vapor chamber cooling system is rumored to be included, ensuring sustained performance during intensive tasks. These specifications make the Z Fold 7 a powerhouse, capable of competing with the best Android phones on the market.
Camera Upgrades: A Leap Forward
The camera system is another area where the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to shine. Leaks suggest the device will ditch the 50MP main camera used in previous Z Fold models in favor of a 200MP primary sensor, a significant upgrade that aligns with the capabilities of the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This sensor is expected to deliver superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, and support advanced computational photography features. The triple camera setup is likely to include a 10MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, maintaining versatility for various shooting scenarios.
For selfies, the Z Fold 7 is expected to feature a 10MP camera on the cover display and an improved 4MP under-display camera (UDC) on the inner screen. While earlier UDCs on Samsung foldables faced criticism for subpar image quality, leaks indicate that the Z Fold 7’s UDC has been enhanced, potentially offering better clarity and color accuracy. The removal of individual camera rings and the repositioned flash further suggest a focus on both aesthetics and functionality in the camera design.
Battery and Durability
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to retain the 4,400mAh battery found in the Z Fold 6, but with improved efficiency thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and optimized software. Leaks also suggest support for 45W fast charging, a step up from the 25W charging of its predecessor, allowing for quicker top-ups. The device is expected to maintain an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in various environments. Additionally, the inclusion of a titanium backplate and a stronger foldable screen with new display layers enhances the phone’s overall durability, addressing concerns about the longevity of foldable devices.
Samsung’s focus mediu focus on user-replaceable batteries is another noteworthy feature, with the Z Fold 7 reportedly capable of withstanding 2,000 charging cycles while retaining most of its battery strength. This emphasis on repairability and longevity reflects Samsung’s commitment to improving the sustainability of its foldables.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to maintain a premium price point, with leaks suggesting a starting price of around €2,227 (approximately $2,400) for the 256GB model in Europe, with the 512GB variant priced at €2,309. These prices align with the Z Fold 6’s starting price of $1,899, though potential increases due to rising component costs and tariffs remain a concern. Samsung is offering a $50 credit for pre-orders, along with enhanced trade-in deals, which could make the device more accessible to early adopters. The phone is expected to be available in late July or early August following the July 9 launch, with color options including Blue Shadow, Jet Black, and Silver Shadow.
Competitive Landscape
The foldable smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive, with devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, OPPO Find N5, and Honor Magic V3 challenging Samsung’s dominance. The Z Fold 7’s slimmer design, larger displays, and advanced camera system position it as a strong contender, but its success will depend on how well it balances innovation with affordability. The rumored 200MP camera and crease-free display could give it an edge, particularly for users prioritizing photography and screen quality. However, competitors are also focusing on slim designs and high-performance chipsets, making the July Unpacked event a critical moment for Samsung to differentiate itself.
The Future of Foldables
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents a significant step forward in Samsung’s foldable journey, addressing longstanding criticisms about thickness, display creases, and outer screen usability. The leaked images and specifications suggest a device that combines cutting-edge technology with a refined design, appealing to both early adopters and mainstream consumers. The focus on a thinner profile, larger displays, and a powerful camera system reflects Samsung’s response to market demands for more practical and versatile foldables.
As foldable smartphones continue to evolve, the Z Fold 7 could set a new standard for the category. Its rumored features, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, enhanced UDC, and creaseless display, indicate Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what foldables can achieve. With competitors hot on its heels, the Z Fold 7’s success will hinge on its ability to deliver a seamless user experience, from hardware to software, at a price that justifies its premium positioning.
Looking Ahead
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is shaping up to be a game-changer in the foldable smartphone market. The leaked hands-on images reveal a device that is slimmer, lighter, and more refined than its predecessors, with a crease-free display, larger screens, and a potentially groundbreaking 200MP camera. As Samsung prepares to unveil the Z Fold 7 at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, anticipation is at an all-time high. With its blend of cutting-edge technology and sleek design, the Z Fold 7 has the potential to redefine the foldable experience, setting the stage for the next era of mobile innovation.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a productivity-driven professional, or a creative looking for a versatile device, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 promises to deliver. As we await the official reveal, the leaked images and rumors have already sparked excitement, hinting at a device that could dominate the foldable market. Stay tuned for more details as Samsung prepares to showcase its latest flagship foldable in New York City.