Skip to main content Tom's Guide Tom's Guide Search Tom's Guide View Profile Newsletters Best Picks Entertainment Prime Day Deals Switch 2 Restock Galaxy Z Fold 7 Wordle Today Best Mattress Best laptops Recommended reading Samsung Phones Samsung keeps hyping the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — here's why that could backfire Samsung Phones I've been using the Galaxy Z Fold 6 for over 6 months — here's the Galaxy Z Fold 7 upgrades I need to see Samsung Phones Samsung Galaxy G Fold sounds impressive and I don't understand why Samsung is making it Samsung Phones The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be the world's thinnest foldable — there's just one problem Samsung Phones Samsung could be making a big mistake with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 — here's why I’m worried Samsung Phones We don't need a Samsung Ultra foldable — we need a cheaper one Samsung Phones Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs Galaxy Z Fold 6: These are the biggest expected upgrades Android Phones Samsung Phones I've never been tempted to get a foldable phone — here's how Samsung could change that with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 Philip Michaels 19 June 2025 Samsung needs to convince me foldables are worth their big price tags When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Tom's Guide) Foldable phones have been a part of the smartphone scene for more than half-a-decade now — long enough for there to be actual competition among the best foldable phones. And yet, despite the fact that I regularly get the chance to test all sorts of phones, including foldable ones, I've never felt the urge to turn to one of these devices as my primary handset. It's no reflection on the phones themselves, some of which I'd happily recommend if you are in the market for a foldable. For instance, I was impressed by the Motorola Razr 2023 back when I reviewed that phone; the Microsoft Surface Duo 2... less so. You may like Samsung keeps hyping the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — here's why that could backfire I've been using the Galaxy Z Fold 6 for over 6 months — here's the Galaxy Z Fold 7 upgrades I need to see Samsung Galaxy G Fold sounds impressive and I don't understand why Samsung is making it It's just that I'm an inherently frugal person — some might say cheap — and I've not yet seen a reason to justify the higher costs that foldable phones command, particularly if we're looking at book-style foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. Samsung has confirmed that its new foldable models are on the way — rumors suggest we could be seeing a launch event as soon as next month. And while i'm sure devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 could impress when they show up, I'm unlikely to change my stance about making a foldable phone my personal device. Focused on the wrong things? (Image credit: Samsung) That's based on what Samsung has said publicly about its upcoming phones, with a series of teasers meant to generate interest about the next foldables. By emphasizing the thinner and lighter design of the phone, I feel like Samsung's still fighting the last war when it comes to convincing people to grab one of its foldables. While Samsung hasn't mentioned devices by name, it's very clearly talking about the Galaxy Z Fold 7 when it touts the "thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet — meticulously crafted and built to last." And that's all well and good. I don't think anyone's going to turn up their nose at a more portable Galaxy Z Fold, and it's always encouraging to hear that a fold you open and shut as a matter of course will be able to stand up to that kind of use. But by emphasizing the design of the phone, I feel like Samsung's still fighting the last war when it comes to convincing people to grab one of its foldables. Come this summer, we'll be on our seventh iteration of the Galaxy Z Fold. The Galaxy Z Flip has been around for five years. And there are plenty of rival devices featuring similar designs to Samsung's foldables. (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco) Could the phones be thinner and lighter? Sure, that's always a welcome improvement. But the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is currently 5.6mm thin when opened up, which is thinner than even the Galaxy S25 Edge. At 8.4 ounces, the Fold is heavier than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but only by 0.8 ounces. Making the device any thinner and lighter at this point may be just a marginal improvement, and possibly not worth it, if it requires limited battery improvements or a less capable S Pen — both of which have been rumored for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. In other words, Samsung needs to shift away from trying to convince us that this is a viable design — I think most of us are on board with that claim. Instead, if foldable phones aren't going to drop in price — and every indication suggests that's not happening — the company needs to convince us why we need to pay more for phones like the Fold. What Samsung should be talking about (Image credit: Tom's Guide) I think Samsung needs to be playing up multitasking on foldables and getting more done on the go. And to be fair, Samsung has put in some effort there, particularly when it comes to multitasking. You can run three apps simultaneously on the Fold's screen, and there's a handy taskbar for keeping frequently used apps close at hand. But I feel like Samsung could be doing more to expand the multitasking features on its foldables. The Open Canvas feature used by the OnePlus Open takes a more dynamic approach, and that phone hasn't seen an update in nearly two years. Similarly, while some apps have been optimized to take advantage of larger foldable screens, I feel like there should be more available to make the Galaxy Z Fold feel more essential. Then, there's the matter of AI. Last year's Galaxy Z Fold 6 release made some strides here, introducing new Galaxy AI capabilities like Sketch to Image, which uses generative AI to flesh out your sketch into a more polished graphic. Then again, Sketch to Image isn't necessarily foldable-specific as Samsung has introduced it to the Galaxy S25 lineup. What I'd like to see is a Galaxy AI feature or two designed specifically for a foldable phone design. And I think Samsung would like to deliver that, too. In one of its recent foldable phone teasers, the company talked up "seamless AI integration optimized for the foldable format." Maybe that's just a general pledge to continue to bring Galaxy AI capabilities to devices like the Fold and the Flip, but I like to think it means something more. Galaxy Z Fold 7 outlook I should acknowledge that there are other rumored additions to the upcoming foldables that should make them compelling options. In the case of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung has all but confirmed that the 200MP main camera found on the S25 Ultra and Edge models will be added, giving the camera setup on Samsung's premium foldable a big boost. Improve that under-display camera on the inside of the phone, and we could really be on to something. But if you're going to charge in the neighborhood of $1,899 for a phone, you really have to deliver on all fronts. Thus far, past Galaxy Z Fold models haven't offered enough to make me think that lofty starting price is deserved. I'll certainly be watching to see if the Galaxy Z Fold 7 can make me change my tune. More from Tom's Guide Samsung Unpacked July 2025 — Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Galaxy Watch 8 and everything to expect Massive Samsung leak tips Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 features — here's what we could see at Unpacked Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 teaser suggests a big AI camera upgrade is on the way Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Philip Michaels Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Samsung keeps hyping the Galaxy Z Fold 7 — here's why that could backfire I've been using the Galaxy Z Fold 6 for over 6 months — here's the Galaxy Z Fold 7 upgrades I need to see Samsung Galaxy G Fold sounds impressive and I don't understand why Samsung is making it The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be the world's thinnest foldable — there's just one problem Samsung could be making a big mistake with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 — here's why I’m worried We don't need a Samsung Ultra foldable — we need a cheaper one Latest in Samsung Phones Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 tipped to 'fully adopt' Exynos chip — and that could have a huge impact on Galaxy S26 This is nuts! Mint Mobile is practically giving away the Galaxy S25 and 2 years of unlimited data for $800 off Samsung Unpacked July 2025 — Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Galaxy Watch 8 and everything to expect Massive Samsung leak tips Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 features — here's what we could see at Unpacked Not a typo! T-Mobile is giving away Samsung's Galaxy S25 Plus for free right now Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 teaser suggests a big AI camera upgrade is on the way Latest in Opinion I quit watching 'Grey's Anatomy' after one season and returned to 'House M.D.' — here's why it's the No. 1 medical show Neck pain from your 'silly little emails job'? Here's 3 things I do every day after work I test bedding for a living — this is the one simple switch I recommend for cooler sleep this summer Rematch is the soccer game I didn’t know I needed after EA Sports FC 25 let me down I finally tried Nespresso's iced coffee cup, and TikTok is right — it's a summer must-have Despite the 98% audience score, the live action 'How to Train Your Dragon' is a misfire – here's why you should stream the original on Prime Video instead LATEST ARTICLES Amazon is offering up to $310 in Prime Day credits and freebies — here are my favorite deals Netflix has racked up 15 No. 1 shows in 2025 (so far) — here are the 3 you shouldn't miss Samsung's Galaxy S25 Edge is already AU$400 off for EOFY, just weeks after its release My favorite midrange phone is now available for the same low price that made me fall in love with it I test smartwatches for a living — and my favorite Garmin is finally on sale Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. Terms and conditions Contact Future's experts Privacy policy Cookies policy Accessibility Statement Advertise with us Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Please login or signup to comment Please wait...