Thinner and Lighter: The 'Galaxy Z Fold7'
AI Optimized for Foldables... Strengthened Collaboration with Google
'Galaxy Superfan' Thierry Henry Appears at Samsung Unpacked... Global Rollout Begins July 25
"When artificial intelligence (AI) meets powerful mobile technology, an entirely new world of possibilities opens up."
On July 9 (local time), at Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, New York, USA. This statement by Roh Tae-moon, President and Head of Device Experience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, who introduced the next-generation foldable phone at 'Galaxy Unpacked 2025', was the core message of the event. Around 10 a.m., as the lights came on in the darkened venue, Samsung's next-generation foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold7, appeared on the stage screen. With the debut of the Galaxy Z Fold7, which is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the 1,200 journalists and influencers filling the audience responded with cheers and applause.
This was Samsung's first Unpacked event in New York since August 2022, marking a return after three years. Through this event, Samsung signaled its strategy to set a new standard for foldable phones and solidify its dominance in the premium smartphone market's foldable segment.
The undisputed stars of Galaxy Unpacked 2025 were the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy AI. More than half of the hour-long presentation focused on these two topics. Every time a new product or key feature was introduced, the audience erupted in exclamations, and the venue was filled with about 30 rounds of applause throughout the event.
Roh emphasized, "The greatest innovation happens when hardware, software, and services stimulate and grow together," adding, "The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are at the pinnacle of that innovation." He further explained, "This foldable is not simply a new flip or fold, but a product that elevates the bar-type smartphone experience to another dimension."
Thinner and Lighter: The 'Galaxy Z Fold7'
The Galaxy Z Fold7 features the thinnest form factor in the series, measuring 8.9mm when folded and 4.2mm when unfolded. Its weight has been reduced to 215g, further enhancing portability. The main display is 8.0 inches, and the cover display is 6.5 inches, with the main screen approximately 11% larger than the previous model. The 21:9 aspect ratio cover display is designed for one-handed use. When folded, it functions as a smartphone, and when unfolded, it can be used like a tablet.
It features the Armor Flex Hinge, a high-strength aluminum frame, and the latest reinforced glass, Gorilla Glass Ceramic2, achieving both a slim design and durability.
Performance has also been greatly improved. Equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the CPU, GPU, and NPU performance have all been enhanced. On the rear, there is a 200-megapixel wide-angle camera, and on the front, a 100-degree ultra-wide selfie camera. The AI-based Pro Visual Engine automatically corrects image quality, and the Generative Edit feature makes post-editing tasks such as background removal and audio muting easy.
AI Optimized for Foldables... Strengthened Collaboration with Google
The Galaxy Z Fold7 comes with the multi-modal Galaxy AI, based on One UI 8 optimized for mobile AI, further enhancing the usability of its large screen. With Gemini Live, users can share their screen and camera for real-time searches. The AI Result View naturally arranges generated information in a split-screen format. Various AI features such as Circle to Search and voice-based search are also supported.
Security has also been strengthened. The device includes the KEEP feature, which provides encrypted storage space for each application, Samsung's security platform Knox Matrix, and quantum-resistant encryption-based Secure Wi-Fi. The device is evaluated as offering an advanced foldable experience that combines AI and security.
Collaboration with Google on AI is also being strengthened. At the event, Rick Osterloh, Vice President of Platforms and Devices at Google, took the stage to emphasize the partnership, stating, "The partnership between Google and Samsung is driving mobile innovation in the AI era."
'Galaxy Superfan' Thierry Henry Appears at Samsung Unpacked... Global Rollout Begins July 25
A surprise guest also drew attention at the event. French football star Thierry Henry, known as an avid Galaxy smartphone fan, attended as a VIP. He arrived at the venue 1 hour and 30 minutes before the start of Unpacked and toured the Galaxy experience zone. During the main event, he sat in the central VIP seat and watched the entire Unpacked presentation for over an hour.
The Galaxy Z Fold7 will be released sequentially in global markets, including South Korea, starting July 25. The domestic prices are 2,379,300 KRW for the 256GB model, 2,537,700 KRW for the 512GB model, and 2,933,700 KRW for the 1TB model (16GB RAM). It comes in three colors: Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, and Jet Black, while the Mint color will be exclusively available at Samsung.com and the Samsung Gangnam store.
The simultaneously unveiled Z Flip7 is 13.7mm thick and weighs 188g, enhancing both design and portability. The Flex Window has been expanded to 4.1 inches. The prices are 1,485,000 KRW for the 256GB model and 1,643,400 KRW for the 512GB model. It is available in three colors: Blue Shadow, Coral Red, and Jet Black.
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