Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 debut with One UI 8, Android 16, and ultra-thin bezels, leaks reveal

Samsung is gearing up to make a significant leap in the foldable smartphone market with the upcoming release of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. Slated for a July launch, these devices are set to introduce notable advancements in both software and design. Breaking from tradition, the South Korean tech giant plans to ship these foldables with One UI 8, built on Android 16, straight out of the box. This shift marks a departure from Samsung’s usual practice of launching its mid-year flagships with older Android versions, signaling a strategic move to address past criticisms about delayed software updates and to align more closely with the latest Android ecosystem developments.

Recent leaks and industry insights suggest that this launch will coincide with Google’s rollout of Android 16, expected between June and July. This positions the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 among the first devices to feature the new operating system, a rarity for Samsung’s Z series, which typically received updates months after Google’s annual release. Evidence of One UI 8 testing surfaced in early March when traces of the software appeared on Samsung’s servers. Furthermore, the Galaxy S25’s appearance on Geekbench running Android 16 last week bolsters speculation that Samsung is fast-tracking its software development cycle to stay competitive.

Design-wise, the new foldables are generating buzz with leaked images of a Z Flip 7 case and a Z Fold 7 screen protector hinting at ultra-thin bezels. These refinements, combined with rumors of sturdier hinges and larger vapor chambers for improved cooling, suggest Samsung is doubling down on durability and performance. However, the 3C certification indicates that fast charging will remain capped at 25W, a decision that might disappoint some fans given the faster charging options available from competitors.

Foldables take center stage with cutting-edge software

Equipping the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 with One UI 8 and Android 16 isn’t just about timing—it’s a bold play to solidify Samsung’s dominance in the foldable market. Facing growing competition from brands like OnePlus and Oppo, which have impressed with innovative designs and swift software updates, Samsung aims to differentiate itself. One UI 8 is expected to refine the user interface, optimize performance for flexible displays, and expand Galaxy AI features, building on the success seen with the Galaxy S25 series launched in January with One UI 7.

Android 16 itself is anticipated to bring subtle enhancements over Android 15, emphasizing performance tweaks and better support for foldable hardware. For Samsung, this means tailoring One UI 8 to leverage these updates, delivering a seamless experience from day one. The urgency to roll out this new software may stem from the delayed rollout of One UI 7, which only reached stability for the Galaxy S24 lineup in April, months after Android 15’s debut.

Technical specifications under the spotlight

Hardware-wise, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are poised to impress. The Z Fold 7, a book-style foldable, is rumored to feature an 8-inch inner display, up from the 7.6 inches of its predecessor. Meanwhile, the clamshell Z Flip 7 may sport a 3.6-inch outer screen and a 6.8-inch inner display, both slightly larger than the Z Flip 6’s 3.4-inch and 6.7-inch screens. These modest increases aim to enhance the viewing experience, responding to user demand for more immersive displays.

Performance is another key focus, with speculation pointing to a split in chipsets. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to pack the Snapdragon 8 Elite, optimized for Galaxy devices, offering robust power for multitasking and gaming. In contrast, the Z Flip 7 might debut the Exynos 2500, Samsung’s in-house chip designed for energy efficiency, though its performance against Qualcomm’s offerings remains a question mark. Both models are likely to stick with 12 GB of RAM, with storage options of 256 GB and 512 GB, and a potential 1 TB variant for the Z Fold 7 catering to power users.

Design details that stand out

The design evolution of these foldables is turning heads. Ultra-thin bezels, as seen in leaked accessories, promise a sleeker, more modern look. For the Z Flip 7, a larger outer display could make it more practical for quick tasks without unfolding, a feature competitors like the Motorola Razr Plus have capitalized on. The Z Fold 7, meanwhile, may slim down to around 8.6 mm when folded—close to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 8.6 mm—compared to the Z Fold 6’s chunkier 12.1 mm, marking a significant step forward in portability.

Durability is also a priority. Redesigned hinges are said to withstand more open-and-close cycles, while the inner screen crease on the Z Fold 7 could be nearly invisible under certain lighting conditions. These improvements address long-standing concerns about foldable fragility, potentially swaying hesitant buyers toward adopting this technology.

• Z Fold 7 inner screen: 8 inches, up from 7.6 inches on the Z Fold 6.
• Z Flip 7 outer screen: 3.6 inches, larger than the 3.4 inches of the Z Flip 6.
• Charging: capped at 25W, unchanged from previous models.
• Processors: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Z Fold 7, Exynos 2500 for Z Flip 7.

Launch timeline and update schedule

Samsung’s tradition of unveiling foldables in the second half of the year holds firm, with July emerging as the likely launch month for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. This timing aligns with Android 16’s release window, suggesting that One UI 8 could roll out to other devices, like the Galaxy S25 series, shortly after the foldables debut. This would shrink the update gap seen with One UI 7, which lagged behind Android 15’s rollout.

Mass production is expected to kick off in May, giving Samsung roughly two months to polish the devices before their official reveal. The 3C certification, secured in March, confirms that development is well underway, with specifics like the 25W charging limit already locked in. This timeline also allows for final software testing to ensure One UI 8’s stability at launch.

Shaping the foldable market

The debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 with One UI 8 and Android 16 could redefine Samsung’s standing in the foldable arena. While the company leads global sales in this category, rivals are closing in. Devices like the OnePlus Open 2, slated for an early-year release, and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold challenge Samsung with slimmer profiles and faster updates. Launching with the latest software could give Samsung the edge it needs to stay ahead.

Hardware upgrades, including larger screens and tougher hinges, cater to a growing audience seeking practical, long-lasting devices. Yet, sticking with 25W charging might be a misstep when competitors like the Oppo Find N5 boast 80W speeds, fully charging in under 30 minutes. This gap could affect how consumers perceive the value of Samsung’s latest foldables, especially at their premium price points.

Camera and battery expectations

Camera upgrades are also on the horizon. The Z Fold 7 might borrow from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition, featuring a 200 MP main sensor—a leap from the 50 MP of its predecessor. The Z Flip 7 is expected to retain a 50 MP main and 12 MP ultra-wide setup, with potential sensor tweaks for better low-light shots. Both models are likely to keep a 10 MP front camera, optimized for selfies and video calls.

Battery life, however, remains a conservative area. The Z Fold 7 is projected to stick with 4,400 mAh, while the Z Flip 7 might bump up to 4,000 mAh from the Z Flip 6’s 3,700 mAh. Though modest, these capacities could benefit from the efficiency of new chips, delivering all-day usage for moderate tasks. Still, this lags behind competitors with 5,000 mAh-plus batteries, a potential drawback for power users.

Surprising innovations on the way

One UI 8’s standout features could lie in its AI enhancements. Following the Galaxy AI rollout with the S25 series, the new interface might offer advanced photo editing, real-time call transcription, and context-aware suggestions tailored for foldable screens. Paired with brighter displays—possibly hitting 2,600 nits—these upgrades could elevate multimedia and productivity experiences.

Whispers of a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, a budget-friendly variant, have also surfaced, though concrete details are scarce. Its absence from recent leaks suggests Samsung is prioritizing the main models for now. If it materializes, this could broaden the Z series’ appeal, drawing in cost-conscious buyers eager to try foldables.

Enhancing the user experience

User experience is a core focus for Samsung with these devices. One UI 8 is expected to refine navigation for larger screens, with easier-to-reach menus and one-handed controls on the Z Flip 7’s outer display. For the Z Fold 7, multitasking could shine, supporting up to three apps simultaneously on the inner screen—a feature that sets the Z series apart.

Leaked accessories, like the Z Flip 7 case and Z Fold 7 screen protector, highlight practical design touches. The Z Flip 7’s case emphasizes the outer screen’s utility, while the Z Fold 7’s protector maintains visibility without compromise. These small additions underscore Samsung’s holistic approach to the foldable package.

Development timeline and anticipation

Samsung’s accelerated One UI 8 development reflects a push to overcome past delays. Unlike One UI 7, which lingered in beta until April for the S24 series, the eighth iteration appears on a faster track. Testing began in March, and Android 16’s presence in benchmarks signals readiness for a July rollout.

• January: Galaxy S25 series launches with One UI 7.
• March: One UI 8 testing starts on Samsung servers.
• May: Mass production begins for Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
• July: Official unveiling with Android 16 onboard.

Facing stiff competition

The foldable market is heating up, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 arrive at a pivotal moment. Honor’s Magic V3 boasts a 5,150 mAh battery and 66W charging in a 4.4 mm frame, while the Oppo Find N5 offers 5,600 mAh and 80W. These specs challenge Samsung to justify its pricing—likely starting at $1,899 for the Z Fold 7 and $1,099 for the Z Flip 7.

Samsung’s counter lies in software and reliability. With seven years of promised updates, the new Z series offers longevity that could sway buyers focused on value over time. The blend of slimmer designs, bigger screens, and One UI 8 might just keep Samsung at the forefront, though stagnant battery and charging specs leave room for rivals to shine.

Prioritizing durability and usability

Durability remains a critical concern for foldables, and Samsung is tackling it head-on. The Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7’s hinges are rumored to endure over 200,000 cycles, a benchmark met by prior models but now reinforced structurally. A reduced screen crease on the Z Fold 7 also enhances appeal, particularly for tablet-like use or note-taking.

Usability gets a boost from more functional outer screens. The Z Flip 7’s 3.6-inch display could handle widgets and notifications more clearly, while the Z Fold 7’s 6.5-inch cover screen (up from 6.3 inches) simplifies quick tasks when closed. These tweaks show Samsung is listening to feedback, even if progress is incremental.

Rumors stirring excitement

Samsung fans are abuzz with speculation. A Z Fold 7 potentially thinner than the 8.6 mm Galaxy S24 Ultra, paired with an 8-inch inner screen, sets high expectations. The Z Flip 7’s larger outer display and possible Exynos 2500 debut fuel curiosity about cost-performance balance in a more affordable foldable.

The lack of S Pen support rumors for the Z Fold 7 raises eyebrows, given its presence in past models. Some theorize the slimmed-down design might have axed it, while others expect a special edition to retain it, as with the Z Fold 6 Special Edition. Clarity will come at launch.

Gearing up for the big reveal

With mass production slated for May, Samsung is finalizing the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. The March 3C certification confirms regulatory hurdles are cleared, and One UI 8 testing is nearing completion. The July Galaxy Unpacked event will likely showcase these foldables globally, spotlighting their innovations.

Leaked accessories align with the finalized design, indicating a locked-in production phase. The focus now shifts to real-world performance and how these devices stack up against a crowded field. Samsung’s preparation leaves little room for last-minute surprises.

A milestone for Samsung foldables

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are more than routine upgrades. Launching with One UI 8 and Android 16, they aim to set a new benchmark for Samsung’s foldables, blending cutting-edge software with refined hardware. Larger screens, ultra-thin bezels, and tougher hinges reflect a commitment to progress, even if battery and charging remain cautious.

Their launch will ripple through the foldable market, testing Samsung’s ability to maintain its lead. Delivering a cohesive experience—from design to long-term support—could cement its status as the category’s gold standard. July looms as a defining moment for Samsung and foldable tech enthusiasts alike.