Samsung''s Galaxy Z Fold 7 claim still puts it behind the competition

Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, July 22nd 2025 at 11:28 GMT by Digital Trends
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500,000 folds is impressive, but OnePlus is still claiming the crown.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ambitions: A Step Forward, But Still Trailing the Pack in Foldable Innovation

In the ever-evolving world of foldable smartphones, Samsung has long positioned itself as the pioneer and market leader. With its Galaxy Z Fold series, the South Korean tech giant has consistently pushed boundaries, introducing devices that blend the functionality of a phone and a tablet into a single, pocketable form factor. However, recent rumors and claims surrounding the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 suggest that while Samsung is making strides in certain areas, it may still be playing catch-up to its more agile competitors, particularly in terms of design refinement and slimness. This development raises intriguing questions about the future of foldables and whether Samsung's dominance is beginning to wane in the face of fierce competition from brands like Honor, Xiaomi, and even Google.

At the heart of the discussion is a purported claim about the Galaxy Z Fold 7's thickness. According to leaks and industry insiders, Samsung is aiming to slim down its next flagship foldable to around 10mm when folded. This would represent a notable improvement over the current Galaxy Z Fold 6, which measures about 12.1mm in its folded state. On paper, this sounds like progress—after all, one of the persistent criticisms of Samsung's foldables has been their bulkiness, which can make them feel cumbersome compared to traditional slab-style smartphones. Reducing the thickness could enhance portability, improve ergonomics, and make the device more appealing to a broader audience wary of carrying around what feels like a mini-brick in their pocket.

Yet, this claimed 10mm thickness still positions the Z Fold 7 behind several key competitors, particularly those hailing from China. Take the Honor Magic V3, for instance, which boasts an impressively svelte 9.2mm profile when folded. Similarly, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 clocks in at just 9.47mm, and the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro isn't far behind at around 11.2mm but offers other advantages in battery life and camera prowess. Even Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a relative newcomer to the foldable scene, measures 10.5mm folded, which is comparable but often praised for its more refined hinge and software integration. These figures highlight a stark reality: while Samsung is iterating, its rivals are leaping ahead in the race to create the thinnest, most seamless foldable experience.

Why does thickness matter so much in the foldable category? For starters, it's a direct indicator of engineering prowess. Achieving a slimmer profile requires advancements in hinge design, battery stacking, display layering, and material science. Foldables inherently involve more moving parts than standard phones, including flexible screens that must withstand thousands of folds without creasing or breaking. A thinner device not only looks more premium but also feels more like a natural extension of everyday smartphones, reducing the "gimmick" perception that has plagued early foldables. Moreover, in markets where consumers prioritize sleekness—such as Asia and Europe—thinner designs can be a significant selling point. Samsung's reluctance or inability to match these ultra-thin profiles could stem from several factors, including its commitment to including features like S Pen support, which adds layers to the internal structure, or perhaps supply chain constraints that limit access to the latest component technologies.

Delving deeper into the competitive landscape, it's worth examining how Samsung's approach contrasts with its rivals. Samsung has historically focused on ecosystem integration, leveraging its One UI software, DeX mode for productivity, and seamless connectivity with other Galaxy devices like watches and earbuds. The Z Fold series excels in multitasking, with a large inner display that's ideal for split-screen apps, video editing, or even light gaming. However, competitors are not just thinner; they're often more innovative in other areas too. The Honor Magic V3, for example, incorporates a robust camera system with periscope zoom lenses that rival dedicated point-and-shoot cameras, all while maintaining that slim form. Xiaomi's Mix Fold 4 emphasizes battery efficiency, packing a larger cell into its compact body, which allows for longer usage without the need for frequent charging—a common pain point for power-hungry foldables.

Google's entry with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold brings a different flavor to the mix, emphasizing AI-driven features and clean Android software. While its thickness is similar to what Samsung is targeting for the Z Fold 7, Google's device benefits from superior computational photography and integration with services like Gemini AI, which can enhance productivity in ways that feel more intuitive. This software edge is crucial because foldables aren't just about hardware; they're about creating a compelling user experience that justifies the premium price tag, often exceeding $1,500. Samsung's claim of a 10mm Z Fold 7 might improve hardware specs, but if it doesn't come with groundbreaking software enhancements, it risks feeling iterative rather than revolutionary.

Looking back at Samsung's foldable journey provides context for this current predicament. The original Galaxy Fold in 2019 was a bold but flawed debut, marred by durability issues that led to a recall. Subsequent models like the Z Fold 2 and 3 ironed out many kinks, introducing water resistance, better hinges, and under-display cameras. By the Z Fold 5 and 6, Samsung had refined the formula, but innovation seemed to plateau. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers, unburdened by the same global market pressures or patent disputes, have accelerated their R&D. Brands like Oppo (with the Find N3) and Vivo have introduced foldables that not only fold flatter but also incorporate advanced cooling systems for sustained performance during intensive tasks.

This lag isn't just about thickness; it extends to other metrics like crease visibility and outer display usability. Many users complain that Samsung's Z Fold outer screen feels too narrow for comfortable one-handed use, whereas competitors like the OnePlus Open offer wider, more phone-like external displays. If the Z Fold 7 sticks to a similar aspect ratio while only shaving off a couple of millimeters in thickness, it might not address these holistic user experience issues. Rumors suggest Samsung could introduce a tri-fold variant or experiment with new materials, but until official announcements, these remain speculative.

The broader implications for the foldable market are significant. Samsung still commands a lion's share of global sales, thanks to its strong brand presence in regions like the U.S. and Europe, where competitors like Honor and Xiaomi have limited availability due to geopolitical tensions and lack of carrier partnerships. However, as foldables become more mainstream—projected to grow from 15 million units shipped in 2023 to over 50 million by 2027, according to analysts—the competition will intensify. Samsung's claim for the Z Fold 7, while promising, underscores a need for the company to innovate more aggressively. Perhaps incorporating flexible batteries, advanced nanomaterials, or even modular designs could help it reclaim the lead.

In conclusion, Samsung's purported push to make the Galaxy Z Fold 7 thinner is a welcome development, signaling that the company is listening to feedback and striving to refine its foldable lineup. However, at a claimed 10mm, it still trails behind sleeker offerings from Honor, Xiaomi, and others, highlighting how the foldable arms race has shifted from mere existence to exquisite execution. For Samsung to maintain its throne, it will need to go beyond incremental improvements and deliver a device that not only matches but surpasses the competition in every dimension—literally and figuratively. As consumers, we're in for an exciting era where foldables evolve from novelties to necessities, but only time will tell if Samsung can fold its way back to the forefront.

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