Samsung’s next generation of foldable phones is almost here. The highly anticipated galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are set for their official debut soon. Ahead of the big reveal, a stream of leaks has shed light on some key details, particularly regarding battery life and durability. Early indications suggest that while other aspects may see improvements, some core features might not receive the significant boost many were hoping for this time around.
These upcoming devices are expected to headline the next Galaxy Unpacked event. Reports point to Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, as the likely date for the formal announcement. This event, potentially taking place in Brooklyn, New York, continues Samsung’s tradition of summer launches for its cutting-edge foldables. Eager buyers won’t have to wait long after the unveiling. Leaked timelines suggest pre-orders could open on the same day, July 9th, allowing enthusiasts to secure their device immediately. The phones are then anticipated to become widely available for shipping and in-store purchase a couple of weeks later, around July 25th. These dates might also coincide with the launch of new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 models, making it a busy summer for Samsung releases.
Durability: Sticking with the Status Quo?
A major area of focus for foldable phone evolution is durability. Early generations faced questions about screen fragility and dust ingress. Leaks regarding the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 suggest one specific aspect of durability may remain unchanged. According to recent information from YTechB, both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7, alongside the rumored, more affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, are expected to carry an IP48 rating.
An IP48 rating signifies protection against solid objects (like dust) up to level 4 and water ingress up to level 8. While level 8 indicates protection against immersion in water under specified conditions, level 4 dust resistance means protection against solid objects larger than 1mm. Crucially, this is not full dustproofing. For comparison, standard flagship phones often boast IP68, offering complete dust protection. The IP48 rating would reportedly mirror the IP48 rating found on the previous Galaxy Z Fold 6. This suggests some level of water resistance is present, but the devices may still be vulnerable to fine dust and dirt particles, a limitation many users hoped Samsung would address in this iteration. While some sources mention IPX8 for the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, indicating water immersion resistance but no formal dust rating, the IP48 leak for the Z Fold 7/Flip 7/FE seems to specifically call out the continued partial dust protection.
Understanding IP Ratings for Foldables
It’s worth noting that achieving robust dust resistance (like IP6X) is technically challenging for devices with moving parts like hinges. Competitors like Motorola have also adopted IP48 ratings on their recent flip phones. The IPX8 rating seen on other foldables (including potentially the Z Fold 6/Flip 6 as per some reports) indicates strong water resistance but makes no official claims about dust. Samsung’s decision to potentially stick with IP48 across the board for the Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE means users should remain cautious about exposing their devices to dusty environments, even if splashes and immersion in shallow water are handled. Device care and potentially using a case become important considerations to mitigate these risks.
Battery Life: Small Gains for Some
Battery capacity and expected usage time are critical factors for any smartphone user, especially with power-hungry foldable displays. Recent leaks provide specific numbers for the battery sizes and estimated maximum durations for the new models. For the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the leaked capacity is 4,272mAh, with an estimated maximum use time of 40 hours and 28 minutes. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is said to feature a 4,174mAh battery, potentially lasting up to 42 hours and 4 minutes. The rumored Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is listed with a 3,887mAh battery, estimated to provide around 37 hours of usage.
It’s important to remember that manufacturers often advertise idealized battery figures. Real-world performance can vary based on usage patterns, network conditions, and settings. Comparing these leaks to the previous generation, the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s battery capacity appears to be the same as its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. This suggests battery life for the Fold model might not see a significant improvement based solely on capacity. However, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is tipped to get a slight increase in battery size compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, a detail corroborated by earlier rumors.
Powering the Next Generation
While a slight battery bump for the Flip is welcome, the stagnant capacity on the Z Fold 7 is notable, especially if screen sizes or processing power increase, which could negate efficiency gains. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 featured a 4400 mAh battery (split around the hinge), aligning closely with the leaked 4272mAh figure (manufacturing tolerances can cause slight variations between advertised and actual capacities). Charging speeds are also a factor. Current rumors suggest the Z Fold 7 may retain 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, which some feel lags behind competitors offering faster options. Battery life for the Z Fold series, based on the Z Fold 6’s performance, hasn’t always been class-leading, and larger screens rumored for the Z Fold 7 could put further pressure on battery life if capacity doesn’t grow significantly.
Beyond Battery and Durability: Other Potential Upgrades
While the leaks on battery and IP rating point towards continuity rather than major leaps for the Z Fold 7 in these specific areas, other rumors paint a picture of potential upgrades elsewhere. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is heavily rumored to feature significant design refinements. Expected changes include a slightly thinner and lighter build and, notably, a wider cover screen. Moving towards a more traditional smartphone aspect ratio for the outer display is a highly anticipated improvement over the somewhat narrow screen of previous Fold models, a design shift seen and praised on competitors like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The inner folding screen is also expected to see improvements, aiming for a less visible crease and significantly reduced bezels.
Camera technology is another area where the Z Fold 7 could see a major leap. Whispers suggest the main rear camera might adopt a high-resolution 200MP sensor, potentially mirroring the limited-region Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. This could represent a substantial photographic upgrade. Under the hood, the devices are almost certain to be powered by Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, an overclocked “for Galaxy” version, ensuring peak performance. RAM is expected to remain at 12GB, aligning with the predecessor.
Software and Longevity
Samsung is also making strides in software support. Like its recent flagships, the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 are expected to receive up to seven years of software and security updates. This long-term commitment significantly enhances the value proposition and lifespan of these premium devices. The phones will launch with the latest One UI interface, likely based on Android 15 or even Android 16 (One UI 8), incorporating enhanced AI features that are becoming a staple of high-end smartphones. Features like Flex Mode and Samsung DeX are expected to return, leveraging the unique foldable form factor for multitasking and productivity. S Pen support is anticipated for the Z Fold 7, potentially with a redesigned stylus.
Should You Upgrade? Considering the Leaks
Based on the leaks so far, the decision to upgrade to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Z Flip 7 depends heavily on what matters most to you. If your primary reason for upgrading is the hope for significant improvements in core durability (specifically full dustproofing) or a major leap in Z Fold battery life, these leaks might temper expectations. The continued IP48 rating suggests caution regarding fine dust remains necessary, and the Z Fold 7’s battery capacity might stay the same as the previous model.
However, if you are drawn to other potential enhancements like a wider, more usable cover screen on the Z Fold 7, a potential camera upgrade, a refined design, or simply the benefit of owning the latest model with the longest software support window, then waiting for the Unpacked event could still be worthwhile. The market for folding phones continues to evolve, and while year-over-year upgrades can sometimes feel incremental across the entire smartphone landscape, specific refinements like a better cover screen or camera can make a noticeable difference in daily use. Cost is also a factor; while foldables are expensive, Samsung typically offers substantial trade-in deals that can make the upgrade more palatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What battery capacities are rumored for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7?
Leaked information suggests the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will have a 4,272mAh battery, while the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is tipped to feature a 4,174mAh battery. The potential Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is rumored to have a 3,887mAh capacity. These figures align the Z Fold 7’s capacity with its predecessor, while the Z Flip 7 appears to gain a slight increase.
Does the leaked IP48 rating mean the new foldables are fully dustproof?
No, an IP48 rating indicates protection against solid objects larger than 1mm (level 4 dust resistance) and water immersion (level 8 water resistance). This is not full dust protection (which requires level 6, like IP68). The IP48 rating suggests similar dust resistance to the previous Z Fold 6 model, meaning users should still avoid exposing the phone to fine dust or sand.
Should I wait to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Z Flip 7 based on these leaks?
If you are hoping for significant improvements in core battery life (specifically for the Fold) or full dust resistance, these leaks suggest those specific upgrades may not be substantial. However, if rumored design changes like a wider cover screen on the Z Fold 7, a potential camera upgrade, or the benefit of seven years of software updates are compelling, waiting for the official July 9th Unpacked event to get the full picture might be worthwhile. Consider your current phone’s condition and software support status when making your decision.
What’s Next?
The leaked details provide an early look at what Samsung might unveil. While battery and durability leaks suggest a more iterative update in those specific areas, rumors of design changes, camera enhancements, and the inclusion of the latest flagship processor and extended software support indicate other potentially significant improvements. The official Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9th will reveal all the definitive details. Stay tuned for the full announcement to see exactly what Samsung’s next-generation foldables will bring to the table.
