Anticipation is building for Samsung’s next generation of foldable smartphones, and a fresh wave of leaked renders is offering a tantalizing glimpse into the potential designs and key features of the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. Expected to be unveiled at a Galaxy Unpacked event as early as July 9, these new foldables are rumored to bring some significant changes – including one surprising twist for the Galaxy Z Fold 7’s camera setup and a major upgrade for the Galaxy Z Flip 7’s cover display.
Based on exclusive renders shared by Android Headlines and corroborated by other reports, it seems Samsung isn’t holding back on refinements for its flagship foldable lineup.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: Thinner Design and a Surprising Camera Return
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is reportedly focusing on sleekness and display improvements. Leaked renders and dummy unit videos suggest the device could be notably thinner than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6. One leak based on a dummy unit even points to an unfolded thickness of just 4.5mm, a significant reduction from the Fold 6’s 5.6mm, although not quite challenging the thinnest foldable globally. This rumored slim profile has also sparked speculation about potential battery technology advancements needed to maintain decent battery life in a thinner chassis.
Additionally, the cover display is rumored to become wider, aiming to make the phone feel more akin to a standard smartphone when closed. Early renders showcase potential color options like Blue Shadow and Jet Black, with more likely to be available at launch.
Perhaps the most unexpected detail in these leaks concerns the internal camera. The renders appear to show the return of a traditional punch-hole camera on the main, foldable display. This marks a potential shift away from the under-display camera (UDC) technology used on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and earlier models since the Fold 3. While technologically impressive and offering an uninterrupted screen, UDC cameras have often faced challenges with image quality due to the display layers covering the lens, leading to issues like noise, underexposure, and lens flare.
This rumored move back to a punch-hole, while potentially seen by some as a step back aesthetically, could be driven by a pragmatic goal: significantly improved selfie photo and video quality from the inner display camera. By removing the display layers above the lens, a punch-hole setup can capture cleaner, sharper images, directly addressing a long-standing trade-off of UDC technology. Some rumors even suggest the punch-hole design could return to both the inner and outer displays.
Galaxy Z Flip 7: A Bigger, More Useful Cover Screen
The leaks also provide insights into the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. Like its Fold counterpart, the Flip 7 is expected to be thinner and lighter than the previous model and could arrive in the same Blue Shadow and Jet Black colors. A faster internal processor is also anticipated.
However, the standout upgrade rumored for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a significantly larger cover display. This move brings the Flip series more in line with competitors featuring expansive external screens, promising enhanced usability and functionality without needing to open the phone.
Beyond the Design: Launch Date, Other Devices, and AI Bonuses
These design leaks arrive amidst strong rumors pointing towards a Galaxy Unpacked event potentially scheduled for Wednesday, July 9. This date aligns with Samsung’s typical summer launch window for its foldable lineup and is supported by information from reputable leakers.
At this anticipated event, Samsung is also expected to unveil the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series and potentially even provide a full reveal of a tri-fold phone concept, rumored to be called the Galaxy G Fold.
Furthermore, reports suggest the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 could launch running One UI 8 software and come bundled with an exciting bonus: a free subscription to Google AI Pro. This premium service, typically costing around $20/month, includes advanced AI tools like Veo 3 for generating video from text and Flow for enhanced video editing, plus 2TB of Google One storage. While the duration isn’t officially confirmed, speculation based on previous Samsung bundles (like the S25 with Gemini Advanced) suggests it could be a generous six-month offer.
While these details are based on leaks and rumors, they paint a compelling picture of Samsung’s next foldable generation, hinting at meaningful refinements and surprising shifts ahead of their likely July debut.
