Samsung is gearing up to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 7 at its upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event in less than two weeks. With this launch, it will encounter stiff competition in the folding phone arena, despite being the thinnest and lightest model Samsung has ever produced.
The current titleholder for the world’s thinnest foldable phone is the Oppo Find N5. However, it’s anticipated that the new Honor Magic V5 will dethrone it. What sets the Honor apart is its expected availability in numerous global markets where the Galaxy Z Fold 7 aims to make a significant impact.
China, as the largest smartphone market indeed offers an intensely competitive environment for foldable devices, as many brands focus their launches there, making it crucial for every manufacturer to stand out.
So, which folding phones should Samsung be keeping an eye on? Here are four models I hope the Galaxy Z Fold 7 takes inspiration from:
1. Vivo X Fold 5: Unmatched Value and Innovation
The Vivo X Fold 5 is an impressive entry, recently launched exclusively in China but expected to expand into international markets, including India. Priced at approximately €975, it stands out as the best value folding phone given its competitive pricing against rivals.
This device boasts an 8-inch main display and a 6.53-inch cover screen, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. With options for 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage ranging from 256GB to 1TB, the X Fold 5 doesn’t skimp on features. It also includes a robust camera setup with three 50MP sensors, including a periscope telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.
Its 6,000 mAh battery is the largest among book-style foldables and supports both 80W wired and 40W wireless charging. Adopting Silicon Carbon battery technology like Vivo could vastly improve battery life and efficiency in future devices.
A standout feature is its integration with Apple devices—allowing seamless connectivity with the Apple Watch and mirroring notifications from iPhones. This innovation could attract Apple users looking to switch.
2. Honor Magic V3 / V5: Pushing the Limits of Thinness
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 aims to be one of the slimmest phones, yet the Honor Magic V series initially sparked this trend, beginning with the Magic V2, measuring just 4.7mm when unfolded. The latest iteration, Magic V5, is expected to be even thinner at approximately 4.35mm, pushing boundaries further.
Rumors suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may measure around 3.9mm when unfolded, presenting a noticeable improvement over existing models. As phones get sleeker, they often remain relatively weighty; however, the Honor Magic V5 is anticipated to lead the way in lightweight design.
3. Oppo Find N5: An All-around Champion
The Oppo Find N5 recently stole the spotlight, showcasing the latest in foldable technology with its stunning 4.21mm profile when unfolded. It’s not only about aesthetics, as it packs powerful specs, including an 8.12-inch main display and a robust camera setup with two 50MP sensors.
This device features a Silicon-Carbon battery with 5,600 mAh and charges quickly with 80W wired support, demonstrating an efficient blend of design and functionality. In comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, equipped with a 4,400 mAh battery, takes nearly twice as long to fully charge.
With stylus support available on both screens, the Find N5 enhances user experience further, encouraging Samsung to adopt similar features in the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
4. The Key Features We’re Anticipating for the Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to be a game-changer, especially with anticipated upgrades in camera design and display size. The main display could stretch to approximately 8.2 inches, bigger than any existing foldable option.
It’s rumored to feature a camera upgrade to a 200MP sensor found in the Galaxy S25 version, potentially setting a new standard for mobile photography in foldable devices.
As we await the Z Fold 7’s launch, many are excited about the potential trade-offs in design and functionality. The coming weeks will reveal how Samsung meets the challenge from its competitors.
Are folding phones worth the investment? Given the unique features and emerging technology, many users find value in these innovative devices. The folding phone market is growing, and there’s plenty to look forward to in the near future.
Have you considered which foldable phone fits your lifestyle best? For more insights and updates, be sure to explore related content on Moyens I/O.