Samsung launches Galaxy Z Fold7 with advanced AI & new design

Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold7, a foldable smartphone that combines advancements in hardware, artificial intelligence and design, aiming for enhanced productivity and performance.

The new Galaxy Z Fold7 features a thinner and lighter body compared to earlier models in the series.

At 215 grams and 8.9 mm thickness when folded, it is lighter than the Galaxy S25 Ultra and has been tailored for users seeking both portability and versatility. The device offers a 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display which is broader and easier to use when the foldable is closed, while unfolding reveals an 8-inch QXGA+ main display, approximately 11% larger than its predecessor.

Design and durability

According to Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold7 is built with daily usability in mind, incorporating a new multi-rail structure for its FlexHinge mechanism aimed at smoother folding. The cover display uses Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, and the device's frame is constructed with Armour Aluminium for added strength. The overall structure prioritises portability while maintaining durability for repeated folding and everyday handling.

Performance and AI integration

A key highlight is the inclusion of the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, a processor that Samsung says is customised for AI processing tasks such as real-time language translation and generative edits. Performance increases are cited as 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% in GPU capabilities over the last generation.

These improvements are positioned to boost the Galaxy Z Fold7's ability to deliver advanced on-device AI features.

"The Galaxy Z Fold7 combines Galaxy AI with powerful hardware to deliver our most advanced smartphone experience yet," said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. "This next chapter of foldables brings together design and engineering, with AI built specifically for the foldable form. It gives people the ultra experience they want - powerful, immersive, intelligent, and portable all in one."

The device launches with One UI 8, based on Android 16, and integrates Samsung's AI platform across the system. One UI 8 includes context-aware AI features designed to make use of the foldable's large screen, enhancing multitasking and productivity by allowing applications and tools to work side-by-side more effectively.

Camera features and creative tools

The camera array on the Galaxy Z Fold7 includes a 200MP wide-angle camera, a first for the Z Fold series, promising increased detail in photographs. Other camera features include a 10MP 100° camera on the main display and a next generation ProVisual Engine for image processing.

The AI-powered system automatically optimises photos for lighting and detail, even in challenging environments, and new features such as Night Video enable motion detection to better separate moving subjects in low light conditions. Video recording supports 10-bit HDR for improved colour depth and contrast.

Samsung has incorporated an AI-powered creative suite for editing on the large screen. Tools such as Photo Assist, Portrait Studio, and Generative Edit are available, enabling users to manipulate images and backgrounds, erase unwanted objects, and enhance audio quality with the upgraded Audio Eraser. The suite allows side-by-side comparisons between original and edited images, and supports drag-and-drop actions for AI-generated content between applications.

AI interaction and assistant features

The AI platform in the Galaxy Z Fold7 supports features like Gemini Live, which enables users to interact with applications via multimodal input - typing or speaking contextual questions and receiving responses without leaving their workflow.

Circle to Search allows users to quickly look up items by circling them on the screen, and AI Results View ensures multitasking by keeping original content visible while AI outputs are provided.

One UI 8 includes enhanced mobile security features, such as the Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP), which creates app-specific encrypted storage areas within the device. Samsung Knox Matrix is being advanced for broader protection across connected Galaxy devices.

Availability and colours

The Galaxy Z Fold7 will be available for pre-order in Australia before general sales begin in August.

It will be offered in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet-black, and Mint, with the last colour being an online exclusive. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, and all variants include at least 12GB of RAM. Other specifications include a 4,400mAh battery, dual SIM support, Wi-Fi 7, and IP48 water resistance.

Samsung Care+ will be available for the device, offering support, screen replacements and device swaps, along with access to Google AI Pro and 2TB of cloud storage for six months without additional charge.

Samsung reiterates that its Galaxy AI features remain free of charge for the present, with future plans to be made in coordination with its partners. Terms for AI features provided by third parties may change after 2025.