Samsung has made serious upgrades to its folding phones. Announced at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event in New York, we were introduced us to the latest flipping, folding and watch innovations. Following on from the big changes announced at the 2024 event, the devices continue to get better and better.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
Thinner and lighter is something phone makers seem to promise each and every year. And yet, somehow, we still see the same black rectangles over and over. This year, Samsung really means it when it says thin and light. Especially when it comes to the larger Z Fold model: now dubbed the Z Fold7.
There's so much that's new on the inside. That's thanks to the quickly-evolving AI toolkit Samsung offers its users and the software it runs on is now better tuned for your needs. What you'll really notice however is how it looks (or rather, how it feels to use) - and the shots it snaps for you on the go like a pro.
Design: it's seriously thin and feels more normal than ever in the hand (and pocket)
Ever since Samsung released the Z Fold model, it has always felt strange in the hand. As its namesake suggests, the device folds out horizontally so it's a tall, candybar-style device when it's closed, and a sort of mini-tablet when it's opened.
It felt great to use, but to look at, it felt almost out of proportion in a way we could never quite put our collective fingers on. When closed, the device felt too narrow and tall. When opened, it felt slightly unwieldy. Samsung has now gone back to the lab and cooked up something that blends form and function together for what looks like the perfect foldable.
First of all, the proportions are now more uniform. The outer screen (the one you use while it's closed) is now stretched out to 6.5-inches across - up from 6.3-inches on the previous model - so it feels more like a regular device in your hand. Open it up and the device now spans 8-inches across the diagonal so it's more like a mini-tablet when it's unfolded.
What's really impressive, however, is how thin it is - both open and closed. Samsung worked hard to create a device that felt like a typical smartphone when it was closed, rather than a heavy and thick stack of screens on top of each other. When opened, the device now measures just 4.2mm in thickness. And thanks to all that trimming down, it now measures just 8.9mm when folded so it feels more natural in your hand.
This obsession with creating an ultra-thin folding device has also paid dividends for the device's weight, too. The previous Z Fold 6 model tipped the scale at 239 grams. This one? A svelte 215 grams. That's 3 grams lighter than Samsung's most recent flagship device – the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
But just because it has lost weight, doesn't mean it isn't strong. Samsung has doubled down on the design under the hood, too. The hinge is now more discrete and opens under the front and back panels to more evenly disperse stresses. The glass on all of the displays – inside and out –is now thicker and tougher to prevent against everyday damage and it's all kept rigidly in place by more latticed Grade 4 Titanium than ever. It's the same grade of metal they use to build airframes for passenger jets and their landing gears.
And finally, despite the slim down, the Z Fold7 hasn't lost any of its performance credibility. It seemingly bends the laws of physics by fitting in a 4400mAh battery to keep you going, which is the same battery capacity of the previous device. Plus, there's a new processor at the heart of the device that promises much faster performance (especially when multitasking, editing images or video or just getting stuff done).
Cameras: smarter, smoother, crisper shots
With all the attention paid to getting a screen to fold in half, Samsung had - by its own admission - originally made the early Z Fold models a little bland in the camera department.
It knows now, however, that a premium device needs premium cameras. That's why this one has more behind the lens that ever.
There are still three rear-facing cameras on the device. I'll go through them briefly and their improvements (which are significant).
There's the star of the show: the 200-megapixel wide camera that will handle the majority of your everyday shooting. First and foremost, that's a significant sensor upgrade from the 50-megapixel wide camera on the previous model. The new sensor powering the wide camera is able to capture 4x the detail and images that are almost 44% brighter than the previous generation.
Finally, the ultra-wide camera (used for shooting at "0.5x") doesn't get a sensor upgrade - it's still 12-megapixels - but it gets a change that's a little closer to the surface. The lens it shoots on can now capture a field-of-view that's over 100-degrees wide. It's up from an 85-degree field-of-view on the previous model. Put simply, that means you'll grab all the detail of your gorgeous scenes and never accidentally cut someone out of a group wedding photo again.
And of course there's the now-obligatory bundle of AI gear designed to make your photos look better by burning the planet in the name of image quality. Think better night photos, better shots of targets in motion and smart suggestions for taking a great shot before you hit the shutter button.
When is it coming: Australian pricing and release date
It’s a flagship device, so you can expect a flagship price. The Z Fold7 starts at AU$2,899 for the 256GB model, with the 512GB version priced at AU$3,099 and the 1TB option climbing to AU$3,549. It’s available in Jet Black, Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, and a fresh Mint colourway for 2025.
It's a bit of a step up from the pricing on the previous Z Fold6 model from 2024. It debuted on the market last July for what seemed at the time a steep AU$1899.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Flip7 SE
The flip phone revolution rolls on, and Samsung - the original author of the form factor's renaissance - is back with a device that is designed to take care of all the things that made the last one slightly annoying to use.
Design: brighter and more usable when closed
It feels odd saying that a device is designed to be used just as well when it's closed as when it's open. C'est la vie.
The Z Flip model is also designed with both an outer screen and a folding inner screen. But unlike its peer above, the Z Flip opens vertically for that modernised flip phone feeling.
Much like its peer, however, the Z Flip still had some issues with its proportions. Those have now been ironed out with a bit of engineering on Samsung's part.
The outer screen now goes right to the edge of the device, increasing it from a 3.4-inch display to a massive 4.1-inch display (when measured diagonally).
That outer screen is easier to see when you're on the go, too. It now outputs a screen brightness all the way up to 2600 "nits", which is comparable to twice the brightness of a decent TV.
Unfold the device and you're met with a 6.9-inch display - the longest ever in this model of device.
In a world where bigger is always regarded as better, I have long crusaded for devices that cater more to those who are predisposed to having smaller hands than larger. I put this to Samsung when we spoke, and was told that the new device is exactly that.
Despite having the longest screen ever in a Z Fold, the increase to the screen size on the outer cover is designed to cater more to those with smaller hands than any other device.
And, it's thinner in the hand too, measuring only 6.5mm thick when it's unfolded for easier handling.
Build quality: re-engineered from the inside out
Making the device thinner meant re-tooling all the little bits and pieces on the inside of the device. No room for copying last year's work into this new model.
The evolved and more svelte footprint means that right down to the circuit boards in the device, everything had to be condensed. The larger battery 4300mAh battery, the new (stronger) vertical hinge, the new security module, the retooled 50- and 12-megapixel rear cameras with smarter colour processors and more all needed to be rethought so it could be flat packed into the forward-folding flagship.
Samsung even had to rethink how it waterproofed the device in the name of space saving. What it came up with - incidentally - is a clever solution not found on other smartphones. The waterproofing is typically found around the ports, plugs and holes of a device. The new Z Flip6 actually integrates the waterproofing directly into the circuits of the device for added protection with a smaller physical footprint.
When is the Flip7 coming: Australian pricing and release date
The Z Flip7 keeps things flexible and stylish, starting at AU$1,799 for the 256GB variant and AU$1,999 for 512GB. Colour options include Jet Black, Blue Shadow, Coral Red, and Mint.
Z Flip7 FE: only the essentials
Of course, if you don't need all of that, Samsung has a new "Fan Edition" of the Z Flip7 that has fewer features for a cheaper price.
You still get all of the features from the previous Z Flip6 model, plus a little extra bundled in.
You get the design of the Z Flip6 with the inclusion of the new suite of AI features Samsung is offering on the flagship Flip7 and Fold7 devices, as well as a boosted 50-megapixel selfie camera for better shots of you and the crew.
When is the Flip7 FE coming: Australian pricing and release date
Samsung’s range of FE devices is typically lighter on your wallet than most phones in the same class.
For this one you’ll be looking at AU$1,499 for 128GB, with the 256GB version priced at AU$1,599. It comes in two simple shades — Black and White.
Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic
The Watch8 and Watch8 Classic mark major updates to the Samsung smartwatch fleet. The particular focuses have been in more comfort and better tracking than ever.
Design: it's thinner and comfier
Samsung has introduced a new "cushion" design, one that has been borrowed from the alaxy Watch Ultra. This means the cushion-shaped case is now a consistent feature across the full watch lineup.
The main goals in the design changes were to improve ergonomics, wrist fit, and sensor accuracy. The body is now 11% thinner than the previous design (from 9.7mm to 8.6mm). A feat that was achieved by more internal reengineering. The watch lugs have been redesigned to now move more naturally with the wrist – which helped enhance comfort during workouts especially. Also, the display is brighter, ensuring better visibility in sunlight.
It's worth noting the Watch8 Classic has retained the rotating bezel, combining traditional watch design with modern tech. There are graphite, silver, black, and white finishes depending on model – and of course, a host of interchangeable straps.
Features: wellness at the forefront
Introducing sleep apnea tracking. Yes, the watches can now detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in most adults. Of course, it's not a diagnostic tool but it's helpful for identifying potential sleep issues that you could then talk to your doctor about.
Bedtime Guidance can recommend your ideal bedtime based on your circadian rhythms. Running Coach can help you develop a custom running plan. Energy Score combines data points to estimate your daily energy levels. Mindfulness Tracking allows you to access breathing exercises and also log your mood. Possibly one of the most interesting new health and wellness features is the Antioxidant Index, which can measure your carotenoid levels in just five seconds. It can help inform lifestyle choices that could improve your wellbeing.
Notably, this is the first watch to run Wear OS 6 with Google Gemini AI integration.
When is the Watch8 coming: Australian pricing and release date
All models will be available for pre-order in Australia starting 10 July 2025, with sales beginning 1 August 2025.
The Watch8 starts at AU$699 and the Classic starts at AU$899.
