Having spent a couple of days with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I can simply say that it is Samsung’s most polished clamshell foldable to this point. The expanded cowl display lastly feels full, DeX help is an unimaginable bonus on such a tiny footprint, and its battery life received a stable bump up.
However whereas the Z Flip 7 closes the hole with rivals just like the Moto Razr Ultra, it is price waiting for what subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 would possibly deliver. Apple reportedly has plans to deliver its taste of foldable iPhone to market in 2026 as nicely, giving Samsung much more motivation to ship.
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That is why, even with the Flip 7 hitting so many marks, upgrading in 2026 may make sense, too. This is why subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 may very well be well worth the wait.
Battery tech may get a facelift
The Z Flip 7 has elevated battery capability over the earlier technology from 4,000mAh to 4,300mAh. That is not a small enhance, but it surely’s not fairly what we have come to anticipate from flagship gadgets both. Fortunately, Samsung has given some clues in current months that present it’s actively exploring new sorts of battery applied sciences that might arrive in subsequent yr’s foldables.
A number of smartphones have hit the market previously yr with silicon-carbon battery know-how that delivers higher power density and longevity in comparison with customary lithium-ion batteries. A rumor from FNNews, a Korean information website, factors to a number of sources predicting that silicon-carbon batteries may arrive on Samsung’s flagships beginning with the S26 collection.
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Samsung itself has acknowledged its interest within the know-how, and its use may in the end imply cramming extra capability into the Z Flip 8 whereas holding the footprint the same measurement as this yr’s mannequin.
Even when silicon carbon integration does not arrive with the Z Flip 8, a report from TheElec reveals Samsung’s curiosity in adopting so-called “SUS CAN” (metal use stainless canister) battery casing and superior EMC safety circuits in its 2026 gadgets. This know-how is already present in Apple’s iPhone 16 Professional Max, and it permits for increased capability with out swelling points, one thing Samsung is unquestionably intent on avoiding after the embarrassing Galaxy Note 7 battery fire debacle.
Crease-free shows on the horizon
One of many enduring challenges of at the moment’s foldable smartphones is the dreaded display crease, a refined however noticeable line that runs down the fold space, giving the display an imperfect look. Fortunately, we may very well be heading towards a extra creaseless design on the Z Flip 8.
Revered Apple provide chain insider Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple’s unreleased foldable iPhone and Samsung’s subsequent batch of foldable smartphones will function a “crease-free” show, made potential by a laser-drilled metallic plate that distributes and controls bending stress throughout the fold line.
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High-quality M-Tec is reportedly behind the manufacturing of the know-how, whereas Samsung Show will provide the know-how to Apple and its merchandise. If this development lives as much as its promise, the Z Flip 8 may very well be one of many first foldables with a pristine interior show, and that may be nicely price ready for.
The arrival of a two-nanometer chip
Efficiency-wise, the Z Flip 8 may ship a serious improve, however the scenario is a bit advanced. This yr’s mannequin is the primary foldable by Samsung to be launched with its in-house Exynos 2500 chipset as an alternative of a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. For subsequent yr, there are conflicting stories about which chip Samsung is probably going to make use of.
Samsung has a robust foundry enterprise and is reportedly manufacturing a special variant of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip, particularly tailor-made “For Galaxy and constructed on a cutting-edge 2-nanometer course of. This is able to be a primary for its foldables and would deliver much more energy and power effectivity to the following technology Z Flip 8. Conflicting stories say Qualcomm might need pulled again plans to totally undertake Samsung’s 2-nanometer manufacturing, turning to its different companions as an alternative.
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In the meantime, Samsung is aggressively developing its own Exynos 2600 chipset on the identical 2-nanometer course of with subsequent yr’s Galaxy flagships in its sights for launch. This might make its manner onto the Z Flip 8, particularly after the Exynos arrival on this yr’s mannequin. The Exynos chips generally ship much less energy and effectivity in comparison with Snapdragon alternate options, however the brand new 2nm technology holds critical promise.
Improved sturdiness
Sturdiness is a long-standing difficulty for foldables. The Z Flip 7 provides stable water resistance however minimal mud resistance with its IP48 score. Foldables will be very tough to guard from mud ingress attributable to their versatile elements and sophisticated hinge buildings. Samsung’s mobile chief TM Roh openly stated a couple of years in the past that mud safety is an enormous request from customers of those foldables, and the corporate is reportedly working exhausting to discover a answer.
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Competitors is heating up on this division as nicely. The Motorola Razr Extremely now has an improved IP52 score, and a separate rumor factors to the likelihood that subsequent yr’s Google Pixel 10 Professional Fold would possibly carry a full IP68 score, making it the primary foldable to be actually immune to mud and water. If Samsung desires to ship on its objective of tightening up mud safety, subsequent yr is the appropriate time to do it.
The ultimate verdict
Let me be clear: I am not seeking to throw chilly water on anybody’s choice to buy the Z Flip 7. It is a implausible smartphone that I am totally having fun with.
However realistically, subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 may hit even tougher in almost each vital class for foldables with longer battery life, smoother display composition, an industry-leading processor, and tougher-than-ever construct high quality. In case you aren’t in any hurry to tug the set off, I might counsel you take into account giving it a while. Your endurance would possibly simply be well worth the wait.
Comply with my newest tech evaluations and tasks throughout social media. You will discover me on YouTube at YouTube.com/@JasonHowell, on X (previously Twitter) at @JasonHowell, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/thatjasonhowell.
