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 thus far. The expanded cowl display lastly feels full, DeX assist is an unimaginable bonus on such a tiny footprint, and its battery life acquired a stable bump up.
However whereas the Z Flip 7 closes the hole with rivals just like the Moto Razr Ultra, it is value waiting for what subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 would possibly carry. Apple reportedly has plans to carry its taste of foldable iPhone to market in 2026 as effectively, 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 might be well worth the wait.
Battery tech may get a facelift
The Z Flip 7 has elevated battery capability over the earlier era 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 latest months that present it’s actively exploring new varieties of battery applied sciences that would arrive in subsequent yr’s foldables.
A number of smartphones have hit the market up to now yr with silicon-carbon battery expertise that delivers higher vitality density and longevity in comparison with normal lithium-ion batteries. A rumor from FNNews, a Korean information web site, 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 expertise, and its use may in the end imply cramming extra capability into the Z Flip 8 whereas conserving the footprint the same dimension 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 expertise 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 right this 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 might 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 doable by a laser-drilled steel plate that distributes and controls bending stress throughout the fold line.
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Positive M-Tec is reportedly behind the manufacturing of the expertise, whereas Samsung Show will provide the expertise to Apple and its merchandise. If this development lives as much as its promise, the Z Flip 8 might be one of many first foldables with a pristine interior show, and that will be effectively value ready for.
The arrival of a two-nanometer chip
Efficiency-wise, the Z Flip 8 may ship a serious improve, however the state of affairs is a bit complicated. This yr’s mannequin is the primary foldable by Samsung to be launched with its in-house Exynos 2500 chipset as a substitute of a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. For subsequent yr, there are conflicting experiences 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 might be a primary for its foldables and would carry much more energy and vitality effectivity to the following era Z Flip 8. Conflicting experiences say Qualcomm might need pulled again plans to completely undertake Samsung’s 2-nanometer manufacturing, turning to its different companions as a substitute.
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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 approach 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 options, however the brand new 2nm era holds critical promise.
Improved sturdiness
Sturdiness is a long-standing problem for foldables. The Z Flip 7 provides stable water resistance however minimal mud resistance with its IP48 ranking. Foldables could be very troublesome to guard from mud ingress on account of 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 a giant request from customers of those foldables, and the corporate is reportedly working laborious to discover a answer.
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Competitors is heating up on this division as effectively. The Motorola Razr Extremely now has an improved IP52 ranking, and a separate rumor factors to the likelihood that subsequent yr’s Google Pixel 10 Professional Fold would possibly carry a full IP68 ranking, making it the primary foldable to be actually proof against mud and water. If Samsung desires to ship on its objective of tightening up mud safety, subsequent yr is the fitting time to do it.
The ultimate verdict
Let me be clear: I am not seeking to throw chilly water on anybody’s resolution to buy the Z Flip 7. It is a improbable smartphone that I am totally having fun with.
However realistically, subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 may hit even tougher in almost each necessary class for foldables with longer battery life, smoother display composition, an industry-leading processor, and tougher-than-ever construct high quality. If you happen to aren’t in any hurry to drag the set off, I might recommend you contemplate giving it a while. Your persistence would possibly simply be well worth the wait.
Comply with my newest tech critiques and initiatives 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.
