Having spent just a few 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 screen lastly feels full, DeX help is an unbelievable 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 price looking forward to 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 might make sense, too. This is why subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 might be definitely worth the wait.
Battery tech might 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, nevertheless it’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 forms 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 commonplace lithium-ion batteries. A rumor from FNNews, a Korean information web site, factors to a number of sources predicting that silicon-carbon batteries might arrive on Samsung’s flagships beginning with the S26 sequence.
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Samsung itself has acknowledged its interest within the expertise, and its use might finally imply cramming extra capability into the Z Flip 8 whereas holding the footprint an analogous 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 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 as we speak’s foldable smartphones is the dreaded display screen crease, a refined however noticeable line that runs down the fold space, giving the display screen 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 attainable by a laser-drilled steel plate that distributes and controls bending stress throughout the fold line.
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Effective 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 inside show, and that will be nicely price ready for.
The arrival of a two-nanometer chip
Efficiency-wise, the Z Flip 8 might ship a serious improve, however the state of affairs 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 a substitute 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 may be a primary for its foldables and would deliver much more energy and vitality effectivity to the subsequent technology Z Flip 8. Conflicting stories say Qualcomm may 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 manner onto the Z Flip 8, particularly after the Exynos arrival on this yr’s mannequin. The Exynos chips typically ship much less energy and effectivity in comparison with Snapdragon options, however the brand new 2nm technology holds critical promise.
Improved sturdiness
Sturdiness is a long-standing situation for foldables. The Z Flip 7 gives stable water resistance however minimal mud resistance with its IP48 ranking. Foldables will be very tough to guard from mud ingress because of their versatile parts and complex hinge buildings. Samsung’s mobile chief TM Roh openly stated just a few years in the past that mud safety is a giant request from customers of those foldables, and the corporate is reportedly working onerous 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 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 really immune to mud and water. If Samsung needs to ship on its purpose of tightening up mud safety, subsequent yr is the proper time to do it.
The ultimate verdict
Let me be clear: I am not trying to throw chilly water on anybody’s choice to buy the Z Flip 7. It is a incredible smartphone that I am completely having fun with.
However realistically, subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 might hit even more durable in almost each essential class for foldables with longer battery life, smoother display screen 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 would recommend you contemplate giving it a while. Your endurance would possibly simply be definitely worth the wait.
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