Having spent a number 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 obtained a strong bump up.
However whereas the Z Flip 7 closes the hole with rivals just like the Moto Razr Extremely, it is value waiting for what subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 would possibly convey. Apple reportedly has plans to convey its taste of foldable iPhone to market in 2026 as properly, giving Samsung much more motivation to ship.
That is why, even with the Flip 7 hitting so many marks, upgrading in 2026 might make sense, too. Here is why subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 may very well be well worth the wait.
Battery tech might 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 sorts of battery applied sciences that would arrive in subsequent yr’s foldables.
A number of smartphones have hit the market prior to now yr with silicon-carbon battery expertise that delivers higher power 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 collection.
Samsung itself has acknowledged its curiosity within the expertise, and its use might in the end imply cramming extra capability into the Z Flip 8 whereas holding the footprint an identical 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 larger capability with out swelling points, one thing Samsung is unquestionably intent on avoiding after the embarrassing Galaxy Word 7 battery fireplace 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 may very well be heading towards a extra creaseless design on the Z Flip 8.
Revered Apple provide chain insider Ming-Chi Kuo stories that Apple’s unreleased foldable iPhone and Samsung’s subsequent batch of foldable smartphones will characteristic a “crease-free” show, made potential by a laser-drilled metallic plate that distributes and controls bending stress throughout the fold line.
Nice 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 may very well be one of many first foldables with a pristine inside show, and that may be properly value ready for.
The arrival of a two-nanometer chip
Efficiency-wise, the Z Flip 8 might ship a serious improve, however the scenario 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 stories about which chip Samsung is probably going to make use of.
Samsung has a robust foundry enterprise and is reportedly manufacturing a particular 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 convey much more energy and power effectivity to the following era 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.
In the meantime, Samsung is aggressively creating its personal 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 typically ship much less energy and effectivity in comparison with Snapdragon alternate options, however the brand new 2nm era holds severe promise.
Improved sturdiness
Sturdiness is a long-standing subject for foldables. The Z Flip 7 gives strong water resistance however minimal mud resistance with its IP48 ranking. Foldables could be very tough to guard from mud ingress because of their versatile parts and complex hinge buildings. Samsung’s cellular chief TM Roh overtly acknowledged a number of 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 resolution.
Competitors is heating up on this division as properly. 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 needs to ship on its purpose of tightening up mud safety, subsequent yr is the suitable 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 improbable smartphone that I am totally having fun with.
However realistically, subsequent yr’s Z Flip 8 might 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. If you happen to aren’t in any hurry to drag the set off, I might counsel you contemplate giving it a while. Your persistence would possibly simply be well worth the wait.
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