Samsung’s recent press release has ignited a level of excitement for its upcoming phones that I haven’t felt in a considerable time. The prospect of a Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra emerging in the near future, possibly within a month, could mark the culmination of my two-decade quest for a truly exceptional foldable device. It’s the “Ultra” designation that truly piques my interest, signaling that Samsung might finally be positioning its Fold series as the pinnacle of its technological prowess, a move many feel is long overdue. While this device is anticipated to be the most expensive handset Samsung has ever produced, potentially exceeding $2,500, the investment could be justified if the Z Fold 7 Ultra liberates the brand from the incremental evolution seen in its recent foldable offerings.
The Long Wait for Foldable Perfection
My journey with foldable phones has been somewhat restricted, primarily due to their high cost. This might seem counterintuitive to my current argument, but the core issue was that they were not only expensive but also, frankly, not up to par. I spent some time with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, and while the allure of a larger screen was undeniable, my lasting impressions are of its cumbersome weight in my pocket, the prominent crease bisecting the display, and an overall lack of innovative flair. It felt very much like a device for early adopters, a sentiment Samsung hasn’t quite managed to shake off with subsequent models.
Hand holding a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, illustrating early foldable phone design challenges.
I’ve been tracking the development of foldable devices since the early 2000s, back when they were primarily conceptual rollable e-ink displays promising a revolution that never quite materialized. I vividly recall being captivated by LG’s ‘rollable paper’ display at CES in 2016 – a glimpse of the technology we should be experiencing today. A rollable tablet, functioning like a futuristic newspaper, remains an unrealized dream.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra, however, could be one of the first mainstream, genuinely useful foldable devices. Rumors suggesting the Z Fold 7 will feature a crease-less display have been circulating ever since Samsung Display, the screen manufacturing division of the South Korean tech giant, showcased such a screen at MWC earlier this year. This development alone would address a significant deterrent for my adoption of this technology. And while affording it might require extreme measures, it’s a conversation I’m willing to entertain.
What Could “Ultra” Truly Signify?
A glance at online forums reveals a fervent desire for an upgraded Galaxy Fold to launch this year, and there’s a widespread expectation that Samsung needs to make a significant move to stay competitive. The brand has fallen behind in the foldable race, with competitors like Google, Honor, and Oppo surging ahead with thinner, more powerful, and more capable foldable devices. However, Samsung has managed to remain a prominent name in the foldable space, partly due to the popularity of its Galaxy Z Flip series. Therefore, a strategic shift to create one of the most compelling foldable phones on the market seems logical.
Close-up of S Pen stylus being removed from a Samsung Galaxy S Ultra, hinting at potential Z Fold 7 Ultra features.
Many rumors surrounding the Galaxy Z Fold 7 point towards a device that significantly evolves the design of Samsung’s larger folding phone, and these rumors align much more coherently if the device carries the ‘Ultra’ moniker. A phone that measures under 9mm when folded is essential; while under 1cm is acceptable for pocketability, anything thicker feels outdated in 2025. This seems to be the consensus for Samsung’s new foldable, along with an unfolded thickness of around 4mm, which is genuinely exciting.
Combine this with the rumored titanium chassis – another recent characteristic of the Ultra range – and one can almost imagine the premium feel of the device. A crease-less display would be a major draw for me, especially paired with Samsung’s OneUI 8. While I haven’t used this operating system extensively, I’ve heard very positive things about its evolution, particularly as it will be based on Android 16.
The only other aspect I’m keenly interested in is the battery. There’s no indication yet that Samsung plans to increase the battery capacity from the 4400mAh seen in previous Fold models, which would be disappointing. The fact that Samsung is finally expected to incorporate larger screens on the new Fold 7 – rumored to be over 8 inches – implies more internal space for a larger battery. The lack of news on a battery upgrade suggests the brand might be considering an S Pen slot instead. This would undoubtedly please many fans who prefer an integrated stylus, aligning with the Ultra branding, as the Galaxy S25 Ultra also features a stylus slot. For me, however, this remains a low priority. While I appreciate a stylus (I’m a dedicated user of the ReMarkable tablet), the experience of using a stylus on a smartphone screen still feels awkward. I would much prefer increased battery life, allowing me to decide whether to attach a small digital pen externally.
Preparing for a New Foldable Era
The idea of Samsung introducing a new ‘super-premium’ smartphone tier might seem counterintuitive, especially considering the ongoing cost of living crisis and how tariffs are making potential smartphone price increases more concerning than ever. However, it’s evident that the foldable market is gaining significant traction. Statista predicts that 70 million foldables will be shipped in 2027, a substantial increase from the 18 million in 2024. We need to see major brands pushing technological boundaries to excite a broader range of users about this technology.
Comparison of various foldable devices including Asus Zenbook Fold 17 and Samsung Galaxy Folds, showcasing foldable market growth.
A two-tier system could allow potential customers to be captivated by high-end technology while opting for a ‘more affordable’ version if the Z Fold 7 indeed gets an Ultra counterpart. Even though we are discussing phones costing thousands of dollars, Apple is widely expected to enter the foldable market within the next 18 months with an iPhone Fold. Establishing a robust foldable ecosystem will be crucial for its competitors.
So, I’m keeping a close watch on early July announcements, hopeful for the unveiling of a more powerful foldable phone. Yes, it will be expensive, but if it’s a smartphone that truly delivers on the immense promise that foldable and rollable technology offers, I will be profoundly tempted. This potential Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra could be the device that finally makes the foldable dream a compelling reality.
