From Gimmick to Game-Changer Samsung’s Foldables and Wearables Just Got Serious
It’s wild to think that just a few years ago, foldable phones were a quirky tech demo; fragile, chunky, and more novelty than necessity. The original Galaxy Fold? Groundbreaking, yes but it creaked, cracked, and couldn’t convince the mainstream.
But July’s Galaxy Unpacked was the turning point. The company has not only refined its foldable smartphones to near-perfection, but it’s also pushing smartwatches to new heights infusing everything with AI and making these devices feel less like experiments and more like the future.
The stars of the show?
- Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 7 FE
- Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra
Each one is slimmer, smarter, and more user-focused than ever before. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, creative, or someone just looking for your next premium upgrade we have put together the juice from the event. Let’s dive in.
The Foldables: Galaxy Z Fold 7- Slimmer, Smarter, Stronger
Samsung’s flagship foldable is no longer just about “wow” factor, it’s ready for work, play, and everything in between.
What’s New:
- Thinner Build: Now only 8.9 mm closed, which is nearly half the thickness of the first Galaxy Fold. It’s lighter too about 215g making it feel less like a prototype and more like a proper daily driver.
- Display: A 6.5″ cover screen opens into a stunning 8″ inner AMOLED display with peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Watching videos, reading PDFs, or multitasking feels seamless.
- Camera: A 200MP main sensor (the same one from the Samsung S25 Ultra) leads the charge, with enhanced AI-assisted photography and real-time editing using Gemini AI.
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “Elite” with built-in AI, improved cooling, and better hinge mechanics for a smoother fold.
- No S-Pen support, which will disappoint some fans but the trade-off is a more streamlined form factor.
Starting at $1,999 / £1,799, pre-orders are open now, with shipping beginning July 25.
Galaxy Z Flip 7 & Flip 7 FE: Fun Meets Function
The Flip series has always been about flair, but now it’s growing up.
Galaxy Z Flip 7:
- Bigger Cover Display: The new 4.1″ FlexWindow supports full apps, real-time Gemini access, and swipeable widgets—like a tiny smartwatch.
- Internal Display: A sharp 6.9″ AMOLED at 120Hz, with a newly improved hinge and 4,300mAh battery for longer screen-on time.
- AI Features: Circle to Search, instant translations, voice summarization, and camera enhancements all on-device.
Price: Starts at $1,099 / £1,049
Flip 7 FE:
- The new Fan Edition model is Samsung’s way of making foldables more affordable.
- Smaller 3.4″ cover display, modest chip (likely Snapdragon 7 Gen 3), and same 6.7″ internal screen.
- No DeX or wireless charging, but a strong entry point into the world of foldables.
Launching at $899 / £849 — this is Samsung’s most accessible flip phone yet.
Galaxy Watch 8 Series & Watch Ultra: Smarter Health, Rugged Design
Samsung's watches just got a serious glow-up combining AI smarts with sleek, durable design.
Watch 8 & Watch 8 Classic:
- New ‘Squircle’ Shape: A cross between square and circle—modern and minimalist.
- AI Coaching: Real-time feedback on sleep, stress, vascular health, and antioxidant levels.
- Performance: Faster chips, better battery, and Wear OS 6 for snappy navigation.
- Size Options: 40mm and 44mm in aluminium or stainless steel.
Price: $349 (Watch 8) | $499 (Classic)
Watch Ultra:
- Built for adventure: Titanium case, 10ATM water resistance, military-grade durability.
- GPS & Tracking: Highly accurate for athletes and explorers.
- Storage & Battery: Doubled to 64GB with improved battery endurance and all the AI perks.
MSRP: $649 / €699
Gemini & Galaxy AI Everywhere
Samsung is fully embracing AI—not just as a gimmick, but as a core part of the experience.
Across All Devices:
- Circle to Search: Instantly find anything on your screen using your finger—works across apps.
- Live Translations: On-device, secure, and fast—no need for an internet connection.
- Photo Magic: With the new ProVisual Engine, edit, enhance, or completely transform your photos with one tap.
- AI Companion: Gemini acts as your everyday assistant, helping with planning, writing, camera prompts, and even workouts.
Should You Buy It?
If you’ve been waiting for the foldable era to get real, this is it.
- Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the productivity dream: multitasking beast, massive screen, and no compromises.
- Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the lifestyle phone: fun, stylish, compact, and now genuinely useful with AI.
- Galaxy Watch 8 Series redefines personal health tracking, and the Watch Ultra is built for those who live life off the grid.
Yes, the prices are still high but what you're getting is premium hardware, meaningful AI integration, and the most polished foldables in the world right now.
Final Thoughts
Samsung didn’t just launch devices, they launched a clear vision of the future: AI at your fingertips, flexible screens that adapt to your lifestyle, and wearables that finally do more than count steps. From the bold Fold 7 to the rugged Watch Ultra, there’s something in this lineup for everyone.
This wasn’t just another Unpacked event.
It was a line in the sand: foldables are no longer the future they’re the now.
