Samsung Unpacked 2025: A Deep Dive into the Latest Innovations
Samsung’s second Galaxy Unpacked event of the year has concluded, and it was a significant moment for fans of foldable devices and smartwatches. The event saw the launch of several new foldables, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 taking center stage. Alongside this, the Galaxy Watch 8 series made its debut, marking another step forward in wearable technology.
Galaxy Z Flip 7: A New Era for the Flip Series
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 brought some notable improvements to the table. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a more usable cover screen, which measures 4.1 inches. This update addresses a long-standing criticism of the Flip series, making it more competitive with other foldable models on the market.
The internal display has also been upgraded, measuring 6.9 inches, which makes the device feel more like a standard smartphone than a foldable. Additional enhancements include a stronger hinge, improved waterproofing, and a larger battery. These upgrades position the Galaxy Z Flip 7 as a strong contender against devices like the Motorola Razr Ultra.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: An Ultra-Level Device at a Premium Price
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was undoubtedly the highlight of the event. It represents a substantial upgrade over the Galaxy Z Fold 6, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, an extra 4GB of RAM, and a 200MP primary camera. The phone is also the slimmest and lightest Z Fold to date, weighing just 215g and measuring 8.9mm when folded.
However, these advancements come at a premium. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 starts at $1,999.99 / £1,799 / AU$2,899, which is a significant increase from the previous model. Despite the high price, the device offers a compelling blend of performance and design.
Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: A More Affordable Option
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, an affordable variant of the Z Flip 7. While it shares many similarities with the Galaxy Z Flip 6, including the same dimensions and display sizes, the FE version features a slightly less powerful Exynos 2400 chipset and 8GB of RAM. This makes it a more budget-friendly option, starting at $899 / £849 / AU$1,499.
Galaxy Watch 8: A Slimmer and Brighter Design
The Galaxy Watch 8 marked a significant redesign, featuring a slimmer profile of 8.6mm and a brighter screen that can reach up to 3,000 nits. The watch also includes new software features such as Gemini on your wrist and a Running Coach app. Additionally, the Antioxidant Index provides insights into dietary habits.
Despite these improvements, the battery life remains a concern, though the overall design and features are promising.
Galaxy Watch 8 Classic: A Stylish Alternative
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic returned with a rotating bezel, reminiscent of previous Classic models. It also incorporates features from the Galaxy Watch Ultra, such as a programmable Quick Button. The Classic model is thicker at 10.6mm but offers a more luxurious appearance.
Google Gemini on Wear OS: Expanding AI Capabilities
One of the standout announcements was the integration of Google Gemini into the Galaxy Watch 8 series. This feature will soon be available across all Wear OS watches, allowing users to interact with their smartwatches using natural language. This development enhances the functionality of wearables and expands the AI capabilities of the ecosystem.
One UI 8: A New Era of Smartphones
The rollout of One UI 8 is set to begin soon, with the new operating system pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. This update includes enhanced AI features such as an improved audio eraser and better versions of Circle to Search. However, the timeline for older devices remains unclear, leaving some users concerned about future updates.
Galaxy Z Fold 7: No S Pen Support
A controversial change in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the absence of S Pen support. This decision was made to achieve a thinner design, reducing the thickness to 8.9mm when folded. While this may disappoint power users, it aligns with Samsung’s focus on a sleeker form factor.
The Tri-Foldable Still in Development
Despite expectations, Samsung did not reveal the tri-foldable model at this event. Rumors suggest it may be released later in the year, potentially with a high price tag and limited availability. This omission leaves fans eager for more information about this upcoming device.
Overall, Samsung’s Unpacked 2025 event showcased a range of innovative products that cater to both casual users and tech enthusiasts. With a focus on foldables and wearables, the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of mobile technology.
