As those technologies evolved, Samsung focused on another challenge: making a large-screen foldable easier to carry every day, without losing the experiences that make the form factor unique.

And through that pursuit, Galaxy Z Fold5 weighed 253 grams, and Galaxy Z Fold6 reduced its weight further to 239 grams.

With Galaxy Z Fold7 came an even more ambitious goal:

“Could a foldable be lighter than a bar-type flagship smartphone?”

At the time, Galaxy S25 Ultra — one of Samsung’s flagship bar-type smartphones — weighed 218 grams. The development team set an even lighter target for Galaxy Z Fold7: 215 grams.

Galaxy Z Fold7 reached that goal at 215 grams. Building on years of foldable innovation, Galaxy Z Fold8 combines a new form factor with advances in core technologies, materials and internal architecture to weigh just 201 grams¹ — 52 grams lighter than Galaxy Z Fold5. At 201 grams, Galaxy Z Fold8 is the world’s lightest fold.²

But consumers expected more than just a lighter foldable.

A 2024 YouGov survey³ found that a bulky or heavy design remained a concern among consumers not planning to purchase foldables, while battery life, durability and display quality ranked as top priorities for those considering them.

This insight shaped a core engineering goal for Samsung: make foldables thinner and lighter, while maintaining the core experiences users value most.

Battery life, camera performance, thermal management and durability still had to advance.

That could not be achieved by changing a single component. Samsung engineers had to reimagine the entire device — advancing fundamental foldable technologies, introducing new materials and revisiting hundreds of components and auxiliary parts to the fraction-of-a-gram level.

From 253 grams to 201 grams. Three engineering innovations enabled that transformation.

The Thinner and Lighter a Foldable Gets, the More Precise the Engineering Must Become

Making a foldable thinner and lighter brings a new set of engineering challenges.

The layers inside the display need to become thinner while still meeting Samsung’s durability and reliability requirements. The metal plate supporting the display needs to stay extremely flat even as it becomes thinner. And the hinge has to manage the forces created every time the device folds and unfolds, while being designed around the size and structure of each product.

Across generations, Samsung has continued to advance the display layers, ultra-thin metal precision machining and hinge technologies central to its foldable devices.

One example is Flex Titanium.

The displays in Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra use Flex Titanium technology featuring a Titanium Alloy Film designed for the foldable display structure⁴.

The film is just tens of micrometers thick — roughly one-third the width of a human hair. Its material and structure work together to maintain performance at this extreme thickness.

The metal plate that supports the display presents a different challenge.

Some metal plates are machined to approximately 0.2 millimeters thick, with the thinnest sections reaching 0.15 millimeters. At that level, simply making the metal thinner is not enough. Thin metal can bend or warp more easily during machining, and even a small change in shape can affect assembly precision or the surface quality of the display.

What matters is the ability to machine ultra-thin metal at around 0.2 millimeters while consistently achieving the required shape and flatness.

Samsung refined the machining sequence, tooling, cooling conditions and process parameters, breaking the process into multiple stages to maintain precision.

The hinge requires the same level of care.

Beyond simply opening and closing the phone, it must distribute the forces created by repeated folding and unfolding across the device while maintaining structural stability.

And these requirements vary by product size and architecture.

Samsung engineers the hinge for each form factor, carefully balancing load distribution, strength, durability, internal space and weight rather than just scaling it down from one generation to the next.

Creating a thinner and lighter foldable requires more than downsizing individual parts.

It comes from greater precision in how materials are machined, how forces are managed and how structures are designed within a limited space.

Lighter, Built for Strength — Starting With the Materials

The second area is materials innovation.

Different parts of a foldable have very different jobs. Some demand high rigidity. Some must withstand repeated movement. Others need to spread heat efficiently.

Samsung selects and develops materials around those specific needs, delivering the performance each requires while optimising weight and space.

In Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Flex Titanium incorporates a Titanium Alloy Film to support the foldable display structure.

For the exterior, Samsung uses Advanced Armor Aluminum, helping provide the strength and durability needed in a thin and lightweight frame.

Materials also play an important role in thermal management.

As a device gets thinner, there is less room to manage the heat generated inside. Samsung uses graphite with improved thermal performance, while tailoring the overall thermal structure to the size and performance requirements of each product.

In Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which has similar overall dimensions to Galaxy Z Fold7, the volume of the graphite heat-dissipation layer was increased by approximately 7% to help support its enhanced performance.

Samsung also applies Clad Metal inside the rear of the device. By combining the characteristics of different metals, the material helps reduce weight while providing the thermal performance required within a thin structure.

Materials innovation is therefore not just about choosing lighter options, but about using the right material in the right place to deliver the performance each part needs with less weight and space.

Looking Again at the Entire Device — Down to 0.001 Grams

Only so much can be achieved through core technologies and new materials alone.

In a foldable already packed with highly integrated components, finding the next few grams means looking again at almost everything inside the device.

Samsung engineers reviewed approximately 270 components and more than 180 types of auxiliary parts.

This spanned everything from the display, hinge and cameras to circuit boards, antennas, brackets, tapes and fasteners.

The precision extended to reductions of 0.1 grams and 0.1 millimeters, and in some auxiliary parts, as little as 0.001 grams.

The printed circuit board, or PCB, was redesigned to remove unnecessary circuits, improve component layout and minimise its footprint.

The MFC (Magnetic Flux Channel) antenna was also reimagined to reduce unnecessary overlap and interference with surrounding components, allowing the limited internal space to be used more efficiently.

Every auxiliary part, no matter how small, was examined.

Of the more than 180 types previously used, approximately 15 were eliminated.

Engineers then reviewed the remaining 170 types trimming oversized areas, refining shapes and optimising dimensions. Multiple parts were consolidated into single structures where possible.

In some cases, the savings were measured in increments as small as 0.001 grams.

Each change seems minor in isolation, but repeated across the device, fractions of a gram become tenths of a gram, then whole grams.

The weight savings on a finished device result from hundreds of small engineering decisions.

Finding 6 Grams Again to Make Room for More

The goal was to reinvest the weight and space recovered through engineering into the capabilities people actually experience — including the battery, cameras and thermal system.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra provides a separate example of how this approach can be applied.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold7 have similar overall dimensions and both weigh 215 grams. But within that same weight, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra increases battery capacity from 4,400 mAh to 5,000 mAh.

That larger battery brought its own challenge: the battery itself added approximately 6 grams.

So the development team faced a new question:

“Where could we find those 6 grams again?”

There was no single component that could provide the answer.

Instead, engineers applied the same systematic approach across the entire device — materials and structures, circuit layouts and component placement, down to the smallest auxiliary parts — identifying weight savings across all components.

This strategy extended to internal space optimisation.

By reducing unnecessary overlap between the display, circuits, antennas and surrounding components, and by improving packaging efficiency, Samsung created room for a larger battery and enhanced thermal and camera systems.

As a result, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra accommodates a 5,000 mAh battery⁵ while increasing the volume of its graphite heat-dissipation layer by approximately 7% compared with the similarly sized Galaxy Z Fold7.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 200 MP main camera⁶ and introduces the first 50 MP Ultra-Wide camera⁷on a Galaxy Z Fold device.

Samsung’s approach to a thinner and lighter foldable is therefore not about removing capabilities.

It is about redirecting weight and space savings toward the flagship experiences users value most.

From 253 Grams to 201 Grams: Redefining the Weight Standard for Foldables

The journey began with the first Galaxy Fold at 276 grams in 2019. Across eight generations, Samsung has continued to advance the technologies, materials and internal architecture behind the foldable experience.

In recent generations, that progress accelerated — from 253 grams with Galaxy Z Fold5 to 201 grams with Galaxy Z Fold8.

But the story isn’t just about reducing weight.

Samsung’s goal has been to make a large-screen foldable easier to carry without giving up the qualities users expect from a flagship smartphone.

The weight and space recovered through advances in core technologies, materials and component design were put back into the battery, cameras, thermal system and other flagship experiences users value most.

From 253 grams to 201 grams.

No single material or component made that transformation possible.

Eight generations of engineering enabled this, advancing core technologies, introducing new materials and rethinking the entire device to make Galaxy Z Fold easier to carry without compromising the flagship experience.

Galaxy Z Fold Series: A Thinner, Lighter Journey in Numbers

-52g
Galaxy Z Fold8 is 52g lighter than Galaxy Z Fold5.

1/3, 0.2mm
The Titanium Alloy Film used in Flex Titanium is approximately one-third the width of a human hair, while ultra-thin metal structures supporting the display are precision-machined to around 0.2mm.

~270 / 180+ / 0.001g
Samsung re-examined approximately 270 components and more than 180 types of auxiliary parts, optimising some down to 0.001g.

5,000mAh / +~7% / 200MP + 50MP
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 5,000mAh battery, approximately 7% more graphite heat-dissipation volume, and a 200MP main camera with a 50MP ultra-wide camera.

1. Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models ︎
2. Based on internal research as of July 22, 2026, comparing commercially available book-style foldable smartphones globally. Exact weight may vary by model, configuration, and manufacturing process. Weight measured excluding protective cases or accessories. ︎
3. Source: YouGov plc, 2024, © All rights reserved ︎
4. Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models. ︎
5. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4854 mAh for Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. ︎
6. Compared to previous models. ︎
7. Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects. ︎

Designed to expand the narrative beyond the film, the experience bridges the world of Spider-Man: Brand New Day with real world campaign moments that include cast appearances and interviews, spotlighting live activations, content drops, hidden easter eggs, and fan-submitted sightings.

Fans can join in on the interactive campaign, follow Spider-Man sightings and engage with the story in real time, while connecting to a shared community experience at SpideyTracker.com and on X @SpideyTracker. The Spidey Tracker is available in 35 countries worldwide.

Spidey Tracker powered by Samsung Galaxy as seen in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day film. © & 2026 MARVEL. ©2026 CPII & TSG

Galaxy Technology in Action

Through integrated storytelling, moviegoers will see the portability of Galaxy Z Flip on full display in the hands of Spider-Man and the multitasking benefits of Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Watch as Ned Leeds tries to locate the elusive Spider-Man.

Reflecting the reality that even our closest relationships can evolve as life takes us in new directions, Samsung is highlighting how its technology helps people stay close to those who matter most.

It celebrates the importance of human connection and self-expression, bringing together Samsung’s ethos with the inspiring characters and timeless stories that make Spider-Man one of the world’s most iconic heroes.

“Spider-Man has always been a hero defined by his connection to his community. Teaming up with Samsung helped bring that spirit to life both on screen and beyond, integrating the technology people use every day into Spider-Man’s world while also bringing innovative and fun new ways for fans to engage through the Spidey Tracker,” said Jeffrey Godsick, Executive Vice President, Global Partnerships, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Unfolding online and in real-world spaces throughout the summer, see Spidey pop up on the map, at live events and venues and with popular creator videos — keep your eyes peeled!

Learn more about the latest Galaxy innovations keeping your favorite heroes connected at Samsung.com and don’t miss Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day exclusively in theaters July 31.

Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7: Ultra-Thin and -Light with Intuitive Intelligence

Refined by years of breakthrough engineering and elevated with advanced intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent the next leap in smartphone. Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 are Samsung’s thinnest, lightest and most advanced Z series devices yet. Powered by cutting-edge performance and seamlessly integrated Galaxy AI^[1], they are intelligent, adaptive companions that anticipate and respond to user needs in real time. With expansive, flexible displays, pro-grade cameras and context-aware intelligence, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 open up new realms of productivity, creativity and connection.

Galaxy Z Fold7 brings Galaxy advancements together and broadens their scope, delivering the Ultra -level experience in the thinnest, lightest and most advanced Z Series yet. It offers immersive, high-octane performance on an expansive screen, empowering you to game, stream, connect and create all at once. Galaxy’s true AI companion experience has also been optimised for the foldable format, enabling fluid interactions across more apps and the larger screen. And with Camera and screen sharing with Gemini Live^[2], users can talk naturally to Gemini about what they’re viewing. They can simply share a picture of a local delicacy while they’re exploring a new city and ask Gemini whether there is a nearby restaurant where they can try it.

Plus, Galaxy Z Fold7’s ultra-grade 200MP high-resolution camera gives the freedom to shoot at flexible angles, putting professional-quality content creation at user’s fingertips. For example, convenient editing features like Generative Edit^[3] now automatically detects passers-by in the background of photos and proactively recommends what to remove, eliminating the need to make manual selections and edits. Apart from these features, Galaxy Z Fold7 brings familiarity and durability in a head-turning new design that unfolds into something extraordinary.

Galaxy Z Flip7 distills flagship power, intelligence and personality into a compact and iconic form. With its edge-to-edge FlexWindow, you can express yourself, access key features at a glance and stay connected, all without opening the device.

Built for dynamic lifestyles, Galaxy Z Flip7 transforms the way users capture and share content, from flawless selfies to cinematic video, all with the agility and creativity only Flip devices can offer. Now Bar^[4] delivers helpful information right on Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow to help users stay in control of their day, such as what song is playing, workout progress and even rideshare ETAs at a glance. Gemini Live also allows users to share what they see through their camera and chat with Gemini in real time directly on FlexWindow. So, they can ask for travel tips while road tripping with their dog or outfit suggestions based on the day’s weather. Users can also simply share the camera in Flex Mode and converse with Gemini hands-free.

Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexCam makes it easier than ever to capture the perfect selfie. Real-time filters on the FlexWindow instantly enhance users FlexCam selfies, so that they can be ready to post or share without the need for any extra editing. And with fun new features like Portrait Studio3 for pets, users can instantly transform any snapped or downloaded pet photo into a work of art. They can choose from styles that resemble artistic paintings, 3D cartoons, fisheye lens photos or professional-quality portraits, and create frame-worthy masterpieces with one quick tap.

Years of breakthrough engineering have led foldables to become flexible canvases for the new AI experience. As a new class of smartphones designed to fit in with and elevate user lives, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 represent this achievement. Familiar yet transformative, they blend power, portability, style and substance, whether users seek a revolutionary, ultra-level experience or an AI powerhouse that fits in their pocket. As form factors evolve to look and think differently, this generation of foldables represents the next leap in smartphone innovation.

Galaxy Watch8 Series: Ultra-Comfort Meets Real-Time Health Motivation

Completing the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Watch8 series — including Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic — brings the same spirit of re-engineering found in the new phones to the wrist. Galaxy Watch8 features advanced sensor technology and creates an intuitive AI-powered experience to help users fulfill a healthier, more connected life, while its ultra-thin cushion design and Dynamic Lug system flex naturally for all-day comfort and more precise sensor contact. Leveraging Samsung’s BioActive Sensor for continuous health tracking, the watches deliver real-time insights and instant rewards or alerts across sleep, stress, nutrition and activity, turning healthy intentions into immediate, motivating feedback. Plus, for the first time in a smartwatch, Galaxy Watch8 has introduced the Antioxidant Index^[5], enabling users to measure carotenoid levels in just five seconds and make informed lifestyle choices for healthy aging.

Hands-On With the Galaxy Z Series and the Watch8 Series at Galaxy Experience Spaces

After Unpacked, Samsung opened its Galaxy Experience Spaces in major cities including Dubai, London, New York, Paris and Seoul. Designed to offer consumers an early, hands-on experience of the newest Galaxy devices, these spaces featured interactive zones that highlighted the devices’ design, performance and Galaxy AI features. Samsung also partnered with local communities including running, photography, and skateboarding groups to host various sessions, teaching visitors how they can get the most out of their new devices.

In the UK, Samsung announced a takeover of Outernet London, transforming the space into an immersive cultural destination for a limited time. Visitors can expect to find interactive zones, exclusive talks, a deep dive into Korean culture, and a chance to win unmissable prizes or more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/store/samsung-kx/discover/Galaxy-experience-space-london.

Availability

Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Watch8, and Galaxy Watch8 Classic are available for purchase at samsung.com and in stores worldwide starting July 25.

Galaxy Z Fold7 is offered in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack ^[6] and the online-exclusive Mint^[7] – available at samsung.com. Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in Jetblack, Blue Shadow, Coralred^[8] and the online-exclusive Mint^[9] – available at samsung.com. Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, which brings the foldable experience to a wider audience, is available in Black or White.

So far, Blue Shadow has emerged as the most popular colour for both Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, accounting for nearly 41% of UK pre-orders for both devices.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip7 are now available from Samsung.com/uk/ and selected retailers. Buy and try the new Galaxy Z Series devices for 100 days, and if you decide it’s not for you, you can send it to us and receive back what you paid. Terms and Conditions apply^[10].

Galaxy Watch8 is available in two sizes — 44 mm and 40 mm — and comes in Graphite or Silver. Galaxy Watch8 Classic comes in 46 mm with Black or White options, while the new Galaxy Watch Ultra is offered in four titanium finishes, including the new Titanium Blue.

Claim a Duo Wireless Charger & a Camel Hybrid Band worth £130 when you purchase a Samsung Galaxy Watch8 or Watch8 Classic from samsung.com or Participating Retailers between 9th July – 2nd September 2025.^[11]

For your peace of mind, Samsung Care+ offers cover for accidental damage, repairs, and replacements. Starting 9 July 2025, new customers can enjoy three months of Samsung Care+ for free, with monthly payments beginning only from the fourth month. This limited-time offer is available until 23 September 2025.^[12]

Get expanded access to Google AI Pro and 2TB of cloud storage for 6 months at no cost with Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE.

For more information about the Galaxy Z series and Galaxy Watch8 series, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, SamsungMobilePress.com and Samsung.com.

Pricing

Galaxy Z Fold7 RRP

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 – 12GB RAM + 256GB- £1799
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 – 12GB RAM + 512GB – £1899
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 – 16GB RAM + 1TB – £2149

Galaxy Z Flip7 RRP

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 – 12GB RAM + 256GB – £1,049
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 – 12GB RAM + 512GB – £1,149
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE – 8GB RAM +128GB – £849
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE – 8GB + 256GB – £909

Galaxy Watch8

• 40mm BT – £319.00
• 40mm LTE – £369.00
• 44mm BT – £349.00
• 44mm LTE – £399.00

Galaxy Watch8 Classic RRP:

• 46mm BT – £449.00
• 46mm LTE – £499.00

Galaxy Watch Ultra RRP:

• 47mm LTE – £599.00

[1]Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier.

[2]Compatible with selected languages only. Google account login and network connection required. Google and Gemini are trademarks of Google LLC. Samsung account login is required for certain AI features

[3]Samsung Account login and network connection required. A visible watermark is overlaid on the saved image to indicate it was generated by Galaxy AI. Accuracy of output is not guaranteed.

[4]Availability of functions supported within the apps may vary by country. Some functional widgets may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login.

[5]Service only available with Galaxy Watch Ultra or later released Galaxy Watch Series. To measure, place the centre of your finger on the sensor at the back of the Watch and hold it for 5 seconds. While Antioxidant index can be measured using any finger, the thumb is recommended for the most accurate result. Repeat measurement due to uneven skin texture may lead to inaccurate results

[6]Colour availability may vary depending on country or carrier.

[7]Online exclusive colours only available on Samsung.com.

[8]Colour availability may vary depending on country or carrier.

[9]Online exclusive colours only available on Samsung.com.

[10] Purchase between 09/07/2025 – 19/08/2025 from a participating retailer. Payment capped at the product RRP and subject to product condition.  Registration required within 30 days of purchase at https://samsungoffers.claims/ukbuyandtry and claim between 45-100 days of purchase. Sim-free purchases only. For full T&C’s https://samsungoffers.claims/ukbuyandtry

[11]Purchase a Galaxy Watch8, Watch8 Classic, or Watch Ultra by 02.09.2025 from a Participating Retailer. Claim by visiting: : www.samsungoffers.claims/GalaxyWatch2025 by 02.10.2025. UK/ROI. 18+ only. For full T&C’s, see here

[12]Samsung Care+ provides cover for accidental damage, including cracks, spills, and drops – with the option to add theft cover for even greater peace of mind. Whether shopping online or in-store, customers can enroll in Samsung Care+ at the time of purchase or within 60 days of buying their new device. Samsung Care+ is underwritten by Assurant General Insurance Limited. Terms, conditions, and excesses apply. Offer available to UK customers only, aged 18 and over

As AI evolves from text-based prompts to multimodal understanding, Galaxy devices are becoming smarter — able to get what you’re looking at and respond to situations. The camera is at the heart of this transformation. More than just a tool for capturing images, coupled with enhanced AI-powered features, the Galaxy camera is now part of the intuitive interface that turns what users see into understanding and action.

When paired with the flexible, expansive screen of a foldable, this experience becomes even more powerful, dynamic and immersive. Because innovation means nothing without trust, privacy is built into every layer helping to ensure that data is protected at all times.

Stay tuned. The camera will only get smarter — helping users capture life’s moments more vividly and make everyday experiences more seamless, personal and impactful.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

Introduced in 2019, the first Galaxy Fold was a completely new form factor that combined the portability of a smartphone with the extensive productivity of a tablet — challenging conventional perceptions of what a smartphone could be. Driven by the bold vision that foldable phones could reconcile two seemingly conflicting demands—large screens and true portability—Samsung looked to other industries for inspiration, engineering a durable hinge and proving that smartphone displays, too, could fold. It was a synthesis of creativity and productivity that unlocked new possibilities – from seamless multitasking on the go to immersive content creation.  

But smartphones are constant companions that we tuck into our pockets, use with one hand and take everywhere we go. So it’s only natural that users desire a foldable device that is as easy to carry as it is to use. To that end,  Samsung engineers and designers are refining each generation of the Galaxy Z series to be thinner, lighter and more durable than the last. 

This year, that journey reaches a new milestone. The newest Galaxy Z series is our thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet – meticulously crafted and built to last.  

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold. 

That’s why Galaxy’s next chapter is to provide an experience that seamlessly blends artistry and engineering to elevate everyday interactions.

Squeeze onto a crowded subway train for your evening commute with the device folded in hand and use voice controls to have AI find you the perfect restaurant and text your dining companion. Finish off that unsent work email during the ride, then use the powerful camera to commemorate your night out. AI-powered tools enable all-day messaging, browsing and gaming on the go, so you can focus on your life—all without weighing you down.

With industry-leading hardware, cutting-edge performance and seamless AI integration optimised for the foldable format, it’s what users have come to expect from Galaxy Ultra.

And when it unfolds, it transforms– into a more immersive entertainment hub, a spacious workspace, or a multitasking powerhouse, now enhanced by powerful Galaxy AI features designed specifically for the foldable form.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

A foldable is exactly that — a folding phone. Unlike bar-type smartphones with a single body, foldables consist of a central hinge and two folding sides. The hinge serves as the central axis for opening and closing the phone. Over time, Samsung has introduced unique, cutting-edge technology into the hinge mechanism of its Galaxy Z Fold series to create a revolutionary hinge design with each release. In addition, Samsung has continued to reduce the thickness of the Galaxy Z Fold series so the phone can be carried anytime, anywhere.

Samsung Newsroom looked back at the evolution of the Galaxy Z Fold series’ sleek profile and distinctive hinge design — now thinner, sturdier and compact as ever.

[2019] Galaxy Fold

The Dawn of Foldable Phones: Folding and Unfolding

Thickness when folded: 15.7-17.1mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.9-7.6mm Weight: 276g

As user lifestyles continue to diversify, so too do their needs. Samsung has consistently introduced advanced technologies each year to meet these changes. First unveiled in 2019, the Galaxy Fold featured a ground-breaking form factor — the first to deliver a natural, big-screen experience when unfolded and a compact, portable experience when folded. The act of “folding and unfolding” emerged as a new category of mobile interaction, and Samsung applied never-before-seen hinge technology to ensure this functionality felt natural and intuitive.

The inward-folding hinge not only felt familiar and easy to use, but it also provided robust display protection. The phone could be smoothly opened like a book, yet stay flat and thin when folded. The palm-sized dimensions were key to its convenience. With the first Galaxy Fold, Samsung achieved a maximum folded thickness of just 17.1 millimetres and ushered in the era of smart foldables.

[2020] Galaxy Z Fold2

The Era of FlexMode: Hideaway Hinge and Sweeper Technology

Thickness when folded: 13.8-16.8mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.0-6.9mm Weight: 282g

In 2020, the successor to the pioneering Galaxy Fold was released. The Galaxy Z Fold2 took foldables to the next level with an all-new sophisticated and refined design. The most notable of its several innovative features was the Hideaway Hinge, which seamlessly connected the body of the smartphone while supporting stable folding and unfolding. Users could mount the Galaxy Z Fold2 at various angles with the Hideaway Hinge to easily take selfies and make video calls in FlexMode.

The Hideaway Hinge’s more than sixty parts made the innovative dual CAM mechanism a reality. The flat surface between two ridge-shaped parts, CAM helped keep the device open or closed and enabled FlexMode. By increasing the number of CAM structures and springs, the hinge could reliably support wider angles. The Hideaway Hinge was mounted on an optimal location on the Galaxy Z Fold2 for an even slimmer design and a maximum folded thickness of just 16.8 millimetres.

Since the hinge was constantly folded when the device was opened or closed, there was an inevitable gap between the front of the device and the hinge housing. To effectively minimise this gap, Samsung needed to develop a component that would be long-lasting and elastic without adding extra bulk. Inspired by the brush of a vacuum cleaner, Samsung made use of delicately cut optical fibres to address this issue: Sweeper Technology. Sweeper Technology protected the phone’s display from external dust and debris that could enter through the gap, providing a more fluid foldable device experience.

[2021] Galaxy Z Fold3

The Solution to the Foldable Phone’s Biggest Challenge: Waterproofing

Thickness when folded: 14.4-16.0mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.4mm Weight: 271g

It’s a given that today’s smartphones are waterproof. However, the hinge that opened and closed the screen on foldables would always be exposed to the elements. If liquids such as beverages or even rainwater leaked inside, the device would be at risk of immediate malfunction.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 was the first foldable to be water resistant, one of the biggest challenges that previous foldable devices faced. Samsung’s waterproofing technology was applied to two areas — the outer part of the display and the hinge. The outer part of the display was surrounded by a rubber band that prevented dust and liquid from entering, whereas the metal parts of the hinge were made of corrosion-resistant materials and coated with a long-lasting lubricant. The terminal connecting the two mainboards bordering the hinge was sealed with a silicone-based cured-in-place gasket (CIPG) that prevented liquid from entering the device. Additionally, flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) cables were used to protect sensitive components.

A robust material that withstands external shock and reduces the risk of deformities or scratches, Armor Aluminum was used to help the Galaxy Z Fold3 achieve an even thinner and lighter form factor.

Armor Aluminum was applied to the two edges that make up the exterior and to the housing that surrounds the hinge. Various components were densely packed inside the Galaxy Z Fold3’s Hideaway Hinge to enable FlexMode and ensure smooth opening and closing. To support these functions, the hinge housing needed to be made from sturdy materials.

The Sweeper Technology that closed the gap between the hinge and the body of the foldable evolved too. As the device became slimmer, the sweeper’s bristles were shortened to improve aesthetics while still keeping the hinge safe from dust and external particles. These innovations allowed the Galaxy Z Fold3 to be as thin as 16.0 millimetres when folded.

[2022] Galaxy Z Fold4

From Rotating to Linear: A Slimmer, Lighter Hinge

Thickness when folded: 14.2-15.8mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.3mm Weight: 263g

Unveiled in 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold4 saw a significant reduction in weight and thickness. At 263 grams, the device weighed nearly 20 grams less than the Galaxy Z Fold2 at 282 grams. The maximum folded thickness was 15.8 millimetres, making this foldable the thinnest in the series at the time. Once again, Samsung loaded its signature foldable with innovation — resulting in an easy-to-grip, thin and lightweight body.

Redesigned to be 21% lighter than its predecessor, the new hinge of the Galaxy Z Fold4 accommodated the wider width and shorter length of the Cover Screen. While the previous foldable in the series used interlocking gears to ensure even screen folding and unfolding, the Galaxy Z Fold4 changed the hinge motion from rotary to linear. This adjustment drastically reduced weight, thickness and the number of parts, which streamlined manufacturing and improved the device’s resilience. With the Galaxy Z Fold4, Samsung built its slimmest, lightest hinge at the time while upholding the same level of durability as the previous form factor.

[2023] Galaxy Z Fold5

FlexHinge: The Secret to a Fully Foldable Phone

Thickness when folded: 13.4mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.1mm Weight: 253g

In 2023, the Galaxy Z Fold5 introduced the world to the next generation of foldable smartphones. Moving away from the traditional Hideaway Hinge, Samsung unveiled a new type of mechanism called the FlexHinge — demonstrating a leap forward in foldable innovation. With improved flexibility and a wide range of features, the FlexHinge made it possible for the display to curl into the hinge like a water droplet using four drive shafts and a dual rail structure that allowed parts to glide along it. Thanks to this hinge technology, the two screens could be evenly folded without any creases or gaps.

This new folding mechanism resulted in the lightest and thinnest Galaxy Z Fold series device yet. More than two millimetres thinner than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold5’s maximum thickness is 13.4 millimetres when folded. The foldable also weighs 253 grams — 10 grams lighter than its predecessor — making it more compact, portable and stable when folded. The phone’s sleek, solid shape could be appreciated from any angle.

Each year, Samsung refines the Galaxy Z Fold series by leveraging precise engineering and meticulous manufacturing processes. Every detail is studied carefully, from internal mechanisms to exterior design. Reimagining the hinges and device thickness — core attributes of the foldable — has enhanced the utility of the Galaxy Z Fold series immensely. Samsung will continue to build on its legacy of unprecedented foldables, ensuring that more people can utilise them for an even more convenient life.

Discover the next generation of Samsung’s innovations at Galaxy Unpacked on July 10 in Paris.