How Do Foldable Phones Work? A Guide to the Galaxy Z Series

The Galaxy Z series pioneered a market not just by introducing a new design, but crafting hardware, software, and a UX that work together to create a unified experience that keeps up with users’ day-to-day life. To understand what makes the Galaxy Z series possible, you have to look behind the technology, design, and software experiences that power them.

What makes a folding screen possible?

Samsung’s FlexHinge enabled the creation of a flexible display that differs from traditional smartphones in a significant way: their foldable design adapts to fit your needs at a given moment — whether you want to prop up Galaxy Z Flip for a hands-free photo or use Galaxy Z Fold’s immersive screen on the go.

With foldables now in their 7^th generation, the technology continues to advance based on customer feedback and new innovations. Both Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Fold7 are the lightest Flip and Fold to date, offering larger displays without larger devices. Plus, both devices are durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear thanks to IP48 water resistance,¹ an Armor Aluminum frame, and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.

What are the benefits of having multiple screens on one device?

A hallmark of the Galaxy Z series is its combination of a cover screen and main display. Cover screens are designed for added flexibility, allowing users to take advantage of new experiences. Flip’s cover screen lets you check notifications, take photos, use widgets, and more without ever opening your device. On Fold, you get a full smartphone experience like that of a traditional bar-type phone one moment and a tablet-like display the next.

How do hardware and software work together?

Foldables deliver a Galaxy experience not available on any other device. One UI offers a range of unique features designed to work together with Galaxy Z series’ hardware to provide a seamless experience. When your device is partially folded, Flex Mode allows you to go hands-free, while you’re taking a group photo, or watching YouTube videos. Multitasking is also easier on a big screen. Multi Window² lets you open up to three apps at once on Galaxy Z Fold so you can easily look something up without losing the conversation on a video call.

The Future of Foldable Experiences

Foldables have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with a smartphone. And Samsung’s commitment to innovation will continue to make the Galaxy Z series the defining standard of the foldable experience.

Learn more about the Galaxy Z series and the full Galaxy lineup at Samsung.com and stream Galaxy Unpacked live on July 22 on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom and Samsung’s YouTube channel beginning 9 a.m. EDT to learn more about what’s next.

Reserve now to receive a $30 Samsung credit during pre-order³ for up to $1,230 in total savings.⁴ Plus enter sweepstakes for a chance to win one of ten $500 gift cards for Samsung.com.⁵

1 Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Rinse residue/dry if wet. Water resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.

2 Certain applications may not support Multi Window.

3 For a limited time, reserve the latest Galaxy device(s) on samsung.com or in the Shop Samsung App and receive a $30 Samsung Credit (“Reservation Gift”) when you pre-order and purchase the reserved device. Pre-order and purchase required. The Reservation Gift cannot be applied to the pre-ordered device(s) and must be used at the time of pre-order purchase towards purchasing additional eligible products (select Galaxy Ring, Accessories, Buds, Watches, Samsung Care+ or Tablets) on samsung.com or in the Shop Samsung App. Reservation Gift will be applied automatically when you use the same email address during Reserve and Pre-Order Periods. Reservation Gift is a one-time-use e-certificate; when first used, any value not used is lost and must be used at the time of purchase. The Gift is non-transferable and limited to 1 per Qualifying Purchase. If you return or cancel your purchase, the discount will be forfeit.

4 For a limited time only, on samsung.com or Shop Samsung App, pre-order and purchase a new qualifying Galaxy device (“Qualifying Purchase”), send in your qualifying trade-in device to Samsung through the Samsung Trade-In Program, and if Samsung determines your trade-in device meets all eligibility requirements, you will receive a trade-in credit specific to your qualifying trade-in device to apply toward your Qualifying Purchase. Device models that currently qualify for trade-in and trade-in credit amounts associated with those models are available on samsung.com and the Shop Samsung App; eligible models and amounts may change at Samsung’s sole discretion. To be eligible for trade-in, your qualifying device must meet all Trade-In Program eligibility requirements, which include, but are not limited to, that the device powers on, holds a charge, and does not power off unexpectedly; has a functioning display; has no breaks or cracks in the screen (unless a cracked screen offer applies); has no breaks or cracks in the case; has no liquid damage (whether visible or not); has no other defects that go beyond normal wear and tear; is not on a black list; has a verified FCC ID; has been reset to factory settings; has all personal information removed; has all software locks disabled; and is owned by you (leased devices are not eligible). Anticipated trade-in value will be applied as a credit at time of purchase, but, if you do not send in your trade-in device within 15 days of receipt of your Qualifying Purchase, you will be charged back for the trade-in credit applied to your purchase, or if you send in your trade-in device within 15 days of receipt of your Qualifying Purchase but Samsung determines your device does not meet all eligibility requirements, you will be charged back for the trade-in credit applied to your purchase minus $25. Participation in this program does not excuse you from contracts with your carrier or retailer (or any related payments or fees) for the device that was traded in. Limit 1 trade-in per Qualifying Purchase. Samsung reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time. The Trade-In Program cannot be combined with any other Samsung, carrier or retailer promotions, discounts, or offers unless specifically provided for in the terms and conditions of such offers. Additional terms, including terms that govern the resolution of disputes, apply. Click here to learn more.

5 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES. Void where prohibited. The Samsung Product Reservation Sweepstakes is sponsored by Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Open to legal residents of the 50 US/DC, 18 years of age or older. Begins 7 p.m. EDT on 7/7/26 and ends 9 a.m. EDT on 7/22/26. For Official Rules, visit here.