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Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an impressive book-style foldable that tackles many of the long-standing quibbles plaguing the Fold series for years. I spent a weekend with the device, and was floored by how much its reduced weight and thickness made it feel like a standard candy bar phone when folded.
CNET survey: 64% of people say 'no thanks' to foldable smartphones
The cover screen is wider and more usable, the interior display is larger at eight inches, and the new 200MP camera sensor means imagery isn't a big sacrifice this time around.
As far as it's come, the Fold 7 still has some notable drawbacks, and the rumor mill is already hard at work with compelling reasons why waiting for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 might be the right choice. Samsung itself has referred to the Z Fold 7 as a "trade-off" device, with the loss of S Pen support and stagnant battery capacity. Here are a few reasons why I think the Z Fold 8, when released, will be the ultimate choice.
A (truly) crease-free display
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET
Foldables have always been plagued by one key downside: a visible and often ugly crease down the middle of the display. Sure, it's improved a lot over the years, but it's never truly gone away.
That might change with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, according to respected supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who reports that Samsung's next Fold will use new "laser-drilled" metal plates under the screen to virtually eliminate the crease. They do so, according to the report, by dispersing the stress from folding the display in a way that allows the panel to bend without causing a permanent mark.
Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Z Fold 6: I tried both phones, and the difference is dramatic
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