Samsung Galaxy Unpacked recap: Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, Watch 8 official

Hello from New York City!

Good morning/afternoon/whatever time it is, Samsung fans! T3's Tech Editor, Mike Lowe, here to kick the live blog off – live and direct from its launch site in Brooklyn.

That's where the next Galaxy Unpacked event will, pardon the pun, unfold. As mentioned: we're expecting it to bring new foldables, new wearables and more.

As ever, I'll be fighting the jetlag to bring you all the latest Galaxy goodies from the ground – ahead of, during and after the Unpacked event. So expect plenty of live commentary and hands-on imagery right from the epicentre of all the action...

Ultra cool design

Good morning Samsung fans! T3's Senior Staff Writer, Sam Cross, here to start the journey towards the event with you. It certainly looks set to be an exciting event – rumours suggest we'll see new foldable phones and a new suite of smartwatches.

For me, it's the latter which is really exciting. I was a vocal fan of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra design, and the reports we've heard suggest that the new models will look a lot like it. That's going to be great for the brand, giving users a clear and defined identity to look out for.

Finally an affordable foldable?

One of the strongest rumours on the phone side is the arrival of a new, more affordable flip phone. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE – as rumours suggest it could be called – would hopefully bring the form factor to all new audiences.

Personally, I'm really excited by that prospect. I'm a massive advocate for foldable phones, and I really do think that – if they were more attainable – more people would be as well. Hopefully, a model with the combination of a lower price point and the Samsung brand name could be a catalyst for more widespread adoption.

Sounds like a plan

Another product category which could see some movement is the wonderful world of earbuds. We're unlikely to see a successor to the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro quite this soon – the brand uses a two-year cadence for audio product releases – but a more affordable set could be on the cards.

The brand released the Samsung Galaxy Buds Core in select markets recently, and it's thought that a variant of those buds could make their way to wider markets. We'll have to wait and see, but I'm certainly very excited by the prospect of some added audio goodness.

One more thing?

Before I leave you in the capable hands of another member of the team, there's one other thing I'm hoping to get a glimpse of at Unpacked. A few weeks ago, at The Android Show, Google suggested that its joint VR headset with Samsung and Qualcomm would be arriving before the end of the year.

With only a handful of expected events from those brands between now and 2026, I'm hoping that we get a good look at it this time. It wouldn't be the first time the brand has surprised us with a 'One More Thing' – the earlier Samsung Galaxy S25 launch saw the unveiling of the Galaxy S25 Edge.

Make phones small again

Good morning all, it's Mat Gallagher here for the next hour or so, bringing you closer to the excitement of this evening's (or morning's depending on timezone) Galaxy Unpacked event. As much as I'm looking forward to seeing what the new Flip and Fold (7) devices bring, I'm actually excited about the rumoured third model.

Samsung's FE, or Fan Edition models have always been a great mix of features and affordability, and if we get a Flip FE, I can see it being a real winner. There's definitely a desire for smaller phones, and the Flip design lets you have that without sacrificing screen size. The problem is, it's still pretty pricey for most users. So a more affordable model sounds ideal.

Is it the end for the S Pen?

According to Roland Quant on Bluesky (via The Verge) the new Z Fold 7 will no longer support the S Pen. Now, I'm sure the S Pen will still work with the Z Fold 7, it just won't allow you to store the Pen inside the phone. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so.

If you really want a stylus, there will be case options to hold it, as there have been in the past, and the phone itself can get even slimmer. I'm sure the market for a stylus with a screen of this size is a contracting market, so prioritising space over storage makes sense to me.

Tri-folds

Another story in the wind seems to be that we could hear more about Samsung's tri-fold product. The workings of a tri-fold screen always remind me of the old Rubik's Magic puzzle, the flat version of the cube that makes you fold to solve it. The process is extremely clever, though, and it certainly means a much bigger screen in a pocket-sized device.

Personally, I'm more excited to hear about Samsung's mixed reality product, the Android XR headset, and what it could mean for the VR/AR market that still hasn't quite found its flow.

Wider ramifications?

Returning to that earlier rumour about the Z Fold 7 dropping the S Pen, I think it's probably worth exploring what that could actually mean if it's true. Yes, the stylus might still be supported if not officially paired, like on the Z Fold 6, but that isn't what the leaked images suggest. They're indicating that it won't work at all, even though it wasn't that long ago that Samsung was claiming it's still committed to the accessory.

If one of its most premium and therefore expensive flagships does debut without S Pen support, what does that mean for the next generation of the Galaxy S Ultra, which has traditionally housed a pen stored in the phone itself?

It seems like this could indeed start to spell the end for a long-lived accessory that Samsung has doubtless carefully analysed in terms of user numbers. If more people care about a thinner phone than about a stylus, that's basically the likely end of the debate.

Price is everything

While it's always worthwhile scanning through rumoured spec changes and sheets' worth of leaks about design tweaks, there's one huge factor that will determine much of how new foldables (and wearables) land – price.

After all, while their new features are pretty easy to sell, if there's a single challenge that foldable phones have been faced with over the last half-decade, it's been getting prices down to more consumer-friendly levels. Early adopters might be enthusiastic, but while a Z Fold is still considerably more expensive than a Galaxy S25 at launch, it'll always have a smaller audience.

Samsung clearly knows this, based on its pricing strategy over time, so it'll be fascinating to see whether it can push prices lower this time around.

Let's talk preorder deals

One thing we'll be keeping an eye out for today, once the event wraps up, is pre-order deals on the new phones announced. It's a long-standing tradition that Samsung and various other retailers offer a pretty tidy incentive on new foldables.

This has typically meant that you can upgrade to the next storage level above the typical, often doubling your internal storage, completely for free if you do it before the phone comes out. That's a great little way to get even more for your money, and there's every chance it returns this year.

Still, you never know when a good deal will disappear, so who knows – and how's that for a segue to mention our round-up of the best Prime Day deals going on right now for those who've missed it?

More watches than you'd think

Samsung took a few years to get up to speed on the smartwatch side of things, but it's now well established as one of the major competitors to Apple's supremacy, especially with its Android tie-ins.

This year, it might not just launch a Galaxy Watch 8 and call it a day, either. There are rumours of multiple models and editions launching alongside it, and the most common number being bandied around is that there'll be three distinct devices to check out.

We'll know more very soon, of course, but it suggests that today could be a bumper day for wearable fans.

Pre-order details

Hi all, News Editor Rik Henderson here for a bit, and I've got another leak to whet your appetite before the event. Steve Hemmerstoffer, otherwise known as OnLeaks, has revealed when the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7 and Flip 7 FE will be available.

He claims that pre-orders will officially start today – as soon as the event finishes, I expect – with the full on sale date being 25 July. So you'll have a couple of weeks to wait before your new device(s) arrive.

He also suggests the same dates will apply to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 family, but there's no word on the other rumoured products – such as any new Galaxy Buds or the tri-fold phone (thought to be called the Samsung Galaxy G Fold).

Last minute folding phone deals

While we wait to hear how much Samsung's new foldables will cost, there are some great deals on its existing models. It is Prime Day, after all.

At the very least, you should keep the current versions in mind when comparing the devices – bar design, there might not be that many differences between them, and you could save yourself a fair penny on a similar device.

You might even find that prices for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 drop further soon after the launch.

Hello Android 16

One of the things that will debut with the Z Fold 7, Flip 7 and Flip 7 FE is One UI 8.0 – Samsung's operating system built on Android 16.

It's been available in beta form for a few weeks, but the new foldables will be the first in Samsung's lineup to get the full and final version.

It'll also be released soon for a wide array of existing Samsung handsets – as far back as the Fold 4 and Flip 4, even the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, in fact.

Badged up

Hello once more Samsungers. Mike Lowe back in the hot seat, powered by coffee, adrenaline and, lookie here, a Galaxy Unpacked Media badge (which doesn't unfold, might've missed a trick there).

The event proper doesn't kick off for another couple of hours, but I'm hopeful to squeeze into the Brooklyn site early doors to see what trinkets are on display ahead of the show.

There'll be a lot to get through, no doubt, so stay tuned as I keep you up to date, step by step, with all things Galaxy Unpacked...

And ready to roll

Ah, the glamour! I'm in line, but doors won't open until 09:00 here (14:00 UK time), so other than a quickly growing queue of eager attendees, don't expect any major reveals in the next 15 minutes...

But while we wait: what to expect?

Whilst I have a moment balancing my laptop on a temporary bollard, however, let's get to the summary of what to expect from this summer Unpacked event. It appears a lot has leaked already, but I'm still hopeful there'll be some fun surprises that nobody knows about (except the Samsung exec team).

Galaxy Z Fold 7: Don't call it the Ultra, although that's what the Z Fold 7 appears to be based on all the leaks. Samsung's slimmest-ever foldable, this re-designed book-like foldable looks like a giant leap for the brand.

Galaxy Z Flip 7: Don't underestimate the flip phone, though, as the Z Flip 7's new cover display looks like it'll cover the full exterior and be a giant upgrade too. The kind to put Motorola's recent Razr Ultra launch in its place.

Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: Less has been revealed about this supposed new model, but it appears a Fan Edition model will also be revealed for the first time in the range, offering a more affordable access point into the flip phone market.

Galaxy Watch 8 series: It's not all phones, with Samsung's latest wearables anticipated to be revealed too. No new Ultra just yet, but the latest Watch and Watch Classic are expected to bring an updated design and potentially a number of the Ultra's features too.

And we're in!

Elbows out! I've hustled my way in a grabbed a nice central seat to get a good view of the show, which kicks off in around 40 minutes from now.

There are hashtags worth following on socials if you want to drown yourself with all things Samsung Unpacked: #GalaxyUnpacked is the key one.

Ready, set...

They say a picture paints a thousand words, so I'll leave you with the above. We're just moments away from the off.

T3's Sam Cross back in the hot seat until further notice, ready to bring you the latest and greatest from Samsung live. Details on how to watch along here.

...Go!

We are underway at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked. The opening sequence serves as a reminder of the brand's innovative efforts over the years, and it's quite an interesting watch.

Let's hope that theme continues today. TM Roh takes to the stage...

The first words of the day go to Galaxy AI. The brand's AI-powered software suite has been really well received.

More notably though – the Android XR headset is on the screen! That's one checked off the list, though I hope we hear more later.

Now onto foldable phones – and boy, do they look good in blue.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is here

We're starting big with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. The brand has gone big on teasing the 'Ultra' moniker for this model, and the first impressions are great. It's much slimmer than previous handsets, which is a major step forward.

The idea seems to have been to take the ever popular Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and split it in half... and that's genius! It should mean the in-hand experience is fantastic.

Every module of the new hinge is smaller and lighter, with protections to avoid separation even under impact. The brand has also improved the droplet hinge, and reworked the display itself to be slim and light, but maintaining its toughness.

The best foldable phone?

All day battery and a 200MP main sensor? In a foldable phone? That's a massive win for Samsung. As long as the proof can match the pudding, the brand might have just nailed the form factor for this style, which is great news for all involved.

One UI 8 makes an appearance

One UI 8 is here, too. The latest Samsung operating system is packed into a host of form factors here, including the foldables we've already seen and some smartwatches we're hoping to later on.

The integration of AI runs throughout, while work has also been done to make the experience across devices similar, and more intelligent.

Google is in the house – and it brought new features!

Rick Osterloh of Google fame is here. Gemini is the focus of his speech here, where he's covered the benefits of the system and speaks of the partnership between the two companies.

Gemini Live's latest features are present, but there's also a deeper integration with Samsung's first-party apps, which allows Gemini to convert conversation into actions right away.

Woah, there's also six months of Google AI Pro included – a neat boost for those buying the new handset.

I got the blues

We're hearing a lot about how the Z Fold 7 is going to help in your day to day life. There's not too much which is new here – all of the Galaxy AI features you know and love are present, correct and better than ever.

What I can't get over, though, is how stunning that blue hue is. That's a really gorgeous design choice, and it's certain to be popular.

KEEP is a new security protocol, too. That ensures each app is only able to access its own sensitive data. It's all hardware-encrypted, FYI.

The perfect shot

Right, let's talk cameras. The next-gen ProVisual Engine – Samsung's computational photography – offers new levels of clarity. It's something the brand has always been good at, and it's nice to see that continue here.

There's also 10-bit video, for some seriously killer visuals, while the selfie view is increased by 25%. Editing of photo and video looks easier than ever, too, with the benefits of the Galaxy AI suite and the larger inner display.

Oh, and pricing – $1,999 USD, with pre-orders starting today. Four colours are available too – the blue, a black, a silver and a mint. Nice.

Now, onto the Flip.

Flip the script

Woah! The largest battery ever in a Z Flip phone gives an extra 8 hours of battery life. That's a serious upgrade for those seeking an all-day device.

There's an upgrade to the hinge, also, while the cover display is also given a bigger surface area. That's not dissimilar to how the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra looks, but it's a great design overall.

Affordable foldable? You bet!

A 50MP main sensor takes the stage on the Z Flip 7, complete with the ProVisual Engine upgrades we mentioned earlier. I can't help but adore the vintage camcorder style of holding it, too.

Pre-orders start today, with a price tag of $1,099. And there's a Z Flip 7 FE!

The more affordable device comes in just two colours – black and white – and offers a more affordable package at $899. It's not as cheap as we'd have hoped, but it's still a nice addition.

Watch out!

Now we're on to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 series. And as we've seen rumoured for a while, the design language of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is present across the range.

I'm a big fan of that style, so I'm certainly pleased with the decision. They're also slimmer, though there's no word of just how slim these are...

Yes, Coach

Ooh, we've got an all-new Running Coach on the devices! Your watch can now pick up your fitness level from a 12 minute run, to offer personalised training insights and tips as you get more familiar with running.

That's a really cool new feature for those looking to improve their running times and seek out a PB.

Healthier you

New features in the sleep section are here. Vascular load – no, I didn't know either – is now trackable, while a new feature can give you an Antioxidant Index reading by placing a finger on the sensor on the rear of your watch.

Now, the CEO of Xealth, Mike McSherry, is on stage (Samsung has just acquired the brand, in case you didn't know).

Building a better you

Galaxy Watch 8 is boasting a first – the first smartwatch to feature Gemini right out of the box! As a self-confessed Gemini lover, that's an incredible addition and should make the overall user experience even better.

We've brushed over that, though, to the Bedtime Guidance feature. That tracks your sleep and offers insights help you improve the quality of your sleep. It'll tell you to go to sleep at certain times, or get you to avoid caffeine, alcohol or certain foods to improve your sleep.

We also see Running Coach in action. At least the chap keeling over is a little more relatable than a marathon world record holder...

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 pricing

There's the pricing for you, too – from $349! That feels well-priced to me, and should be quite competitive in the scope of the current market.

That's all folks!

And just like that, the party is over. It's been a fun ride, folks. We've seen a trio of new foldable phones, some new smartwatches and got a glimpse – albeit brief – of the highly-anticipated Samsung headset.

Thanks for sticking with us through the broadcast, and we'll see you again next time!