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Having spent a few days with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I can easily say that it’s Samsung’s most polished clamshell foldable to date. The expanded cover screen finally feels complete, DeX support is an incredible bonus on such a tiny footprint, and its battery life got a solid bump up.
But while the Z Flip 7 closes the gap with rivals like the Moto Razr Ultra, it’s worth looking ahead to what next year’s Z Flip 8 might bring. Apple reportedly has plans to bring its flavor of foldable iPhone to market in 2026 as well, giving Samsung even more motivation to deliver.
Also: I spent a week with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, and it’s an even bigger leap than expected
That’s why, even with the Flip 7 hitting so many marks, upgrading in 2026 could make sense, too. Here’s why next year’s Z Flip 8 could be worth the wait.
Battery tech could get a facelift
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The Z Flip 7 has increased battery capacity over the previous generation from 4,000mAh to 4,300mAh. That’s not a small increase, but it’s not quite what we’ve come to expect from flagship devices either. Thankfully, Samsung has given some clues in recent months that show it is actively exploring new types of battery technologies that could arrive in next year’s foldables.
Several smartphones have hit the market in the past year with silicon-carbon battery technology that delivers better energy density and longevity compared to standard lithium-ion batteries. A rumor from FNNews, a Korean news site, points to multiple sources predicting that silicon-carbon batteries could arrive on Samsung’s flagships starting with the S26 series.
Also: Forget Samsung Z Fold 7: Why this Galaxy model is on my watchlist going into next year
Samsung itself has acknowledged its interest in the technology, and its use could ultimately mean cramming more capacity into the Z Flip 8 while keeping the footprint a similar size as this year’s model.
Even if silicon carbon integration doesn’t arrive with the Z Flip 8, a report from TheElec reveals Samsung’s interest in adopting so-called “SUS CAN” (steel use stainless canister) battery casing and advanced EMC protection circuits in its 2026 devices. This technology is already found in Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max, and it allows for higher capacity without swelling issues, something Samsung is surely intent on avoiding after the embarrassing Galaxy Note 7 battery fire debacle.
Crease-free displays on the horizon
Jason Howell/ZDNET
One of the enduring challenges of today’s foldable smartphones is the dreaded screen crease, a subtle but noticeable line that runs down the fold area, giving the screen an imperfect appearance. Thankfully, we could be heading toward a more creaseless design on the Z Flip 8.
Respected Apple supply chain insider Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple’s unreleased foldable iPhone and Samsung’s next batch of foldable smartphones will feature a “crease-free” display, made possible by a laser-drilled metal plate that distributes and controls bending stress across the fold line.
Also: 5 Android phones you should consider buying instead of the Samsung Z Fold 7
Fine M-Tec is reportedly behind the production of the technology, while Samsung Display will supply the technology to Apple and its products. If this advancement lives up to its promise, the Z Flip 8 could be one of the first foldables with a pristine inner display, and that would be well worth waiting for.
The arrival of a two-nanometer chip
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Performance-wise, the Z Flip 8 could deliver a major upgrade, but the situation is a bit complex. This year’s model is the first foldable by Samsung to be released with its in-house Exynos 2500 chipset instead of a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. For next year, there are conflicting reports about which chip Samsung is likely to use.
Samsung has a strong foundry business and is reportedly manufacturing a special variant of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chip, specifically tailored “For Galaxy and built on a cutting-edge 2-nanometer process. This would be a first for its foldables and would bring even more power and energy efficiency to the next generation Z Flip 8. Conflicting reports say Qualcomm might have pulled back plans to fully adopt Samsung’s 2-nanometer manufacturing, turning to its other partners instead.
Also: iOS 26 envy? 5 iPhone features you can already use on your Android (Samsung included)
Meanwhile, Samsung is aggressively developing its own Exynos 2600 chipset on the same 2-nanometer process with next year’s Galaxy flagships in its sights for release. This could make its way onto the Z Flip 8, especially after the Exynos arrival on this year’s model. The Exynos chips sometimes deliver less power and efficiency compared to Snapdragon alternatives, but the new 2nm generation holds serious promise.
Improved durability
Jason Howell/ZDNET
Durability is a long-standing issue for foldables. The Z Flip 7 offers solid water resistance but minimal dust resistance with its IP48 rating. Foldables can be very difficult to protect from dust ingress due to their flexible components and complicated hinge structures. Samsung’s mobile chief TM Roh openly stated a few years ago that dust protection is a big request from users of these foldables, and the company is reportedly working hard to find a solution.
Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: I tested both foldables, and here’s the winner
Competition is heating up in this department as well. The Motorola Razr Ultra now has an improved IP52 rating, and a separate rumor points to the possibility that next year’s Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold might carry a full IP68 rating, making it the first foldable to be truly resistant to dust and water. If Samsung wants to deliver on its goal of tightening up dust protection, next year is the right time to do it.
The final verdict
Let me be clear: I’m not looking to throw cold water on anyone’s decision to purchase the Z Flip 7. It’s a fantastic smartphone that I’m thoroughly enjoying.
But realistically, next year’s Z Flip 8 could hit even harder in nearly every important category for foldables with longer battery life, smoother screen composition, an industry-leading processor, and tougher-than-ever build quality. If you aren’t in any hurry to pull the trigger, I’d suggest you consider giving it some time. Your patience might just be worth the wait.
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