Connect with us

Technologies

‘Feeling Is Believing:’ Samsung Shares Exclusive Details About Its Super Slim Galaxy Z Fold 7

Ahead of Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung tells CNET what’s in store for its upcoming foldables — and why it’s making some key design changes.

Samsung is turning the page to a thinner, lighter chapter. The seventh generation of its book-style Galaxy Z Fold, which debuts at its Unpacked event on Wednesday, could redefine foldable phone design. Put aside your notions of a bulky gadget and get ready for a phone that Samsung says will feel closer to what you might already have in your pocket.

«More than ever, these devices will very much resemble that traditional form factor,» Drew Blackard, Samsung’s senior vice president of mobile product management, told CNET in an exclusive interview. «It’ll feel like a traditional bar-type smartphone, but it’ll have all of the benefits of a foldable.» 

Samsung has consistently been dropping hints about its upcoming phones, which are expected to include the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7 and the more budget-friendly Z Flip 7 FE (although Samsung has yet to confirm that last option). Much of its focus has seemingly been on the Fold. It first teased bringing «an Ultra-experience» to «a smaller and more portable form factor,» pointing to a more advanced camera and plenty of AI. It then noted that its «newest Galaxy Z series is the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet.»

Long road to a thinner Fold

To give you an idea of what’s in store: Between the first generation of the Galaxy Z Fold, which debuted in 2019, and last year’s Z Fold 6, the phone became about 29% thinner and around 37 grams lighter, according to Samsung. Now, we can expect a similar leap between the Z Fold 6 and the Z Fold 7, Blackard says — over just one generation. 

Based on those numbers, it’s possible the Z Fold 7 could be about 0.34 inches thick when closed, give or take, and weigh just over 200 grams. We’ll have to wait and see what exactly Samsung has in store, but that could make the Z Fold 7 even thinner and lighter than the Oppo Find N5, and about the same weight as the iPhone 16 Pro.

One new Samsung phone already set the stage for this moment: the Galaxy S25 Edge, which debuted in May. That unveiling, along with general hype around thin phones, left a lot of people scratching their heads. What’s the point of a thinner phone, especially when you’re putting a case on it anyway? Now, as Samsung gears up to launch a foldable designed to feel as «normal» as possible, the pieces are starting to fall into place.  

The S25 Edge proved that a thin phone doesn’t have to compromise camera quality. That skinny phone boasts the same 200-megapixel main camera you’ll find on the not-so-thin S25 Ultra. Improved cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 could help foldables break away from the hardware and design limitations that have held their cameras back for so long. That could allow the Z Fold 7 to stand apart from other skinny foldables like the Oppo Find N5. 

«There’s no longer that trade-off of, ‘Well, do I want a traditional bar-type smartphone, or a foldable?'» Blackard said. «You’ll kind of get the best of both worlds.»

Responding to consumer feedback

Making the Z Fold 7 feel as close to a standard phone as possible (with the added perk of a spacious screen when you open it, of course) could help lure new customers who are hesitant to step outside of their comfort zone. 

«It’s a pretty big commitment for the average user to switch something they depend on so much,» said Ryan Reith, group vice president for IDC’s Worldwide Device Tracker. «Nobody wants a trade-off, especially when you’re going to make that big transition.»

It’s unclear if there will be battery compromises with a slimmer foldable, but judging from the S25 Edge, it’s possible. That phone lasts about a day on a full charge, which is just enough to get me through. Hopefully, the wider real estate on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 means battery life doesn’t take too much of a hit, because that’s one of consumers’ top priorities when shopping for a phone, according to a recent CNET survey. 

Samsung says the design changes coming to the Z Fold 7 are supported by customer feedback: 33% of Fold users told the company they want improved portability, while 28% wanted flagship cameras, according to Blackard.   

A major barrier for people wanting to make the leap to foldables is price. Last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 cost $1,900, while the Z Flip 6 was marked at $1,100. The rumored Z Flip 7 FE could tap into a strategy that seems to be working well for Motorola: release foldable phones at different pricing tiers, so customers don’t have to break the bank. It’s not clear if a more affordable Galaxy FE (Fan Edition) foldable could be priced as low as the $700 2025 Motorola Razr but that could potentially give Samsung a leg up.   

«The best way to get more traction is on price point at this stage,» Reith said, «even if that comes with a slight trade-off on camera.»

Selling the feel of thin

Phone enthusiasts and people willing to spend a pretty penny may not need as much convincing to buy a premium phone like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. But appealing to a wider audience can still be a challenge.  

«Of course, a better camera or slimmer design could help, but consumers do not always perceive the benefits of a thinner device,» said Thomas Husson, principal analyst at Forrester. 

That’s a challenge Samsung is ready to meet by promoting hands-on experience. With the release of the S25 Edge, the company worked with retail partners to adapt the phones’ security fixtures to adhesive brackets, so customers can actually pick up the phones and feel how light they are. Providing that same experience with a phone like the Z Fold 7 could help dubious consumers see what all the hype is about.

«It’s really going to be a ‘feeling is believing’ moment for consumers,» Blackard said. «They’ll have that ‘aha’ moment that this is now a mainstream form factor.»

Bracing for foldable competition from Apple

Despite the apparent success of the Galaxy Z line, foldables remain a niche market. Around half of smartphone owners say they’re not interested in buying a foldable phone, according to a CNET survey from August. One key player could help change that: Apple, which is rumored to be developing its own foldable iPhone (as well as a thin version of the iPhone 17).  

«Apple’s potential entry in the market later in 2026 could indeed help [with] legitimizing and democratizing the category,» Husson said. 

Samsung, for its part, doesn’t seem perturbed about the possibility of rising competition. 

«We definitely take pride in being the pioneer of the category,» Blackard said. «Competition will come, and we welcome that. I think it’ll only push us to be more innovative.»

Related Topics:

Technologies

Kohler Wants to Put a Tiny Camera in Your Toilet and Analyze the Contents

The company’s new Dekoda toilet accessory is like a little bathroom detective.

Some smart litter boxes can monitor our pets’ habits and health, so having a camera in our human toilet bowls seems inevitable. That’s just what kitchen and bathroom fixture company Kohler has done for its new health and wellness brand, Kohler Health. 

The $599 Dekoda clamps over the rim like a toilet bowl cleaner, pointing an optical sensor at your excretions and secretions. It then analyzes the images to detect any blood and reviews your gut health and hydration status. Depending on the plan you choose, the subscription fee is between $70 and $156 per year.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

At toilet time, you sign in via a fingerprint sensor so that the device knows who’s using the facilities. (Please wash your hands before signing out or tracking your progress.) Then, check in with the app for the day’s analysis and trends over time. 

Wait until you’re off the pot, though, before you start doomscrolling your health. The device has a removable, rechargeable battery and uses a USB connection. 

Kohler says it secures your data via the aforementioned fingerprint scanner and end-to-end encryption, and notes that the camera uses «discreet optics,» looking only at the results, not your body parts. 

«Dekoda’s sensors see down into your toilet and nowhere else,» the company says. 

Kohler warns that the technology doesn’t work very well with dark toilet colors, which makes sense. I’m sure there could be an upsell model with a light on it. Maybe the company could add an olfactory sensor, since smell reveals a lot about your gut health too. It could track «session» length or buildup under the rim to alert whoever has responsibility to clean it.

Kohler must have been straining to find appropriate lifestyle photos to include with the publicity materials. Many of the images are hilarious, featuring fit-looking men and women drinking water and staring off into space contemplatively — probably thinking about gas.

Continue Reading

Technologies

Who’s Up to Fight Mega-Corporations in the Outer Worlds 2 on Xbox Game Pass?

Save the universe by fighting one CEO at a time in The Outer Worlds 2, plus play other great games coming to Xbox Game Pass in October.

Space is the final frontier, and it’s packed with some devious mega-corporations who are out to make a buck in The Outer Worlds 2. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can fight them in the highly anticipated sequel starting on Oct. 29.

Xbox Game Pass offers hundreds of games you can play on your Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, smart TV and PC or mobile device, with prices starting at $10 a month. While all Game Pass tiers offer you a library of games, Game Pass Ultimate ($30 a month) gives you access to the most games, as well as Day 1 games, like Hollow Knight: Silksong, added monthly.

Here are all the games subscribers can play on Game Pass soon. You can also check out other games the company added to the service in October, including Ninja Gaiden 4.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

PowerWash Simulator 2

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can start playing on Oct. 23.

If you’ve ever spent hours watching people on YouTube clean dirty rugs, cars and other grimy objects, you should check out PowerWash Simulator 2. As the name suggests, this sequel is all about blasting away dirt and filth from pools, homes and other objects around town. You have a furry kitty companion, and yes, you can pet them when you’ve finished cleaning.

Bounty Star

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can start playing on Oct. 23.

The American Southwest has devolved into a lawless, post-apocalyptic desert called the Red Expanse in this game. You’re out to clean the place up in this game by taking down major bounties issued by the government, and the best way to do that is by piloting and customizing a giant mech, of course. When you want to nurse your wounds, head back to your run-down garage to rest, grow and cook food and raise animals. It’s like a cozy Armored Core game.

Super Fantasy Kingdom (game preview)

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can start playing on Oct. 24.

After returning from a hunting trip, you find your 8-bit kingdom wrecked in this game. You must rebuild your domain in this roguelite, city builder. But as night falls, hordes of monsters emerge to tear everything back down. Build, mine, cook and grow your home, and prepare to defend it from all dangers.

Halls of Torment

Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass subscribers can start playing on Oct. 28.

Get ready to descend into the deadly Halls of Torment in this retro, horde survival game. You can choose between 11 playable characters, each with their own playstyle, and equip various items and abilities to survive waves of enemies. This game is like Vampire Survivors, so if you like that game give this one a shot.

The Outer Worlds 2

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can start playing on Oct. 29.

Clear your calendar for this sequel to the award-winning sci-fi adventure, The Outer Worlds. This time, you’re an Earth Directorate agent investigating the cause of devastating rifts that could destroy humanity. You have a new ship, new crew, new enemies and mega-corporation goons standing between you and the answers. 

1000xResist

Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass subscribers can start playing on Nov. 4.

One thousand years in the future, humanity is hanging on by a thread after a disease spread by alien occupation forces people to live underground in this sci-fi adventure game. You play as Watcher, and you fulfill your duties well, until one day you make a shocking discovery. This game won a Peabody Award in 2024, and it was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Game Writing that same year, so get ready for a story like no other.

Football Manager 26

Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can start playing on Oct. 29.

Get ready for a more immersive matchday experience in the latest installment of the Football Manager franchise. You can build a star-studded squad with new transfer tools, and this entry features official Premier League licenses and women’s football for the first time in the series’ history.

Game Pass subscribers can play the standard or Console edition of this game. 

Games leaving Game Pass on Oct. 31

While Microsoft is adding those games to Game Pass, it’s also removing three others from the service on Oct. 31. So you still have some time to finish your campaign and any side quests before you have to buy these games separately.

Jusant 
Metal Slug Tactics 
Return to Monkey Island

For more on Xbox, discover other games available on Game Pass now and check out our hands-on review of the gaming service. You can also learn about recent changes to the Game Pass service.

Continue Reading

Technologies

Does Charging Your Phone Overnight Damage the Battery? We Asked the Experts

Modern smartphones are protected against overcharging, but heat and use habits can still degrade your battery over time.

Plugging your phone in before you head to bed might seem like second nature. That way by the time  your alarms go off in the morning, your phone has a full charge and is ready to help you conquer your day. However, over time, your battery will start to degrade. So is keeping your phone plugged in overnight doing damage to the battery?

The short answer is no. Keeping your phone plugged in all the time won’t ruin your battery. Modern smartphones are built with smart charging systems that cut off or taper power once they’re full, preventing the kind of «overcharging damage» that was common in older devices. So if you’re leaving your iPhone or Android on the charger overnight, you can relax.

That said, «won’t ruin your battery» doesn’t mean it has no effect. Batteries naturally degrade with age and use, and how you charge plays a role in how fast that happens. Keeping a phone perpetually at 100% can add extra stress on the battery, especially when paired with heat, which is the real enemy of longevity. 

Understanding when this matters (and when it doesn’t) can help you make small changes to extend your phone’s lifespan.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

The science behind battery wear

Battery health isn’t just about how many times you charge your phone. It’s about how it manages voltage, temperature and maintenance. Lithium-ion batteries age fastest when they’re exposed to extreme levels: 0% and 100%. 

Keeping them near full charge for long stretches puts additional voltage stress on the cathode and electrolyte. That’s why many devices use «trickle charging» or temporarily pause at 100%, topping up only when needed.

Still, the biggest threat isn’t overcharging — it’s heat. When your phone is plugged in and running demanding apps, it produces heat that accelerates chemical wear inside the battery. If you’re gaming, streaming or charging on a hot day, that extra warmth does far more harm than leaving the cable plugged in overnight.

Apple’s take

Apple’s battery guide describes lithium-ion batteries as «consumable components» that naturally lose capacity over time. To slow that decline, iPhones use Optimized Battery Charging, which learns your daily routine and pauses charging at about 80% until just before you typically unplug, reducing time spent at high voltage.

Apple also advises keeping devices between 0 to 35 degrees Celsius (32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) and removing certain cases while charging to improve heat dissipation. You can read more on Apple’s official battery support page.

What Samsung (and other Android makers) do

Samsung offers a similar feature called Battery Protect, found in One UI’s battery and device care settings. When enabled, it caps charging at 85%, which helps reduce stress during long charging sessions.

Other Android makers like Google, OnePlus and Xiaomi include comparable options — often called Adaptive Charging, Optimized Charging or Battery Care — that dynamically slow power delivery or limit charge based on your habits. These systems make it safe to leave your phone plugged in for extended periods without fear of overcharging.

When constant charging can hurt

Even with these safeguards, some conditions can accelerate battery wear. As mentioned before, the most common culprit is high temperature. Even for a short period of time, leaving your phone charging in direct sunlight, in a car or under a pillow can push temperatures into unsafe zones.

Heavy use while charging, like gaming or 4K video editing, can also cause temperature spikes that degrade the battery faster. And cheap, uncertified cables or adapters may deliver unstable current that stresses cells. If your battery is already several years old, it’s naturally more sensitive to this kind of strain.

How to charge smarter

You don’t need to overhaul your habits but a few tweaks can help your battery age gracefully. 

Start by turning on your phone’s built-in optimization tools: Optimized Battery Charging on iPhones, Battery Protect on Samsung devices and Adaptive Charging on Google Pixels. These systems learn your routine and adjust charging speed so your phone isn’t sitting at 100% all night.

Keep your phone cool while charging. According to Apple, phone batteries perform best between 62 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 22 degrees Celsius). If your phone feels hot, remove its case or move it to a better-ventilated or shaded spot. Avoid tossing it under a pillow or too close to other electronics, like your laptop, and skip wireless chargers that trap heat overnight.

Use quality chargers and cables from your phone’s manufacturer or trusted brands. Those cheap «fast-charge» kits you find online often deliver inconsistent current, which can cause long-term issues.

Finally, don’t obsess over topping off. It’s perfectly fine to plug in your phone during the day for short bursts. Lithium-ion batteries actually prefer frequent, shallow charges rather than deep, full cycles. You don’t need to keep it between 20% and 80% all the time, but just avoid extremes when possible.

The bottom line

Keeping your phone plugged in overnight or on your desk all day won’t destroy its battery. That’s a leftover myth from a different era of tech. Modern phones are smart enough to protect themselves, and features like Optimized Battery Charging or Battery Protect do most of the heavy lifting for you.

Still, no battery lasts forever. The best way to slow the inevitable is to manage heat, use quality chargers and let your phone’s software do its job. Think of it less as «babying» your battery and more as charging with intention. A few mindful habits today can keep your phone running strong for years.

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version