Cortex Times

Brooklyn, NY – Samsung kicked off its highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, delivering a lineup that’s turning heads and sparking debates in the tech world. The spotlight landed on the ultra-slim Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, alongside a trio of Galaxy Watch 8 models, all brimming with AI enhancements. But while the company’s pushing boundaries with design and software, the absence of promised features and the hefty price tags have left some scratching their heads.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 emerged as the star, boasting a razor-thin 8.9mm when folded and a mere 4.2mm when unfolded—thinner than even the Galaxy S25 Ultra at its thickest point, according to Engadget’s live coverage. Weighing in at 215g, it’s lighter too, with a 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED cover display and an 8-inch inner screen, both wider thanks to a new 21:9 aspect ratio (BenGeskin via X). The 200MP main camera, borrowed from the S25 Ultra, promises flagship-grade shots, though the drop of S Pen support has raised eyebrows—Samsung’s own marketing materials hinted at an “Ultra” experience that never fully materialized (Roland Quandt via X). Priced at $1,999.99, it’s available for pre-order now, with shipping slated for July 25.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 follows suit with a sleeker 6.5mm unfolded profile and a beefed-up 4.1-inch cover screen, up from 3.4 inches on its predecessor, paired with a 6.9-inch inner display (The Verge). Powered by the Exynos 2500, it starts at $1,099.99, while the new Z Flip 7 FE, a budget-friendly spin at $899.99, reuses last year’s Flip 6 design with a smaller 3.4-inch cover screen (CNET). Both flip models ship with Android 16 and One UI 8, leaning heavily on Google Gemini AI for features like camera-sharing on the cover screen—a move that’s got tech enthusiasts buzzing but also questioning the real-world utility.

On the wearable front, the Galaxy Watch 8 series—comprising the base model ($349), Classic ($499), and a 2025 Watch Ultra ($649)—brings Google Gemini integration, a first for smartwatches, alongside health tracking upgrades like vascular load and antioxidant monitoring (TechRadar). The Classic’s return of the rotating bezel has been a fan favorite, though the $50 price hike over last year’s model has sparked some grumbling. All models hit pre-order today, with a July 25 release.

Samsung’s AI push, highlighted by One UI 8’s multimodal capabilities and Gemini Live, aims to personalize the experience, from calendar updates via camera scans to running coaches on the Watch 8 (Samsung Global Newsroom). Yet, the event sidestepped rumors of a tri-fold Galaxy G Fold or Project Moohan XR headset, leaving fans disappointed despite teases of an “Ultra” reveal (Android Central).

The establishment narrative touts this as a leap forward, with Samsung’s TM Roh calling the foldables the “pinnacle of innovation” (Samsung Global Newsroom). But the thinness comes at a cost—literally and figuratively. The S Pen’s omission and the Z Flip 7 FE’s recycled design suggest cost-cutting over bold innovation, while the price jumps (up 5% from last year’s Fold 6, per ZDNET) clash with claims of accessibility. Sustainability efforts, like recycled materials in the Fold 7, are a bright spot, yet they feel like a PR win rather than a game-changer amidst rising e-waste concerns.

Critics on X note the hype might be overblown, with some questioning if Samsung’s chasing trends set by rivals like Oppo’s Find N5 rather than leading (posts found on X). Without hands-on testing—due next week—these devices’ durability and battery life remain unproven, especially given past foldable hiccups. Samsung’s betting big on AI to justify the cost, but until users see tangible benefits, this Unpacked might be more style than substance.

For now, pre-orders are live, and Galaxy Experience Spaces in major cities are drawing crowds eager to test the goods. Whether this marks a new chapter or a polished rerun depends on how these devices hold up in the wild. Stay tuned as TechCrunch digs deeper post-launch.

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Sources: Engadget, BenGeskin via X, Roland Quandt via X, The Verge, CNET, TechRadar, Samsung Global Newsroom, Android Central, ZDNET, posts found on X.