What happens when you combine Brooklyn’s inventive spirit with Samsung’s constant pursuit of innovation? The solution was unveiled literally during Galaxy Unpacked 2025, as the boundaries of mobile AI and hardware design were stretched to unprecedented limits. Samsung’s recent event was not so much about releasing a product, but about signaling that the era of customised, multimodal technology has arrived to stay, and it’s getting smarter, thinner, and more environmentally friendly. Ultra-slim foldables, wearables that track antioxidants, nothing says the future is here and now than Samsung’s new Galaxy lineup, which sees AI no longer as a feature but as an actual companion. Here’s a look at the most hopeful advances and whether they stand up to the future of tech.
1. Galaxy Z Fold7: Redefining Thinness and Strength in Foldables
Galaxy Z Fold7 is a game-changer for foldable phone design. At just 8.9 mm thick folded and 4.2 mm open, the phone is 48% thinner than the original Galaxy Fold. This is achieved with Samsung’s new Armour FlexHinge, which not only lightens but also toughens the device by dissipating stress across a multi-rail system. The phone is additionally the lightest in the Fold series, weighing in at 215 grams, and features a titanium backplate and 50% thicker Ultra-Thin Glass for added resilience. The cover screen itself has grown to 6.5 inches, with the main display clocking in at 8 inches a 11% increase over its last iteration. These improvements speak to Samsung’s commitment to not only making foldables a reality of the future, but also practical for everyday use.
2. Galaxy AI: Personalisation at the Core
Samsung’s vision for AI is extremely personal. The new Galaxy line is powered by Galaxy AI, designed particularly to be a learning and self-improving companion. Underlying this experience is the Personal Data Engine (PDE), which handles user data locally to provide personalised interactions without privacy invasion. Trims like Now Brief choose daily updates, and intelligent tools like Writing Assist and Drawing Assist on the Z Fold7 bring ideas to completion. TM Roh, the President of Samsung’s Device Experience Division, captured the essence: “The greatest breakthroughs occur when hardware, software and services push one another to evolve.”
3. One UI 8: Multimodal, Secure, and Foldable driven
One UI 8, which debuts on the new foldables, is more than just a styling update. It’s a multimodal comprehension, richly personalised, and thoroughly secure OS. The interface utilises the PDE to learn from users. At the same time, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) creates app-specific, encrypted storage environments, with sensitive data remaining on-device and under user control. The result is a world in which privacy is not an afterthought, but rather a design principle integrated from the ground up. Android 16 is shipped pre-installed at launch, reflecting Samsung’s close working relationship with Google.
4. Circle to Search and Contextual AI: Smarter Assistance Everywhere
Development of Circle to Search on the Z Fold7 is indicative of Samsung’s drive toward context-aware AI. Now, users can highlight in-game elements or real-world objects and receive immediate, relevant information without leaving their current app. The AI’s ability to provide insights, such as travel advisories or exchange rates, based on location and schedule, demonstrates a leap toward truly anticipatory technology. Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy makes these experiences not only smarter but also responsive and fluid.
5. Galaxy Z Flip7 and Flip7 FE: Pocket Powerhouses
The Z Flip7 and its FE variant stuff flagship AI and camera power into a pocketable package. The Flip7 is the thinnest Z Flip to date, boasting a 6.9-inch main screen and a revamped 4.1-inch FlexWindow that stretches edge-to-edge at a 120Hz refresh rate. The Now Bar provides contextual updates, and pressing the side button engages Google’s Gemini for voice-enabled AI functions such as outfit analysis and weather-influenced style advice. The 50-megapixel camera, fuelled by the ProVisual Engine, means that even last-minute selfies are of studio quality. For anyone who wants accessibility without compromise, the Flip7 FE provides the same legendary foldable design and AI capabilities at an even more affordable price.
6. Galaxy Watch8 Series: AI-Based Health and Wellness
Galaxy Watch8 series brings a new level of wearables health tech. With an 8.6-mm slender cushion and dynamic lug system for comfort, the Watch8 is fashion-savvy as well as utilitarian. The watch features a series of industry-first features: Bedtime Guidance reads sleeping habits and recommends optimal times to sleep; Vascular Load monitors cardiovascular load during the night; and the Antioxidant Index measures carotenoids in seconds, giving practical advice on how to age well. The Running Coach provides real-time feedback and customised training programs, making the Watch8 an all-around health partner.
7. Google Gemini and Wear OS 6: Embodied AI on Your Wrist
Watch8 models are the first to ship with Google’s Gemini AI assistant and Wear OS 6. This package enables users to experience advanced voice commands, manage workouts, and even interact with third-party apps directly on their wrist. Although initial hands-on reviews reported some delay in the response of Gemini, the promise of on-device AI to make daily routines easier is real. The reimagined interface, with bigger tiles and easy-to-use navigation, puts health information and alerts within easy reach.
8. Sustainability: Engineering for the Planet
Samsung’s commitment to sustainability is built into every device. The Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 incorporate nine recycled materials, like lithium and plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets. It’s all part of the larger Galaxy for the Planet initiative, a belief that technology and planet can and should exist together.
9. Security Innovations: Quantum-Resistant Encryption and Knox Matrix
With more AI-based personalisation comes the need for next-level security. Samsung’s latest devices include quantum-resistant encryption for Secure Wi-Fi that can withstand future attacks by quantum computing. Knox Matrix, now supported across One UI 8, includes proactive threat protection and simplified controls for managing device security. Sensitive credentials are isolated in Knox Vault, and Auto Blocker and Enhanced Theft Protection provide multi-layered protection against new threats.
Galaxy Unpacked 2025 was not just a launch of new devices; it was a glimpse into a future where AI, design, and sustainability converge to build devices that are not only smarter and safer but also more personal and responsive to the needs of users and the world itself. For the pioneers and the tinkerers, Samsung’s newest chapter is a strong call to discover what’s next now.
