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Yoohome is a whimsical vision for future living

Imagine stepping into a home where every corner feels like a page from a fantastical storybook, a space that blurs the lines between art, nature, and imagination. This is the essence of Yoohome, the debut architectural project from Bangkok-based artist Taras Yoom. Unveiled as the first installation in his ambitious Yoomoota Village, Yoohome is more than a private residence; it’s a living, breathing work of art that invites you to experience architecture in a way you never have before.

Taras Yoom is renowned for his biomorphic surrealism, a style that fuses biology with the human condition and manifests in sculpture, painting, collectibles, and now, architecture. For Yoohome, Yoom draws inspiration from Thailand’s lush tropical flora and the playful, otherworldly characters from his celebrated Yoomoota Universe. The result is a villa that could have sprung from a dream, with an exterior that is a vibrant blend of pastel colors, soft rounded edges, and columns that mimic the stems of exotic plants.

Designer: Taras Yoom

Inside, the whimsical narrative continues. Partitions undulate like organic forms, acting as both art and functional separation. Every piece of furniture and lighting fixture is a signature Yoom creation, doubling as a fantastical creature with its own story to tell. Yoohome is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also thoughtfully engineered for modern living and environmental resilience. Planned for a seismically active zone, the villa spans about 210 square meters across three floors. A robust load-bearing steel frame and monolithic concrete foundation keep the home stable, while energy-efficient, fire-protected materials ensure comfort and safety. The open-plan layout, zoned by flowing partitions instead of traditional walls, evokes the limitless expanse of the imagination. Large glass windows flood the space with natural light and provide lush garden views, seamlessly blending the indoors with the tropical landscape outside.

What truly sets Yoohome apart is how it unites the natural and the invented. Every detail, from the leaf-like balconies to the sculpture in the courtyard (which playfully references a mythical predatory plant), celebrates the harmony between the real and the surreal. The house itself is envisioned as a “surreal being with a face and personality,” as Yoom describes, able to “breathe, adapt, and evolve.” It’s an architectural ode to the unpredictability and poetry of life. Yoohome is just the beginning. It is the inaugural residence in Yoomoota Village, a planned complex where every home will be inspired by a different tropical or alien plant, adapting organically to the environment and expanding Yoom’s signature universe into the real world. Construction on Yoohome is set to begin in 2027, but its vision is already sparking excitement among art lovers, design enthusiasts, and collectors alike.

The post Yoohome is a whimsical vision for future living first appeared on Yanko Design.

Nike Dunk x LEGO Set captures the basketball essence and it’s pretty affordable

Nike and LEGO are two iconic companies in their own right that have long inspired us to learn, play, and create. So, when the two brands decided to collaborate to give kids a world where sports and creative play always win, there was nothing more fascinating for even the adults to appreciate. There have been rumors of what’s coming out in the collaboration, but the wait is finally over. The first result of their partnership is here: the fully co-branded Nike Dunk x LEGO Set.

An inspiring set that celebrates imagination, sneaker culture, and the spirit of basketball in the same breath was dropped on July 1, 2025, for an amazing $99.99 tag. It’s an electrifying display of colors, elements, and playfulness that kids above the age of 10 will enjoy rebuilding and displaying at home. However, I’m sure the crazy Dunk fans are not going to miss their chance to get home the memorabilia, even if it means hosting an ardent LEGO builder friend for a sleepover. Arguably, this is the hottest LEGO build of the season. The creation is not just a toy, it’s a unification of culture and imagination at its pinnacle.

Designer: Nike x LEGO

“Kicks, bricks, and a whole lot of hype” come together in the Nike Dunk x LEGO Set, which doesn’t include the Nike Dunk as the main element by default. The choice is to celebrate the iconic status and the cultural relevance that the silhouette has enjoyed once on and off the court, and how it is making a resurgence among kids of late. The set, predominantly in blue and white colorway, comprises 1,180 pieces and is designed “for kids to build, rebuild, and display. The almost real brick-built Nike Dunk in blue and white remains on display, accompanied by a rotatable brick basketball (not intended for play), the Dunk logo in 3D letters, and a minifig wearing Nike Dunks.

The minifigure with an orange basketball head (and its eclectic elements) is outfitted with its own Nike Drip and Dunks. The Jersey sports number 32 on the front – a nod to the number of years the LEGO Group has been entertaining us – and number 72 on the back, which is a reference to the number of years it’s been since Nike released its first shoe. The minifig can either stand guard at the bottom of the display or hide inside the secret compartment in the LEGO Dunk (which is revealed by pulling the heel back or lifting the tongue upward). While the blue and white colorway looks cool, if you want the Dunk in your build to look a little different, you can pull open the toe and bring out the faded green laces to replace the blue ones instantly.

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Kettwiesel One Plus brings new level of electric triking

Riding a bike is one of those life skills that I still have not been able to master. And because I’m naturally clumsy, I probably won’t be able to learn it easily. However, I do know how to ride one with a sidecar, since it’s much easier to balance. With the rise of three-wheeled electric rides, maybe soon I’ll be able to bike my way to certain destinations, as long as they’re not too far.

The Kettwiesel One Plus from Hase Bikes introduces a new level of fun and freedom to electric triking. Designed for adults, this e-trike blends ergonomic comfort, innovative engineering, and user-friendly features, making it a standout in the world of personal mobility. It uses Hase’s signature layout with two wheels at the back and one at the front, which gives the trike excellent stability and agile handling. The frame is made from aluminum, ensuring durability while keeping it relatively light for an e-trike, with a starting weight of 35 kg (77 lbs).

Designer: Hase Bikes

One of the highlights of this latest version is its broad adjustability. The Kettwiesel One Plus can be set up for riders from 1.10 meters (3’7”) to 2.00 meters (6’7”). Both the wheelbase and the seat, including backrest height and tilt, are easily adjustable with quick-release levers and the included onboard tool. This lets riders find their perfect fit, whether they prefer a laid-back sporty posture or upright comfort. Riders can choose between above-seat (One Up Plus) and under-seat (One Plus) steering. Both steering options are designed for easy mounting and dismounting: The above-seat handlebars fold up, while the under-seat version features a built-in standing aid.

The “Plus” version is powered by the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which delivers a robust 100 Nm of torque and comes with a 545 Wh battery. This motor is known for its strong, smooth support, making it easy to tackle hills and longer rides. The suspension system uses a MacPherson strut design, a proven technology in automotive engineering. With 70 mm of travel, the suspension absorbs bumps and uneven surfaces for a comfortable ride. It can also be adjusted to suit the rider’s weight and cargo, supporting up to 140 kg (309 lbs). Gear choices include the stepless Enviolo Automatiq hub or a 5- or 14-speed system (Nexus, Enviolo, or Rohloff), catering to different riding preferences. The braking system combines a front mechanical disc brake with coupled hydraulic discs at the rear for reliable stopping power. The e-trike also features a lighting system powered by the motor battery, including a Busch & Müller IQ-X headlight and Toplight 2C Plus taillight.

For real-world convenience, the Kettwiesel One Plus can be parked upright to save space or folded down to a compact size, making it easy to fit into most car trunks or small storage areas. Both the seatback and handlebar unit fold with minimal effort. Hase offers a wide range of accessories, such as racks, bags, adaptive equipment for special needs, and safety features like turn signals and mirrors. This makes the Kettwiesel One Plus adaptable for daily use, errands, or recreational rides. With its stable design, high-end motor system, comfortable ride, and flexible adjustments, the Kettwiesel One Plus is a top-tier e-trike for adults seeking independence and fun on three wheels. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or simply enjoying the outdoors, this trike is ready to deliver.

The post Kettwiesel One Plus brings new level of electric triking first appeared on Yanko Design.

How a Modular Laptop Became a Handheld Gaming PC With Joy-Cons

Modular design has always promised endless possibilities, but rarely do we see someone take that promise and run with it quite this boldly. A creative designer recently decided that the Framework 12 laptop needed something extra, something that would transform it from a standard convertible into a handheld gaming powerhouse. The solution? Custom 3D-printed rails that let Nintendo Joy-Cons snap directly onto the laptop’s sides.

The result is both ingenious and slightly ridiculous, which makes it absolutely perfect for the maker community. This isn’t just another tech hack, it’s a statement about what happens when modular hardware meets unbridled creativity. The designer even shared the STL files for free, turning their weekend project into a blueprint for anyone with access to a 3D printer.

Designer: Sskki

The Mod At A Glance

What makes this mod particularly clever is how it embraces the Framework’s core philosophy rather than fighting against it. The custom rails slide seamlessly into the laptop’s expansion slots, the same system designed for USB ports and SD card readers. It’s modularity taken to its logical extreme, proving that the Framework’s expansion card system has potential far beyond what its creators originally envisioned.

The execution is surprisingly polished too. The 3D-printed rails don’t look like aftermarket add-ons, they integrate so naturally with the laptop’s design that you might mistake them for official accessories. The Joy-Cons attach with satisfying clicks, and the whole setup maintains the Framework’s clean, professional aesthetic while adding that unmistakable gaming flair.

Reality Check

But let’s be honest about what this mod actually delivers. The Framework 12 weighs 1.3 kilograms and spans 287 millimeters wide, making it roughly three times heavier and significantly bulkier than any traditional handheld gaming device. Your arms will definitely feel the workout after extended gaming sessions, and forget about slipping this into your jacket pocket.

The Joy-Cons connect via Bluetooth rather than the direct electrical connection they enjoy with the Nintendo Switch. This introduces potential input lag and means you’ll need to remember to charge the controllers separately. More frustrating still, the custom rails occupy the laptop’s precious expansion slots, blocking access to other ports while the controllers are attached.

There’s also the practical reality that once those rails are installed, your laptop transforms from a sleek professional machine into something that screams “I take my gaming very seriously.” Good luck explaining that setup during your next video conference call, especially when you realize you can’t access your USB ports without removing the controllers first.

Quick Answers

Can you use Nintendo Joy-Cons on a PC?
Yes, Joy-Cons can pair with most modern laptops via Bluetooth, though they lack the seamless integration they have with the Switch.
What makes the Framework 12 special?
Its modular expansion card system allows for easy upgrades, repairs, and creative modifications like this Joy-Con adapter.

How does 3D printing enable hardware mods?
3D printing allows makers to create custom expansion cards and accessories, unlocking new possibilities for modular laptop design.

The Bigger Picture

Yet none of these limitations diminish what this project represents. It’s a proof of concept that demonstrates the creative potential lurking within truly modular hardware. The designer didn’t set out to create the perfect handheld gaming device, they wanted to explore what was possible when you stop thinking about laptops as fixed-function machines.

This mod succeeds because it makes us reimagine what personal computing devices could become. In a landscape dominated by sealed, non-repairable gadgets, projects like this remind us that the most interesting innovations often emerge from users themselves. The Framework 12 Joy-Con mod might be more novelty than necessity, but it represents the kind of experimental thinking that pushes boundaries and inspires others to see familiar technology through fresh eyes.

The post How a Modular Laptop Became a Handheld Gaming PC With Joy-Cons first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Hands-On: The Smartwatch Design That Finally Gets Everything Right

Design excellence emerges when form serves function without compromise. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch8 lineup embodies this philosophy perfectly.

Designer: Samsung

After getting hands-on time with the Galaxy Watch8, Watch8 Classic, and Watch Ultra, it’s clear Samsung has achieved the design maturity that transforms smartwatches from gadgets into essential lifestyle tools. The Galaxy Watch8 stands as the thinnest Galaxy Watch ever created, featuring a sleek profile that disappears on your wrist while housing a powerful 3mm processor and comprehensive health monitoring capabilities.

Breaking Design News: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch8 represents an 11% reduction in thickness compared to previous generations.

The Watch8 Classic brings back the beloved rotating bezel with modern refinements, while the Watch Ultra introduces titanium construction and adventure-ready features in Samsung’s most ambitious wearable design yet. Each model serves different lifestyle needs while maintaining design coherence across the range.

The Slimmest Galaxy Watch: When Less Becomes More

At 11% thinner than the Galaxy Watch7, this represents the most significant dimensional reduction in the series’ history while actually expanding functionality.

The sleek profile creates a more seamless integration with your wrist, enhancing both comfort and style throughout extended wear. The cushion design philosophy creates visual continuity with Samsung’s broader device ecosystem while maintaining distinct smartwatch identity. Clean lines flow from the watch face to the slim body, creating refined aesthetics that work equally well in boardrooms and gyms.

Available in sophisticated Graphite and Silver colorways, the design choices feel timeless rather than trendy. The 3,000-nit display delivers exceptional visibility in any lighting condition while the 3mm processor enables fluid interactions that eliminate the lag that plagued earlier smartwatch generations.

Every design element serves multiple purposes: the reduced thickness improves comfort, the premium materials enhance durability, and the refined proportions create visual appeal.

Galaxy Watch8 Classic: Heritage Design Meets Modern Innovation

The iconic rotating bezel returns with refined engineering that provides smooth, intuitive scrolling through interfaces.

This physical interaction method proves superior to touchscreen-only navigation, especially during workouts or when wearing gloves. The cushion design takes a cutting-edge approach with rounded square aesthetics that encases the latest smartwatch technology.

Available in timeless Black and White colorways, the Classic complements any outfit from workout gear to formal attire.

The Quick Button adds functional elegance, providing reassuring tactile feedback while offering instant access to features and app launches. Samsung equipped the Classic with 64GB of storage, representing a massive upgrade that eliminates the constant space management that plagued previous generations.

The powerful 3mm processor handles demanding tasks while maintaining the refined user experience that makes the Classic feel like a premium timepiece rather than a computer on your wrist.

Galaxy Watch Ultra: Adventure-Ready Engineering

The 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display surrounded by durable titanium casing creates a device equally suited for corporate presentations and mountain expeditions.

This represents a significant departure from Samsung’s traditional design language, embracing rugged functionality without sacrificing everyday usability. High-endurance battery power with intelligent management modes ensures the Ultra keeps working when you need it most.

Exercise power saving mode optimizes for workout tracking while Power saving mode extends operation for multi-day adventures.

The upgraded 64GB storage accommodates extensive GPX data recording for serious outdoor enthusiasts. The titanium construction delivers genuine durability rather than just premium aesthetics.

Samsung specifically mentions ocean readiness for Pacific and Caribbean waters, indicating serious water sports capabilities rather than basic splash resistance. The Quick Button enables swift transitions between endurance sports through the Multisport Tile functionality.

Health Innovation: World-First Antioxidant Measurement

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch8 introduces the world’s first smartwatch antioxidant measurement capability. Place your thumb on the sensor to measure carotenoid levels in your skin, providing insights into how healthy your current diet and lifestyle choices are. This breakthrough technology transforms the watch into a comprehensive wellness monitor that encourages better eating habits and lifestyle changes.

The running coach functionality adapts to your fitness level with personalized training programs. Whether you’re taking first steps as a beginner or training for marathons, the system provides 3-5 week programs that guide you through every milestone with motivation and practical advice.

The AI analyzes your running capacity and creates training that works uniquely for you.

Energy Score monitoring powered by Galaxy AI gives you daily insights into your body’s condition. The system analyzes key indicators and provides a simple score that helps you understand whether to push hard or take it easy.

This represents the kind of health guidance that makes smartwatches genuinely useful rather than just data collectors.

Sleep Revolution: AI-Powered Bedtime Guidance

The Galaxy Watch8 uses three days of sleep data to find your optimal bedtime. Smart nudges for your ideal bedtime help establish consistent sleep schedules that improve overall rest quality. Wake up feeling refreshed and fully recharged with personalized sleep coaching that actually works. Sleep insights provide detailed analysis including sleep stages, consistency, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels.

You can finally understand aspects of your sleep that were previously invisible. The system trains your sleep patterns to gain deeper rest and energize your day through practical, actionable recommendations.

Heart health monitoring during sleep tracks vascular load overnight, helping prevent heart-related diseases through early detection and lifestyle adjustments. When readings trend upward, you receive thoughtful suggestions for fresh foods, better sleep habits, or stress management techniques.

One UI 8 Watch: Interface Innovation

The multi-info tile brings key information from your chosen apps into a single view, eliminating the constant app switching that makes many smartwatches frustrating to use.

Streamlined notifications provide essential information without overwhelming your wrist with constant alerts. The system learns which notifications matter most and prioritizes accordingly.

Easy access to frequently used apps from the top of the app list speeds up common tasks. The Now Bar displays real-time information like call status, running timers, and workout data in a persistent, easily accessible format.

This creates a more efficient interaction model that reduces the time spent navigating through multiple screens to find essential information.

Design Philosophy: Form, Function, and Future

Each model serves different lifestyle needs while maintaining design coherence across the range. The Classic appeals to traditional watch enthusiasts, the standard model targets mainstream users, and the Ultra serves adventure seekers. Every design decision serves multiple purposes.

The rotating bezel isn’t just nostalgic; it’s more functional than touch-only navigation. The titanium construction isn’t just premium; it’s genuinely more durable.

The health sensors aren’t just comprehensive; they provide actionable insights. The robust construction and comprehensive feature sets suggest devices designed for years of daily use rather than annual replacement cycles.

Samsung’s integration of AI throughout the experience anticipates how wearables will evolve. The antioxidant measurement capability represents the kind of health innovation that transforms smartwatches from fitness trackers into comprehensive wellness monitors.

Hands-On Verdict

These devices eliminate the compromises that made previous generations feel experimental while introducing capabilities that expand what wearables can accomplish.

The Galaxy Watch8 delivers sophisticated daily wear with advanced health monitoring. The Galaxy Watch8 Classic provides traditional aesthetics with modern capabilities.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra offers adventure-ready features without sacrificing everyday usability.

After hands-on testing, these watches feel like essential daily tools rather than interesting gadgets. Samsung has created wearables that enhance your lifestyle through thoughtful design and practical innovation rather than overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity. The smartwatch category just reached design maturity.

The post Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Hands-On: The Smartwatch Design That Finally Gets Everything Right first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 Hands-On: The Foldable That Finally Makes Perfect Sense

Design has always been about solving problems elegantly. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 lineup embodies that philosophy in its purest form, transforming the foldable smartphone from experimental curiosity into essential everyday tool. After getting my hands on both devices for an early first look, it’s clear Samsung has cracked the code that eluded the industry for years: making foldables that enhance rather than complicate your digital life.

Designer: Samsung

The Z Flip7 delivers a breakthrough 4.1-inch edge-to-edge FlexWindow with razor-thin 1.25mm bezels, powered by the new Exynos 2500 processor and enhanced by a 50-megapixel camera with next-generation Pro Visual Engine. More significantly, Samsung launched the Z Flip7 FE, marking the first Fan Edition model in the foldable lineup. With the largest battery ever in a Flip (4,300mAh), Samsung DeX support, and Galaxy AI features that actually work on the cover screen, Samsung finally built flip phones that adapt to human behavior.

The Z Flip7 delivers a breakthrough 4.1-inch edge-to-edge FlexWindow with razor-thin 1.25mm bezels, powered by the new Exynos 2500 processor and enhanced by a 50-megapixel camera with next-generation Pro Visual Engine. More significantly, Samsung launched the Z Flip7 FE, marking the first Fan Edition model in the foldable lineup and democratizing access to thoughtful foldable design. With a massive 4,300mAh battery (the largest ever in a Flip), Samsung DeX support for the first time, and Galaxy AI features that actually work on the cover screen, Samsung finally built flip phones that adapt to human behavior rather than demanding behavioral adaptation.

Breaking Design News: Samsung’s First Foldable Fan Edition Changes Everything – The Z Flip7 FE brings flagship design thinking to accessible pricing, potentially transforming foldables from niche luxury to mainstream necessity.

The FlexWindow: When Engineering Meets Human-Centered Design

My first impressions of the FlexWindow reveal Samsung’s mastery of constraint-driven innovation. Previous generations treated the cover screen as an afterthought. The Z Flip7’s edge-to-edge design with Vision Booster technology delivers 2600 nits peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate, creating a massive interactive canvas that handles serious tasks without compromising compactness.

Samsung achieved this through radical engineering decisions. Waterproofing was re-engineered directly into the internal circuitry rather than around the bezels like the Z Flip6, creating space for the most high-density circuit board Samsung has ever created. The main screen has also grown wider, nearly matching the S25 Plus in width while maintaining the compact folded form factor.

The personalization options show Samsung’s understanding that great design is personal. Auto-curated wallpapers use AI to suggest designs based on your preferences. Custom emojis and background colors adapt to your style. The stretch clock dynamically adjusts around subjects in your photos.

Gemini integration transforms human-AI interaction paradigms. You can ask questions, get information, and complete tasks directly from the cover screen. The Now Bar provides instant access to music controls and live notifications, while Now Brief delivers proactive daily updates including trip planning suggestions and Find My Device alerts.

Camera Design: Form Follows Function Beautifully

The 50-megapixel main camera brings pro-level performance to the flip form factor, eliminating compromises that made previous models feel like design exercises. The next-generation Pro Visual Engine, inherited from the S25 Ultra, identifies skin tones and textures with advanced algorithms for professional-looking results.

FlexWindow camera integration shines brightest here. You can take high-resolution selfies directly from the cover screen using the main camera, then apply filters without opening the device. FlexCam functionality makes the Z Flip7 a unique content creation tool. The ability to prop the device at various angles while using the cover screen for framing creates shooting opportunities impossible with traditional smartphones.

AutoZoom uses AI to frame subjects perfectly, while the zoom slider interface provides precise control. The 10-bit HDR recording comes as default, delivering punchier videos with wider color gamuts. The 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera complements the main sensor for versatile shooting scenarios.

Performance Architecture: Beauty in Efficiency

The Exynos 2500 processor delivers the most powerful Flip experience Samsung has ever shipped. The 3nm architecture provides efficiency improvements while enabling Samsung DeX support. For the first time, you can plug the Z Flip7 directly into a monitor for a PC-like experience in the most compact form factor Samsung offers.

Samsung increased battery capacity by 300mAh to 4,300mAh, with claims of up to 31 hours of video playback. One UI 8 optimization targets the dual-screen experience with Galaxy AI features working seamlessly across both displays. The AI Result view offers multiple layout options that adapt to your workflow, while drag-and-drop functionality allows AI-generated content to move between apps.

At just 6.5mm when unfolded, the Z Flip7 achieves remarkable thinness without compromising structural integrity. Enhanced Armor Aluminium frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and IPX8 water resistance ensure real-world durability.

The Z Flip7 FE: Design for Everyone

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 FE addresses the price barrier that kept the foldable design limited to early adopters. The FE model makes strategic compromises while retaining core flip phone benefits: FlexWindow interactions, 50-megapixel camera capabilities, and the unique form factor advantages.

Key differences include a standard 5G processor instead of the flagship Exynos 2500, 8GB RAM versus 12GB, and a 4,000mAh battery versus 4,300mAh. At 187 grams and 6.7mm when folded, it maintains the compact, pocketable form factor with the same 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and 1-120Hz refresh rate.

This strategy removes the premium barrier that limited adoption to tech enthusiasts, proving that innovative design doesn’t require exclusive pricing.

Next-Generation Security: Knox Enhanced Protection

Both models benefit from Samsung’s most advanced security architecture. Knox Enhanced Encryption provides app-by-app locking, while Knox Matrix technology monitors your device ecosystem. The Personal Data Engine safely encrypts data on-device with Knox Vault storage, giving users control over whether Galaxy AI processing happens locally or in the cloud.

Secured Wi-Fi introduces quantum-resistant encryption, while Knox Matrix Trust Chain provides security across Galaxy connected devices.

Why This Changes Everything

The Galaxy Z Flip7 lineup addresses fundamental usability issues that kept foldables niche while expanding mobile device capabilities. Samsung positioned the Z Flip7 as premium flagship, while the Z Flip7 FE targets mainstream adoption. Both include seven years of software updates through 2032.

Real-World Impact:

The expanded FlexWindow transforms daily interactions. Checking notifications, controlling music, and responding to messages without unfolding creates efficiency gains. Content creators benefit from hands-free recording capabilities and professional-level control in an ultra-portable package.

Travel scenarios highlight practical advantages. The compact folded size fits small pockets while providing full smartphone functionality. Samsung DeX support enables connections to hotel TVs or conference displays for presentations.

My initial time reveals these devices speak to fashion-conscious users wanting cutting-edge technology, content creators needing versatile capabilities, and professionals appreciating compact form factors. The Z Flip7 FE extends benefits to budget-conscious users previously excluded from foldable innovation.

The devices eliminate experimental learning curves. You immediately understand how to use them. Samsung has addressed durability, battery life, and practical utility concerns through considered design decisions rather than marketing promises.

After this early hands-on look, the question isn’t whether flip phones will become mainstream. The question is whether you’re ready to experience mobile technology that adapts to your lifestyle through thoughtful design. The Galaxy Z Flip7 lineup makes that choice easier than ever before.

Design Analysis: Form, Function, and Future

Aesthetic Innovation: Clean lines and purposeful proportions create Samsung’s most confident foldable aesthetic. The edge-to-edge FlexWindow provides visual continuity previous generations lacked.

Practical Engineering: Remarkable thinness without structural compromise, with natural weight distribution eliminating top-heavy sensations.

Functional Integration: Every design decision serves multiple purposes. The enlarged FlexWindow offers enhanced utility, camera improvements provide accessibility, and battery increases deliver efficiency.

Sustainable Vision: Seven-year update commitments reflect long-term thinking that reduces electronic waste, while FE pricing democratizes sustainable technology choices.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Hands-on: S Pen Support Dropped, Samsung’s Thinnest Foldable Yet

Samsung has officially confirmed that the Galaxy Z Fold7 will not support the S Pen, marking a major shift in the foldable’s design philosophy. The company found S Pen usage “extremely low” among Fold users and prioritized a thinner, lighter device instead. The result? At 8.9mm folded and 215g, the Fold7 is Samsung’s thinnest, lightest foldable yet. This puts Samsung neck-and-neck with the OPPO Find N5’s 8.93mm folded thickness and within striking distance of the Honor Magic V5’s 8.8mm record. How does this thickness achievement change the foldable landscape? Samsung has created a device that measures nearly half as thin as the original Galaxy Fold while maintaining durability standards.

Designer: Samsung

The Galaxy Z Fold7 measures 4.2mm when unfolded, which translates to approximately 8.9mm when folded (accounting for the protective gap between displays). Samsung didn’t quite claim the thickness crown, but they’ve essentially matched the competition while maintaining the familiar feel of a traditional smartphone. After spending a couple of hours with the Galaxy Z Fold7, this represents more than incremental improvement. Samsung has created one of the thinnest mainstream foldable phones while keeping it accessible to users who want a device that feels like the S25 Ultra when closed. The Z Fold7 achieves Samsung’s goal of making foldables feel like regular phones while competing at the highest level.

Key Changes:

S Pen support removed for the first time since Fold3
8.9mm folded thickness (vs. 12.1mm on Fold6)
215g weight (down from 239g)
8-inch main display, 6.5-inch cover screen
200MP camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, up to 16GB RAM

Design Engineering That Actually Works

The cover screen expanded to 6.5 inches with a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it easier to hold and type on than ever before. The main screen grew to 8 inches, making it the most expansive display on a Galaxy smartphone. Testing every Z Fold generation reveals that the cramped typing experience on previous cover screens always killed daily usability. The Z Fold7 eliminates that completely. The cover screen now feels like a complete smartphone experience instead of a notification preview.

Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold6, Samsung shaved off 3.2mm when folded and reduced weight by 24 grams. During brief testing with the device, focusing on using only the cover screen for basic tasks revealed it never felt limiting. The proportions work for one-handed use, typing feels natural, and apps display properly. This is the first time you could see using a Z Fold as your primary device without constantly unfolding it for basic tasks.

Samsung’s Armor Flexion hinge represents a fundamental rethinking of foldable design. The water-dropping geometry with multi-rail structure disperses stress across multiple points. This creates more internal space, allowing the display to fold with a gentler curvature. The crease reduction is the most noticeable improvement in initial testing. Previous Z Fold devices had creases that felt intrusive and distracting. The Z Fold7’s crease integrates naturally into the user experience.

When folded, Samsung states it measures almost as thin as the S25 Ultra (8.2mm), putting Samsung in elite company with the thinnest foldables available. The hinge mechanism provides confident tactile feedback during folding operations. Samsung engineered a hinge that disappears when closed while maintaining structural integrity. The device feels solid throughout the folding motion. Samsung has joined the elite thickness club while maintaining mainstream appeal. The gap between the thinnest foldables is now measured in fractions of millimeters rather than full millimeters. This achievement proves Samsung can compete on engineering while keeping foldables accessible to mainstream users rather than just tech enthusiasts.

Samsung made deliberate material decisions that enhance the user experience. Gorilla Glass Victus on the cover screen provides familiar tactile feedback. Advanced armored aluminum forms the frame, creating structural rigidity while reducing weight. The main display incorporates a titanium layer for protection, with ultra-thin glass that feels like typing on a solid surface.

The weight hits you first. At 215 grams, this weighs less than many traditional smartphones while giving you an 8-inch display. Within minutes of holding it, the difference from previous Z Fold models is immediately apparent. This doesn’t feel like two phones stuck together anymore. It feels like a single device that happens to unfold.

The 8-Inch Display Experience and Notable Changes

The display expansion from 7.6 to 8 inches creates genuine productivity space. This additional screen real estate transforms multitasking from a gimmick into a necessity. During testing, running three apps simultaneously without feeling cramped becomes natural. Email, calendar, and messaging apps work together naturally with breathing room.

Samsung launched the Z Fold7 with One UI 8 built on Android 16, making it the first Samsung device to ship with Android 16. Galaxy AI integration transforms the large screen into a productivity powerhouse. Gemini optimization includes floating windows and adjustable layouts with conversation continuity between displays. The AI Result view offers multiple layout options that show promise. Drag-and-drop functionality between apps makes content creation intuitive.

Samsung made two significant changes to the inner display that will affect different users differently. The inner selfie camera is no longer under the display. Samsung replaced the under-display camera with a traditional 10-megapixel punch-hole camera that offers higher quality and a wider field of view. This makes group selfies much more practical on the large screen, letting you fit more friends and family into the frame. However, this means there’s now a visible camera cutout on the main display, which some users preferred to avoid. The visible camera cutout on the main display represents a step backward for users who preferred the seamless under-display camera, even if it means better selfie quality.

Why Samsung Killed S Pen Support

Most significantly for productivity users, Samsung has officially confirmed the removal of S Pen support from the Z Fold7. According to Samsung, “S Pen usage on the fold was extremely low, and the things that users value more were the size and weight of this device.” By removing the digitizer layer, Samsung increased the ultra-thin glass layer thickness for better durability while reducing device weight. This eliminates a key differentiator for users who relied on pen input for productivity tasks, but it directly contributed to the device’s impressive thinness and weight reduction.

The decision affects productivity users who rely on stylus functionality for note-taking and precise input. Samsung prioritized mainstream appeal over power user features, supported by user research indicating preferences for size and weight over stylus functionality. This trade-off directly enabled the thickness achievement while improving structural integrity. The removal of S Pen support will disappoint users who relied on stylus functionality for productivity tasks, though Samsung’s data suggests this affects a small percentage of users. These changes show Samsung prioritizing mainstream appeal over power user features, supported by user research indicating preferences for size and weight over stylus functionality.

Camera Performance That Delivers

The 200-megapixel main camera brings Ultra-series performance to the foldable form factor. Samsung engineered a slimmer actuator, making it 18% thinner to fit within the device profile. This eliminates the camera compromise that plagued previous foldables. The ultra-wide camera now supports autofocus for detailed macro photography. The 3x telephoto lens benefits from Pro Visual Engine enhancements.

Video recording defaults to 10-bit HDR, providing four times wider color range. In brief camera testing, the system performs like what you’d expect from a $2,000 smartphone. The Pro Visual Engine gets a next-generation upgrade with advanced noise analysis. The system distinguishes between moving and static objects for cleaner low-light footage. Samsung made the camera system a selling point rather than an afterthought.

Extended testing of the Z Fold7’s camera system over the coming weeks will include a dedicated deep dive session focused specifically on camera performance. Expect a detailed follow-up article that explores the 200-megapixel sensor’s capabilities, Pro Visual Engine improvements, and how the camera system performs across different shooting scenarios. The initial impressions are promising, but the real test will be how it handles various lighting conditions and use cases.

Most significantly for selfie users, Samsung replaced the under-display camera with a traditional 10-megapixel punch-hole camera. This change offers higher quality and a wider field of view, making group selfies more practical on the large screen. The trade-off is a visible camera cutout on the main display, but the improved results justify this decision for most users.

Performance and Battery Life

The customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor keeps multitasking smooth across both displays. Enhanced CPU, GPU, and NPU performance handles demanding tasks without thermal throttling. The 4400 mAh battery powers both screens with improved efficiency despite the larger 8-inch display. Samsung’s ecosystem integration extends capabilities through DeX mode, Galaxy Buds connectivity, and Galaxy Watch integration.

The device launches with One UI 8 built on Android 16, making it the first Samsung device to ship with Android 16. Galaxy AI integration transforms the large screen into a productivity powerhouse. Gemini optimization includes floating windows and adjustable layouts with conversation continuity between displays.

Pricing and Specifications

Samsung positioned the Z Fold7 at $1,999.99 with three storage configurations: 256GB and 512GB models include 12GB RAM, while the 1TB model upgrades to 16GB RAM. The device comes in Blue Shadow, Jet Black, and Silver Shadow, with an exclusive Mint color available on Samsung.com. Seven generations of OS updates ensure the device remains current through 2032. The pricing reflects Samsung’s positioning as a premium productivity device.

The camera module integrates cleanly into the rear panel without disrupting the design flow. Samsung eliminated visual clutter throughout the device. The Z Fold7 feels cohesive rather than assembled from competing priorities. Samsung has created a device that measures nearly half as thin as the original Galaxy Fold while maintaining durability standards. The device is included in Samsung’s Self Repair Program, showing confidence in build quality.

After a couple of hours with the Z Fold7, extended testing becomes the next priority. The initial impressions suggest Samsung has addressed most major criticisms of foldable technology: weight, thickness, camera quality, software optimization, and durability. This feels like the phone Samsung should have made from the beginning in terms of form factor and build quality. The Z Fold7 proves that foldable technology has finally reached maturity while competing at the highest level on thickness. The compromises that remain are design choices rather than technical limitations, backed by user research and data. Extended daily use will reveal how these initial impressions hold up, particularly for users who relied on the removed features.

FAQ: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

Q: Does the Galaxy Z Fold7 support the S Pen?
A: No, Samsung has officially removed S Pen support to make the device thinner and more durable.

Q: How thin is the Z Fold7 compared to competitors?
A: At 8.9mm folded, it’s nearly as thin as the Honor Magic V5 (8.8mm) and OPPO Find N5 (8.93mm).

Q: What are the RAM and storage options?
A: 12GB RAM for 256GB/512GB models, 16GB RAM for 1TB model.

Q: What’s new about the camera?
A: 200MP main camera, improved ultra-wide with autofocus, and a punch-hole selfie camera replaces the under-display version.

Q: When can I buy the Galaxy Z Fold7?
A: Samsung has announced pricing at $1,999.99, with availability details to be confirmed.

The Z Fold7 represents Samsung’s entry into the elite thickness club while maintaining mainstream appeal. The trade-offs Samsung made, removing the digitizer layer for S Pen support, directly enabled this thickness achievement while improving durability. The device feels like the phone Samsung should have made from the beginning in terms of form factor and build quality.

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