Samsung has officially removed the under-display camera (UDC) from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, ending a three-year experiment that began with the Fold 3. The decision, confirmed during the device’s global launch earlier this month, replaces the low-resolution UDC with a traditional high-performance inner camera. The move addresses long-standing user complaints about image quality and reflects a broader industry shift toward prioritizing functionality over novelty.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 camera upgrade is being hailed as a practical improvement that enhances the foldable experience without compromising design.
Samsung removed the under-display camera from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, launched globally in October 2025, replacing it with a visible high-resolution inner camera. The change was made in response to user feedback and industry trends, as the previous UDC’s 4MP sensor delivered subpar image quality. The new camera offers better clarity, a wider field of view, and improved performance in video calls and selfies, especially in Flex Mode.
Camera Specs and User Experience
The Fold 7’s new inner camera features:
- A 12MP sensor (up from 4MP)
- Wider aperture for better low-light performance
- Enhanced AI processing for facial clarity and background separation
The previous UDC was often criticized for producing blurry, grainy images, making it unsuitable for professional use or social media. Many users resorted to using the cover screen’s camera, which disrupted the foldable’s Flex Mode functionality.
According to Tom’s Guide, side-by-side tests show the Fold 7’s new camera delivers “drastically better” results than the Fold 6’s UDC.
Quotes and Reactions
SamMobile praised the decision, stating:
“Samsung’s move to ditch the under-display camera was, frankly, a smart one… the UDC’s quality was noticeably poor and didn’t improve over three generations”.
A Samsung spokesperson told Reuters:
“We listened to our users. The Fold 7 is about performance, not gimmicks.”
Tech analysts agree the change aligns with consumer demand for reliable, high-quality imaging, especially in premium devices.
Market Position and Consumer Trust
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 camera upgrade strengthens Samsung’s position in the foldable market. By removing a feature that was widely seen as underperforming, the company has demonstrated a commitment to user-centric design.
This shift may influence other manufacturers to reconsider under-display technology, especially in productivity-focused devices. It also reinforces Samsung’s strategy of iterative refinement over experimental risk.
What’s Next: Future Camera Innovations
While the UDC is gone for now, Samsung has not ruled out revisiting the technology once it matures. For now, the company is focusing on refining core features, including camera performance, battery life, and multitasking.
The Fold 7 is expected to receive a software update in Q1 2026 that will further enhance camera AI and Flex Mode integration.
