Recent industry rumors and cost analysis indicate that Samsung is likely to discontinue its under-display camera (UDC) technology in upcoming foldable smartphones. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to feature an upgraded Under-Display Camera (UDC), while leaks suggest that the future Galaxy Z Fold 8 may abandon this design altogether in favor of more cost-effective and reliable alternatives.
The current state of Under-Display Camera (UDC) in Samsung’s foldable lineup examines user feedback and the inherent technical challenges and explores the potential shift away from UDC technology in light of market and economic pressures.
Current Implementation of UDC in Samsung Foldables
With the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung initiated Under-Display Camera (UDC) technology, which continued through all Z Fold 4, Z Fold 5, and Z Fold 6 models. These devices implement a front camera solution that buries the camera beneath the main inner display to generate a smooth, uninterrupted screen view, which allows both functionality and visual excellence and display area optimization. The camera operation requires Samsung to lower pixel density in a particular display area above the sensor. The modification enables sufficient light transmission but leads to degraded uniformity while causing inevitable visual losses.
The under-display camera (UDC) functions mainly as a video call device and performs facial recognition functions. Users seeking better imaging quality choose to utilize the front camera on the cover screen due to the Under-Display Camera (UDC) providing only a futuristic design, according to Samsung.
Table: Rumored Camera Specifications for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Camera Component | Expected Specification |
Main Rear Camera | 200MP (rumored, same as Galaxy S25 Ultra and Z Fold Special Edition) |
Ultrawide Camera | 12MP (expected to be the same as Galaxy Z Fold 6) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP with 3x optical zoom (expected to be the same as Galaxy Z Fold 6) |
Cover Screen Selfie | 10MP (expected to be the same as Galaxy Z Fold 6) |
Under-Display Inner | Improved quality, resolution potentially still 4MP but with enhanced performance |
Will Samsung Stop Using Hidden Cameras in Future Foldable Phones?
Does the Samsung foldable phone offer hidden cameras as standard features?
Since the Galaxy Z Fold 3 release, Samsung has kept the development of their folding technology while hiding a specialized camera beneath the inner display. This was done to make the screen look big and unbroken. But sometimes, the picture quality from this hidden camera isn’t as good as regular cameras. This article will look at whether Samsung will keep using these hidden cameras in their next foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, or if they might try something different for the phone after that, maybe the Galaxy Z Fold 8. We’ll think about the good and bad things about these hidden cameras and what might happen in the future.
- What to Expect from the Hidden Camera in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Lots of news and guesses say that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will probably still have a camera hidden under the screen on the inside. People are hoping that this camera will be much better than before, with clearer pictures. Even if the number of megapixels (which helps show how detailed a picture is) stays the same at 4MP, the camera itself might be improved. Also, Samsung might make the area of the screen above the camera look more like the rest of the screen so it’s harder to see. Besides the hidden camera, the main camera installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 back panel might receive a huge upgrade to 200-megapixel resolution.
- Will Samsung Stop Using Hidden Cameras in the Galaxy Z Fold 8?
Even though the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will likely have a hidden camera, some reports say that Samsung might stop using this kind of camera for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. There are a few reasons why they might do this.
First, it’s been hard to make the picture quality of the hidden camera as good as regular front cameras.
Second, these hidden cameras can be expensive to make. And third, some people who use the phones haven’t been very happy with the picture quality. It’s interesting that Samsung made a special version of the Galaxy Z Fold, called the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, which didn’t have a hidden camera but used a regular camera in a hole in the screen. This might mean Samsung is thinking about using regular cameras again. Some people even think Samsung might follow what Apple does, as Apple has also reportedly put their plans for hidden cameras on hold.
- What Other Camera Options Could Samsung Use?
If Samsung decides to stop using hidden cameras, they have other choices. The most likely one is to go back to using a regular camera in a hole in the screen. This kind of camera usually takes better pictures and might cost less to make. Samsung already used this in the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. Other ideas, though less likely, could be to use a camera that pops up or one that fits in a very small space around the screen. The best option will depend on what’s most important: how the screen looks, how good the camera is, how strong the phone is, and how much it costs.
- What Experts Think About Samsung’s Camera Plans
Experts think that while hidden cameras look cool, the picture quality right now isn’t good enough for phones that cost so much money. They expect the hidden camera in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to be better. But many experts also think Samsung might stop using hidden cameras in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 if they can’t make them much better without spending too much money. This would mean Samsung cares more about having a good camera than having a screen with no interruptions.
Evolution of UDC Specifications and User Feedback in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series:
Model | UDC Resolution | Key Improvements Claimed by Samsung | Summary of User Feedback on UDC Image Quality and Visibility |
Z Fold 3 | 4MP | First implementation | Blurry, hazy, especially indoors; decent but not as good as hoped. |
Z Fold 4 | 4MP | Reportedly improved invisibility (higher PPI in UDC area) | Generally similar to Z Fold 3; visibility still noticeable for some |
Z Fold 5 | 4MP | Minor improvements expected | Feedback largely consistent with Z Fold 4; some users found it less noticeable than previous generations |
Z Fold 6 | 4MP | Higher resolution camera as well | Some users reported under-Display Camera (UDC) area being more noticeable with an obvious ring around it compared to previous models, image quality still a common point of criticism |
What Will Samsung Do?
Extensive indications suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 camera system will provide better hidden functionality. But the future of these cameras in Samsung’s foldable phones is not clear. Because the picture quality isn’t great, they cost a lot to make, and some users aren’t happy, Samsung might stop using them for the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The special version of the Galaxy Z Fold that didn’t have a hidden camera also suggests this could happen. In the end, Samsung will have to decide what’s more important: a screen that looks completely smooth or a really good camera in their expensive foldable phones.
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