Samsung’s latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7, showcase impressive advancements in design and hardware. The Fold 7 is notably slim, nearly matching the size of flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra when folded, while the Flip 7 boasts a larger 4.1-inch front display for enhanced usability. However, the real game-changer lies beneath the surface — the deep integration of Google’s cutting-edge Gemini AI.
Unlike previous models where Samsung led AI features, this time Google takes the wheel, embedding powerful AI capabilities like Circle to Search with AI Mode and Gemini Live into the foldables. This collaboration blurs the lines between Samsung and Google devices, offering users smarter, more interactive experiences. It’s a bold step forward in merging innovative hardware with advanced artificial intelligence.
Read More: Kate Middleton Reveals Her Cancer Journey: “Treatment Was Really Difficult
Sleek Hardware Meets Cutting-Edge AI
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is remarkably thin, nearly matching the slimness of the Galaxy S25 Ultra when folded. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 features a larger 4.1-inch front-facing screen, enhancing usability when the device is closed. While these hardware improvements are notable, the real spotlight is on AI capabilities integrated deeply within the devices.
Google Gemini Takes Center Stage
During Samsung’s foldables keynote, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, Rick Osterloh, highlighted the extensive integration of Google’s Gemini AI. One standout feature is the enhancement of “Circle to Search” with Google’s AI Mode, which improves the tool’s ability to provide nuanced, multimodal answers related to images and products.
Users can expect smarter search results and more refined interactions, although the actual improvement in search effectiveness may vary. What’s clear is that Google is pushing the boundaries of AI functionality on the Z Fold 7.
Real-Time Assistance with Gemini Live
Starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, users can long-press the power button to activate Gemini Live, which allows the AI to analyze your screen content in real time. For example, if you’re browsing luggage options, Gemini Live can help you compare products and offer advice based on material quality or other preferences.
Beyond screen analysis, Gemini Live extends to the camera, enabling AI-driven guidance for everyday tasks like styling your hair or choosing the right glasses frame. These AI features are also integrated into native Samsung apps such as Calendar, Reminder, and Notes, demonstrating a deeply collaborative experience between Samsung and Google.
A New Era for Samsung and Google
This partnership blurs the lines between Samsung and Google smartphones — with Google’s AI capabilities now a defining feature of Samsung’s foldables. For Google, this represents a golden opportunity to showcase Gemini AI to a wider audience, something Pixel phones have struggled to achieve on their own.
To sweeten the deal, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 owners receive a six-month free subscription to Google’s AI services, after which a $20 monthly fee applies. This subscription bundles various advanced AI tools, positioning Google’s AI ecosystem as a premium, value-added offering.
The Challenge Ahead: User Adoption
Despite Google’s advanced AI features, the real test will be whether users find these tools practical and choose to adopt them. Samsung’s foldables offer a promising platform to bring AI to more users, but its success hinges on everyday usefulness.
Our review unit of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is on hand, and we look forward to sharing detailed insights soon. For now, Samsung’s new foldables mark a significant win for Google’s AI ambitions, merging innovative hardware with powerful AI in a way that could reshape the smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase “Google AI in the Driver’s Seat” mean?
It means Google’s AI—specifically its Gemini platform—is taking the lead role in powering AI features on Samsung’s new foldable phones, rather than Samsung’s own AI systems.
Which Samsung devices are featured in this update?
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are the latest foldables showcasing this deep AI integration.
What AI features are powered by Google?
Features include Circle to Search with AI Mode, Gemini Live (screen sharing, camera assistance), and AI enhancements in apps like Calendar, Notes, and Reminders.
Is this a Samsung-Google partnership or takeover?
It’s a deep collaboration, but some view it as Google taking a leading role in shaping the foldables’ AI experience.
Will users have to pay for these AI features?
Samsung is offering a free 6-month subscription to Google’s AI bundle, after which it will cost $20/month.
Conclusion
Samsung’s latest foldables—the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7—not only push the boundaries of smartphone design but also redefine what’s possible through AI. With Google’s Gemini platform deeply embedded into the user experience, these devices mark a shift in how tech giants collaborate. Samsung brings the sleek hardware, while Google delivers the intelligence that powers it
