Samsung sticking with 25w charging? seriously?
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series has always been a fascinating exercise in engineering and style, but a persistent rumor is casting a shadow over the upcoming Z Flip 8: it’s reportedly sticking with the same 25W charging speed as the Z Flip 4, a detail that feels increasingly anachronistic.
A power gap that's widening
Let’s be clear: the Z Flip 7 already boasted a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor. The anticipated Z Flip 8 is slated to house a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or a comparable Exynos 2600). To maintain the same charging speed while drastically upgrading the internal hardware feels, frankly, baffling. It's a decision that underscores a perplexing trend within Samsung itself, especially when you consider the Galaxy S26 Ultra's jump from 45W to a brisk 60W.
The comparison with Motorola is particularly stinging. The budget-friendly Motorola Razr (2025) delivers 30W charging, and the Razr Plus (2025) rockets that figure to a respectable 45W. Suddenly, Samsung’s flagship foldable risks falling behind in a crucial area, especially when considering that Oppo and Honor are also poised to release competitive clamshell foldables this year, many of which will likely offer superior charging capabilities.
Our reviews of the Z Flip 7 revealed charging times that, to put it mildly, weren’t impressive—95 minutes to reach 43% capacity. That performance doesn't exactly inspire confidence, and the prospect of the Z Flip 8 mirroring that experience is deeply disappointing, particularly given its expected price point.
Can the Z Flip 8 be salvaged? Perhaps. A persistent rumor of a dramatic weight reduction to 150 grams, coupled with the existing 4,300mAh battery, would be a welcome surprise. But with the Z Flip 7 already struggling to outsell the pricier Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung needs to offer more than just incremental improvements. A price reduction seems highly unlikely in the current economic climate, making a faster charging solution feel all the more essential.
The camera upgrades are anticipated to be minimal, and a significant display overhaul seems equally improbable, given the already excellent screens on the Z Flip 7. Ultimately, Samsung's best bet to entice consumers lies in addressing this glaring charging deficiency—a failure to do so risks relegating the Z Flip 8 to a niche market, desperately seeking a compelling reason to exist.