Leaker Refutes Rumors of Downgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite in Galaxy Z Fold 7

Samsung has a busy few months ahead, with several devices in the pipeline. From rolling out the stable One UI 7 update to launching the Galaxy S25 Edge and new foldables, there’s a lot coming up. At the next Unpacked event, expected in July or August, Samsung will pull the wraps off the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, and possibly a Z Flip 7 FE. A new report says Samsung may stick with the full-power Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, rather than downgrading it.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 may pack the same Snapdragon 8 Elite as its Galaxy S25 cousins

Rumors have been swirling that Samsung might cut down on cores for the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. That had people thinking the Fold 7 could end up with a 7-core version of the chip instead. Qualcomm does make a 7-core Snapdragon 8 Elite variant specifically for foldables. But according to tipster PandaFlashPro, that won’t be the case here. Instead, the Fold 7 is expected to pack the full 8-core processor.

We are Once Again Accurate, Samsung uses the same 8 core Snapdragon 8 Elite as the Galaxy S25 Series, so no Downgraded version. https://t.co/z4lSqu0QeB pic.twitter.com/xzMJ8uboBy

— PandaFlash 𝕏 (@PandaFlashPro) April 12, 2025

In the shared screenshot, the model number is SM-F966U, which is what we know for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The “U” suffix also confirms it’s a US unit.

We’ll have to wait and see how it all unfolds (pun totally intended). PandaFlashPro has a solid track record when it comes to Samsung leaks, so they’re definitely one to watch. That said, Mishaal Rahman had suggested the 7-core variant could still be used in foldables, since it generates less heat. But it’s worth noting Rahman never specifically said the Galaxy Z Fold 7—or even the Flip 7—would use it.

On top of all that, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may run One UI 8 right out of the box. It won’t be long before we find out exactly what Samsung has in store for its next-gen foldables.