Innovation in the foldable smartphone market is more competitive than ever, but one area that consistently captures attention is just how thin a manufacturer can make their flagship foldable. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 is making waves yet again, officially reclaiming the title of the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone after new independent measurements confirmed its industry-leading design.
Industry Scrutiny: KCEA Measures the Foldable Competition
A major recent report from the Korean Consumer-Centered Enterprise Association (KCEA) has set out to verify the official measurements published by top Android OEMs. As foldable phone design matures, brands fiercely promote their devices’ thinness—a true point of pride and standout feature for buyers wanting technological marvels in their pockets.
The KCEA’s new investigation cross-checked real-world thickness against official specifications, with every device measured including their pre-installed screen protectors—a critical factor that brings clarity to the foldable thickness debate.
What KCEA Found
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Galaxy Z Fold7: Undercuts Samsung’s own official measurement, registering at just 8.82 mm—the thinnest of any foldable smartphone tested, even beating its own spec sheet.
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Honor Magic V5: Measured at 9.34 mm in its slimmest Ivory White version, which is over 0.5 mm thicker than the 8.95 mm advertised by Honor.
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Oppo Find N5, Vivo X Fold5, Mate X6: All tested over 0.5 mm thicker than their creators’ claims.
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Xiaomi Mix Fold 4: Came closest, measuring only 0.14 mm above Xiaomi’s stated 9.47 mm thickness.
Why Thickness Matters in Foldable Phones
Slimness isn’t just a matter of showy specs. A thinner foldable means:
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Easier, more comfortable one-handed use
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Pocket-friendly portability similar to traditional smartphones
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A better balance between cutting-edge design and daily practicality
For premium devices priced near or above the $2,000 mark, these details add up—the difference between bulky and elegant makes a big impact on user satisfaction.
One Clear Winner: Galaxy Z Fold7’s Precision Engineering
How Did Samsung Do It?
Samsung’s dedication to innovative hinge mechanisms, precise chassis construction, and minimalistic internal layouts allows it to deliver a foldable that’s not just thin on paper, but even thinner in the real world. The Fold7’s measured 8.82 mm thickness is particularly impressive because:
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It’s achieved with all screen protectors included, as industry best practices require for durability and warranty support.
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It surpasses rivals both in numbers and validation by independent consumer advocates (KCEA).
Official Membership and Transparency
It’s worth noting that Samsung is a member of the KCEA, the body performing these independent evaluations. However, there is no indication that this influenced the results—the KCEA’s role is to enforce transparency and accuracy in product labeling for Korean consumers.
Honor Responds to Previous Criticism
In the past, influencers called out discrepancies in Honor’s published specs, feeling that the real-life thickness was greater than the company stated. Honor replied that their measurements did not include the screen protector—despite recommendations from multiple OEMs to leave these protectors in place.
KCEA’s new study puts the controversy to rest, confirming that when screen protectors are correctly included (as users are instructed to keep them), the Magic V5 is not as slim as first promised.
Comparative Table: Actual Foldable Thickness (2025 Models)
| Device | Advertised Thickness | Measured Thickness (KCEA) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 | 8.9 mm | 8.82 mm | -0.08 mm |
| Honor Magic V5 | 8.95 mm | 9.34 mm | +0.39 mm |
| Oppo Find N5 | 9.3 mm | ~9.8 mm (est.) | +0.5 mm |
| Vivo X Fold5 | 10.1 mm | ~10.7 mm (est.) | +0.6 mm |
| Huawei Mate X6 | 10.2 mm | ~10.8 mm (est.) | +0.6 mm |
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 | 9.47 mm | 9.61 mm | +0.14 mm |
Note: Precise numbers for Find N5, X Fold5, and Mate X6 are averages based on available data and confirm being thicker than advertised.
What Does This Mean for Buyers?
With this independent verification, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 stands solid as the most confidently thin foldable smartphone you can buy in 2025. Unlike competitors, Samsung actually exceeds its own claims, offering a device even slimmer in user hands than on its own spec sheets.
For performance, usability, and portability—all without sacrificing durability—Z Fold7 offers a true engineering feat in the ever-evolving world of foldables.
Final Thoughts: Thinness Is More Than Just a Number
While battery life, camera quality, and software remain vital, the tactile, pocket-friendly feel of a wafer-thin foldable can define everyday satisfaction. Samsung has once again shown that attention to detail and honesty in product measurement sets the standard for the industry.
As other brands chase thinness, only the Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers—both on paper and in real life.
