According to tipster Ice Universe, Samsung has disabled Odin, a proprietary firmware flashing tool typically used to install stock firmware, install custom ROMs, and restore devices. It also appears that Samsung has removed “Download Mode,” which acts as a gateway for Odin. This change appears to have been made in the latest One UI 8.5 firmware and currently affects the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and recently launched Galaxy S26 series.
I’m very satisfied with my S25 so far. But I wanted a smaller phone, not a big fan of the tablet sized monsters people use.
Camera could be a bit better, but it’s decent enough. I’m using the stock ROM, unfortunately if you tinker certain banking and government apps no longer work :-/
The only other option would be an iPhone at that size, which I’m not a fan of.
Though there’s plenty of cheaper mid-range phones nowadays if you want to save some money. Like the OnePlus Nord.