After years of incremental updates, Samsung promised something different with the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Bigger screens, sleeker design, and a fresh approach to foldable technology. But does this latest flip phone live up to the hype, or is it just another pretty face in the foldable crowd?
Let’s dive into what really matters for everyday users who are considering making the flip phone their daily driver.
What’s New and Actually Matters
Finally, Screens That Make Sense
The most noticeable upgrade hits you immediately – both displays are significantly larger. The main screen now stretches to 6.9 inches, making it feel more like using a Galaxy S25 Plus than the cramped experience of previous generations. More importantly, it’s wider, which means typing, reading, and watching videos finally feel natural.
The cover screen jumped to 4.1 inches, and while that sounds impressive on paper, the reality is more complicated. Yes, it’s bigger and brighter, but Samsung hasn’t opened up the software possibilities to match the hardware upgrade.
Thinner is Better
Samsung managed to slim down the Galaxy Z Flip 7 to just 13.7mm when folded. That might not sound like much, but when you’re carrying this thing in your pocket all day, every millimeter counts. The phone feels more refined and less bulky than its predecessors.
Built to Last
One area where Samsung continues to excel is build quality. The hinge feels solid, there’s no gap when closed, and that satisfying “snap” when you flip it shut never gets old. Plus, Samsung offers free screen protector replacements for a full year – something that matters more than you might think on a foldable device.
The Reality Check – What Hasn’t Changed
Same Cameras, Same Results
Here’s where disappointment might set in for photo enthusiasts. Samsung stuck with identical camera hardware from the previous generation – a 50MP main camera and 12MP ultrawide. The photos look virtually identical to what you’d get from the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
However, the flip design still offers unique advantages. You can prop the phone up for hands-free selfies, use the rear cameras for better selfie quality, and the Auto Zoom feature is genuinely useful. The hardware might be unchanged, but the experience remains special.
Cover Screen Software Limitations
Despite the larger cover screen, Samsung actually made it less functional than before. You still can’t run most apps without jumping through hoops with Labs settings and third-party modifications. For a screen this size, the limitations feel artificial and frustrating.
Compare this to Motorola’s approach with their Razr phones, which let you run almost any app on the cover screen, and Samsung’s conservative approach feels dated.
Design and Display – Finally Getting It Right
A Flip Phone That Feels Like a Real Phone
The wider aspect ratio of the main display changes everything about daily use. Text doesn’t feel cramped, videos look properly proportioned, and one-handed use actually works. Samsung finally created a flip phone that doesn’t compromise the core smartphone experience.
The crease is nearly invisible now – so much so that you might forget you’re using a foldable device. The 120Hz refresh rate keeps everything smooth, and the 2,600 nits of peak brightness means outdoor visibility isn’t an issue.
Premium Materials, Smart Choices
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 feels expensive in all the right ways. The materials are premium, the construction is solid, and the color options (Blue Shadow, Jetblack, Coralred, and online-exclusive Mint) are tasteful without being boring.
At 188 grams, it’s not the lightest phone around, but the weight feels balanced and substantial rather than heavy.
Performance and Daily Use
The Exynos Question
Samsung switched from Qualcomm to their own Exynos 2500 processor, and honestly, most people won’t notice the difference in daily use. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and gaming performance is solid for a flip phone.
The downsides? The phone tends to run warmer than Qualcomm-powered devices, and battery efficiency might be slightly worse. But these are minor concerns that don’t significantly impact the user experience.
Battery Life That Gets the Job Done
With a 4,300mAh battery, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will get you through a full day of typical use – about six hours of screen-on time. It’s not exceptional, but it’s adequate. The larger battery capacity doesn’t translate to dramatically better battery life, likely due to the Exynos processor’s higher power consumption.
Charging remains frustratingly slow at 25W, and there’s no built-in magnetic wireless charging support, which feels like missed opportunities in 2025.
Camera Experience – Form Over Function
Unique Shooting Possibilities
While the camera hardware remains unchanged, the flip form factor continues to enable shots that simply aren’t possible with traditional smartphones. The ability to prop the phone up for perfect low-angle shots, use the rear cameras for higher-quality selfies, and shoot hands-free video content makes this camera system more versatile than the specs suggest.
Good Enough for Social Media
The 50MP main camera produces sharp, well-exposed photos with Samsung’s signature vibrant color processing. Night mode works well, and the ultrawide camera, while not exceptional, captures decent group shots and landscapes.
If photography is your primary concern, flagship non-foldable phones will serve you better. But for social media, video calls, and casual photography, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 delivers satisfying results.
Software and User Experience
One UI 8 – Great on Main Screen, Limited on Cover Screen
Samsung’s One UI 8 runs smoothly on the main display, offering all the features and customization options you’d expect from a premium Samsung phone. Seven years of software support means this phone will stay secure and up-to-date well into the 2030s.
The cover screen experience remains the weak point. Basic functions like checking notifications, controlling music, and quick replies work fine, but the inability to easily run full apps feels like artificial limitation rather than technical constraint.
AI Features That Actually Help
Samsung’s Galaxy AI integration shines on the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Gemini Live works seamlessly with the cover screen, allowing hands-free AI interactions without opening the phone. Translation features, photo editing assistance, and smart suggestions feel genuinely useful rather than gimmicky.
Should You Upgrade?
Coming from Older Flip Phones
If you’re using a Galaxy Z Flip 4 or 5, the upgrade makes complete sense. The larger displays, improved durability, and better performance justify the cost. The wider main screen alone transforms the user experience.
From Galaxy Z Flip 6
This is a tougher call. The improvements are meaningful but incremental. If you’re happy with your current Flip 6, you can safely skip this generation unless you specifically want the larger displays and thinner design.
First-Time Flip Phone Buyers
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 represents the most mature and refined flip phone Samsung has ever made. If you’ve been curious about foldables but hesitant about durability or functionality, this is the safest entry point.
The Competition Reality
Motorola’s Challenge
Motorola’s Razr lineup offers more cover screen functionality and often better pricing, but Samsung wins on build quality, software support longevity, and overall refinement. The seven-year software support versus Motorola’s three years is a significant differentiator for long-term ownership.
Value Proposition
At $1,099, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 costs the same as its predecessor while offering meaningful improvements. Carrier deals can bring the effective price down significantly, making it competitive with premium traditional smartphones.
The Bottom Line
Who Should Buy It:
- Users wanting their first flip phone from a trusted brand
- Current owners of older Galaxy Z Flip models
- People who prioritize build quality and long-term software support
- Users who value the unique camera capabilities of the flip form factor
Who Should Skip It:
- Photography enthusiasts who need the best possible camera hardware
- Heavy users who need maximum battery life and performance
- People who want extensive cover screen app functionality
- Current Galaxy Z Flip 6 owners satisfied with their device
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 doesn’t reinvent flip phones, but it refines the concept to its most compelling form yet. The larger displays make daily use genuinely pleasant, the build quality inspires confidence, and the seven-year software support makes it a smart long-term investment.
While it’s not perfect – the cover screen software limitations and unchanged camera hardware are notable disappointments – it’s the best flip phone you can buy in North America today. Sometimes, being the most refined option in a growing category is enough.