At a lookKnowledgeable’s Score
Execs
- Excellent cowl display
- Nice inside show
- Wonderful important rear digicam
- Prime-tier software program expertise
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- Battery life might be higher
- Painfully sluggish 25W charging
- Nonetheless no telephoto digicam
Our Verdict
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the flip telephone I’ve been ready for from Samsung, with the massive cowl show, superior cameras and lengthy software program help making it a greater purchase than the Razr 60 Extremely for most individuals. Nonetheless, acquainted shortcomings stop it from being a straightforward suggestion.
Worth When Reviewed
This worth will present the geolocated pricing textual content for product undefined
Greatest Pricing In the present day
Worth When Reviewed
From $1,099
Greatest Costs In the present day: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
$1,099.99
Flip telephones have been round for greater than half a decade, however one model continues to dominate, not less than within the UK and US: Samsung.
The Korean big’s Galaxy Z Flip line has led the best way for some time, however in 2024, Motorola’s Razr 50 Extremely ended up being Tech Advisor’s greatest flip telephone of the 12 months, with that large cowl show enjoying a serious position.
Samsung has responded with a canopy display improve of its personal on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, delivering arguably the largest generational change we’ve seen since its 2020 debut.
Is it sufficient for Samsung to regain its crown because the flip telephone maker to beat? After testing the Razr 60 Extremely earlier this 12 months, I spent per week utilizing the Galaxy Z Flip 7 to search out out, and the outcomes weren’t what I used to be anticipating.
Design & Construct
- Larger cowl and inside shows
- Slim, light-weight construct with robust hinge
- IP48 water and dirt resistance
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a giant design improve, and I’m right here for it.
Whereas the overall kind issue is similar – a small cowl display that opens to disclose an everyday telephone display – the size have modified considerably.
The massive information is that the duvet display (or ‘FlexWindow’, as Samsung formally calls it) has elevated massively, from 3.4 inches on the Z Flip 6 to 4.1 inches right here. It extends virtually all the best way to the sting of the system, with a slim bezel making it look much more trendy. Lastly, Samsung has matched the bar set by Motorola on this space.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
To make room for it, Samsung has additionally elevated the inner show from 6.7- to six.9 inches. It’s a delicate change, however one I seen immediately, because it makes the telephone considerably taller (75.2mm as an alternative of 71.9mm). Initially, I discovered the telephone a bit uncomfortable to make use of (one-handed utilization is just about out of the query), but it surely didn’t take too lengthy to regulate.
And when that inside show is turned on, the crease is completely invisible. The one instances you’ll discover it’s for those who occur to relaxation your finger on it, which was fairly uncommon in my case.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a giant design improve, and I’m right here for it
I additionally actually admire how strong the aluminium hinge feels. I haven’t precisely been cautious when opening and shutting it, aiming to simulate the impact longer-term utilization, but it surely didn’t present any indicators of weak point in any way. I’d be assured in it surviving a few years of open-close cycles.
Not like early Galaxy Z Flip fashions, the Flip 7 folds in half fully flat, but stays a comparatively svelte 13.7mm. Mixed with a light-weight 188g construct, these compact dimensions meant I usually forgot the telephone was even in my pocket. It’s certainly one of only a few handsets that’s probably to slot in girls’s trousers, although I can’t confirm that.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Sturdiness generally is a key power of the Z Flip 7. The again of the system is supplied with Corning’s robust Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is particularly designed to guard it from drops onto tough surfaces.
The system additionally retains an IP48 ranking, which means it’s protected from submersion in as much as 1.5m of freshwater although it stays susceptible to particles smaller than 1mm (reminiscent of sand). Like all present flip telephones, I’d be further cautious when taking it to the seaside.
The Z Flip 7 is out there in 4 colors: ‘Blue Shadow’, ‘Jetblack’, ‘Coralred’ and ‘Mint’, with the latter unique to the Samsung web site. I examined the previous, a deep navy hue that shimmers within the gentle and appears actually elegant.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Not like non-folding telephones, the color you go for is essential, as I wouldn’t suggest making use of a case. Regardless of being constructed from glass, the matt coating on the again of the system makes it impressively grippy and usually proof against fingerprint smudges.
Speaking of fingerprints, the sensor for unlocking the system is constructed into the facility button on the correct aspect. Samsung has cleverly positioned it to be in a pure place when each folded and unfolded, and it’s constantly quick and dependable. I don’t miss an under-display scanner in any respect.
Display & Audio system
- 4-inch, 120Hz AMOLED cowl display
- 6.9-inch, 120Hz AMOLED inside show
- Stereo audio system
As talked about above, each of the Z Flip 7’s shows are greater than their Z Flip 6 equivalents. However what are they really like to make use of?
Briefly, superb. On the 4-inch cowl display, Samsung lastly has an exterior show that’s match for its flagship flip. And the brand new 6.9-inch inside show is likely one of the greatest you’ll discover on any telephone – folding or not.
Let’s begin with the duvet display, the only greatest improve this time round. Samsung has improved virtually every little thing about this show, and it’s actually paid off.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The decision has elevated to 948 x 1048, leading to crisp visuals and glorious readability. A doubling of the refresh charge to 120Hz means navigating the show is easy and fluid, whereas a peak brightness of 2600 nits ensures outside visibility is superb.
And, after all, that is nonetheless an AMOLED panel, which means you get these vivid colors and deep blacks that we’ve come to affiliate with Samsung telephones.
There’s no doubting that the Z Flip 7 has a pair of wonderful shows
The show now stretches across the digicam lenses, which might stop you from accessing some performance, significantly on third-party apps which aren’t optimised.
To treatment this, you’ll discover a small on-screen button on the backside of the show that means that you can cycle between three totally different side ratios, together with one that appears like an everyday telephone. It’s a easy but very efficient resolution.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Talking of normal telephones, the inner show seems to be similar to another Samsung flagship, which is nice information. At 6.9 inches, it’s on the bigger aspect, however not extraordinary for a contemporary handset.
And I’ve no complaints in terms of high quality. The Full HD+ (1080 x 2520) decision is fractionally decrease than final 12 months’s Z Flip 6, but it surely’s virtually unimaginable to inform the distinction. In different phrases, it provides greater than sufficient element for anybody to be glad.
As an AMOLED, it’s nice for any visible content material, from gaming and social media to TV exhibits and films. And the 783 nits I recorded in ‘Further brightness mode’ (426 with it turned off) means you may clearly see the display in virtually any surroundings.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The 120Hz refresh charge stays (the Razr 60 Extremely’s 165Hz isn’t broadly supported), but it surely’s irritating to be restricted to both a set 60Hz ‘Customary’, or ‘Adaptive’, which alternates between the 2. I’d prefer to see Samsung introduce LTPO, which might enable the refresh charge to drop as little as 1Hz when not required, plus the choice to remain at 120Hz on a regular basis.
Nonetheless, total, there’s no doubting that the Z Flip 7 has a pair of wonderful shows.
When it comes to audio, the Z Flip 7 has the stereo speaker setup we’ve come to anticipate on trendy telephones – one downward-firing, one earpiece. Sound high quality is ok, getting decently loud with none audible distortion, but it surely’s actually nothing particular. Throughout longer listening periods, you actually discover the marginally tinny sound and lack of bass.
As regular, for those who’re critical about sound high quality, I’d extremely suggest connecting headphones or a Bluetooth speaker.
Specs & Efficiency
- Samsung Exynos 2500 chipset
- 12GB of RAM
- 256- or 512GB of non-expandable storage
Samsung has switched issues up with the Galaxy Z Flip chipset this time round. After years of Qualcomm silicon, the Z Flip 7 is powered by the corporate’s personal Exynos line as an alternative – particularly, the Exynos 2500. Right here, it’s paired with 12GB of RAM throughout each fashions.
As previous benchmarks have proven, this isn’t as highly effective because the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s newest and best. So, what does that imply for Z Flip 7’s efficiency?
More often than not, little or no. Throughout a full week of normal utilization, I didn’t run right into a single efficiency challenge. The Z Flip 7 was constantly quick and dependable, even with over 100 Chrome tabs open (I do know) and shortly switching between numerous apps.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
In case your each day utilization seems to be something like mine, with loads of internet shopping, messages and emails, plus some pictures and the occasional name, the Z Flip 7 will cope simply high quality. Impressively, all through all these duties, the system by no means even bought heat to the contact.
As anticipated, demanding gaming proves to be extra of a problem. Whereas gameplay is usually easy, I seen fairly just a few dropped frames right here and there, particularly on PUBG Cell and Actual Racing 3.
Name of Responsibility: Cell was extra constant, however all three brought on important warmth build-up, significantly across the cowl display. It additionally depleted battery life rather more shortly than anything I used the Z Flip 7 for.
Throughout a full week of normal utilization, I didn’t run right into a single efficiency challenge
You’re most likely not shopping for this system for its gaming efficiency, and informal titles received’t be an issue. However for those who’re critical about cellular gaming, go for a book-style foldable or non-folding telephone as an alternative.
I’m happy to see Samsung improve the storage on the bottom mannequin from 128- to 256GB with out growing the worth. That must be sufficient for most individuals, however with no help for Micro-SD expandable storage, step as much as 512GB for those who’re uncertain.
The Z Flip 7 helps the newest Wi-Fi 7 normal, plus Bluetooth 5.4 and NFC for the likes of contactless funds.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 benchmarks
Cameras
- 50Mp, f/1.8 important
- 12Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide
- 10Mp, f/2.2 front-facing
The Galaxy Z Flip 7’s digicam {hardware} is equivalent to its predecessor. And judging from the outcomes, there aren’t any significant modifications to Samsung’s software program processing, both.
However, somewhat than repeat what I mentioned in my Z Flip 6 evaluate, I’ll attempt to describe issues a bit otherwise. The quick model is that the principle lens is superb, the ultrawide sensor is respectable and the front-facing digicam is a bit underwhelming, however you’ll be utilizing the rear lenses to take selfies anyway.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The 50Mp important lens is a small step down in comparison with the perfect digicam telephones in the marketplace, together with the 200Mp sensor on the Galaxy S25 Extremely. But it surely nonetheless delivers constantly glorious photographs throughout a spread of conditions.
In good lighting, photos are clear, crisp and brimming with element. Samsung’s tendency for vibrant, high-contrast photographs has been toned down lately, however there’s nonetheless a noticeable increase to colors. The outcomes are visually interesting, albeit not true to life.
Nonetheless, the Z Flip 7 handles advanced shadows and exposures very effectively, capturing nice element in among the moody skies. Dynamic vary can also be superb, which means a spread of various brightness ranges might be precisely represented.
I discovered the principle lens to be equally adept at landscapes, avenue pictures and complicated structure – it’s very versatile.
In good lighting, photos are clear, crisp and brimming with element
In low gentle, the night time mode kicks in routinely, doing a great job of brightening the picture with out making it look synthetic. Nonetheless, it does introduce some noise and may wrestle with any brilliant lighting.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The 12Mp ultrawide is a succesful secondary lens, providing the flexibility of a 123˚ discipline of view and not using a main drop-off in high quality. There’s a transparent distinction intimately and color accuracy between the 2, however I used to be nonetheless blissful to make use of it in quite a lot of situations.
Nonetheless, and not using a telephoto lens, you’re fully reliant on this sensor and the Z Flip 7’s disappointing digital zoom capabilities. Something past 2x shortly loses definition and color accuracy, with Samsung limiting this to 10x feeling like an admission of those limitations.
Up to now, I might nearly perceive the argument {that a} third lens would get in the best way of the display. However with the Z Flip 7 transferring to a full-screen cowl show, they’re obstructing it anyway. As somebody who enjoys going to concert events, even a 3x optical zoom would make a large distinction.
Even when together with three totally different lenses isn’t doable (and whereas I discover that onerous to consider, I’ve a principle as to why additional down this evaluate), I’d want Samsung to observe Motorola’s resolution with the 50 Extremely to swap the inferior ultrawide lens for a telephoto, which might make an enormous distinction to each portrait pictures and zoomed-in snaps.
After all, a key promoting level of flip telephones is the flexibility to make use of the rear lenses to take selfies. I like the best way the principle lens precisely captures my pores and skin tone and delivers a convincing background blur in portrait mode. In the meantime, switching to the ultrawide makes it good for group selfies, and I like you could simply maintain up your palm to begin a countdown timer.
The precise front-facing digicam is a good 10Mp sensor that’s in keeping with most trendy smartphones. There’s nothing essentially fallacious with it, although video calls are the one time I might see myself utilizing it.
On the video aspect, the principle lens can shoot in as much as 4K at 30fps, although the default 1080p at 30fps will probably be simply high quality for most individuals. OIS (optical picture stabilisation) means footage stays comparatively regular, although it may look washed out and infrequently struggles with publicity.
It’s completely high quality for social media and residential movies, however I wouldn’t suggest it for something extra critical.
Battery Life & Charging
- 4300mAh battery
- 25W wired charging
- 15W wi-fi, 5W reverse wi-fi
I complained concerning the Galaxy Z Flip 6 battery life rather a lot, so I’m glad to see Samsung improve the capability from 4000mAh to 4300mAh. Nonetheless, when most non-folding telephones exceed 5000mAh, that’s nonetheless a bit underwhelming.
Battery life has undoubtedly improved, to the extent that I often don’t fear about it lasting to the top of a full day. Nonetheless, none of my testing days concerned something greater than average utilization, so I’d be anxious about it holding up on a demanding day of travelling, for instance.
Battery life undoubtedly isn’t the weak point it as soon as was, however I wouldn’t name it a power, both
Sadly, our regular PCMark battery check wouldn’t run correctly on the Z Flip 7, so I can’t supply any goal comparisons. However what I can say is that after three hours of utilization throughout a 16-hour day, the Z Flip 7’s battery went from full to fifteen%, which isn’t ideally suited.
Battery life undoubtedly isn’t the weak point it as soon as was, however I wouldn’t name it a power, both.
Sadly, the charging state of affairs is even worse. Samsung nonetheless hasn’t improved the measly 25W charging speeds, and it proved to be a continuing supply of frustration. With no charger within the field, you’ll have to provide certainly one of your individual, however I’m assured you have already got one which’s lots quick sufficient.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
In my testing, the Z Flip 7 went from 0-18% in quarter-hour, then 33% by the half-hour mark. At that charge, it’ll take over 90 minutes to go from empty to full. As somebody who likes to cost their telephone earlier than they depart residence within the morning, that’s a little bit of an issue.
15W wi-fi charging stays for comfort, however there’s nonetheless no help for the newest Qi2 normal. And 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging is just appropriate for giving equipment reminiscent of wi-fi earbuds a fast prime up.
Software program & Apps
- One UI 8 over Android 16
- Numerous Galaxy AI options
- Seven years of OS and safety updates
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is likely one of the first units to run One UI 8, the newest model of Samsung’s Android pores and skin on the time of writing. It’s primarily based on Android 16, however retains a really totally different feel and look.
One UI 8 introduces just a few modifications in comparison with One UI 7, however that doesn’t embody Android 16’s upcoming ‘Materials 3 Expressive’ redesign. I wouldn’t anticipate Samsung to introduce lots of Google’s large visible modifications to its units.
So, on the inner show, it’s most enterprise as regular, with Samsung’s distinctive aesthetic, intensive customisation choices and wide selection of inventory apps.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
For me, the latter is a destructive – virtually each Google app has a Samsung model, resulting in a cluttered and doubtlessly complicated consumer expertise. Frustratingly, a few of these Samsung apps can’t be uninstalled, making them annoying bloatware.
Nonetheless, from a pure design perspective, I nonetheless want One UI aesthetic to the Pixel one. Samsung’s widgets are attractive, its fast settings panel is extra intuitive, and the highly effective AI-enhanced search is a game-changer.
The Samsung software program expertise stays top-of-the-line within the enterprise, together with its lengthy dedication to updates
Speaking of AI, the suite of synthetic intelligence right here is sort of equivalent to what you’ll discover on the Galaxy S25 collection. The one additions of notice are computerized detections of individuals and audio within the background of photographs, movies and voice recordings, which make it even simpler to take away.
Galaxy AI provides a complete suite of writing, translation, summarising and generative AI instruments, lots of that are helpful, enjoyable, or each. Nonetheless, I nonetheless discover Circle to Search and the Gemini digital assistant to be probably the most helpful.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Samsung has added Gemini help to the duvet display for the primary time, permitting you to simply set off it by way of the same old lengthy press of the facility button. It really works effectively, and appears to only as correct at recognising what I’m saying.
One other new cowl display characteristic is ‘Now Transient’, which was launched on the Galaxy S25 collection as a method to summarise key, personalised data all through the day. It will possibly draw on quite a lot of totally different sources, together with your calendar, gallery, well being knowledge and information, however until you personal Samsung sensible residence or wearable units, I don’t assume it’s significantly helpful.
And, as I discussed in my Z Flip 7 stay weblog, the empty platitudes within the introductions actually annoy me. What does “clouds within the sky give at this time a tranquil vibe” even imply?
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Then there’s the frankly ridiculous course of for getting any app working on the duvet display: Set up the ‘Good Lock’ app from the Galaxy Retailer. Open it, then set up and open ‘MultiStar’. Faucet it, then ‘I ♡ Galaxy Foldable’, allow the ‘Launcher Widget’ and faucet any apps you need to add to the duvet display. Lastly, go to Settings and add the Good Lock widget to entry them.
As irritating as that is, the expertise when you get it arrange is surprisingly good. Regardless of none of those apps seemingly being optimised for the smaller display, every little thing I attempted labored with out challenge.
Regardless of among the shortcomings talked about, Samsung’s software program expertise stays top-of-the-line within the enterprise, together with its lengthy dedication to updates.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 will obtain seven years of main OS updates and 7 years of safety patches, which might make it protected to make use of till 2032. That is still the joint-best you’ll see on any telephone, and a key cause to purchase it over the Razr 60 Extremely (three years’ OS, 4 years’ safety).
Worth & Availability
At launch, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 begins at £1,049/$1,099.
That’ll get you the 256GB mannequin I examined, although you may double it to 512GB for £1,149/$1,219.
You should buy one outright from quite a lot of retailers, together with Samsung and Amazon within the UK or Samsung and Amazon within the US. The telephone can also be accessible on contract from a spread of various networks within the UK and US.
With no value rise this time, the Z Flip 7 is now cheaper than its important rival within the Razr 60 Extremely/Razr Extremely 2025 (from £1,099/$1,299), which can be a dealbreaker for some, particularly for those who’re within the US, the place the distinction is larger. That wasn’t the case with the final technology, with the Z Flip 6 priced larger than its closest Motorola rival.
I do ponder whether the choice to omit that all-important telephoto lens helped to undercut Motorola this time round. Admittedly, Samsung’s present value isn’t below the £1,000/$1,000 mark that the 50 Extremely was again in 2024, so worth for cash isn’t fairly as spectacular – although inflation should even be taken under consideration.
If you happen to don’t want a flip telephone, loads of one of the best telephones you should buy are extra reasonably priced.
Must you purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7?
If you happen to’re available in the market for a flip telephone and prepared to pay the premium, sure. Regardless of just a few key faults, the Z Flip 7 is my prime beneficial Flip telephone proper now.
Why? The mix of a smooth, premium design, glorious shows, a fantastic important digicam and a top-tier software program expertise makes it onerous to beat. A full seven years of updates is the icing on the cake.
Nonetheless, the mixture of mediocre battery life and sluggish charging might be a dealbreaker for some individuals, whereas the shortage of a telephoto digicam might be problematic at instances.
This smartphone collection hasn’t acquired a value hike this 12 months, as Motorola’s did, making it a good higher worth proposition. Nonetheless, the truth that the identical frustrations from the Z Flip 6 persist stops it from getting a good larger rating.
Nonetheless, for those who’re on the lookout for a flip telephone that can serve you effectively now and into the longer term, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the system for you.
Specs
- 4.1-inch, 120Hz AMOLED cowl show
- 6.9-inch, 120Hz LTPO AMOLED important show
- Samsung Exynos 2500
- 12GB RAM
- 256/512GB storage
- 50Mp, f/1.8 important digicam
- 12Mp, f/2.2 ultrawide digicam
- 10Mp, f/2.2 selfie digicam
- 4300mAh battery
- 25W wired charging
- 15W wi-fi charging
- 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging
- Stereo audio system
- IP48 water and dirt resistance
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 again
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth 5.4
- 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.5 mm (open), 85.5 x 75.2 x 13.7 mm (closed)
- 188g
- One UI 8 over Android 16
