Introduction: A Flip Worth the Hype?
Just when I thought I’d grown numb to the yearly parade of incremental upgrades, Samsung has pulled a fast one. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 isn’t just a new foldable—it’s the first time I genuinely considered making a flip phone my daily driver. From the new Flex Window to Samsung DeX support and AI-powered features, this phone isn’t just flash—it’s functional.
Let’s dive into why this could be Samsung’s most complete flip phone yet.
Z Flip 7 vs Z Flip 7 FE: Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Galaxy Z Flip 7 | Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099 | $899 |
| Inner Display | 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Outer Display | 4.1" Super AMOLED | 3.4" Super AMOLED |
| Processor | Exynos 2500 | Exynos 2400 |
| RAM / Storage | 12GB / up to 512GB | 8GB / up to 256GB |
| Battery | 4,300 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 12MP ultrawide | 50MP + 12MP ultrawide |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 10MP |
| Water Resistance | IP48 | IP48 |
| DeX Support | Yes | No |
Design: Sleek, Refined, and Bigger in All the Right Ways
The Z Flip 7 makes a bold first impression. The outer 4.1-inch Flex Window display stretches closer to the edge, wrapping elegantly around the camera module. The bezels are minimal, the hinge smoother, and the build feels tighter and more premium than its predecessor.
Though subtle, the new slightly squared-off corners give the Flip 7 a more modern edge. And Samsung’s updated Armor FlexHinge claims improved durability—which, during my hands-on, felt noticeably more refined compared to the stiffer hinge on the FE model.
Samsung continues to lead in accessories too. The new FlipSuit cases don’t just protect; they add flair with matching dynamic wallpapers. One case even turned the cover screen into a playful, pinball-style animation.
Display: A Visual Treat, Inside and Out
On the inside, the Flip 7 boasts a gorgeous 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. With rich colors, excellent brightness, and fluid 120Hz refresh rates, this panel is just as capable for media and multitasking as any flagship slate.
The external display, now expanded to 4.1 inches, is more than a notification checker. You can run widgets, control music, reply to messages, and even take selfies using the rear cameras. While full third-party app support isn’t native, Samsung's Good Lock app helps bridge that gap.
As for the Flip 7 FE, it shares a similar inner and outer display setup to last year’s Z Flip 6—decent, but less impressive compared to the main Z Flip 7.
Performance: Enter the Exynos Era
This year marks a turning point: no more Qualcomm. Samsung has shifted to its in-house Exynos chipsets—Exynos 2500 for the Flip 7, and Exynos 2400 for the FE.
During early use, the Flip 7 felt fast and fluid, handling everything from split-screen multitasking to 4K video playback with ease. Of course, long-term performance and thermal efficiency will need more testing, especially with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 setting the bar.
Still, early signs suggest Samsung may finally be getting its chip game together.
Battery and Charging: Bigger, But Still Waiting for a Boost
Battery life has always been a challenge for flip phones. The good news? The Flip 7 now houses a 4,300 mAh battery—a healthy jump from the Flip 6’s 4,000 mAh.
But before we celebrate, remember that longevity depends just as much on software optimization and chipset efficiency. Samsung’s Exynos 2500 will need to prove it can sip power better than it gulps.
Charging remains at 25W wired and an estimated 15W wireless—serviceable, but behind competitors offering 45W or more.
Cameras: Same Sensors, Smarter Software
On paper, the camera specs don’t move the needle—50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP front shooter. But the real story lies in software.
Samsung’s upgraded ProVisual Engine introduces better HDR video (up to 10-bit), more accurate colors, and improved low-light handling. Thanks to the Flex Window, you can film yourself using the main rear cameras—ideal for vloggers and content creators.
One standout feature is Auto Zoom in Flex Mode. Place the phone on a table, walk around, and the camera tracks your movement—switching between main and ultrawide lenses to keep everyone in frame. It’s like having a built-in camera crew in your pocket.
The FE model mirrors these camera specs and features, though its smaller cover screen makes the shooting experience a bit less flexible.
Software and AI: Gemini in Your Pocket
Running Android 16 with One UI 8, the Z Flip 7 gets the full Samsung software experience. Multitasking is a breeze with split-screen and pop-up views, and the Flex Mode adds utility when the phone is half-open.
The real showstopper? AI.
The Z Flip 7 integrates Google’s Gemini Live for real-time camera-based assistance. Hold up your phone and ask Gemini about objects it sees—just like Joaquin Phoenix’s character in Her. It’s surprisingly useful, whether you’re translating signs or checking nutritional labels.
Other AI goodies include:
- Now Brief and Now Bar for contextual suggestions
- Cross-app actions (e.g., pulling calendar info while texting)
- Multimodal AI that blends voice, touch, and visuals seamlessly
Even more exciting: the Z Flip 7 supports Samsung DeX—finally allowing a desktop-like experience with a simple cable or wireless connection. This could be a game-changer for students, professionals, or anyone who needs a pocket productivity hub.
Unfortunately, DeX is not available on the Flip 7 FE.
Z Flip 7 FE: Where Does It Fit?
At $899, the Flip 7 FE is meant to be the budget-friendly option—but the value proposition feels murky.
It shares much of the same DNA as last year’s Flip 6, with fewer upgrades and more compromises. Without DeX support or significant design changes, it’s hard to recommend over the $699 Motorola Razr or the fully-featured Flip 7.
Samsung might have missed the mark here with pricing—it’s just $200 cheaper than the full Flip 7 but far less compelling.
Final Thoughts: Samsung’s Most Mature Flip Yet
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is Samsung’s strongest showing yet in the foldable category. With a bigger Flex Window, powerful AI features, Samsung DeX, and refined design, it finally delivers the versatility users have been asking for.
There are still questions—especially about Exynos performance and charging speeds—but overall, this feels like a product ready for prime time.
If you’ve been holding off on jumping into the foldable world, the Z Flip 7 might just be the phone that flips your perspective.