
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Review: The Flip in its prime
However, in the past couple of years, the competition finally showed up in the face of the Motorola Razr series. With edge-to-edge screens and sleek designs, Motorola showed that a better flip phone was possible.
It has taken Samsung a while to wake up from that sleep, but awake it is with the new Flip 7 , which is everything flip phone users wanted. It's the Flip in its prime, and it would have been perfect, if not for this one little detail.
$720 off (59%) Pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 7 at Samsung and save $120 as a free storage upgrade on the 512GB variant. On top of that, you'll save up to $600 with eligible device trade-ins. Alternatively, you can get it with a $150 Samsung Instant Credit. Pre-order at Samsung $560 off (58%) For the first time, Samsung launched a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE alongside the flagship flip phone. Pre-order the budget flip phone at the Samsung Store and save up to $500 with eligible trade-ins. On top of that, the 256GB model is $60 off before trade-ins. Pre-order at Samsung
At the moment of publishing this review, the Flip 7 scores second on our Flip phone ranking, falling behind the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025). The main reason for that are the lower performance scores, as the Razr uses the much more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The Galaxy holds its own in other aspects and beats the Motorola when it comes to software. Keep in mind that there is a big gap in the price of these two flip phones — $1,100 for the Flip 7 and $1,300 for the Razr Ultra. For more detail, we have our direct Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Razr Ultra comparison.
Table of Contents:
The Flip 7 has everything you expect to see in a flagship flip phone. Well, almost everything:
Yep, the exception is that Samsung Exynos 2500 chip inside it, not a Snapdragon chip! Why? And really? But also, does it really matter? We explain more in the performance section.
Samsung has been on a mission of its own in the world: make phones thinner and lighter. And while many people might criticize it for not including bigger batteries, we think that there is a lot of value in slimmer devices. In the case of the Flip 7 , it's about a millimeter thinner and a tiny bit lighter. Those might seem like small details, but they matter.
Samsung also brings colors back, especially with that saturated blue color on the Flip 7 , and have you seen the Coral Red version? It's time we moved away from boring phones indeed. You also have a fourth option, the mint colorway, only available via Samsung.com.
There is nothing remarkable in the box of the Galaxy Z Flip 7. You'd find the standard USB-C charging cable, a SIM tool, the user manuals, but no charger, no pre-applied screen protector and nothing else really.
There are two screens to discuss here and both have received some welcome upgrades.
The 4.1-inch size of the "Flex Window" aka the cover screen is the big highlight, and it's such a massive difference that you don't fully appreciate until you start using the phone. And did we mention this is now a 120Hz screen, a big upgrade from the 60Hz refresh rate on the cover screen of the Flip 6? Nice.
The other difference is the slightly wider 21:9 aspect ratio of the main screen, a change from the taller 22:9 aspect ratio Samsung used before. Again, a small detail that helps a lot with usability.
Our display lab tests that we run diligently for every phone show good numbers for peak brightness (look at the 20% number for the best reference).
The Flip 7 can also get very dim for comfortable use at night, a trick that not many other phones can do.
When it comes to biometrics, you have a fingerprint scanner embedded in the power key, and it works as you'd expect — fast and accurate.
There are no changes in the camera hardware on the Flip 7 . It's the same 50MP main camera paired with a 12MP ultra-wide one. In our camera benchmark, the Flip 7 scored roughly on par with the Flip 6 with some slight differences when it comes to detail resolution and exposure settings.In a direct sample photo comparison with the Flip 6, we noticed the quality has improved in some cases.Zoom photos, in particular, look much more detailed. In lower light, detail used to be very soft on the Flip 6, which is not the case on the newer model.
When taking pictures with the main camera, the Flip 7 exposes the shadows more and has a slightly different look. One issue that Samsung has eliminated is HDR artifacts, which were occasionally visible on the Flip 6, and you practically don't have them on the 7. In photos taken with the ultra-wide camera, the excessive sharpening on the Flip 6 is finally fixed too for a cleaner detail. All those changes are subtle things but they do make for better photos.
Video recording quality has not changed much between the Flip 7 and Flip 6, but thanks to the much bigger cover screen, recording your vlogs now looks so much better. This is, honestly, the most fun part of owning a flip phone, and I think it's a really big selling point.
One option missing when you are recording from the cover screen, however, is LOG video recording. You can only access that when you open the Flip and go into the Pro video mode.
Compared to rival phones, it's noticeable that there is more noise (even in daylight) on the Flip 7 footage, while the Razr Ultra videos look much cleaner.
Remember we told you there was one little detail that spoils the picture for the Flip 7 ? Well, here it is: the Samsung Exynos 2500 chip inside it, coupled with 12GB of RAM. This is the first Flip phone not launching with a Snapdragon processor, and the benchmark results immediately show that this new Exynos chip is a compromise.
But is it a deal-breaker? We don't think so. The Flip 7 runs buttery smooth in daily use and you don't notice the lack of a true flagship processor.
However, it's also fair to ask for a high-end chip considering the high-end price you pay for the Flip 7 .
In CPU tests, we see a noticeable gap between the Flip 7 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered Razr Ultra. GPU Performance
The gap is even bigger when you look at gaming performance, with the Razr Ultra achieving nearly double the scores after all the throttling that usually comes with an intense gaming session.
Will gamers rush to buy this phone? Probably not. And for most people, we don't think this would be much of an issue, but it is something to keep in mind.
We do like that Samsung has at least not cheapened out on the storage front. You get 256GB UFS 4.0 storage in the base version, as it should be. Galaxy Z Flip 7 Software
With Android 16 on board and One UI 8, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 has the most modern software you can get. Couple this with Samsung's awesome promise for seven years of OS upgrades, and you are looking at a device that will last you far more than other rivals. In case you are wondering, One UI 8 does not look much different than One UI 7. We like Samsung's little design tweaks that make the interface look a bit more modern (and a bit more iOS-like).
What we don't like is that Samsung still treats the cover screen as a place for widgets, and not a fully operational screen. Instead of giving you free reign to place apps, Samsung forces you to use geeky apps like GoodLock with the MultiStar module just to use all of your apps on the cover screen. For some reason, Samsung insists on preloading a bunch of useless widgets on the cover screen. That's in stark contrast to Motorola's approach with the Razr where you can fully customize the cover screen from the get go.
On the flipside, we have a long awaited addition to the Flip 7 — DeX! Samsung's desktop software was previously only available on the traditional candybar phones and the Fold series, but not on the Flip. Thankfully, the Flip 7 fixes that and while DeX is still not perfect, it can be a life-saver and I know many enthusiasts who absolutely love the feature. We have used it with a cable and a hub connecting to a 1440p Dell monitor and the trick is to enable the "High resolutions for external display" option in GoodLock (the MultiStar module).
The Flip 7 upgrades to a 4,300 mAh battery, nearly 8% bigger than the 4,000 mAh one on the Flip 7 .
It's not the biggest upgrade and this is still a 10% smaller battery size than on the Razr Ultra, but it's a step in the right direction (while keeping the form factor slim).
We have run our in-house battery lab tests, so let's see the results.
On our lightest web browsing test, the Flip 7 scores nearly 19 hours, a cool three hours better than the Flip 6. On our second test, YouTube video streaming, the Flip 7 lasts for 9 hours and a half, which is half an hour more than the Flip 6. Overall, we estimate the Flip 7 to last around 7 hours with mixed use, a slight improvement over the 6 hours and 45 minutes we estimated for the Flip 6.
Unfortunately, charging speeds have not improved at all. With 25W wired charging, it still takes around 1 hour and a half to fully top up the Flip 7 , and a 30-minute charge gives you around 50% of your battery back. Wireless charging is 15W, so expect to wait around three hours for a full wireless charge.
One area where Flip phones fall behind most other flagships is loudspeaker quality. The Flip 7 is, unfortunately, not great at this either. Compared to a Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max, it lacks the boom and the volume. We guess the reason is the limited space for a speaker in a flip form factor, but the result is clearly speakers that lack significantly in the lower frequencies.
Still, compared to the Flip 6, the Flip 7 offers slightly better and cleaner sound. The volume is about the same (on the quiet side), but the sound is a bit cleaner. You notice this especially in busy parts of songs, where the Flip 6 can sound muddy, mixing all instruments into one bigger mess, while the Flip 7 maintains better separation.
Haptics have not changed much and are still quite decent, but not more than that. While the Flip 7 is not quite the generational leap as the Fold 7, it's still a very big improvement.
The larger cover screen feels downright luxurious compared to the teeny one used on the previous models. Coupled with a slightly bigger battery and a slimmer design, the Flip 7 is a looker.
Summarizing the downsides, there are two things that stand out. One is how Samsung treats the cover screen as some sort of a widget center rather than allowing users to fully customize it, and the other is the Exynos 2500 chipset, which is not flagship-grade.
But those are not dealbreakers and with its long software support and many other little improvements, the Flip 7 regains the crown as the go-to Flip phone for buyers.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Phone Arena
4 minutes ago
- Phone Arena
The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar has just become a no-brainer at 50% off on Amazon
The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar is $201 off $201 off (50%) The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar is an excellent choice for workout enthusiasts seeking durability, multiple sports and wellness features, and epic 51-day battery life. The model with a 40mm case and solar charging is half off right now, making it an absolute steal you just can't pass up. Buy at Amazon Receive the latest mobile news By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Looking for a timepiece that matches your active lifestyle, features a rugged design, and has unlimited battery life? The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar might be worth a look, provided you're OK with getting a 40mm GPS watch. Typically, this fella can set you back nearly $400 — as much as a Galaxy A36 5G . But now, you can get it for 50% off at no joke, by the way — this Garmin watch indeed comes with a $201 discount right now, making it practically a no-brainer for just about any workout enthusiast. Sure, it's not the latest Instinct model on the market, but it's hard to pass up at that massive price off the bat, we should note this might not be your primary pick if you're looking for a touchscreen and a sleek, fashionable design. Instead, this Garmin timepiece emphasizes durability, offering impressive thermal and shock resistance. Plus, with water resistance up to 100 meters, you're all set for everything from open-water swimming to snorkeling and light the Instinct 2S Solar is built to withstand just about anything. But that's just the beginning! The unit features multiple built-in sports apps, helping you track all sorts of activities and get VO2 Max insights as you go. There's also continuous heart rate tracking, stress measurements, body battery energy monitoring, and Instinct 2S Solar won't leave you stranded during off-grid adventures, either. It has a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter for improved orientation. On top of that, it supports multiple global navigation satellite systems and offers Trackback Routing to help you reach your journey's starting point with things out is its enviable battery life. This fella can last up to 51 days (with three hours of daily solar charging) on your wrist in smartwatch mode. Even if you don't use the solar charging feature, you're still looking at about 21 days of use per charge, which is a solid just no denying it: at $201 off, this ~$400 GPS watch is absolutely irresistible. If it sounds like your kind of wrist companion, now's your chance to grab the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar at 50% off.


Phone Arena
4 minutes ago
- Phone Arena
T-Mobile is killing yet another popular app in favor of T-Life
Has T-Mobile 's "all-in-one" T-Life app started to grow on you after the "Un-carrier" (more or less) clarified that big privacy controversy from a couple of months ago while adding (or bringing back) some highly requested features? Then you probably shouldn't be surprised that Magenta is evidently deeming this the ideal time to further expand T-Life's reach... and retire a separate app in the process. That's right, the dedicated T-Mobile Money app is preparing to go the way of the dodo... and the T-Mobile Tuesdays app, finding a "new home" in T-Life. This is very much official, mind you, and there's even a section on T-Mo's website dedicated to answering your most burning questions regarding the imminent move and thus explaininge exactly "what's new and what's different." One key detail missing is when the transition will happen, but T-Mobile Money users are promised "advance" notifications. Until then, you'll obviously be allowed to continue using your existing debit card and account "as usual", which is certainly nice of T-Mobile . Once the Money app disappears, you won't technically be forced to migrate to T-Life either (which is also nice), as the T-Mobile Money website will live on and let you access "all your banking needs" from any device. Then again, the user experience is likely to greatly differ between the two ways to access the T-Mobile Money service, and perhaps more importantly, the mobile network operator will offer you a key benefit to embrace the move to T-Life. We're talking 4 percent APY (Annual Percentage Yield) on your entire checking account balance through November 30, 2025, which is significantly better than the current 2.5 percent rate. After December 1, the 4 percent APY will be maintained for the first $3,000 in your checking account, with anything that exceeds $3,000 still qualifying for the "standard" 2.5 percent APY offered right now in the T-Mobile Money app. MinutesFromTheMall, Reddit, July 28, 2025


Phone Arena
4 minutes ago
- Phone Arena
Top starter Windows laptops to help you switch over from Apple's Macs
For gaming: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) Receive the latest Apple news By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Mac comparison & savings: MacBook Pro 14" (M4 Pro): ~$1,999–$2,399 Zephyrus G14 (2025): ~$2,100 Savings: about the same price For work: Dell XPS 16 (Model 9640) If you're used to the MacBook Pro's polish, this is the Windows laptop that won't feel like a downgrade. The XPS 15 combines a nearly bezel-less 16:10 display, a premium keyboard and trackpad, and a design that feels every bit as refined as Apple's. Perfect for productivity and creative workflows, it can chew through video editing or code compilation while still looking sharp in a boardroom. The palm rest gives it a slight edge in comfort too. Mac comparison & savings: MacBook Pro 14" (M4 Pro): ~$1,999 Dell XPS 16 (9640): ~$1,750 Savings: ~$250 For entertainment: Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15″ Intel) If you want a sleek, future-ready Windows laptop that doesn't compromise on visuals or performance, this one's a strong pick. Powered by Intel's new Core Ultra 7 chips with integrated Arc graphics, it's built for smooth multitasking, creative work, and everything in between. The 15.3-inch 2.8K touchscreen is bright, color-rich (100% P3), and super smooth at 120Hz – great for watching, editing, or just everyday use. You also get up to 32 GB of RAM, 1 TB SSD storage, WiFi 7, and a 70Whr battery with fast charging. If you're used to the MacBook Pro's polish, this is the Windows laptop that won't feel like a downgrade. The XPS 15 combines a nearly bezel-less 16:10 display, a premium keyboard and trackpad, and a design that feels every bit as refined as Apple' for productivity and creative workflows, it can chew through video editing or code compilation while still looking sharp in a boardroom. The palm rest gives it a slight edge in comfort you want a sleek, future-ready Windows laptop that doesn't compromise on visuals or performance, this one's a strong pick. Powered by Intel's new Core Ultra 7 chips with integrated Arc graphics, it's built for smooth multitasking, creative work, and everything in between. The 15.3-inch 2.8K touchscreen is bright, color-rich (100% P3), and super smooth at 120Hz – great for watching, editing, or just everyday use. You also get up to 32 GB of RAM, 1 TB SSD storage, WiFi 7, and a 70Whr battery with fast charging. Mac comparison & savings: MacBook Air 15" (2025): ~$1,200-$1,600 Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i (14"): ~$1,100 Savings: ~$100-$500 Well-rounded pick #1: Acer Swift X 16 (2025) The Swift X 16 packs a punch with its Ryzen 7 processor and RTX 3050 graphics – great for editing, multitasking, or casual gaming. The 16-inch WQXGA display is sharp and vibrant, while the 1TB SSD and 16GB RAM keep things fast and responsive. It's light, lasts up to 10 hours, and even nails video calls with a crisp FHD webcam. A solid pick for creators on the go. It's ideal for students, freelancers, and anyone who wants near-premium power without the premium price. The lightweight design and solid battery life just sweeten the deal. Mac comparison & savings: MacBook Air 15" (2025): ~$1,200-$1,600 Acer Swift X 16 (2025): ~$1,000-$1,300 Savings: ~$200-$300 Well-rounded pick #2: Legion 5 Gen 10 (15″ AMD) For performance-per-dollar, this one's hard to beat. The Legion Slim 5 keeps the aesthetics minimal—no RGB or aggressive lines—but delivers serious performance under the hood. Great for gaming, content creation, or just future-proofing your setup. It's also one of the few laptops in this price range that manages good thermals and fan noise control, something Apple fans will appreciate. Plus, it offers real savings without real compromises. Mac comparison & savings: MacBook Air 15" (2025): ~$1,200-$1,600 Legion 5 Gen 10 (15″ AMD): ~$1,120 Savings: ~$80-$480 The Swift X 16 packs a punch with its Ryzen 7 processor and RTX 3050 graphics – great for editing, multitasking, or casual gaming. The 16-inch WQXGA display is sharp and vibrant, while the 1TB SSD and 16GB RAM keep things fast and light, lasts up to 10 hours, and even nails video calls with a crisp FHD webcam. A solid pick for creators on the ideal for students, freelancers, and anyone who wants near-premium power without the premium price. The lightweight design and solid battery life just sweeten the performance-per-dollar, this one's hard to beat. The Legion Slim 5 keeps the aesthetics minimal—no RGB or aggressive lines—but delivers serious performance under the hood. Great for gaming, content creation, or just future-proofing your also one of the few laptops in this price range that manages good thermals and fan noise control, something Apple fans will appreciate. Plus, it offers real savings without real compromises. If you're looking for a major change in your life – both professionally and personally – you might need a new laptop. No, not necessarily another Mac. I know you're a MacOS connoisseur, but here's that wind of change to take you away from Apple's (excellent) are a few excellent Windows laptops that you should consider. With Apple tightening its grip on price points and flexibility, more users are beginning to explore what the Windows world has to offer… and the laptop landscape looks tempting. Especially now that some of the latest Windows machines come with gorgeous OLED displays, powerful performance, and premium builds that rival what you'd get from a MacBook Pro or is the gamer's dream in disguise. The 2025 Zephyrus G14 brings serious firepower with AMD/Nvidia internals while keeping it classy with a sleek aluminum design. It doesn't scream "gamer", which is exactly why a Mac user might fall for it. It feels more like a MacBook Pro in its understated design, but with way more headroom for gaming or creative workloads. Its OLED screen is a stunner, with deep blacks and smooth refresh rates that make it great not just for games but also for editing or binge-watching.