The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is here — and I really don't know if I like it or not
I will be the first to admit that it took me a while to understand the appeal of foldable phones. For a long time, I thought they were something of a gimmick, but after using the Galaxy Z Fold 5, my opinion shifted. But even though I might have changed my mind regarding many of the best foldable phones, I still have something of an issue with flip-style phones like the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
That said, I like a lot of the changes that Samsung showed off when introducing the Galaxy Z Flip 7. But with everything we've seen about the device, there's still an issue that would prevent from actually buying one.
First things first, I really like the new external display for the Galaxy Z Flip 7, especially compared to the one on the current Galaxy Z Flip 6. One of the problems I always had with the older models of Samsung's phone centered around that outer screen and how cluttered it was. And the larger black border that ran along the display and cameras just exacerbated the problem.
Samsung has fixed this on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 by not only making the external display bigger (4.1 inches compared to 3.4 inches on the Z Flip 6) but also making it edge-to-edge. This includes minimizing the size of the bezels, making the screen much nicer to look at.
It isn't just the size of the screen that's improved, as Samsung has introduced a lot more functionality to the outer display thanks to Google Gemini and One UI 8. Being able to access Gemini Live without having to open the phone is a great addition, and something that wasn't possible before. On top of that, users can also access Samsung's Now Bar and Now Brief features from the external display, which certainly makes the phone more practical.
Speaking of One UI 8, we know that the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will be launched with the update installed. That means that many of the improved features will be in our hands from the get-go, including the push for multitasking thanks to features like Splitscreen. On top of that, we're also finally seeing Samsung DeX support for the foldable range, which is a feature that a lot of us here at Tom's Guide are exctied for.
Finally, Samsung has also increased the size of the battery to 4,300 mAh compared to the 4,000 mAh power pack inside the prior model. That bigger battery comes even as Samsung has made the Z Flip 7 thinner and lighter. It's an addition that's certainly welcome, especially as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is keeping the same 4,400 mAh battery seen in the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
However, for all the updates and improved hardware, I have lingering concerns about the device. For instance, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 launches with an Exynos 2500 chip instead of Qualcomm Snapdragon silicon like the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite found inside the Galaxy Z Fold 7. In the interest of fairness, I will say that the Exynos is by no means a bad chip, but in comparison to Qualcomm's best silicon, it so often falls short.
There are claims that Samsung's in-house production of the Exynos chips allows for better software optimization and Samsung itself has claimed the 2500 will offer vastly improved performance around AI. However, the chips have historically faltered when it comes to GPU benchmarks and gaming. Hopefully, the Z Flip 7 won't fall too far behind some of the other best phones, but we'll have to wait until we can test it ourselves.
Another problem I have is that, while the battery has seen some improvement, the same can't be said for the Z Flip 7's cameras. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 comes with the same 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide and a 10MP selfie camera seen on the Galaxy Z Flip 6. It's not the worst layout in the world, and the Flex Window support certainly adds a bit of usability. However, it's not the kind of upgrade I would expect if Samsung wants me to shell out more than $1,000 for the phone.
On top of that, while the outer screen has been improved, I still worry about what you can actually do with it. For instance, using third-party apps like YouTube will likely still be overly complicated. For reference, on the other Samsung Flip phones, users need to download the Good Lock app from the Google Play Store, then enable a launcher widget.
Personally, I think the new screen lends itself to videos and reels, especially with the ability to set it to tent mode. Sure, it might not be perfect for movies, but for things like Instagram reels and TikTok, I think it could be perfect. As such, I am bemused at how complicated it is to access, especially as this isn't the case with the Z Fold range.
On top of that, I also find the inner screen to be a bit too thin, especially compared to other phones. This isn't a problem that's exclusive to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 — it's been a problem I've had with the flip phone design for a while. However, in the interest of fairness, I'll hold off judgment on the inner display until I have a chance to try it myself.
Still, I am optimistic about the next generation of Samsung devices, and I am curious to see if both the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 a place as some of the best foldable phones. Let me know what you think, are you planning to grab the Galaxy Z Flip 7 or is it one to miss?
For more information on all the new features and hardware announced during Samsung's event, check out our Galaxy Unpacked Live Blog, which we updated with each new release as we saw it. You can also see our initial hands-on reviews of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Summer heat could damage your smartphone. Here's how to protect it
According to long-range forecasts from the Farmers' Almanac, we are expecting to see a "scorcher of a summer" across the country this season, which could cause overheating phones and battery damage. Both the iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy line of smartphones are built to operate from 32 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, reporting from the USA TODAY Network shows. Apple notes using your iPhone in very hot conditions "can permanently shorten battery life." Apps and games can also clunk up processing capabilities of your phone, causing it to heat up. Apple also warns users to start their device within a specific temperature range: minus 4 degrees to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't leave your device in your car, the company warns, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range. The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 devices: Thinner, lighter and packed with power Here's what to know about keeping your phone cool this summer: What causes your phone to warm up? Leaving your device in a car on a hot day, leaving in direct sunlight for an extended period of time and using certain features in hot conditions or direct sunlight for an extended period of time are all factors that contribute to a hot phone. Charging your device can cause it to heat up a bit, too, whether wirelessly or via a cord. How do I know whether my smartphone is heating up? Your iPhone or Galaxy phone will give away signals that it's starting to reach a point where they're getting too hot. Samsung notes that "access to certain features/functions may temporarily freeze as a means to protect the device" when it crosses heat thresholds. On the iPhone, Apple said the device will make several adjustments, including slower charging, dimmer displays, and the flashlight and flash for photos are disabled. Once your phone gets too hot, it will display warnings that the device needs to cool down before you can use it again. Both iPhone and Galaxy models will still allow you to make emergency calls during that time. "If the device overheats or reaches a certain temperature, a warning message will appear to prevent device failure, skin irritations and damages, and battery leakage," Samsung says. "To lower the device's temperature, the screen brightness and the performance speed will be limited and battery charging will stop. Running apps will be closed and all calling and other features will be limited, except for emergency calls, until the device cools down. "If a second message appears due to a further increase of the device's temperature, the device will turn off. Do not use the device until the device's temperature drops below the specified level," the company adds. What should I do if my phone gets too hot? If your device gets too hot, turn it off, move it to a cooler environment (away from direct sunlight), and allow it to cool down, according to Apple. "iOS and iPadOS devices have built-in protections to prevent overheating. If the interior temperature of your device exceeds the normal operating range, your device will protect its internal components by attempting to regulate its temperature," Apple says. My phone shut down from the heat — now what? Don't panic. Most modern devices have safeguards, and automatic shutdowns are part of the plan. Take your smartphone out of your pocket and put it somewhere out of the sun as soon as possible.
Tom's Guide
2 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Samsung is giving its TVs a major AI upgrade — here's what you can do now
Samsung is bringing some massive changes to its AI and "Click to Search" functionality for its 2025 TV lineup. Samsung announced the update in a newsroom blog on its Korean site. It focuses on enhancing its Bixby AI voice assistant with improved natural language processing (NLP) while watching cable TV, Samsung TV Plus and terrestrial broadcasting. The new update will only be applicable on 2025 TVs, specially its more premium sets that includes New QLED, OLED, QLED, and The Frame TVs. it will first roll out in Korea, then expand to other regions in the coming months. It's no secret that Bixby is a bit of a headache to use on most Samsung sets, but the new Click to Search update should make it a far better experience. Samsung is kitting the Bixby assistant with better AI programming, specifically highlighting that users will feel "as if they were talking to their TV." Newer models among the best Samsung TVs have a so-called AI button that will now have broader capabilities depending on the situation. When pressed, Bixby can either relay pertinent information about the on-screen content, or you can simply ask it a question about what's on-screen. That's because Samsung has enhanced Bixby with Natural Language Processing (NLP). It's a subset in the field of AI that focuses on bridging human language with computer interpretation. It essentially will make Bixby far easier to use and more interactive. This new Click to Search functionality will only be available in certain applications, like Samsung TV Plus, terrestrial broadcasting and cable TV. Samsung claims it's "considering expanding to OTT channels in the future," but gives no word on if it will be available with some of the best streaming services. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Samsung says the new update will only be applicable for 2025 sets. These include its Neo QLED models, like the Samsung QN990F 8K TV, OLED TVs, like the Samsung S95F, QLEDs, and even The Frame. It will first launch in Korea, then expand to other parts of the world later this year. It's unclear if this update will be retroactively added to older models through Samsung's seve- year Tizen OS update plan, but it seems unlikely. Samsung promoted AI as the main backbone of its 2025 TV lineup, and the hardware on older sets might not be as capable — not to mention the fact that the AI button is only available on newer models.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
Samsung Is Running Seven Serious Deals For The Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 smartphone is displayed at a Samsung store in Seoul on July 10, 2025. ... More Samsung unveiled on July 9, the new generation of its foldable smartphone, the Z Fold7, dramatically slimmed down in an attempt to jumpstart this still-niche market. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images) Samsung really wants you to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It started with repeated teasers, that virtually gave everything away, and ended with a spate of pre-order discounts, including a 24-hour flash giveaway. As it stands, the Korean company is running seven (get it?) different promotions for its Galaxy Z Fold 7, alongside a new double trade-in deal I haven't seen before (more on that below). Here's what is on offer. Most of these offers expire on July 24th, except the long-running "APP5" code, and the free pair of Galaxy Buds voucher, which ends today (July 15th) at midnight. Considering Samsung continued to offer freebies and discounts weeks after the Galaxy S25 Edge released, I wouldn't be surprised if more were on the way for the Fold 7. These promotions and freebies, before a trade-in is included, total £718.95 ($963.08). A solid deal that almost makes buying the phone in the pre-order period worth it. Especially the double trade-in deal, which is one of the more eye-catching offers. In essence, Samsung will pay £200 for 'any tablet in any condition' on top of your used-smartphone trade-in. The Korean company previously told me that it will honor that promise of accepting any device, and the small print doesn't have any glaring caveats to it. The 100 day try before you buy period, too, is very enticing. Samsung Has More Galaxy Z Fold 7 Discounts Up Its Sleeve But, as you will know if you read my deals stories (don't miss any by hitting the follow button below), this is the worst time to buy a smartphone. Like cars, smartphones depreciate rapidly and the pre-order period is when the device is at its most expensive. Samsung will almost certainly discount the Galaxy Z Fold 7 again. A good cue is the Galaxy S25 Edge, which was bundled with the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus a month after the phone launched. Also, a Galaxy Z Fold 6 deal in May knocked a straight $350 off the device, which, to me, is the gold standard in deals because the actual price of the handset is lower. Freebies and incentives are great, but minimising the dent in your wallet is far more important. Trade-in prices, too, were better a month ago. In June Samsung valued the Galaxy S23 Plus at £333 ($446.08), but now it's only worth £257 ($344.27). The Galaxy S23 Ultra was priced at £449 ($601.47), now it's valued at £386 ($517.07). It's not all bad news, last month Samsung paid £230 ($308.10) for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, that valuation has now shot up to £345 ($462.15). If you're not in a hurry to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 7, I'd say it's worth waiting to see what discounts Samsung has up its sleeve for next month.
