Samsung finally cracks the code with its latest foldable smartphones

North Wales Live

4 days ago

Foldeable smartphones are gimmicky. An example of style over substance, flashy tech over real-world usability. Or so I have always thought. You wouldn'f blame me, the excitement I felt everytime I got my hands on one only lasted an hour or so. By the end of the first day, I'd be reaching back for my old iPhone.
Samsung, though, is obviously committed to the form factor. Year after year, it has put out foldables. Making slight improvements here and there every time. Until this year. I've been able to try out the Galaxy Z Fold7, the Flip7 and the Flip7 FE, and I'm here to tell you that with one of these smartphones, in particular, Samsung has made a major breakthrough.
Earlier this year, I reviewed the Galaxy S25 Edge and found it a bit 'meh'. Sure, it was thin but that's all I took away from it. But it's now obvious Samsung engineers' focus on thinness had a dual motive. The Fold7 is marvellously slim, so much so that when folded the thickness is not far off your typical smartphone. It made me laugh in amazement just by looking at it.
This is important because out and about, you'll probably want to keep it shut. In that form, it's just a great mobile phone. It can do everything you'd expect, and while the front screen can feel a little narrow, I never felt it hampered the experience.
So far so good, but now you're sitting comforably it's time to crack this baby open. The Fold, err, unfolds to reveal a gorgeous 8in screen that is just fantastic to use. It's like you've been carrying a tablet around in your front pocket.
The extra space is manipulated very well by the operating system, but what I was most impressed by is just the wonderful experience of surfing the web, watching videos or checking my emails. Just these simple tasks are taken to the next level by the added real estate.
One sacrifice has been made in getting the screen so thin is that Samsung has dropped support for the S Pen. For me, I never saw the point of having a stylus for a mobile phone (as Steve Jobs once said, 'yuk!'), however I know it has hardened fans.
Another small caveat is that I wouldn't say that the battery is amazing for any of the foldeable line-up but it's good enough and you'll get through a typical day with plenty of power to spare.
Now let's address the elephant in the room: the crease. Yes, the crease is there but only if you really squint or catch it a particular angle. In real-life use, you're not going to notice it. I know this puts some people off, but honestly it shouldn't be a deal-breaker.
As with all new Samsung phones, you get One UI 8, based on Android 16, which is now the gold standard. Easy to use but highly customiseable, even if you're a lifelong Apple fan you'll be up and running in no time. You also get all the latest AI thrown in, including Gemini. To be honest, I've never found much use for AI after an initial play. But your experience might well differ.
What's not up for debate, however, is that the Fold7 is a technological marvel that blows any rival our of the water for sheer enjoyment. It's the best foldeable phone. And in my eyes, it can stake a strong claim to simply being the best phone out there at the moment (and that's coming from a long-time iPhone user).
However, all this amazing tech is going to cost you. Prices start at an eye-watering £1,799. You can get that price down considerably, though, if you have a half-decent phone to trade in.
So, what about the Flip7 then? Unlike its older brother it comes in two versions - the Flip7 and the cheaper Flip7 FE. It's a more traditional flp phone, in that it mimics the old Star Trek communicator.
Using the Flip7 you will be flipping it a lot as most of your use will be when it is opened up. I've seen a few people complain about that, but isn't flipping your flip phone half the enjoyment of owning a flip phone? When closed, you get some functionality with widgets and notifications, but it does feel like a wasted opportunity. I understand you can customise the front screen with help from a seperate Samsung app, but that may well be beyond your average user.
However, I can easily imagine the Flip phones are going to be perfect for one particular type of user - the content creater. Specifically, those who take selfies or vlogs.
Because of the way it folds over, you can take those selfies using the main camera - while at the same time seeing what you are capturing on the outside screen. Not only does this mean you're taking images with a way better camera than you'll be used to, but it's also very quick and easy, so perfect if you need to capture something in a rush. You can pick up the Flip7 for £1,049.
The FE is a paired-down version of the Flip, with a slightly chunkier form factor and a smaller front screen. Crucially, you get the same front camera and all the software bells and whistles so it's well worth a look if you're looking to save money. You're still getting a lot for a device that starts at £849.
As usual with Samsung, there are plenty of decent deals to be had. You can get up to just under £1,000 off the Fold7 when you trade in your old smartphone, and more than £400 off the Flips.
Samsung is also being very smart as I think it has realised the best way to market these foldables is to get them out there. At the moment, you can send the phone back within 100 days of purchase if it's not for you and get your money back, no questions asked.
The Fold7 is a great smartphone, and the Flips are the same for selfie-lovers, but what I will say is that before you shell out any money, I'd try to get one in your hands first. For most, I'd wager, it will be love at first sight.
What the reviewers say: Fold7
PC Mag: Now in its seventh generation, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is even better thanks to its excellent hardware, expansive and gorgeous displays, powerful multitasking software, and Galaxy AI. Its only drawbacks are its exorbitant high price and just-average battery life.
Reboxed: If you're a power user, multitasker, or just want the best foldable Samsung's ever made, this is it. It's more refined, lighter, and more capable than ever, but it does come at a price.
Flip7
The Guardian: Samsung's seventh-generation Flip phone trims the fat, gains a bigger cover screen on the outside and a larger folding display on the inside, but fundamentally doesn't reinvent the wheel.