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Tom's Guide
10 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I put the Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 through a 7-round face-off — here's the winner
Now that I've had plenty of time putting them to the test, I have a good idea of how this Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 face-off will turn out. In my Galaxy Z Flip 7 review, I was delighted by the bigger upgrades that Samsung gave its latest flip-style phone. In fact, I'm so impressed by it that it has replaced the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) as the best foldable phone you can buy right now. Just with any other year-over-year update, I still want to show how much of an improvement the Z Flip 7 makes over the Z Flip 6. One of the biggest areas I was concerned about was its performance and battery life, as Samsung opted to go with its own, in-house Exynos 2500 chipset instead of Qualcomm's. I'll definitely cover that and many other things in my 7-round Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 comparison. Here's how the latest Samsung flip-style phone compares to last year's model. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Main Display 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2520 x 1080_ 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED (2640 x 1080) Cover Display 4.1-inch Super AMOLED (948 x 1048) 3.4-inch AMOLED (720 x 748) Chipset Exynos 2500 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM 12GB 12GB Storage 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB Cameras 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP selfie Battery size 4,300 mAh 4,000 mAh Size 2.96 x 3.37 x 0.54-inches (closed), 2.96 x 6.56 x 0.26-inches (open) 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.58 inches (closed), 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 inches (open) Weight 6.63 ounces 6.59 ounces I'm happy to report that there isn't a price hike with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, making it the same $1,099 starting cost just like the Galaxy Z Flip 6 last year. Given the hardware upgrades, paired with some incredible Galaxy Z Flip 7 deals going on right now, I would give this one to the Z Flip 7. From what I've seen so far, most carriers and retailers haven't slashed the price of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in a substantial way to clear out stock. Depending on where you look, you might actually snag one for free — but that usually requires you to commit to a specific cell phone plan, just like what T-Mobile's offered last year. In fact, that's the same offer the carrier has right now for the Z Flip 7. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 Although the overall design language doesn't differ between the two, there are a few noteworthy achievements that make the design of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 better. First of all, there's not a substantial change to its size and weight — given how it features a larger battery and bigger screens. They both feature similar armor aluminum frames that make them incredibly durable, but the Z Flip 7 benefits from a new Armor Flex Hinge that makes it smoother to open and close. There's still a crease with the new hinge, but it doesn't appear to be as deep as the Z Flip 6. I will say, though, that I like the color options available to the Z Flip 6. You have a total of seven to choose from, versus the four with the Z Flip 7. However, I do anticipate Samsung coming out with more colors in the coming months. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 Starting off with their main displays, the Z Flip 7 gets the nods for its larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display. In addition to that, it's also brighter according to our display benchmark test — where it reached a peak brightness of 1,989 nits. That's a smidge brighter than the 1,835 nits recorded from the Z Flip 6's 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display. Even though the Z Flip 6 has a higher resolution, I can hardly notice this miniscule difference. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Screen size 6.9-inches 7 inches 6.7 inches Brightness (nits) 1,989 1,835 1,942 sRGB % 151.7 (Vivid) / 126.7 (Natural) 214.3 (Vivid) / 123.2 (Natural) 135.8 (Vivid) / 119.9 (Natural) DCI-P3 % 107.4 (Vivid) / 89.8 (Natural) 151.8 (Vivid) / 123.2 (Natural) 96.2 (Vivid) / 84.9 (Natural) Delta-E score (closer to zero is better) 0.23 (Vivid) / 0.23 (Natural) 0.33 (Vivid) / 0.26 (Natural) 0.24 (Vivid) / 0.24 (Natural) What I think is more impressive though is how Samsung upgraded the Z Flip 7 with a larger 4.1-inch cover display. It's noticeably larger than the 3.4-inch one with the Z Flip 6, and as a result, it makes using apps and capturing content with the cameras much more satisfying. I can't tell you how much the extra room makes, especially when it comes to running full apps — or typing with the keyboard. All of it is much easier with the larger cover screen of the Z Flip 7. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 When Samsung showed off the Z Flip 7 during its Galaxy Unpacked event, I was a little surprised by the camera specs. On paper, it doesn't appear like any changes were made to its camera because it has the same 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP selfie cameras as the Galaxy Z Flip 6 — including the same aperture values. However, Samsung did spend time explaining how its updated ProVisual Engine enhances the results. I've already detailed their differences in my Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 photo shoot-out, which ultimately gave the performance to the Z Flip 7. I'll explain some of the biggest differences I noticed below. There are still new features and upgrades that make the Z Flip 7 the better camera phone. For starters, I can't stress enough the advantage of having a larger cover screen here because it makes selfies and vlogs easier to capture. Over on the video side, the Z Flip 7 also gains the same LOG video recording mode that debuted with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. As someone that edits video a lot, this flat picture profile gives me more flexibility in the editing room to tweak the colors to my liking. Despite having the same camera as the Z Flip 6, I can tell that the ProVisual Engine is working its magic ever so slightly with the Z Flip 7's shot above of the parking lot. That's because it's boosting the exposure of the trees in the background, which reveals details that are hidden there in the Z Flip 6. I thought their 10MP selfie cameras would produce the same results, but there's one key difference that gives a boost to the older Flip 6. Due to how the built-in screen protector of the Z Flip 7 goes over the selfie camera, it results in a slightly softer look. In contrast, the screen protector doesn't go over the selfie camera on the Z Flip 6 — so it retains a sharper look overall. Again, the updated ProVisual Engine of the Z Flip 7 is working its magic in the portrait shots I captured of myself above. You might think the results are identical, but there are clues in the details that make the Z Flip 7's shot look more realistic. If you take a look at the strap on my shoulder, you'll notice that some parts of it blurred out — whereas the Z Flip 6 keeps it all in focus. The reason why the Z Flip 7 does this is because it replicates the behavior of an actual camera whose focus is squared on the face. It's exactly the look I'd get from using my mirrorless camera. Zooming is done through their respective main cameras, as they lack the dedicated telephoto shooters that other phones offer. The difference boils down to the enhancements made by the ProVisual Engine of the Z Flip 7, which gives more definition to the sign in the middle of the shot and the chain link fence in the background. Low light is where the updated ProVisual Engine really flexes its muscles. While both shots are bright given that they were shot in near pitch dark conditions, the Z Flip 7 benefits from capturing more definition all around the tree. When I zoom to it, I can make out the finer details of the tree's bark and its textures. They look softer and muddy with the Z Flip 6. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 Out of all the categories I'm judging, this is the one I'm most interested in because of Samsung's decision to ditch Qualcomm for the Z Flip 7. It's powered by an Exynos 2500 SoC and paired with 12GB of RAM, versus the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM in the Z Flip 6. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Chipset Exynos 2500 Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Geekbench 6 (single/multicore) 2286 / 8079 2091 / 7022 3DMark Wild Life Unlimited (fps) 114.64 113.4 Adobe Premiere Rush video transcode (Miins:Secs) 1:04 0:46 While I don't see a huge difference in how they perform with my day-to-day tasks, like checking emails, surfing the web, gaming, and checking out my social feeds, their benchmark performance scores show something different. The Exynos 2500 barely beats out the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in GeekBench 6, but their graphics processing performances are almost identical. In a strange turn of events, the Z Flip 7 renders video slower with the Adobe Premiere Rush test. Really, I was hoping for a wider gap — but this isn't the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 gets a technical win here, but it really exposes how there's not a huge improvement. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 There's a relationship between a phone's chipset and its battery life, so given the minor performance boost of the Z Flip 7, I wasn't expecting much in terms of its battery life. Thankfully I'm proven wrong because it seems as though Samsung invested more on making the Exynos 2500 power efficient, which could also be aided by the optimizations of One UI 8. Average Battery life (Hrs:Mins) Charging % in 15 minutes Charging % in 30 minutes Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 12:24 29% 55% Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 11:01 27% 55% Regardless, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 cruised to the finish line with its time of 12 hours and 24 minutes on our battery drain test. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 ran the same exact test, but falls a bit behind with its 11 hours and 1 minute clocked time. But to be fair, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a larger 4,300 mAh battery — whereas the Z Flip 6 has a smaller 4,000 mAh. Over on the recharge side, the Z Flip 7 gets the same 25W wired and 15W wireless speeds as the Z Flip 6. Yet, it charges a smidge faster after 15 and 30 minutes in our testing. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 On the surface, their interfaces may not look or feel all that different, but there are features that give the Z Flip 7 the more compelling software package. For starters, it benefits from having the latest One UI 8 software on top of Android 16. Visually it's not a huge departure, but new additions like the Now Bar and Now Brief are helpful. There's also the cross actions apps feature with the Z Flip 7, which makes it even more intuitive to perform complex actions all through voice commands. While it's only a matter of time before the Z Flip 6 gets the new One UI 8 software, which should bring the Now Bar and Now Brief, I'm not confident it'll get cross app actions. When it comes to AI features, the Z Flip 7 introduces a few new things. The most notable, of course, is the multimodal AI experience with Gemini Live. This allows me to tap into the Z Flip 7's cameras to allow Gemini see what I see, then ask it questions or make commands. I've actually used it to help me with a problem with my electrical breaker, which I know I couldn't do on my own. Secondly, there's the Audio Eraser feature that lets me remove unwanted noise in my videos. It's a handy tool that lets me tweak the audio on the device, rather than using software on my computer. And finally, Samsung finally brings DeX support to the series for the first time with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 — and I couldn't be happier about this. That's because Samsung DeX means I can now connect the Z Flip 7 to a monitor and essentially have access to a desktop PC-like interface. In some ways, it can replace my laptop because of how well it multitasks apps. I'm not surprised by how this Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 face-off turned out. The new Galaxy Z Flip 7 wins every category, with a few where there's a substantial improvement. Not only do I love the larger and brighter displays of the Z Flip 7, but I think its updated software also helps out. Both Samsung DeX support and multimodal AI Gemini Live are two big features you're not going to get with the Z Flip 6, which also helps when its price remains unchanged. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I put the Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs. Galaxy Z Flip 6 through a 10-round photo shootout — here's the winner
Before the Galaxy Z Flip 7 debuted, I was worried about the cameras on Samsung's latest foldable flip phone. Rumors surrounding the Z Flip 7 hinted at no hardware changes — and that's exactly what happened once the phone became official. Camera performance is one of the key areas I always look at with year-to-year upgrades and this one's no exception. In my Galaxy Z Flip 7 review, I mention how the phone's updated ProVisual Engine helps to enhance its shots — proven by how it drew out better details at 10x zoom in my 10-round Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Razr Ultra (2025) photo face-off. That bodes well for the newer phone in this Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 photo shootout. Just a reminder, both phones pack the same cameras — 50MP main cams, 12MP ultrawides, and 10MP selfie shooters — right down to the same aperture for each lens. While the hardware is unchanged (a bummer in my opinion), the Galaxy Z Flip 7 benefits from a larger Flex Window display on the exterior of the phone. It makes vlogs and selfies a lot easier to pull off, primarily due to the extra real estate where you can see the video preview through that cover display. Similar to my other photo shootouts, I take both best foldable phone contenders and capture the same scenes and then preview them on a monitor. I can't stress enough how a lot of the emphasis will come down to the newer image processing algorithms with the Z Flip 7. Galaxy Z Flip 7 Galaxy Z Flip 6 Main Camera 50 MP main (f/1.8) 50 MP main (f/1.8) Ultrawide 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2) Selfie 10MP (f/2.2) 10MP (f/2.2) Video Recording up to 4K 60 fps up to 4K 60 fps It's an even match up with the daytime shots I captured using the main cameras on both Flip models. All the details are nicely captured, including the license plates on the cars, the texture of the pavement in the foreground, and the sign on the light pole. The only difference I can make out is how the Galaxy Z Flip 7 gives the trees in the background a little boost in the shadows. Those darker areas are exposed more to draw out the details there, while the Z Flip 6 looks dark. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 Sticking to the same spot with the parking lot, I switched over to the ultrawide shooters on both phones. Again, it's almost identical in terms of their details captured and field of views. This time, there's no exposure bump whatsoever applied to the Galaxy Z Flip 7, so the only difference comes down to their color temperature. While the Z Flip 7 skews warm, I also like the Z Flip 6 because it also looks warm. Winner: Tie I have to admit, these shots of the yellow flowers look amazing. However, trying to determine which of the two Flip models produces the better colors is tough because they're very close. There's just a tiny bit more saturation with the yellow from the Galaxy Z Flip 6 shot, but the Z Flip 7 isn't too far off. I can also see the same with the green leaves and stems all around the scene, as the Z Flip 7 sprinkles a small dose of saturation. It's honestly a good shot, but the Z Flip 7 has a slightly more true-to-life tone. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 Now this one's interesting because upon closer inspection, I can make out a difference between them. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has the better selfie due to the sharpened effect it applies, which draws out more of the details around my face. Initially I was surprised by the results, but there's a reason why the Z Flip 6 captures the better selfie. All you need to do is look closer at the selfie cutout on the interior display. Both phones come with Samsung's pre-applied screen protector (which you shouldn't remove), but the Z Flip 7's screen protector goes over the selfie camera — whereas the Z Flip 6 cuts around it. As a result, the Z Flip 6's selfie camera isn't obscured, which I think explains the results. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 6 Here's a perfect example of new image processing algorithms that help to improve a shot. If you look closely at the edges of my portrait shot, you can see how both phones apply the usual blurring effect to the background. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is pretty spot on with the blurring effect, but it does it in a linear way. Meaning, it detects me from the shot and blurs out everything else so that the effect goes all the way around the edges. However, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 applies the effect in a more realistic way by not keeping it uniform. Take a look at the strap around my neck and even my right shoulder. They're slightly blurred out, which is what happens when you place the focus on a face. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 I captured a shot of the gazebo in the park with the sun behind it, so that it casts a shadow around the foreground, which helps to show off their dynamic range performance. Even though the Z Flip 7 has the sharper details, there's not an overwhelming difference with their dynamic range performance. Both the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Flip 7 boost the exposure in the shadows to better balance out the highlights, which I can see in the shadowed parts of the trees in the background and the flower bed directly in front of the gazebo. Meanwhile, the sky is properly exposed without losing details in the clouds. Winner: Tie Neither phone has a dedicated macro mode, but that doesn't stop me from taking close-up shots. While the Galaxy Z Flip 6's slightly saturated colors are present here again, both phones actually match each other in terms of detail and clarity. I really like how they both capture the texture in the petals, along with the strong details of the stem in the middle of the flower. And if you look close enough, you can make out the tiny bits of pollen that are sticking all around the stem. Winner: Tie Despite the lack of telephoto cameras, both phones can still whip up decent 2x zoom shots. The flowers in the foreground appear identical with both and I like how they retain the textures of the leaves with some of the plants. Looking elsewhere in the shots, the Z Flip 7 does a better job of cleaning up the background — especially around the upper right corner with the bench and street sign. They appear blurred with the Z Flip 6, but they're crystal clear sharp with the Z Flip 7. In fact, I can make out the name of the street sign. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 Any of those discrepancies at 2x zoom only become exemplified when you go to their maximum 10x zoom level. I have to pixel peep with these shots above because they look very similar at a cursory look. The first thing I lock on is the sign on the post in the middle of the shot, where the words look more defined with the Z Flip 7. It's not by a tremendous amount, but still one I notice. Elsewhere, I look at the chain link fence and trees in the background, which look a bit murky on the Z Flip 6. And finally, the concrete pavement has more detail and looks a bit sharper with the Z Fold 7. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 Out of all the categories, this is the one with an overwhelming advantage for the Galaxy Z Flip 7. First of all, I have to tell you that both phones are low-light beats — which is impressive for a foldable. They take the nearly pitch black conditions in my backyard and make it look like a light source is shining onto the tree. The details in the tree are more defined with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, whereas the Z Flip 6 softens them. Further back with the sidings on my garage, the Z Flip 7 also neutralizes the small section that's lit there to better expose the siding. That same spot looks overexposed with the Z Flip 6. Winner: Galaxy Z Flip 7 Even though I would've loved to see hardware upgrades to the camera, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 benefits largely from Samsung's updated ProVisual Engine, and as a result, manages to come out on top with this shoot out. The improvements are minor at best, so if you're considering upgrading, I'd actually tell you to wait — that's unless the other upgrades are worthwhile for you. What I'm interested next, though, is to put the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE through its own photo shoot out. It has the same camera setup at the Z Flip 7 and Flip 6, but presumably gets treated to the same enhancements with this updated ProVisual Engine. And yes, it does come in at a lower cost and sticks to a smaller Flex Window display. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Geeky Gadgets
15-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs. Z Flip 6: Watch THIS Before You Upgrade!
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, the Z Flip 6, with a series of thoughtful upgrades in design, display, performance, and functionality. For those considering a foldable phone, the Z Flip 7 offers a refined experience while maintaining the same price point. Below is an in-depth exploration of the key advancements that make the Z Flip 7 a standout device in the foldable phone market. Watch this video on YouTube. Display: Bigger, Brighter, and Smoother The Galaxy Z Flip 7 introduces a significantly larger cover screen, now measuring 4.1 inches, compared to the Z Flip 6's 3.4 inches. This expanded display enhances usability, allowing for more interactions without needing to unfold the device. With a peak brightness of 2400 nits and a 120 Hz refresh rate, the Z Flip 7 ensures smoother visuals and improved visibility, even under direct sunlight. The main screen has also seen a slight increase in size, now measuring 6.9 inches, with ultra-thin 1.25 mm bezels that create a more immersive viewing experience. Samsung's Vision Booster technology further enhances clarity in bright environments, making the Z Flip 7 a leader in foldable display innovation. These upgrades cater to users who prioritize vibrant visuals and seamless functionality. Design: Sleeker and More Durable Samsung has refined the Z Flip 7's design with a 30% thinner hinge, resulting in a more compact and polished appearance. This improvement not only enhances the phone's aesthetics but also contributes to its overall durability, addressing concerns about the longevity of foldable devices. The hinge mechanism has been engineered to withstand frequent use, making sure reliability over time. The camera layout has been reimagined with a more compact arrangement, complemented by subtle animations around the lenses that add a touch of sophistication. The Z Flip 7 is available in a variety of colors, including exclusive options like mint and coral red, offering choices that cater to diverse personal styles. These design enhancements make the Z Flip 7 both visually appealing and practical for everyday use. Performance: Faster and More Efficient At the heart of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is Samsung's Exynos 2500 chipset, which delivers faster performance and improved energy efficiency compared to its predecessor. With 12 GB of RAM and storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB, the device is well-equipped to handle multitasking, gaming, and other demanding applications with ease. The Z Flip 7 runs on Android 16 with Samsung's One UI 8, providing a modern and intuitive software experience. Additionally, Samsung has committed to seven years of software updates, making sure long-term support and reliability. This extended software support is a significant advantage for users seeking a device that remains functional and secure over time. Battery Life: More Power for Your Day Battery life has been meaningfully improved with the Z Flip 7. The device features a 4,300 mAh battery, a 300 mAh increase over the Z Flip 6. Samsung claims this enhancement provides up to 2.5 hours of additional usage time, addressing a common concern among foldable phone users. Combined with the energy-efficient Exynos 2500 chipset, the Z Flip 7 is designed to keep up with the demands of a busy day. Whether you're streaming, gaming, or multitasking, the improved battery ensures that the device remains reliable throughout extended use. Camera: Software-Driven Enhancements The Z Flip 7 retains the same 50 MP main camera and 12 MP ultrawide camera as its predecessor, but introduces new software features that elevate the photography and videography experience. Improved low-light video performance allows for clearer and more detailed footage in challenging lighting conditions, while 10-bit HDR recording ensures vibrant and accurate color reproduction. These software-driven enhancements demonstrate Samsung's commitment to improving the user experience without requiring hardware changes. The result is a camera system that is versatile and capable, meeting the needs of both casual and advanced users. Flex Window: Expanded Functionality The Flex Window on the Z Flip 7 offers expanded functionality, allowing users to run full apps like YouTube and Google Maps directly on the cover screen. This feature is particularly useful for quick interactions, such as checking navigation or watching videos, without needing to unfold the device. Samsung's Good Lock app further enhances the Flex Window by providing additional customization options. Users can personalize their experience, making multitasking more seamless and efficient. This expanded functionality highlights the Z Flip 7's versatility and practicality in everyday scenarios. Pricing and Variants: Options for Every Budget Despite its numerous upgrades, the Z Flip 7 retains the same price as the Z Flip 6, making it an attractive option for those seeking innovative technology without an added cost. For budget-conscious buyers, Samsung offers the Z Flip 7 FE variant, which provides a more affordable alternative with slightly downgraded hardware specifications. This pricing strategy ensures that the Z Flip 7 remains accessible to a wide range of users, from tech enthusiasts to those exploring foldable phones for the first time. A Refined Foldable Experience The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 represents a thoughtful evolution in foldable phone technology. With its larger and brighter displays, sleeker design, improved battery life, and enhanced software features, it delivers a polished and versatile user experience. Whether you're upgrading from the Z Flip 6 or entering the foldable phone market for the first time, the Z Flip 7 strikes a compelling balance between innovation, functionality, and value. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 that you might find useful. Source & Image Credit: Demon's Tech Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Engadget
09-07-2025
- Engadget
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a bigger battery and is still thinner than last year's model
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Flip 7, along with the Z Flip 7 FE and the Z Fold 7, during its latest Unpacked event. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a 4.1-inch Super AMOLED Flex Window, which is the largest external display on a Z Flip model yet. It's also the slimmest iteration of the Flip so far, measuring only 13.7 mm in thickness when folded, and has a larger battery (4,300mAh) than any of its predecessors. Since the new model comes with the AI features of Android 16, Samsung calls it an "intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability." You'll be able to access Gemini Live from its Flex Window, allowing you to ask the AI for assistance, such as to set a reminder or to find you restaurants to eat at, without having to open your phone. You'll even be able to point its camera at an object in the real world and ask the AI questions about what you're looking at and get answers on the Flip's external display. The Galaxy Z Flip 7's main display is a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen that has a peak brightness of 2,600 nits and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. Samsung says its Armor FlexHinge is thinner than previous generation's hinges and features a restructured design with high-strength materials for better durability and smoother folds. When it comes to cameras, the new model come with a 50MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens for both scenic shots and selfies. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is also the first model in the line to come with Samsung DeX, allowing you to use the phone as a workstation. You'll simply have to connect it to a compatible screen for a PC-like experience. You can now pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in the US from Samsung's website and retailers nationwide. It'll set you back at least $1,100 and will be widely available starting on July 25. The phone comes in Jet black, Blue Shadow and Coral with 256GB or 512GB in storage. It will also be available in Mint only from Samsung's website. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, which comes in Black and White with 128GB or 256GB in storage, will set you back at least $900. It's cheaper, but it's pretty much the Z Flip 6 equipped with an Exynos 2400 processor. To note, you can get the Z Flip 6 right now from Amazon for the same price, but with 512GB in storage for Prime Day. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
Engadget
09-07-2025
- Engadget
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 hands-on: Bigger screens, bigger battery, better foldable?
Once again, it's time for Samsung's mid-year Galaxy foldable showcase. Over the last 10 years, Samsung gave us curved edges, curved screens, and then screens that fold (both ways). While we're still waiting for that rumored tri-fold Galaxy, Samsung has primed two new Flip foldables, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and (surprise!) the Z Flip 7 FE. First, there's the Galaxy Z Flip 7. This year, the biggest change is a larger 4.1-inch second display with cutouts for the dual cameras. This occupies the entire front surface of the device and is a considerable increase from the 3.4-inch display of last year's Z Flip 6. (It also looks a lot like Moto's most recent foldable.) The Flex Window is also better in almost every way. It can reach peak brightness levels of 2,600 nits (matching the S25 Ultra), has a 120Hz refresh rate and the thinnest bezel yet (1.25mm) of any Samsung smartphone. The front screen is a significant improvement over the Z Flip 6, but refinements also extend to the main display. Samsung has expanded the primary internal screen to 6.9 inches, up from 6.4 inches. It's now in the more typical smartphone display ratio of 21:9. Previous Flips had a more elongated screen, making it harder to paw at the upper corners. This means video content fits better, too. What about the crease? Well, in person, it looks the same as last year's phones, and, interestingly, Samsung isn't hyping some hard-to-measure crease visibility metric. I did chuckle when the company said that it made the main screen's ultra-thin glass '50 percent thicker.' The wording's clunky, but it points to Samsung's continued focus on improving toughness and longevity. The Flip 7 now has a new waterproof coating beneath the glass and AMOLED display. Once again, the hinge has been further strengthened. And yet, the Flip 7 is thinner than last year's model. It measures 6.4mm (0.25 inches) thick, down from 6.9mm. That's equal to the Galaxy S25 edge, where the major selling point was its thinness. I shouldn't have to say, but that thickness doubles when you fold it away – Samsung says it's 13.7mm (0.54 inches) when closed. However you measure it, this is the thinnest Flip yet. Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 6, side by side comparison. (Image by Mat Smith for Engadget) Despite less space, Samsung has increased the battery up to 4,300mAh, 300mAh more than the Z Flip 6. Samsung is addressing our issues with its recent Flip foldables. It's also delivered solid battery life on nearly every device it has launched in the last year or so. The company also mentioned that the Flip 7 packs a new 3nm processor, the company's own Exynos 2500 chip. This is intriguing: last year's foldables featured the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy that delivered impressive battery life. I'm interested in seeing whether Samsung's latest silicon delivers similar performance and efficiency. While Samsung has equipped the Z Fold 7 with a new sensor, the Flip 7 essentially matches last year's model, featuring a 50-megapixel primary camera with 2X optical zoom and a 12MP ultra-wide secondary camera. This year, the Flip 7 can record video in 10-bit HDR, up from 8-bit, resulting in richer colors for those seeking even more polished video from their smartphone. Image by Mat Smith for Engadget Camera controls have been refined to better suit the Flex Display on the front. There's now a zoom slider for smoother video punch-ins and more broadly, an interface tidy-up. If you're into using Samsung's built-in photo filters, the Flip 7 will show live previews in each filter before you even choose one. Some of my favorite software features introduced on the Z Flip 6, auto-zoom and auto-frame, are back once again in the Flip 7. While the Flip is closed, the cameras can detect and track users, zooming in and out to focus on the subject automatically. Software-wise, Samsung is folding in the Gemini AI smarts and Now Brief features that debuted in the S25 series. As a refresher, it's Samsung's rival take on the iPhone's Dynamic Island. It'll present health information, music and video controls and live updates from supported apps like Uber. It's a perfect fit for the Flip, with its small glanceable screen. Similarly, you can now chat to Google's Gemini Live AI assistant without unfurling the phone. As I mentioned in my review of the Galaxy S25, the appeal of the Now Brief and Bar depends on how frequently you use it. Hopefully — and I've asked Samsung to confirm this — transferring data between Galaxy devices should include the profile and information used to populate these two features. With the Flip 7, you can tap into the Now Bar without opening the phone. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a more typical 16:9 screen ratio. (Image by Mat Smith for Engadget) Samsung is also adding weekly updates to your Now Briefing, although it was hard to discern from the demo devices earlier this week whether that would be future-facing summaries of your schedule or more of a what-you-did-last-week summary of the week that's already happened – it's something we'll be testing during review. There isn't much new functionality for the larger 4.1-inch secondary screen, which is a shame. In this regard, Motorola still manages to offer more with its flip phones. The Flip 7 is also the first Flip device to support mouse and keyboard peripherals, which means, yes, Samsung Dex is back. It never left. And Samsung will continue to tell us all about it. If you want to plug your foldable into a giant monitor, you can now do that. There's also the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, priced at $900, with a 6.7-inch main display and a 3.4-inch Flex Window on the front. And if you think it looks and sounds familiar, you're right. This is almost entirely the Galaxy Z Flip 6 with a new name. The only significant aesthetic change is that the Z Flip 7 FE lacks the metal accents on the cameras. The only meaningful spec change is an Exynos chip, replacing the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. Image by Mat Smith for Engadget The Z Flip 7 FE has a 50MP primary camera and 12MP ultra-wide, with a 10MP camera once it's unfolded. The FE does a good job of showcasing how much thinner the Z Flip 7 is and how much better that full-width cover display looks, but those aren't great selling points in and of themselves. The timing sucks, too: in Amazon's Prime Day sale, the Z Flip 6 is $800. That's $100 less than this "new" entry-level foldable, which is almost identical. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 will launch at the same price as its predecessor, at $1,100. It'll come in multiple colors: a very handsome dark blue, red and the usual monochrome black and white options. There will also be a mint color, available as an online exclusive. Preorders open today, with devices shipping on July 25. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission.
