Latest news with #flipphone
Android Authority
a day ago
- Android Authority
I loved the Galaxy Z Flip 7's new cover screen until the software ruined it
I love flip phone foldables. More specifically, I love flip phones with big cover screens. Being able to comfortably reply to texts, check notifications, and use apps on a large, high-quality cover screen is one of my favorite things about the flip phone form factor — and it's why I was so excited to get my hands on the Galaxy Z Flip 7. For the last couple of years, Samsung's cover screen tech has paled in comparison to its competitors, namely Motorola in the US. For all Samsung has gotten right with the Z Flip series, its small, low-resolution, and low-refresh-rate cover displays have always lagged behind the competition. But not so this year. I've had the Galaxy Z Flip 7 for just about a day, and I've spent most of my time playing with the new cover screen. It's a massive improvement over Samsung's previous attempts and by far the best we've seen on a Z Flip yet. But as much as I love the hardware, Samsung's software greatly holds everything back. Do you think the Galaxy Z Flip 7's cover screen was worth the wait? 0 votes Yes, it's exactly what I've been waiting for. NaN % I love the hardware, but the software is disappointing. NaN % No, I'm not impressed by it at all. NaN % Other (let us know in the comments). NaN % The Galaxy Z Flip 7's cover screen hardware is exceptional Joe Maring / Android Authority I want to start by talking about what Samsung got right, which, admittedly, is a lot. The most obvious upgrade over the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the display size, which has increased from 3.4 inches to 4.1 inches. That new full-screen design, combined with impressively thin bezels, is a truly impressive sight to behold. Apps, like Telegram and Slack, are easy to navigate and don't feel cramped in the slightest. I can see a long list of notifications without scrolling, and typing on the cover screen's keyboard is far more comfortable than it was on the Flip 6. An extra 0.7 inches may not sound like much, but in practice, it's a night-and-day difference. And as much as I've enjoyed the cover screen's extra real estate, that's not the only hardware upgrade I've been thrilled with. The resolution jump from 720 x 748 to 948 x 1048 is immediately noticeable. Where the Flip 6's cover screen looked grainy and fuzzy to my eyes, the Flip 7's is as sharp as a tack. Joe Maring / Android Authority The upgrade from a 60Hz refresh rate to 120Hz is even more apparent, making the cover screen feel fluid and responsive in a way no Z Flip cover screen has felt previously. Additionally, the brightness increase (from 1600 nits up to a staggering 2600 nits) has been immensely helpful when using the Flip 7 in direct sunlight. I've been waiting for the day that Samsung finally released a Z Flip with a cover screen that didn't feel stuck in the past. Having now used the Z Flip 7, I can confidently say that day has finally come. At least, it has from a hardware perspective. But the software is another story Joe Maring / Android Authority Unfortunately, it's a different conversation we need to have about the cover screen software. In Samsung's efforts to springboard the Flip 7's cover screen hardware into the modern era, the software was largely left behind. Samsung created a big, bright, and sharp display I want to interact with, but numerous roadblocks create a lot of unnecessary friction. The most obvious complaint is that of using apps on the cover screen. Samsung still requires you to jump through extra hoops and use Good Lock if you want to use anything other than Google Maps, Messages, Netflix, or YouTube. It is annoying, though Samsung has slightly simplified the process this year, and it's only something you have to do once. However, this perfectly highlights a far bigger issue. Why create such a high-quality and capable cover screen yet withhold such basic functionality from it? Once the Good Lock widget is on your cover screen, you see all of the apps you've chosen, along with a + icon to add more. Presumably, tapping that icon would allow you to add more apps directly from the cover screen. But no. Instead, it displays an 'Open phone to continue' pop-up, forcing you to open the Flip 7 to proceed. Unfortunately, this is something you see a lot of. Want to customize your current clock face? You need to open the Flip 7. Want to add a new clock design? Open the Flip 7. Want to edit widgets on one of your home screens? Time to open the Flip 7! Even some app notifications refuse to display the notification content on the cover screen, instead telling you to 'Open the phone and check the notification panel for details.' There are other issues, too. You can't customize the quick settings panel on the cover screen, and the toggles that are present are extremely limited compared to the main display (such as only being able to toggle Wi-Fi on/off and not being able to select a specific Wi-Fi network). Also, while you can reply to texts and emails, you have to use the terrible, horrible Samsung Keyboard even if you've set something like Gboard as your default keyboard. I just have one question for Samsung: Why? Why create such a high-quality and capable cover screen yet withhold such basic functionality from it? These are limitations carried over from previous Z Flips, and it feels lazy on Samsung's part not to fix them for the Flip 7's upgraded cover screen. What could have been Joe Maring / Android Authority Sometimes while using the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I'm thrilled with the phone's cover screen. The bigger size is terrific, the resolution and refresh rate upgrades are fantastic, and every interaction is better than one on the Z Flip 6's cover screen. But when I see that 'Open phone to continue' pop-up or am forced to type a typo-ridden message with Samsung Keyboard, the magic fizzles. Samsung finally has a cover screen that's just as good as the competition, and it's a damn shame it's still held back by frustrating software like this. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 easily has the best cover screen of any Z Flip to date, and I wish I could thoroughly love it. But considering how much more it could have been, I'm left feeling a bit disappointed. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Largest ever Flex Window • 6.9-inch dynamic AMOLED 2X folding screen • 7 years of updates MSRP: $1,099.00 Melds Galaxy AI with the new edge-to-edge FlexWindow With a 6.9-inch main display and a 4.1-inch FlexWindow outer display, the Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 focuses on putting AI smarts in your pocket. Measuring just 13.74mm thick when folded, it's the slimmest Z Flip phone yet. Packed with a 50MP camera and a suite of AI tools, Samsung calls the Z Flip 7 a "pocket-sized selfie studio." See price at Amazon See price at Samsung See price at Amazon Save $200.00 Limited Time Deal! Follow
Phone Arena
5 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
The sleek Motorola Razr+ (2025) just hit its second-best price at Amazon
Didn't like Prime Day's discount on the Motorola Razr+ (2025)? We get it — a sub-$100 price cut isn't all that compelling. But Amazon's latest sale is a completely different story. At the moment, you can grab the high-end flip phone with a huge $186 discount. $186 off (19%) The Motorola Razr+ (2025) has just dropped to its second-best price on Amazon. Possibly for a limited time, you can buy the flip phone in Hot Pink for $186 off. This is a super rare price cut, so we recommend checking out the offer while it lats. Buy at Amazon That's a significantly more appealing bargain than Prime Day's modest $98 price cut. That said, the Hot Pink model has been as much as 30% off in the past, so this is technically its second-best price on Amazon — not quite the lowest, but still worth a it doesn't include many differences from the previous Razr+ (2024), this Android phone still offers better durability, higher dust and water resistance (IP48 vs IPX8), and a brighter display. It features a 4-inch cover display that provides a more immersive experience. The main display is just as impressive, measuring 6.9 inches and offering a buttery-smooth 165Hz refresh rate. The Motorola phone doesn't disappoint when it comes to performance, either. It packs a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, delivering an enjoyable, lag-free experience. Let's not forget the on-deck Moto AI features, designed to make your everyday life even easier. Another highlight here is the camera setup. The model comes with a 50MP main lens, a 50MP 2x telephoto sensor, and a 32MP internal selfie camera, exactly like its predecessor. That's not necessarily a drawback, though: you get great-looking photos with impressive auto HDR, spot-on dynamics, and lifelike colors. Check out our Motorola Razr+ (2025) review for camera samples and more. With the Galaxy Z Flip 7 just landing, some shoppers might hold out for Samsung. But let's face it: once pre-orders for Samsung's foldable wrap up, it might be quite some time before we see a solid discount. So, if you're looking to flip into a next-gen experience without paying a premium price, the Motorola Razr+ (2025) is absolutely worth checking out. Get yours at Amazon while this rare $186 discount lasts — which might not be long.
Android Authority
18-07-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
Google Fi is offering the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 for just $199.99!
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Are you looking to get a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7? The best deals out there come from carriers, and here's one of the hottest ones I have seen. You can get the device for as little as $199.99! There are a few factors to keep in mind, though. We'll go over them below. Get the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 for as low as $199.99 from Google Fi ($900 off) This offer is available directly from Google Fi Wireless. The discount comes in two steps. You get a $300 discount at purchase. Then, you can get another $600 discount in the form of 24 monthly credits. Max savings only apply if you sign up for a new Unlimited Premium or Flexible plan. If you're on another plan, the monthly credits are reduced to a total of $400. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 (Google Fi) Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 (Google Fi) Melds Galaxy AI with the new edge-to-edge FlexWindow With a 6.9-inch main display and a 4.1-inch FlexWindow outer display, the Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 focuses on putting AI smarts in your pocket. Measuring just 13.74mm thick when folded, it's the slimmest Z Flip phone yet. Packed with a 50MP camera and a suite of AI tools, Samsung calls the Z Flip 7 a "pocket-sized selfie studio." See price at Google Fi Save $900.00 If you're looking to get a new flip phone, there's no denying the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is all but guaranteed to be among the best this year. It offers a great overall experience, and while expensive, there are ways to score massive savings. In this case, you're essentially getting one of the top foldable phones for a mere $199.99! You're in for a treat here, as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a really nice design. It features an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back, and even an IP48 rating. C. Scott Brown / Android Authority The Exynos 2500 processor and 12GB of RAM will offer plenty of performance. And like all other pre-order deals available for this phone right now, Google Fi is also offering a free upgrade to 512GB of storage, so you'll have plenty of room for all your apps, photos, and more. The main display measures 6.9 inches and has a 2,520 x 1,080 resolution. It also has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. If you don't feel like unfolding the phone, the 4.1 external display will do the job for quick tasks, widgets, and other simpler actions. The battery size is pretty standard for foldable flip phones, at 4,300mAh. If you want in on this deal, you might want to act quickly. Google Fi Wireless mentions this promotion will run until July 24th, 2025, at 8:59 PM Pacific. That's in just a few days!
Android Authority
17-07-2025
- Android Authority
The Motorola Razr Ultra still comes with a free 1TB upgrade
Ryan Haines / Android Authority Now that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is out, it's time to make a decision. Will you get Samsung's flip phone or the Motorola Razr Ultra? Motorola's is actually more expensive, but it is better in many ways, and the brand is making the purchase a bit more enticing with a free 1TB storage upgrade. Buy the Motorola Razr Ultra and get a free 1TB storage upgrade for $1,299.99 ($200 off) This offer is available directly from Motorola's official website. You get the same deal with all color versions: Pantone Scarab, Pantone Mountain Trail, Pantone Cabaret, and Pantone Rio Red. Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 (1TB) Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 (1TB) High-end processing power in a folding shell Adding Ultra to the name, the Motorola Razr Ultra is the first folding phone from Moto with a top-tier processor. The 7-inch folding display is paired with a half-size front display to give you both a premium experience, and a compact and portable communication device. See price at Motorola Save $200.00 Before the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 was even announced, we mentioned in our Motorola Razr Ultra review that you should probably not even wait for Sammy's new flip phone. We suppose we were right! The Razr Ultra stands firm as the top flip phone around, unless you really want Samsung's design language and features. There are plenty of reasons to put it on top. I would say this is the first flip phone that is actually considered 'high-end.' It features a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 16GB of RAM, which means it has blazing performance that competes only with the best Android phones around. The design hasn't changed much since last year, but that is a good thing! It has an aluminum frame, a stainless steel hinge, and an IP48 rating for water and dust resistance. I am also a massive fan of the design, as Motorola is offering a vegan leather back that looks and feels fantastic. It's also available in some really fun colors, if you're into that! Ryan Haines / Android Authority When unfolded, you'll enjoy a large 7.0-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a crisp 1,224 x 2,912 resolution and a buttery smooth 165Hz refresh rate. That refresh rate beats most of the top phones, which usually stick to 120Hz. And the 4.0-inch external screen keeps the same display tech and refresh rate. Of course, it is smaller, so the resolution is reduced to 1,272 x 1,080. Even the battery life is outstanding, something that flip phones usually underperform in. The 4,700mAh battery can run the phone for 25 hours straight playing 4K video. And when it's time to recharge, it can also do so really fast at 68W wired or 30W wireless. We know paying $1,299.99 for a phone is still pricey, but if you're set on getting the highest-end flip phone around, this is it. The free storage upgrade is a $200 value, and it's still the best deal we've seen on it. The offer has been running for some time now, so act quickly if you want in. It might go away soon!
Android Authority
17-07-2025
- Android Authority
It's too late for a Google Pixel flip phone
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Just think about it: A Google Pixel Flip. Honestly, it sounds like my dream phone. It'd combine my favorite form factor with my favorite Android skin, and I'd never need to recommend anything else again. I'd have Google's top-notch image processing to balance out the often-limited flip phone cameras, years of updates to look forward to, and a cover screen experience that only needs a proper app drawer to leap ahead of Samsung's Flex Window. And yet, I can't shake the feeling that Google has already missed its flip phone opportunity. It feels like it's given Motorola and Samsung too much of a head start, and I fear it means I won't see a Pixel Flip any time soon. Here's why. Would you buy a Google Pixel Flip? 0 votes Yes NaN % No NaN % Google? Nailing first-generation hardware? Rita El Khoury / Android Authority We've reached a point where flip phones (and foldable phones in general) have attained a level of maturity. Motorola and Samsung are making gorgeous flagships (and now sub-flagships) that are hard to put down or look away from, and it's led me to keep a Razr Ultra in my pocket long after I finished my review. However, it wasn't always that way. I spent a few years complaining about Samsung's cover screen, and the less-than-flat hinge on the original Razr Plus was a huge issue. And now you want me to expect Google to come in and stick its first-generation landing? I'm sorry. I know that was probably a little bit harsh to the Pixel's maker, but let's be honest — it's true. I've used enough first-generation Pixel products — the Pixel Watch, the original Pixel Fold, the Pixel 6a — to know that Google usually needs a year or two to let things finish baking. Sometimes, like the Pixel Watch, the issues come from diving into a brand-new form factor, while others, like the Pixel 6a, come from fitting a white-hot Tensor chip into a smaller, plastic body. Then, in the third case — the Pixel Fold — it's a case of a little of column A, a little of column B. I love the Pixel lineup, but I've used enough first-generation Google products to know a Pixel Flip would take time. In those cases, Google had the space to experiment and, at least, mostly keep up with its rivals. Its first Pixel Watch had to take on a Galaxy Watch 5 that felt a lot like the Galaxy Watch 4, and its Pixel Fold challenged a Galaxy Z Fold 5 that landed with a severe lack of innovation. Maybe the Pixel 6a faced the most formidable foe in a solid Galaxy A53 5G, but even that felt like little more than an annual update. In 2025, though, Google wouldn't have such breathing room, especially in the flip phone market. If it launched a Pixel Flip tomorrow, it would take on a Galaxy Z Flip 7 with a newly refreshed cover screen and an upgraded Exynos 2500 chip. Sure, it would have the benefit of Samsung sitting on its hands and keeping a battery and charging setup similar to what it's had for years, but I don't know if Google's expectations should be to clear the lowest bar. Even if it does settle for the lowest bar, Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE offers the same excellent build quality as the Galaxy Z Flip 6 with years of development behind it. A year or two ago, I might have said that I thought Google could hop in and catch Motorola immediately. As much as I love the look and feel of the Razr, it spent a few years lagging behind Samsung's build quality, offering a better software experience but making me nervous about just how well the original flip phone would stand the test of time. Then, the Razr Ultra happened. It went unabashedly flagship with Gorilla Glass Ceramic, a brilliant AMOLED cover screen, and funky materials like wood and Alcantara, and captured a place in my heart. When Google finally tries its hand at a Pixel Flip, at least it won't start from scratch. I hope it will simply port over the hinge from its Pixel 9 Pro Fold and shrink it, but I can't say. I'm unsure how the camera bar (or camera island, or camera square) would fit onto the cover of a flip phone, nor can I imagine whether or not the temperature sensor would make the cut. But, knowing how Google has struggled in the past, I wouldn't be surprised if there were a hiccup or two to scare Android fans away. I'm just not sure I can trust a Tensor chip in a flip phone Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Honestly, I can usually look past some hardware hiccups. I kept using the Pixel Fold for a while after our review — thick bezels and all. I also wore that original Pixel Watch to a wedding or two, simply because it looked like a better casual pick than a Garmin on my wrist. I've even looked beyond a few creases on the displays of foldable phones in my day, mainly to keep my favorite form factor in my pocket. However, if Google is determined to make a flip phone and pack it with a Tensor chip, then I have to say I'm nervous. Yes, the Tensor G4 has come a long way since Google first brought its chipmaking in-house — it runs more efficiently, stays cooler, and supports a full stock of new AI-powered features — but it still falls behind Qualcomm's best. It doesn't put up quite the same numbers, which is fine, but I worry that Google still hasn't worked out its last few thermal kinks. And when I say that I worry it hasn't, I know it hasn't. I've used the Pixel 9 Pro nearly every day since its launch (it still controls bits of my apartment, what do you expect?), and I'm painfully aware of how warm the Tensor G4 can still get at times. When it does, the phone's battery drops like a rock, sending me scrambling for a charger when I'd like to play more of my chosen few games. If that's happening with a traditional form factor, I can only imagine what it would feel like in a compact, complicated flip phone. Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Who knows, though — maybe I'm wrong. Perhaps the same space-saving tricks that gave the Pixel 9a a bigger battery will work for the eventual Pixel Flip. Maybe Google will find a way to pack more cooling technology into a notoriously tricky footprint, or maybe its next few Tensor chips will fix the thermal issues that have troubled me since the days of the Pixel 6. But, if our leaks are anything to go on, then the Tensor G5 won't change too much, and that will leave me worried about the prospect of putting it in a flip phone. Then again, Google has proven me wrong in the past. It's made massive hardware leaps from the Pixel 8 series to the Pixel 9 series, and the change from the original Pixel Fold to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold elevated the latter to sit among the best foldable phones that money can buy. I'm not holding my breath, and I still think that Google has missed its window, but I'd be happy to add this to the list of times I've underestimated the maker of Android.
