Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series has long set the standard for clamshell foldables, blending portability with flagship-grade features. The latest entry, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, doesn’t reinvent the formula but introduces thoughtful upgrades across design, displays, performance, and battery life. The question is—does it bring enough change for Flip 6 owners to upgrade, or is it more of a refined continuation? Let’s break it down.

Design & Build – Subtle Yet Stronger

At first glance, the Z Flip 7 could easily be mistaken for its predecessor, but Samsung has refined the details:

• Hinge: Redesigned to be slimmer yet sturdier, folding completely flat without gaps.

• Dimensions: Slightly taller and wider, but slimmer for a sleeker feel.

• Weight: Still lightweight at 188g, even with a bigger battery.

• Materials: Aluminum frame + Gorilla Glass Victus cover.

• Durability: Rated IP48 for dust and water protection.

The phone feels more polished, robust, and premium than ever, showcasing Samsung’s years of foldable engineering experience.

Displays – Bigger, Brighter, and More Functional

Samsung made meaningful upgrades to both screens this year.

Inner Display

• Size: 6.9 inches (up from 6.7″)

• Resolution: Full HD+

• Refresh Rate: 120Hz LTPO adaptive

• HDR: HDR10+ certified

• Brightness: Up to 1450 nits (auto)

The crease is still present but less distracting, and overall the display feels richer, smoother, and more immersive for gaming, streaming, and multitasking.

Cover Display

• Size: 4.1 inches (vs 3.4″)

• Resolution: Improved

• Refresh Rate: Now 120Hz (huge step up from Flip 6’s 60Hz)

• Brightness: Peaks at 1400 nits

The bigger, edge-to-edge cover display is far more useful—though Samsung continues to restrict it to widgets and a handful of apps like YouTube, Netflix, Maps, and Messages. Full app support is still absent, which power users may find limiting.

Audio & Biometrics

• Speakers: Tuned-up stereo speakers deliver deeper, richer sound than the Flip 6.

• Fingerprint Scanner: Side-mounted sensor remains fast and reliable.

Software – One UI 8 with Android 16

The Z Flip 7 runs One UI 8 on Android 16, and Samsung has finally added some meaningful extras:

• Samsung DeX: First Flip model to support desktop-like productivity.

• AI Features: Gemini Live integration, smarter camera assistance, and contextual responses.

• Updates: 7 years of OS upgrades + 7 years of security patches.

That makes this one of the most future-proof Android phones available today.

Performance – Exynos 2500 Debut

For the first time, the Flip ships with Samsung’s Exynos 2500 chipset instead of Snapdragon.

• GPU: Matches Snapdragon 8 Elite-level performance.

• CPU: Slightly behind Snapdragon rivals in benchmarks.

• Thermals: Throttles heavily under stress, dropping to ~50% sustained performance.

• Storage: 256GB or 512GB (non-expandable).

Day-to-day performance is buttery smooth, but demanding users may notice the thermal limitations during extended gaming or rendering.

Battery & Charging – Slightly Better

Samsung has bumped the capacity to 4300mAh (up from 4000mAh).

• Screen-on Time: Nearly 12 hours in active use—good, but not exceptional.

• Charging:

  • 25W wired: 0–46% in 30 minutes, full in 91 mins

  • Wireless charging supported

• Charger: Still not included in the box.

Battery life is reliable but charging speeds feel outdated compared to rivals offering 65W or faster.

Cameras – Familiar Setup with Minor Refinements

Samsung didn’t change the hardware:

• 50MP main sensor

• 13MP ultrawide

• 10MP inner selfie camera

Main Camera

• Daylight: Excellent sharpness and dynamic range, though colors lean toward muted.

• Portraits: Uses 2x zoom for better framing, but detail softens slightly.

• Low Light: Decent balance, but noise and grain appear—night mode improves clarity but over-sharpens.

Ultrawide

• Daytime: Color and detail match the main camera fairly well.

• Low Light: Struggles with noise.

Selfies

• 10MP inner camera: Good but slightly flat.

• Cover screen + main camera: Far superior selfies thanks to autofocus and natural depth.

Video

• Shoots 4K at 60fps on all cameras.

• Colors and exposure look balanced, but stabilization isn’t perfect. Low-light video still needs work.

Verdict – Should You Buy the Galaxy Z Flip 7?

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is all about refinement, not reinvention. Here’s the breakdown:

✅ What’s Great

• Slimmer, sturdier hinge and sleeker design

• Larger, brighter displays with 120Hz cover screen

• Exynos 2500 performance with AI features

• Improved speakers

• 7 years of software support

❌ What’s Not

• 25W charging feels outdated

• Cover screen still restricted

• Thermal throttling under stress

• Camera setup unchanged

Final Thoughts

If you own the Z Flip 6, the improvements might feel incremental. But for anyone new to foldables or upgrading from an older Flip, the Z Flip 7 offers a future-proof, stylish, and refined foldable experience.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 – FAQs

Q1. What’s the price of the Z Flip 7?
Similar to Flip 6 launch pricing, varies by region (India/US).

Q2. Does it support S Pen?
No—S Pen support is still exclusive to the Fold series.

Q3. How many updates will it get?
Samsung promises 7 Android OS upgrades + 7 years of security patches.

Q4. Can all apps run on the cover screen?
No—only select apps and widgets are supported.

Q5. Is the crease still noticeable?
Yes, but it’s less pronounced and easy to ignore during use.