Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 represents a significant evolution of its foldable line, offering a refined experience that builds upon previous generations. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 stole the spotlight at the Galaxy Unpacked event, the Z Flip 7 delivers noteworthy improvements, particularly in durability and usability.
An Unexpected Test of Durability
Early hands-on testing provided an unexpected demonstration of the Z Flip 7’s robustness. After less than six hours of use, a dropped phone revealed a surprising resilience. The device landed on concrete, an event that often spells disaster for smartphones. To the user’s relief, the Z Flip 7 sustained only a minor scuff on its bottom edge, despite the jarring impact. This experience validated Samsung’s claim that its “Armour Flex Hinge” is indeed durable and capable of withstanding significant stress – a reassuring sign given the early concerns surrounding the longevity of foldable phones.
Design and the Cover Screen: A Noteworthy Upgrade
At 8.9mm when closed, the Galaxy Z Flip 7’s sibling, the Z Fold 7, is remarkably slim. The Flip 7, while not as thin (13.7mm), has been noticeably streamlined, prompting visions of an even sleeker Galaxy Z Flip 8 adopting the Fold 7’s level of thinness.
The biggest upgrade of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the enhanced cover screen. The original Z Flip featured a tiny, barely functional 1.1-inch display. Now, the Flip 7 boasts a 4.1-inch screen that is dramatically more useful. A key issue with the previous model was its poor visibility in direct sunlight. Samsung addressed this by increasing the cover screen’s peak brightness to 2,600 nits—matching the inner display—and ensuring both screens offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This provides a significantly more consistent and enjoyable user experience whether checking notifications or browsing apps.
Functionality has also improved. While widgets offer a useful starting point, Samsung allows users to enable full app support through the Labs section of Settings, though it requires downloading the MultiStar app for setup.
Camera and Performance: Refinements Over Revolution
The Z Flip 7 retains the same camera system as its predecessors—a 50-megapixel wide-angle, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 10-megapixel selfie camera. However, the switch to a different processor may lead to improvements in photo and video processing through Samsung’s software enhancements and machine learning capabilities.
First Impressions and Battery Life Considerations
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 feels like a worthwhile refinement to the Galaxy Z Flip line. The larger, brighter cover screen has significantly improved usability. The user is eager to see how the battery life holds up. The phone houses a 4,300-mAh battery (an increase from the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s 4,000-mAh battery) which is good news. It remains to be seen, however, if the increased power demands from the Exynos 2500 chip and the larger, brighter displays will offset this advantage.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 delivers a compelling combination of durability, usability, and design, solidifying its position as a top contender in the foldable smartphone market. Further testing is underway to fully assess its performance and battery longevity.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a clear step forward for Samsung’s foldable line, demonstrating the company’s commitment to refining and improving upon its innovative designs. It’s a promising device that balances style and functionality effectively
