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Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7, launched on July 9, 2025, marks a significant step forward in the evolution of flip-style foldable smartphones. With a larger edge-to-edge cover display, a refined design, and robust software support, it reclaims the crown as one of the best flip phones, surpassing competitors like the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025. However, its iterative upgrades, dated cameras, and restrictive cover screen software prevent it from being a flawless masterpiece. This review explores the Z Flip7’s features, performance, and drawbacks, based on hands-on testing and expert insights.
Design and Build: Sleeker and Sturdier
The Galaxy Z Flip7 introduces subtle yet impactful design changes. Measuring 6.56 x 2.96 x 0.26 inches when open and 3.37 x 2.96 x 0.54 inches when closed, it’s slightly wider and thinner than the Z Flip6, weighing a light 6.63 ounces (188 grams). The new Armor FlexHinge is more compact and durable, folding flat with a satisfying “thunk” and holding steady at various angles for creative photography in Flex mode. The phone features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the cover and back, paired with an Armor Aluminum frame, and carries an IP48 rating for water resistance, though dust protection remains limited.
Available in Blue Shadow, Jet Black, Coral Red, and an exclusive Mint colorway (Samsung.com only), the Z Flip7’s matte finish feels premium and resists slipping, even without a case. The redesigned fingerprint sensor in the side key uses a swipe-based setup, improving reliability over previous models. However, the power button’s high placement can be awkward for one-handed use.
Display: Bigger and Brighter
The Z Flip7’s standout feature is its 4.1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow cover display, a significant upgrade from the Z Flip6’s 3.4-inch screen. With a 120Hz refresh rate, 2,600 nits peak brightness, and a 948 x 1,048 resolution, it’s sharp, smooth, and visible in bright sunlight, thanks to Vision Booster technology. The edge-to-edge design eliminates the Z Flip6’s folder-shaped cutout, aligning it with competitors like the Motorola Razr Ultra.
The internal 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (2520 x 1080, 21:9 aspect ratio) is slightly larger and wider than the Z Flip6’s 6.7-inch screen, improving usability for typing and media consumption. Its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and 2,600 nits brightness ensure vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, though the plastic-like feel and visible crease require careful handling.
Performance: Exynos 2500 and Software
The Z Flip7 swaps Qualcomm’s Snapdragon for Samsung’s 3nm Exynos 2500 chip, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage (no microSD support). While not as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Galaxy Z Fold7, the Exynos 2500 delivers reliable performance for multitasking, gaming, and AI tasks, with no significant slowdowns during testing. However, it can warm up during prolonged gaming or 5G use, a noted drawback compared to Qualcomm-equipped rivals.
Running Android 16 with One UI 8, the Z Flip7 offers seven years of OS and security updates (until July 31, 2032), matching Google’s Pixel 10 series. Features like Samsung DeX, which transforms the phone into a desktop-like workstation, and 90:10 multitasking (running two apps with adjustable screen split) enhance productivity. The Flex mode panel, used for camera controls or as a touchpad, adds versatility, though some bloatware (e.g., pre-installed Netflix) requires manual removal.
The cover screen’s software, however, is a weak point. Out of the box, it supports only widgets and a limited set of apps (e.g., Google Maps, WhatsApp, Netflix). Enabling full app functionality requires downloading the MultiStar plugin via the Galaxy Store, a process critics find unnecessarily complex compared to the Motorola Razr’s seamless cover screen app support.
Camera: Decent but Unchanged
The Z Flip7 retains the Z Flip6’s camera hardware: a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8), a 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), and a 10MP selfie camera (f/2.2). While the main lens performs well in bright conditions, producing vibrant photos, the ultrawide and selfie cameras lag behind flagship standards, lacking the sharpness of devices like the Galaxy S25 or Pixel 10. The absence of a telephoto lens and unchanged software processing disappoints, given the Z Fold7’s 200MP camera upgrade. Flex mode enables creative angles for photography, and the cover screen’s selfie preview is a highlight, but overall, the camera system feels dated.
AI features like Photo Assist, Portrait Studio, and Suggest Edit enhance post-processing, allowing users to remove background objects or refine portraits. Gemini Live integration lets users interact with the cover screen for quick tasks, adding a fun, conversational element.
Battery Life and Charging
The Z Flip7’s 4,300mAh battery, an upgrade from the Z Flip6’s 4,000mAh, lasts about 36 hours with mixed 5G and Wi-Fi use, or roughly one heavy-use day. Testing showed it supports up to 31 hours of video playback, outperforming the Motorola Razr Ultra but trailing the Galaxy S25+. The 25W wired charging (branded as “Super Fast Charging”) reaches 50% in about 30 minutes, but lacks a charger in the box. Wireless charging is supported, though slower than competitors offering 45W speeds.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at $1,099 (£1,049, AU$1,799) for 256GB and $1,219 for 512GB, the Z Flip7 matches the Z Flip6’s cost while doubling the base storage. For comparison, the Z Flip7 FE costs $899, the Motorola Razr Ultra $1,299, and the Galaxy Z Fold7 $1,799. Available since July 25, 2025, carriers like AT&T offer trade-in deals, potentially reducing the price to as low as $0 with eligible plans. The Z Flip7 FE, essentially a rebranded Z Flip6 with an Exynos 2400 chip, is a budget-friendly alternative.
Community and Expert Reception
Experts praise the Z Flip7’s larger cover screen and refined design, with outlets like TechRadar and PCMag calling it “the flip phone to beat” for its AI features and long-term software support. However, critics, including Android Authority, note the Exynos 2500’s thermal issues and restrictive cover screen software as drawbacks. Posts on X highlight enthusiasm for the FlexWindow’s selfie capabilities but frustration with the camera’s lack of upgrades. The Z Flip7 ranks highly among flip phones but falls slightly behind the Razr Ultra in performance due to its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Largest, brightest 4.1-inch FlexWindow with 120Hz refresh rate
- Seven years of software updates
- Slimmer, durable design with satisfying hinge
- Samsung DeX and versatile Flex mode
- Competitive pricing with doubled base storage
Weaknesses:
- Unchanged camera hardware lags behind flagships
- Cover screen app support requires MultiStar plugin
- Exynos 2500 warms up under heavy use
- No dust resistance (IP48 rating)
- High power button placement hinders ergonomics
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7, released on July 9, 2025, is a refined flip phone that excels with its 4.1-inch edge-to-edge FlexWindow, robust software support, and sleek design. Priced at $1,099, it offers excellent value, especially with doubled storage and carrier deals. However, its dated cameras, restrictive cover screen software, and Exynos 2500’s thermal quirks hold it back from perfection. For those seeking a stylish, pocketable foldable with long-term updates, the Z Flip7 is a top choice, but competitors like the Motorola Razr Ultra may edge it out for power users. As Samsung continues to iterate, the Z Flip7 proves flip phones are no longer a novelty but a compelling smartphone category.
