Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Review

Key Improvements in the Galaxy Z Flip7

Samsung has long been a leader in the foldable phone market, but recent advancements from competitors have pushed the company to innovate further. The latest iteration, the Galaxy Z Flip7, showcases several notable upgrades that make it a compelling choice for consumers looking for a unique form factor.

One of the most significant changes is the increased width of the device, which now measures just under 4 mm wider than its predecessor, the Z Flip6. This added space gives the phone a more traditional bar-like feel when unfolded and allows for a larger 6.9-inch display compared to the 6.7-inch screen on the Z Flip6. Additionally, the Flip7 is slightly thinner when open, at just 6.5 mm.

The chipset upgrade is another major highlight, as the Galaxy Z Flip7 now features Samsung’s own Exynos 2500 paired with the Eclipse 950 GPU. This shift from Snapdragon CPUs marks a strategic move by Samsung to enhance performance and control over its hardware ecosystem.

Despite these improvements, the foldable display remains largely unchanged from the Z Flip6. It still features a dynamic LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, ensuring vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling.

A More Useful Cover Screen

One of the standout features of the Galaxy Z Flip7 is its redesigned cover screen. Previously a small window with limited utility, the new cover screen has grown nearly an inch in size and now supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, up from 60 Hz. This enhancement makes the cover screen much more functional, allowing users to access notifications, news, and even apps like the Samsung Now Bar.

With the Good Lock app, users can unlock additional features, including streaming apps, making the cover screen a versatile tool for quick access without needing to fully open the device. This design choice enhances usability while maintaining the compact form factor that the Galaxy Z Flip series is known for.

Design and Performance

The Galaxy Z Flip7 retains many of the design elements from the Z Flip6, including Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, an aluminum frame, and IP48-rated dust and water resistance. However, the camera hardware remains unchanged, which may be a disappointment for users who prioritize photography.

Samsung compensates for this by relying on its ProVisual Engine and processing power to enhance image quality. While the 50 MP main camera with a 1/1.57-inch sensor isn’t flagship-level, it delivers strong results through advanced image processing. The 12 MP ultrawide camera, however, could use an upgrade, especially for vlogging or low-light photography.

The 10 MP selfie camera also feels redundant given the capabilities of the main lens and the convenience of using the cover screen as a viewfinder.

Battery Life and Heat Management

The Galaxy Z Flip7 comes with a 4,300 mAh battery, an improvement over the 4,000 mAh battery in the Z Flip6. In daily use, the battery life is impressive, with many users reporting over 50% remaining at the end of the day, especially when relying on the cover screen for most tasks.

However, the device can heat up, particularly when used in half-fold mode or during extended gaming sessions. The Exynos chipset lacks proper heat dissipation, leading to noticeable warmth on the side with the cover screen. Despite this, the phone maintains consistent performance without any slowdowns.

Benchmark Results and Value

In terms of performance, the Galaxy Z Flip7 delivers respectable benchmark scores. It scores 1,557,976 on AnTuTu, with a CPU score of 392,919 and a GPU score of 638,435. These results place it slightly below the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE but ahead of the S24 Ultra in both CPU and GPU benchmarks.

The Geekbench 6 single-core CPU score of 1,924 is comparable to the Z Flip6, while the multi-core result of 7,437 is significantly higher than the S24 Ultra. The GPU score of 14,643 also outperforms the S24 Ultra, making the Flip7 a solid choice for those prioritizing performance in a niche device.

Who Should Consider the Galaxy Z Flip7?

The Galaxy Z Flip7 is ideal for users who value a compact design and the versatility of the half-fold feature. It’s perfect for those who want to shoot photos or videos without a tripod or for individuals who appreciate the ability to disconnect by closing the phone while still staying updated via the cover screen.

While the Galaxy Z Flip7 is priced at $1,099.99 for the 256 GB model and $1,219.99 for the 512 GB version, it faces competition from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which offers superior performance at a similar price point. Choosing the Flip7 means you need something specific that only this foldable form factor can provide. For those who do, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is a worthwhile investment.