The Flip Side: How Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 Finally Grew Up

For years, the clamshell foldable has existed in a state of perpetual adolescence—a device overflowing with potential and style but held back by nagging compromises. It was the phone you wanted to love, the one that promised a future of compact convenience, only to remind you of its limitations with a cramped outer screen, anemic battery life, and a sense of novelty that never quite translated into practicality. It was a fashion statement first, a flagship phone second. With the Galaxy Z Flip 7, that era is definitively over. This is the moment the clamshell comes of age.

This device is more than an iterative update; it’s a statement of intent, a comprehensive response to years of user feedback and the mounting pressure from an increasingly competitive market. Samsung has finally addressed the foldable’s original sin: the underutilized cover screen. The new, expansive “FlexWindow” is not just bigger; it’s a fundamental reimagining of how a user interacts with a closed phone, transforming what was once a passive notification ticker into an active, primary interface.

But the revolution doesn’t stop at the hardware. Samsung has bifurcated its strategy, introducing a more affordable “Fan Edition” (FE) sibling alongside the main flagship. This move signals a new, more aggressive approach to the market, aiming to both solidify its premium position and capture a wider audience. This article will explore this new chapter for Samsung’s foldable line, beginning with a deep dive into the transformative FlexWindow and the engineering that made it possible. We will dissect the deep integration of AI, weigh the controversial decision to return to an Exynos processor against the game-changing addition of DeX productivity, and analyze a camera system that bets on software over new sensors. Finally, we will pit the Flip 7 against its fiercest rival in a head-to-head battle before delivering a final verdict on whether Samsung’s latest clamshell has truly earned the crown.

A Window to a New World

The most immediate and impactful change to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is its cover screen. Samsung has shed the last vestiges of its tentative approach, replacing the “folder tab” cutout of its predecessor with a magnificent, edge-to-edge external display that redefines the device’s purpose. This is the “FlexWindow,” and it represents a revolution in the clamshell experience.

The new 4.1-inch Super AMOLED screen spans the entire front surface of the phone, with only a razor-thin 1.25mm bezel surrounding the dual cameras. This is a colossal leap from the 3.4-inch display on the Galaxy Z Flip 6, moving from a secondary screen to what feels like a primary, self-contained interface. More importantly, Samsung has achieved parity between its two displays. The FlexWindow now boasts the same fluid 120Hz refresh rate and staggering 2,600 nits of peak brightness as the main internal screen. This was a critical flaw in previous models; the jarring transition from a smooth, bright inner display to a dimmer, slower outer one is gone. Now, scrolling through notifications or checking widgets outdoors feels seamless and consistent, a crucial step in making the closed-phone experience feel first-class.

This dramatic screen expansion was made possible by significant internal re-engineering within a chassis that is, paradoxically, the slimmest in the Flip series’ history. When open, the Flip 7 measures just 6.5mm thick, and when folded, it comes in at 13.7mm—noticeably thinner than the Flip 6’s 6.9mm and 14.9mm dimensions, respectively. Samsung achieved this feat through two key innovations. First, the company developed a new method of waterproofing that applies a protective coating directly to the internal circuitry, rather than relying on seals within the external chassis. Second, the redesigned Armor FlexHinge is nearly 30% smaller than the one on the Flip 6, creating more internal volume in a tighter package.

This evolution in design is not merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a direct answer to years of competitive pressure. For several generations, Samsung treated the cover screen as an accessory, a place for widgets and glanceable information. Meanwhile, rivals like Motorola pushed the boundaries, proving that a fully functional external display was not only possible but was a key differentiator that users valued. The Flip 7’s FlexWindow is a clear acknowledgment that Motorola’s philosophy has won the day.

However, a ghost of Samsung’s past hesitation remains. While the hardware is now fully capable, running full applications on the FlexWindow is not enabled by default. Users must still navigate to the “Labs” section within the settings menu and download Samsung’s separate Good Lock suite of apps, specifically the MultiStar module, to unlock this functionality. This extra step, a point of friction noted by reviewers and long-time users, suggests a lingering internal debate at Samsung—a conflict between what its engineers can deliver and what its software team deems polished enough for the masses. It’s a small but telling detail that shows Samsung has provided the tools for a revolutionary experience but still asks the user to perform the final assembly.

Despite this software quirk, the physical package inspires confidence. The perennial concern of foldable durability is addressed with a stronger Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protecting the cover screen and back panels. The phone maintains a robust IP48 rating, meaning it can resist dust particles larger than 1mm and survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. These claims were put to an unscheduled, real-world test when a CNET reviewer accidentally dropped the phone onto concrete. The result was not a shattered screen but a minor scuff on the frame, a powerful anecdote that lends significant credibility to Samsung’s engineering prowess.

An AI Companion in Your Palm

With the hardware foundation of the FlexWindow established, Samsung’s next objective is to make it intelligent. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is aggressively marketed as a “compact AI smartphone,” a device where artificial intelligence is not an afterthought but is woven directly into the foldable form factor. This is achieved through a clever, dual-pronged strategy that combines the conversational power of Google’s Gemini with Samsung’s own suite of “glanceable” AI features, all designed to solve the core usability challenge of a flip phone: minimizing the number of times you need to open it.

The first prong of this strategy is a deep integration with Google’s ecosystem. The Flip 7 is one of the first phones to ship with Android 16 and Samsung’s One UI 8, a software pairing built around Gemini AI. This partnership moves beyond simple app integration. By long-pressing the power button, users can summon Google Gemini directly from the FlexWindow, even when the phone is closed. This enables complex, conversational queries that were previously impossible without unfolding the device. For example, a user can ask for real-time styling tips, such as which outfit color would best match their makeup, and receive an AI-generated response. The integration extends to Gemini Live with camera sharing, a feature that allows you to point the phone’s camera at something—a landmark, a menu, a collection of clothes for a trip—and ask Gemini questions about what it sees, all without ever opening the phone.

The second prong is Samsung’s proprietary AI layer, designed for more passive, ambient information. This is most evident in two new features on the FlexWindow: the “Now Bar” and “Now Brief”. The Now Bar sits at the bottom of the screen and provides real-time status updates from various apps. It can show the estimated arrival time of your rideshare, the progress of a podcast, or live sports scores, offering crucial information with a quick glance. Now Brief is a more personalized feed that curates a daily summary based on your location, time of day, and usage patterns, pulling in traffic updates, calendar events, and even fitness data from Samsung Health.

This two-tiered AI system is a strategic masterstroke. It acknowledges that user needs on a cover screen fall into two categories: active, complex requests and passive, simple monitoring. Rather than building a single, monolithic AI to handle both, Samsung has outsourced the heavy lifting of conversational AI to Google, leveraging the powerful, trusted Gemini brand for active tasks. This allows them to quickly achieve best-in-class capability without reinventing the wheel. Simultaneously, Samsung develops its own “glanceable” AI layer for passive tasks, which gives them control over the core UI, allows for tight integration with their own ecosystem services like Samsung Health, and creates a unique user experience that feels distinctly “Samsung.” The result is a FlexWindow that functions less like a tiny second screen and more like an intelligent, context-aware dashboard, directly fulfilling the core promise of the clamshell form factor.

This AI-driven philosophy also extends to creative and aesthetic customization. The camera interface on the FlexWindow, dubbed FlexCam, now features an intuitive zoom slider for easy one-handed operation and “Cover camera effects,” where the ring around the camera lenses changes color to clearly indicate the current shooting mode—white for standard, yellow for photo, red for video. For group shots, Auto Zoom intelligently adjusts the frame to ensure everyone fits perfectly. Beyond the camera, Galaxy AI can auto-curate wallpapers using photos from your gallery and features an adaptive clock font that cleverly wraps around the subjects in your chosen wallpaper, ensuring the time is always visible without obstructing the image.

The Exynos Gambit: Power, Performance, and Productivity

For all its design and AI innovations, the most debated decision Samsung made with the Galaxy Z Flip 7 lies deep within its core: the choice of processor. In a move that has stirred the enthusiast community, Samsung has equipped its latest flip phone with its in-house Exynos 2500 chipset, a departure from the Qualcomm Snapdragon processors found in its recent predecessors and key competitors. This choice, dubbed the “Exynos Gambit,” represents a calculated risk, trading the benchmark supremacy of Snapdragon for potential gains in battery efficiency and, most crucially, enabling a feature that elevates the Flip 7 from a stylish accessory to a genuine productivity tool.

The processor is a state-of-the-art 3nm chip, and it powers both the standard Flip 7 and its more affordable sibling, the Flip 7 FE, which uses the slightly older Exynos 2400. This is a significant shift from the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which utilized the widely praised Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and it places the Flip 7 in direct contrast to its main rival, the Motorola Razr Ultra, which boasts the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite. For tech aficionados, particularly in Western markets, this is a point of contention. Historically, Exynos chips have often trailed their Snapdragon counterparts in raw performance and thermal management, creating a perception of a “lesser” experience that Samsung is now challenging head-on.

Samsung’s wager is that the potential performance trade-offs are balanced by tangible improvements elsewhere. The most significant of these is battery life. The Flip 7 houses a 4,300mAh battery, the largest capacity ever fitted into a Flip model and a welcome 300mAh increase over the 4,000mAh cell in the Flip 6. This directly addresses one of the most persistent complaints about the clamshell category. However, this positive step is tempered by a perplexing stagnation in charging technology. The Flip 7 remains stuck with a relatively slow 25W wired and 15W wireless charging capability. This is a glaring weakness when compared to the Motorola Razr Ultra, which offers blistering 68W wired charging, allowing it to refuel significantly faster.

While the processor choice may be divisive and the charging speed disappointing, Samsung has played a brilliant ace up its sleeve: the Flip 7 is the first device in the series to support Samsung DeX. This is a transformative addition. By connecting the unfolded phone to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, DeX turns the Flip 7 into a portable workstation, complete with a desktop-like user interface. This single feature fundamentally alters the device’s value proposition.

The inclusion of DeX is a masterful strategic maneuver designed to counterbalance the negative perception surrounding the Exynos chip. It deliberately shifts the conversation away from raw benchmark scores and toward versatile, real-world productivity. The question for potential buyers is no longer simply, “Is the Exynos as fast as the Snapdragon?” but rather, “Can a Snapdragon-powered flip phone do this?” By bringing a flagship productivity feature from its premium S-series and Fold line-ups to the Flip for the first time, Samsung elevates the device beyond the “fashion phone” category. It suggests that while the Flip 7 might not win every synthetic speed test, it may win on overall utility, offering a unique capability that no direct competitor can match. It’s a strategic sacrifice of enthusiast bragging rights for a powerful, mainstream feature that redefines what a pocket-sized phone can achieve.

Galaxy Z Flip7Seeing the Difference: A Camera Refined by Code

In an era where camera upgrades are often defined by bigger sensors and more lenses, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 takes a different path. Samsung has made a calculated bet that for the modern smartphone user, the final image is shaped more by intelligent software than by raw hardware. The camera system in the Flip 7 is, from a hardware perspective, identical to the one found in its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Yet, Samsung promises a superior photographic experience, one that is refined not by new glass but by smarter code.

The familiar setup consists of a dual-camera array on the exterior: a 50MP f/1.8 main wide-angle camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera. For traditional selfies and video calls, a 10MP f/2.2 camera is nestled in a punch-hole cutout on the 6.9-inch main display. This decision to carry over the hardware from the Flip 6 is a pragmatic one. Upgrading camera modules is one of the most expensive and spatially demanding aspects of smartphone design, especially within the tight confines of a foldable. By retaining a system that was already well-regarded and competitive, Samsung was able to allocate its research and development budget to other areas, most notably the revolutionary new FlexWindow.

The “upgrade” story for the Flip 7’s camera is therefore one of computation and AI. Samsung claims its enhanced image processing algorithms, combined with the power of the new Exynos chip, deliver tangible improvements. This includes better performance in low-light conditions through an improved Nightography mode, which works to reduce noise and motion blur, as well as new portrait enhancements for more flattering shots. Early hands-on reviews support these claims, with photos praised for their quality, dynamic range, and ability to handle challenging mixed-lighting scenarios.

The most significant technical improvement is on the video front. The Flip 7 can now record video in 10-bit HDR, a substantial step up from the 8-bit video of the previous generation. This allows for a much wider range of colors and deeper contrast, resulting in more vibrant, life-like video footage.

This software-first approach aligns perfectly with the phone’s unique form factor. The new FlexCam user interface on the expansive cover screen makes taking high-quality selfies with the main 50MP camera more practical than ever. The addition of a dedicated zoom slider for one-handed adjustments and the color-coded “Cover camera effects” that visually confirm the shooting mode are small but meaningful quality-of-life improvements that enhance the practical experience of using the camera when the device is closed. This strategy targets the mainstream consumer who judges a camera not by its megapixel count on a spec sheet, but by the quality of the final photo that appears on their screen—a pragmatic trade-off that prioritizes the most impactful user-facing upgrades.

The New Foldable Divide: Flip 7 vs. Flip 7 FE

With the launch of the Flip 7, Samsung introduced a new wrinkle into its foldable strategy: a second, more affordable model dubbed the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, or “Fan Edition.” This move splits the clamshell line into a two-tiered offering for the first time, creating a new dynamic in the market. Priced at $900 in the US, the FE comes in $200 cheaper than the flagship Flip 7 and is explicitly aimed at more “price-conscious users”. However, a closer look at the specifications reveals that the FE is less a celebration of fan-favorite features and more a cleverly repackaged and slightly altered version of last year’s Galaxy Z Flip 6.

The most telling difference is the display. The Flip 7 FE forgoes the new edge-to-edge FlexWindow, instead retaining the 3.4-inch “folder tab” style cover screen from the Flip 6. This single design choice immediately establishes a clear visual and functional hierarchy between the two models. Internally, the compromises continue. The FE is powered by an Exynos 2400 processor, a step down from the Flip 7’s Exynos 2500, and is equipped with less RAM (8GB versus the Flip 7’s 12GB). It also carries over the Flip 6’s smaller 4,000mAh battery. The aesthetic is also simplified, with the FE available only in basic black and white, lacking the premium “Blue Shadow” and “Coral Red” colorways of the main model.

While the $900 price point is lower, critics have been quick to point out that it’s hardly a “budget” phone. It remains a premium-priced device that faces awkward competition, not just from other brands but also from Samsung’s own heavily discounted previous-generation models. This raises a crucial question about the FE’s true purpose.

The strategic value of the Flip 7 FE may not be to serve as a standalone bestseller, but rather to act as a powerful marketing tool that reinforces the value of the flagship Flip 7. On the showroom floor, a potential customer is presented with a clear “good vs. best” choice. They see one phone with a stunning, futuristic 4.1-inch screen and another with a visibly smaller, dated-looking one. The functional and aesthetic gap is so significant that the $200 price difference to upgrade to the “better” phone can seem like a very reasonable investment—a classic upselling strategy.

Furthermore, the FE model serves a defensive purpose. It allows Samsung to have a product competing in the sub-$1,000 price bracket, preventing rivals like Motorola’s standard Razr from gaining an uncontested foothold in that segment. In this light, the “Fan Edition” is less about giving fans what they want and more about strategic market segmentation, competitive positioning, and ultimately, driving sales of the higher-margin flagship model.

FeatureGalaxy Z Flip 7Galaxy Z Flip 7 FEStarting Price (US)$1,100$900Cover Display4.1-inch, 120Hz Super AMOLED3.4-inch, 60Hz Super AMOLEDMain Display6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2XProcessorExynos 2500Exynos 2400RAM12GB8GBStorage Options256GB / 512GB128GB / 256GBBattery Capacity4,300mAh4,000mAhKey FeaturesSamsung DeX support, Edge-to-edge FlexWindowThinner body than Flip 6Color OptionsBlue Shadow, Jet Black, Coral Red, MintBlack, WhiteThe Main Event: A Head-to-Head with the Motorola Razr Ultra

The launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 sets the stage for the most compelling rivalry in the foldable space: a direct confrontation with the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025). This is more than a simple comparison of specifications; it’s a clash of two distinct philosophies on what a premium clamshell foldable should be. Motorola has pursued hardware supremacy, betting that users will pay a premium for the absolute best in processing power, camera sensors, and charging speeds. Samsung, in contrast, is championing a holistic ecosystem approach, wagering that users will prioritize a lower price, long-term software support, and unique productivity features over winning the spec sheet.

On paper, the Motorola Razr Ultra presents a formidable challenge. It is powered by the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which Motorola proudly touts as making it the “most powerful flip phone” on the market—a clear advantage over the Flip 7’s Exynos 2500. The display battle is a near-tie with trade-offs: the Flip 7 has a marginally larger 4.1-inch cover screen to the Razr’s 4.0-inch, but the Razr boasts a larger 7.0-inch main screen (vs. 6.9-inch) and superior technical specs, including a faster 165Hz refresh rate and higher resolution on both of its displays.

Motorola’s hardware advantage becomes decisive in the camera and battery departments. The Razr Ultra features a potent triple 50MP camera system—covering wide, ultrawide, and selfie duties—which stands in stark contrast to Samsung’s 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP selfie camera configuration. For battery and charging, the Razr Ultra wins unequivocally. It packs a larger 4,700mAh battery and supports blazing-fast 68W wired charging, leaving the Flip 7’s 4,300mAh battery and sluggish 25W charging far behind.

Where Samsung turns the tables is on price and the software experience. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts at $1,100, a significant $200 cheaper than the Razr Ultra’s $1,300 entry price. This value proposition is bolstered by two powerful “X-factors.” First is the unique productivity offered by Samsung DeX, a feature Motorola cannot match. Second, and perhaps most crucial for long-term ownership, is Samsung’s class-leading promise of seven years of major OS and security updates. This dwarfs Motorola’s commitment of just three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, making the Flip 7 a much more future-proof investment.

This contrast reveals the two competing ideologies. Motorola’s strategy is to win the hardware arms race, appealing to power users who demand the best quantifiable metrics. Samsung’s strategy is to win on overall value and ecosystem integration. They concede the raw power argument to focus on a more complete, versatile, and long-lasting experience at a more accessible price. The choice for a consumer is therefore not about which phone is objectively “better,” but about which philosophy aligns with their personal priorities: short-term hardware dominance versus long-term software value and unique productivity.

FeatureSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 7Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)Verdict / WinnerStarting Price (US)$1,100$1,300Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7ProcessorExynos 2500Snapdragon 8 EliteMotorola Razr UltraCover Display4.1-inch, 120Hz, 948x1048p4.0-inch, 165Hz, 1272x1080pMotorola Razr UltraMain Display6.9-inch, 120Hz, 1080x2520p7.0-inch, 165Hz, 1224x2912pMotorola Razr UltraRear Camera System50MP Wide + 12MP Ultrawide50MP Wide + 50MP UltrawideMotorola Razr UltraBattery & Charging4,300mAh, 25W Wired4,700mAh, 68W WiredMotorola Razr UltraKey DifferentiatorSamsung DeX Desktop ModeSuperior Hardware SpecsTie (Depends on User Priority)Software Support7 Years of OS & Security Updates3 Years OS, 4 Years SecuritySamsung Galaxy Z Flip 7Conclusion: The New King of the Flip?

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 arrives as the most complete, compelling, and mature clamshell foldable Samsung has ever produced. By finally overhauling the FlexWindow to create a truly functional primary interface and adding the game-changing productivity of Samsung DeX, the company has not only addressed its most significant historical weaknesses but has also added substantial new value. This is the phone that moves the Flip series from a niche fashion accessory to a legitimate mainstream flagship contender.

However, the device is not without its trade-offs. The decision to use an in-house Exynos processor, while enabling features like DeX and potentially better battery optimization, will remain a valid concern for performance enthusiasts who prioritize raw power and benchmark scores. Furthermore, the charging speed is disappointingly slow, a glaring weak spot when compared to the blistering pace set by its primary competitor.

Ultimately, the choice between the Flip 7 and its rivals comes down to a question of priorities.

For most people, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the best foldable phone to buy. It strikes an exceptional balance of price, cutting-edge features, and unparalleled long-term software support. At $1,100, it offers a premium, versatile, and future-proof experience that makes it the top recommendation for the average consumer looking to step into the world of foldable technology.

For the absolute power user, the Motorola Razr Ultra remains a tempting alternative. It is the undisputed champion of hardware, offering the fastest processor, the most advanced camera system, and the quickest charging available in a flip phone. For those who demand the best possible specs and are willing to pay a $200 premium for them, the Razr Ultra is the clear choice.

For the budget-conscious buyer, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE presents a compromised option. It should be viewed as an entry point for those who absolutely cannot stretch their budget to the main Flip 7. However, buyers must be aware that they are essentially purchasing last year’s technology—with a smaller screen, smaller battery, and less power—at a price that is still firmly in the premium category.

For existing Flip owners, the upgrade path is clear. For users of a Galaxy Z Flip 4 or older, the leap to the Flip 7 is a transformative one. The massive improvements in screen technology, battery life, and overall usability make it a highly recommended upgrade. For owners of the more recent Flip 5 and Flip 6, the decision is more nuanced. The upgrade is worthwhile only if one places a high value on the expansive new FlexWindow and sees genuine utility in the productivity potential of Samsung DeX.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE were officially announced at a Galaxy Unpacked event in Brooklyn.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 starts at $1,099 in the United States, £1,049 in the United Kingdom, and €1,199 in Europe for the base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. A 512GB storage option is also available for $1,219 / £1,149 / €1,329.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE starts at $899 in the United States and £849 in the United Kingdom for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Pre-orders for all models began on the day of the announcement. General retail availability and shipping commenced on July 25, 2025.