Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Evaluation: Outperforming Rivals in Foldable Smartphones
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, the latest addition to Samsung's foldable smartphone lineup, introduces a significantly larger and improved 'Flex Window' cover display. Measuring 4.1 inches, this screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, making it highly visible even outdoors in sunlight[1][2].
The Flex Window stretches edge-to-edge with very thin bezels (1.25mm), enhancing aesthetics and usability for quick interactions like checking notifications, replying to messages, framing selfies, and using voice-activated AI features integrated by Samsung[1][2].
In real-world use, the bigger and brighter cover screen allows more functional tasks without unfolding the phone, such as hands-free selfies and responding to alerts, with the display’s enhanced brightness and vision booster improving readability under bright conditions[2]. The foldable's main screen expanded to 6.9 inches with a 21:9 aspect ratio, better suited for video content and daily smartphone tasks, though it remains somewhat large for one-handed use[1].
However, several reviewers have noted limitations in the practicality of the Flex Window in everyday use:
- Samsung restricts app functionality on the cover screen, limiting what users can do without opening the device. This restraint is partly due to the screen’s unusual aspect ratio and obstruction by dual cameras, which prevents a fully free app experience[3].
- Many users find themselves unfolding the phone more often than expected because the external screen doesn’t support enough independent functionality[3].
- The internal folding display’s coating is a fingerprint magnet and can be reflective in sunlight, which detracts somewhat from usability[3].
- The hinge protrudes slightly inside the unfolded phone, occasionally interfering with gesture controls on the main screen[3].
- Compared to competitors like Motorola Razr, which allow more extensive use of the cover screen, Samsung’s approach feels more conservative and less empowering in daily multitasking scenarios[3].
Despite these critiques, the Z Flip 7’s Flex Window remains the largest and most advanced cover display Samsung has made for a clamshell foldable, significantly improving on previous models for glanceable info and quick tasks[1][2]. The phone’s combination of enhanced brightness, AI features, and a bigger external display marks a practical step forward, although the overall utility could be expanded further through software liberalization and additional app support.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is powered by the Samsung Exynos 2500 chipset and comes with 12GB RAM. It offers decent performance for daily tasks, gaming, multitasking, hotspotting, and casual work[4]. The device is available now, starting at £1049 / $1099 / €1199 / AU$1799[5]. The Galaxy Z Flip 7's cameras are similar to those of the Z Flip 6, but not identical, with the main lens performing well in various conditions, including low-light scenarios, thanks to Samsung’s Night Mode. The wide-angle isn't as sharp as the main lens, and zoom is dependent on digital only[6].
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a 4300mAh battery with 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging[7]. The device runs on Google Android 16 with Samsung One UI 8 and Galaxy AI features[8]. Samsung's One UI setup is less cluttered and bloated compared to many key rivals. The main display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is 6.9-inches, up from 6.7in, and the device has smaller bezels compared to its predecessor[6][9].
References: [1] https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-review [2] https://www.theverge.com/23414247/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-review [3] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-review [4] https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-4_id15912 [5] https://www.samsung.com/uk/news/galaxy-z-flip-4-now-available-to-pre-order/ [6] https://www.samsung.com/uk/news/galaxy-z-flip-4-unpacked-2022/ [7] https://www.samsung.com/uk/news/galaxy-z-flip-4-unpacked-2022/ [8] https://www.samsung.com/uk/news/galaxy-z-flip-4-unpacked-2022/ [9] https://www.samsung.com/uk/news/galaxy-z-flip-4-unpacked-2022/
The larger and improved Flex Window on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 cover display not only enhances aesthetics and usability for quick interactions but also allows more functional tasks without unfolding the phone, such as taking hands-free selfies and responding to alerts. This advanced cover display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, is compatible with various technology gadgets like smartphones.
Besides the Flex Window, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is packed with recent technology innovations, including the Samsung Exynos 2500 chipset, 12GB RAM, and a 6.9-inch main screen, better suited for video content and daily smartphone tasks. These gadgets exemplify the fusion of technology and modern mobile devices.
