8.3/ 10 SCORE Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Pros
The 6.9-inch display is immersive, with beautiful colours and distinction
The 4.1-inch display seems to be unbelievable
It’s sturdy and survived a drop onto concrete
One UI 8 (Android 16) runs splendidly
$1,100 remains to be quite a bit, however Samsung offers the telephone extra worth than the Flip 6
Cons
Gets heat when recording movies and taking part in video games
Battery life is identical because the Flip 6 regardless of an even bigger battery
Cover display software program has room to develop
When I first received my palms on Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 7, I used to be delighted to find that it has a smaller crease, bigger cowl display, thinner design and larger battery in comparison with final yr’s Galaxy Z Flip 6. But as I examined the brand new clamshell telephone, I grew to become enthralled by its interior display. At 6.9 inches, that is the largest display on any Samsung telephone other than the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has an 8-inch foldable show. The Z Flip 7’s massive display dimension makes content material really feel extra immersive and colours look beautiful and vivid. This led to epic TikTok and Instagram classes, watching widescreen movies similar to A Working Man and Back to the Future, in addition to leaping forwards and backwards between two apps stacked vertically on the display due to One UI 8’s 90:10 cut up software.This will not be your father’s smartphone and even his previous flip telephone.Every time I open the Flip 7, I’m persistently dumbfounded by how such a big show can unfurl from one thing in regards to the dimension of a make-up compact. And when it is closed, there is a 4.1-inch cowl display that is improbable in its personal methods with new intelligent animations for when you’re recording a video, charging the telephone or taking a selfie, all effectively utilizing the additional cowl show actual property. In phrases of performance, although, the duvet display’s software program is about the identical because the 3.4-inch one on the Flip 6. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a brand new hinge that is almost 30% smaller than the one on the Flip 6. It will also be positioned at almost any angle. James Martin/CNETThe Galaxy Z Flip 7 is essentially the most fully-realized model of what Samsung’s perfect of a flip telephone is for the reason that launch of the unique Galaxy Z Flip in 2020. The Flip 7’s enchantment is easy: It’s a skinny telephone with a giant daring display that folds in half right into a drink coaster-sized sq..The Flip 7 launches at a time when Samsung’s rivals, particularly Motorola, have discovered their very own distinctive enchantment and success with flip telephones, which have progressed from novelty to aggressive cutting-edge technological area of interest. So it is good to see the South Korean firm nail this telephone’s design. And in my testing, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 has been a blast to make use of.Whether I used to be on the streets of Little Italy in New York paying for gelato with out opening the telephone or watching Sinners on that 6.9-inch display throughout a flight to San Francisco, the Flip 7 impressed me in almost each approach however one: its battery life. It has a bigger battery than the Flip 6, however does not final any longer in day by day use. It did persistently get me via a day on a single cost, usually having 15-20% left, however there have been additionally a number of days the place it wanted an early night high off. That’s OK, however I hoped to squeeze out a number of extra hours. Also, the Flip 7 did often get heat simply whereas in use, particularly once I was filming movies, taking part in video games or utilizing it as a desktop laptop through DeX (sure, I’m that man).The Galaxy Z Flip 7 begins at $1,100 and comes with 256GB of storage. That’s the identical value as final yr’s Flip 6, however you really get double the storage. The $1,100 value remains to be quite a bit for a telephone, however I feel Samsung added extra worth to the Flip 7 than it did with the Flip 6, and there is at all times the lower-spec (and fewer refined) Galaxy Flip 7 FE at $900 for many who need to save somewhat cash. The Flip 7 FE is basically repackaged Flip 6 with out its Snapdragon processor. But to assist make the price sting much less, Samsung and carriers have offers for the Flip 7. The Flip 7’s interior display is 6.9 inches and has a wider facet ration than earlier Z Flip telephones. James Martin/CNETWho should purchase the Galaxy Z Flip 7?If you’ve got been tempted by a clamshell-style foldable, you must positively contemplate the Flip 7. If you are attempting to decide on between the Flip 7 and the comparable $1,300 Motorola Razr Ultra, that is a tricky alternative. I’m engaged on a comparability between the 2 flip telephones however I’ll say this for now: I’m an enormous fan of the Razr Ultra, and whereas on paper it prices $200 greater than 256GB Flip 7, Motorola’s premium clamshell foldable comes with 512GB of storage. A Flip 7 with 512GB prices $1,220, which remains to be $80 of daylight between the 2.If you may have a Galaxy Z Flip 4 or older, the Flip 7 can be an improve in each approach. It’s tougher to make that very same suggestion for Flip 5 house owners until your telephone is displaying its age. And in case you have a Galaxy Z Flip 6, you possibly can sit this one out until you actually need these bigger screens. When opened, the Flip 7 is 6.5 mm thick in comparison with the Flip 6 which is 6.9 mm. James Martin/CNETGalaxy Z Flip 7 designThe total Flip 7 is thinner than the Flip 6, together with the hinge, which is sort of 30% smaller. The distinction is noticeable once I maintain it. The telephone won’t be as dramatically skinny because the Fold 7, which is over two millimeters thinner, although I maintain questioning how superb a clamshell-style foldable could be if it have been the identical thickness because the Fold 7. The hinge can simply be positioned at almost any angle between its open and shut factors. And closing the Flip 7 comes with a strong thwap sound that’s as satisfying as rubbing a canine’s stomach.Foldable telephone thickness in contrast Phone OpenClosedSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 4.2mm8.9mmSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 6.5mm13.7mmSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE 6.9mm14.9mmMotorola Razr Plus (2025) 7.09mm15.32mmMotorola Razr Ultra 7.19mm15.69mm Despite the thinner design, the Flip 7 is definitely a gram heavier than the Flip 6. In hand the telephone feels gentle and is comfy to carry. It has an IP48 ranking for water and mud resistance which is the best a foldable telephone can have as of 2025. The quantity “4” within the ranking means it’s protected in opposition to particles which can be 1-millimeter or bigger. So the Flip 7, as with most foldables, is not one thing you must convey to the seashore. If sand received into the hinge or display it might do pricey harm, for instance.In phrases of sturdiness, I did not count on to check this on my first day with the Flip 7, however I unintentionally dropped it on a concrete patio. Aside from a tiny scratch on the hinge, the Flip 7 got here out unscathed.While the crease on the interior display is much less noticeable, I can nonetheless see it at sure angles and really feel it when swiping. There are some choosy purists ready for a very seamless folding display who can be unhappy, however I really do not see it more often than not when the display is on.On earlier Z Flip telephones, going forwards and backwards between the interior display and the outer show confirmed off their variations, with the duvet display trying noticeably dimmer particularly in daylight. Thankfully Samsung fastened that. The cowl display and primary show can every attain as much as 2,600 nits of peak brightness and each have as much as a 120Hz refresh charge to make system animations, scrolling round and online game graphics look buttery clean and immersive. It’s a big enchancment. Google’s Gemini AI Live runs on the duvet display. James Martin/CNETGalaxy Z Flip 7 battery and processorSamsung took a unique strategy with the Flip 7’s processor by choosing an Exynos 2500 chip, as a substitute of the Snapdragon 8 Elite that’s in foldables just like the Razr Ultra and Fold 7. While it is a notable change, the Exynos 2500 runs simply high quality in day by day use. The solely occasions I suspected one thing is likely to be completely different was when the Flip 7 would get heat — however which may have extra to do with the brand new thinner design.In benchmarks for the CPU, the Flip 7 scored decrease within the Geekbench 6 take a look at than the Razr Ultra and Fold 7 and almost the identical because the Flip 6, which runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. And for gaming and graphics benchmarks, the Flip 7 was nicely behind the Fold 7, the Razr Ultra and the Flip 6 within the 3D Mark Wildlife Extreme take a look at. These exams must be taken with a grain of salt, although. The Flip 7 can be simply high quality for most individuals in day by day use. If you’re closely into cellular gaming, utilizing on-device AI or need the Flip 7 to be your full-time videographer, you would possibly need to take a look at the Razr Ultra or the Fold 7. But for much less frequent AI use, video recording and gaming, you have to be high quality with the Flip 7’s {hardware}. I’m curious in regards to the longevity of the Exynos 2500 chip, particularly if somebody have been to maintain the Flip 7 for the seven years that Samsung guarantees of software program and safety updates.Geekbench v.6.0 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 2,216 7,338Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 2,237 6,777Motorola Razr Ultra 2,837 8,705
Geekbench v.6.0 single-core
Geekbench v.6.0 multicore
Note: Longer bars point out higher efficiency
3DMark Wild Life Extreme Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 3,945Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 4,290Motorola Razr Ultra 6,296 Note: Longer bars point out higher efficiency
The Flip 7 has a 4,300mAh battery; that is up from the 4,000mAh one within the Flip 6. But the Flip 7 has two bigger screens and a canopy display that may hit a better most peak brightness. So that further little bit of battery capability will get wolfed up fairly fast. In actual life, I averaged a full day of use on a single cost over two weeks. A pair extra hours of use could be good as it’ll positively assist with Flip 7’s longevity, particularly as newer software program might doubtlessly drain the battery sooner sooner or later.In CNET’s 45-minute battery endurance take a look at, which incorporates scrolling via social media and information feeds, streaming YouTube, conducting a video name, taking part in video games and different normal objective use, the Flip 7 misplaced much less of its cost than the Flip 6 however dropped greater than the Razr Ultra. And in CNET’s video battery take a look at, which entails streaming video on the primary show at full brightness for 3 hours, the Flip 7 misplaced much less of its cost than the Flip 6 however greater than the Razr Ultra, which has a most 165Hz refresh charge. The Flip 7 runs One UI 8 and has a bunch of recent Android 16 options together with the power transfer the time anyplace in your wallpaper. James Martin/CNETGalaxy Z Flip 7 One UI 8Notably, the Flip 7 and Fold 7 run One UI 8 (Samsung’s personalized model of Android 16) out of the field. Android 16 was launched a month in the past, so it is unbelievable that Google and Samsung have been capable of really do that — which brings Flip 7 house owners the latest software program bells and whistles.In use, One UI 8 has been fantastic. I have never skilled any hiccups or bugs. I actually take pleasure in having the 90:10 cut up interface on the primary display the place one app takes up 90% of the show and one other takes up 10%. And if I need to swap it up in order that the app taking on 10% takes up 90%, I merely faucet on that app’s window. It’s a small however pleasant software nice for multitasking.Samsung’s Now Brief UI characteristic performs an even bigger position on the duvet display. There’s a tiny stack to the left of the cameras the place I can shuffle via notifications like a deck of playing cards. In phrases of Now Brief, the briefings are nonetheless reasonably sparse. I see the climate, a random information story and a immediate so as to add YouTube movies to my transient. I feel Now Brief has potential, however as it’s, I am unable to say I’d use it.Cover display widgets are nice and interactive. You can run full apps (through Samsung’s Good Lock app), however they don’t seem to be as well-optimized for the display as apps working on the Motorola Razr Ultra’s cowl show. I’m pleased to see Samsung develop the duvet show’s dimension however want the software program matched the expertise of the primary display higher. I nonetheless encounter the “open phone to continue” pop-up greater than I like.There’s a brand new button on the duvet display for altering an app’s facet ratio. It’s a killer characteristic provided that apps working via the Good Lock app aren’t at all times optimized for the duvet show’s square-ish facet ratio. These are the 2 cameras within the outer show: a 50-megapixel wide-angle and a 12-megapixel ultrawide. James Martin/CNETGalaxy Z Flip 7 digicamThere are two cameras on the skin of the Flip 7: a 50-megapixel wide-angle and a 12-megapixel ultrawide. Cut into the within display is a 10-megapixel selfie digicam. But if you have not used a contemporary flip telephone earlier than, know that you’re going to be utilizing that 50-megapixel primary digicam essentially the most, even for selfies and group pictures.Like prior Z Flip fashions, the Flip 7 is without doubt one of the most versatile telephones for capturing pictures and that is largely as a result of the foldable is its personal tripod by unfolding it midway. And whereas the cameras aren’t the very best ones you’ll find on a telephone or foldable, they persistently take good photographs and movies.
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This shot of the BIGFACE popup was taken with the primary digicam. There was a flood of soppy pure gentle coming in from a window on the left (out of body) and a few crimson gentle coming from a neon signal on the best. Patrick Holland/CNET
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This avocado toast regarded inexperienced however not the nuclear glowing inexperienced that the primary digicam captured. Patrick Holland/CNET
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In goof lighting, the primary digicam can decide up a whole lot of sharp particulars like all of the cat fur on the striped blanket. Patrick Holland/CNET
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New York streets look nice at evening after it rains, particularly on this picture that i took with the primary digicam. Patrick Holland/CNET
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This picture of CNET’s Tara Brown (left) and Vanessa Hand Orellana was taken with the Flip 7’s primary digicam. Patrick Holland/CNETDo I want there was a devoted telephoto digicam? Yes, however cropping in or taking photographs at 2x and even 4x seems to be good. And the Flip 7 will get the brand new zoom slider that the Galaxy S25 sequence has, which is handier for pinpoint changes than different telephones’ digicam apps. It makes such a distinction when I’m holding the telephone one-handed and attempting to zoom in on a topic.
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I grabbed this shot of the New York skyline with the Flip 7’s primary digicam set at 2x. It was an ideal sky. Patrick Holland/CNET
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I snagged this shot of a canine consuming water with the primary digicam at 2x. The lighting wasn’t that shiny and the feel within the canine’s fur seems to be nearly like paint stokes due to all of the noise discount. Patrick Holland/CNET
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I used the primary digicam at 2x to seize a snap of a Snowy Plover from Andytown Coffee in San Francisco. It allowed me to seize a photograph of the majestic drink with out my shadow creeping into the body. Patrick Holland/CNETI have been a fan of Samsung’s ultrawide cameras for years — there’s simply one thing magical with that lens particularly that may make a photograph look dramatic with out going utterly distorted like a fisheye lens. Do I want it took higher photographs beneath dim lighting like in a bar? Yes.
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Here’s is the entryway of the previous Pacific Telephone constructing in San Francisco. I like how the ultrawide lens exaggerates the archway and different particulars across the doorways.
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The exterior of San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum seems to be much more dramatic via the Flip 7’s ultrawide lens. Patrick Holland/CNET
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Also in sensible phrases, the ultrawide lens additionally lets extra of the view in body — on this case Little Italy in New York. Patrick Holland/CNETTo enhance the taking pictures expertise, Samsung has added help for log video recording, which preserves extra picture data within the highlights and shadows, permitting for higher flexibility with regards to enhancing a video’s colours and distinction. There’s additionally Audio Mix, which might make the audio in your movies sound higher with the assistance of AI. There are various picks for the duvet display’s wallpaper together with a number of which can be interactive. James Martin/CNETGalaxy Z Flip 7 closing ideasIt appears like Samsung took almost each shortcoming that earlier Z Flips had and solved them for the Flip 7. The telephone is full of sensible compromises and can little question have a wider enchantment in consequence. And if you happen to’re capable of get to a retailer and see the Flip 7 in individual, you will know instantly whether or not it is for you or not. But the Flip 7 is not the one clamshell foldable that Samsung launched. There’s additionally the $900 Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, which is mainly a repacked Flip 6 with a brand new processor. Previously, Samsung would maintain final yr’s Flip round with a $100 low cost. We’re testing the Flip 7 FE, so maintain an eye fixed out for CNET’s assessment.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 specs versus Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, Motorola Razr Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip 6 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FEMotorola Razr Ultra (2025) Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6Cover show dimension, tech, decision, refresh charge 4.1-inch AMOLED, 948×1,048p, 120Hz refresh rate3.4-inch AMOLED; 720 x 748 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate4-inch pOLED, 2,992×1,224p, as much as 165Hz variable refresh rate3.4-inch AMOLED; 720 x 748 pixels; 60Hz refresh chargeInternal show dimension, tech, decision, refresh charge 6.9-inch AMOLED, 2,520×1,080p, 1-120Hz refresh rate6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,640 x 1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz refresh rate7-inch AMOLED; 1,272×1,080p, as much as 165Hz variable refresh rate6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,640 x 1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz refresh ratePixel density Cover: 342ppi; Internal: 397ppiCover: 306 ppi; Internal: 425 ppi Cover: 417 ppi; 464 ppiCover: 306 ppi; Internal: 425 ppi Dimensions (inches) Open: 2.96 x 6.56 x 0.26 in; Closed: 2.96 x 3.37 x 0.26 inOpen: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 in Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 inOpen: 2.91 x 6.75 x 0.28 inches Closed: 2.91 x 3.47 x 0.62 inchesOpen: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 in Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 inDimensions (millimeters) Open: 75.2 x 166.7 x 6.5mm; Closed: 75.2 x 85.5 x 13.7mmOpen: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm Closed: 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mmOpen: 73.99 x 171.48 x 7.19mm Closed: 73.99 x 88.12 x 15.69mmOpen: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm Closed: 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mmWeight (grams, ounces) 188g (6.63 oz.)187g (6.6 oz)199g (7 oz)187g (6.6 oz)Mobile software program Android 16Android 16Android 15Android 14Cameras 50-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)50-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)50-megapixel (huge), 50-megapixel (ultrawide) 50-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)Internal display digicam 10-megapixel10-megapixel50-megapixel10-megapixelVideo seize 4KTBD4K TBDProcessor Samsung Exynos 2500Samsung Exynos 2400Snapdragon 8 EliteSnapdragon 8 Gen 3RAM/storage 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB8GB + 128GB, 256GB16GB + 512GB, 1TB12GB + 256GB, 512GBExpandable storage NoneNoneNoneNoneBattery 4,300 mAh4,000 mAh4,700 mAh4,000 mAhFingerprint sensor YesSideSideSideConnector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneSpecial options One UI 8, IP48 water resistance, 25W wired charging, Qi wi-fi charging, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Galaxy AIIP48 ranking, 25W wired charging, wi-fi charging + powershare, 2x optical zoom (as much as 10x digital)IP48 ranking, 68-watt wired charging, 30-watt wi-fi charging, 5-watt reverse charging, twin stereo audio system, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic cowl dispaly, 3,000 nits peak brightness on cowl show, 4,500 nits peak brightness on primary show, 5G. IP48 ranking, 25W wired charging, wi-fi charging + powershare, 3x optical zoom (as much as 10x digital and 30x Space Zoom with AI Super Resolution tech)US value begins at $1,100$900$1,300$1,100 How we take a look at telephonesEvery telephone CNET’s evaluations group exams is utilized in the true world. We take a look at a telephone’s options, play video games and take photographs. We study the show to see if it is shiny, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and construct to see how it’s to carry and whether or not it has an IP ranking for water resistance. We push the processor’s efficiency to the extremes utilizing standardized benchmark instruments like GeekBench and 3DMark, together with our personal anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution movies and taking part in graphically intense video games at excessive refresh charges.All the cameras are examined in a wide range of situations, from shiny daylight to darkish indoor scenes. We check out particular options like evening mode and portrait mode, and examine our findings in opposition to equally priced competing telephones. We additionally try the battery life through the use of it day by day in addition to working a sequence of battery drain exams.We bear in mind extra options like help for 5G, satellite tv for pc connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus help, quick charging speeds and foldable shows, amongst others that may be helpful. We steadiness all of this in opposition to the worth to provide the verdict on whether or not that telephone, no matter value it’s, really represents good worth. While these exams could not at all times be mirrored in CNET’s preliminary assessment, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.