So, you're eyeing the new Galaxy Z Flip 7 and wondering if it's a significant leap from the Flip 6? It's a question many of us ponder when a new iteration of a beloved gadget arrives. Samsung's latest compact foldable is here, and while it brings some notable tweaks, it's not exactly a revolution.
Let's dive into what's changed. Visually, the Flip 7 sticks to the familiar, elegant design language that Samsung has perfected. If you've seen a Flip 6, the Flip 7 will feel very familiar at first glance. The blend of glass and metal, along with the tasteful two-tone aesthetic, remains. It's a look that's both clean and enduring, even if it doesn't scream 'brand new' from across the room.
But don't let the subtle exterior fool you; there are internal shifts. One of the most talked-about changes is the processor. Samsung has opted for its own Exynos 2500 chip in the Flip 7, moving away from the Qualcomm Snapdragon found in the Flip 6. This is a bit like seeing a familiar brand switch to an in-house engine – it can offer a different kind of performance and efficiency. Paired with 12GB of RAM, the Flip 7 promises a zippy experience, running on Android 16 with One UI 8.0 out of the box.
The displays are where you'll notice some more tangible differences. The Cover Screen has seen a welcome expansion, growing to 4.1 inches with a Super AMOLED panel. It boasts a smoother 60Hz-120Hz refresh rate and a brighter 2600 nits peak brightness, a significant upgrade from the Flip 6's 3.4-inch, 60Hz, 1600 nits display. This larger, more vibrant external screen makes interacting with notifications and widgets a more fluid affair. The main internal display is also slightly larger at 6.9 inches (compared to the Flip 6's 6.7 inches), both offering that gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED 2X quality with adaptive refresh rates.
Battery life is another area that sees an improvement. The Flip 7 packs a 4,300 mAh battery, a bump up from the Flip 6's 4,000 mAh. While the Flip 6 was already touted for its all-day battery, this increase should offer a bit more breathing room, especially with the more powerful processor and larger displays.
When it comes to cameras, it's largely a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' The Flip 7 retains the excellent dual-camera setup from the Flip 6: a 50MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Both support 4K video, and the 10MP front camera is still there for your selfie needs. The real magic here, as with the Flip 6, is how Galaxy AI features can enhance your photography, making the most of that familiar hardware. And yes, you can still use those capable rear cameras for high-quality selfies, leveraging the improved cover screen for framing.
Durability also sees a nod with a strengthened hinge and the continued IP48 water resistance rating, offering that peace of mind we've come to expect. The Flip 7 also comes with a slightly slimmer bezel, contributing to its refined look.
So, the big question: is it worth the upgrade? If you're deeply invested in the flip phone form factor and appreciate the blend of portability and screen real estate, the Flip 7 offers a more refined experience. The larger, brighter cover screen and the beefier battery are compelling reasons to consider it. However, if you were expecting a radical redesign or a complete overhaul of the core features, the Flip 7 might feel more like an evolution than a revolution. It's a solid step forward, building on an already strong foundation, but whether that's enough depends on what you're looking for in your next foldable.