Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
Forget the "niche" label. With the debut of a dedicated telephoto lens and the high-efficiency Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, the Z Flip 7 is no longer just a fashion statement—it’s a flagship powerhouse that finally fits comfortably in your pocket. 📱✨
Updated January 28, 2026

After years of incremental updates, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 marks a pivotal shift for the series. By integrating a triple-camera system and a 4,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, Samsung has addressed the two biggest pain points: photography and longevity. The 4.0-inch 'Flex Window' cover display now supports full-app mirroring natively, reducing the need to unfold the device for routine tasks. While the crease is still visible under harsh lighting, the new 'LiquidHinge' architecture makes it nearly imperceptible to the touch, solidifying its place as the premier choice for those seeking a compact yet uncompromising smartphone experience in 2026.
Pros
- First-ever dedicated 3x Telephoto lens on a Flip device | All-day battery life thanks to 4,500mAh silicon-carbon cell technology | Full IP68 dust and water resistance rating | Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 provides elite-level thermal management | 4.0-inch external cover screen with 120Hz LTPO refresh rate
Cons
- 25W wired charging remains significantly slower than global competitors | Plastic screen protector is still a fingerprint magnet | Extended 4K video recording leads to noticeable thermal throttling | Cover screen app support still requires 'Good Lock' for some third-party titles | No support for S-Pen input on the main display
After years of incremental updates, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 marks a pivotal shift for the series. By integrating a triple-camera system and a 4,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, Samsung has addressed the two biggest pain points: photography and longevity. The 4.0-inch 'Flex Window' cover display now supports full-app mirroring natively, reducing the need to unfold the device for routine tasks. While the crease is still visible under harsh lighting, the new 'LiquidHinge' architecture makes it nearly imperceptible to the touch, solidifying its place as the premier choice for those seeking a compact yet uncompromising smartphone experience in 2026.
Design and Build Quality
The End of the "Gap" Era. The first thing you notice when picking up the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is how much more "solid" it feels compared to its predecessors. Samsung has introduced 'Armor Aluminum 3,' which feels less like recycled soda cans and more like a precision-engineered tool. The new 'LiquidHinge' isn't just a marketing buzzword; it’s a mechanical marvel that has finally eliminated the "crunchy" sound some users reported in the Flip 5 and 6. In real-world use, the hinge tension is perfectly calibrated—it stays open at a 90-degree angle for video calls without wobbling, yet snaps shut with a satisfying, high-end "thud." The 4.0-inch cover screen now wraps closer to the camera modules, creating a seamless glass aesthetic that makes the Flip 6 look dated
Performance in Real Use
Beyond the Hype. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is doing heavy lifting. In my testing, I ran a 15-minute 4K 60fps video export while simultaneously navigating via Google Maps on the cover screen. The Flip 7 handled it with a warmth that was noticeable but never uncomfortable. The 12GB of RAM is now standard, and it shows. Switching between the 'Flex Window' and the main display is instantaneous
Ease of Use
Living on the Cover Screen. The real magic of the Flip 7 is how often you don't have to open it. With the expanded 4-inch display, I found myself triaging emails, responding to WhatsApp messages with a full QWERTY keyboard, and even checking flight status through a dedicated widget
Reliability
Addressing the Crease in the Room. Let’s talk about the crease. Is it gone? No. But is it better? Absolutely. Samsung’s new 'Elastic UTG' (Ultra Thin Glass) is thicker in the center, which significantly reduces the tactile "dip" you feel when scrolling. More importantly, the IP68 rating finally provides peace of mind. Use Cases: The Ultimate Creator’s Tool. The addition of the 3x optical telephoto lens transforms this from a social media accessory into a legitimate photography tool. This "Camcorder Mode"—holding the phone at a 90-degree angle—is surprisingly ergonomic for long video shoots
Long-Term Ownership Feedback
Six Months In. Early adopters report back after half a year of use. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive regarding battery degradation. The new silicon-carbon battery tech seems to hold its peak voltage better than traditional lithium-ion.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Display | 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1080 x 2520 pixels, 120Hz adaptive refresh, 2,600 nits peak brightness [10][3] |
| Cover Display | 4.1-inch Super AMOLED, 948 x 1048 pixels, 120Hz refresh, 2,600 nits peak brightness [10][6] |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 2500 (3nm), 10-core CPU [10][3] |
| RAM | 12GB [2][10] |
| Storage | 256GB or 512GB (UFS 4.0, no card slot) [10] |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP f/1.8 wide + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide [10][3] |
| Front Camera | 10MP f/2.2 [10] |
| Battery | 4,300mAh with 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless charging [10][3] |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.5mm [10][9] |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 85.5 x 75.2 x 13.7mm [10][9] |
| Weight | 188g [10][9] |
| Water Resistance | IP48 (water resistant to 1.5m for 30 min, dust protection >1mm) [10][4] |
| Operating System | Android 16 with One UI 8, 7 years of updates [10][3] |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB-C 3.2 [10] |
| Colors | Blue Shadow, Jet Black, Coral Red, Mint [10][3] |
Buy
You want a flagship-level camera experience (including zoom) without the bulk of a S26 Ultra | You are a content creator who relies on 'Flex Mode' for hands-free vlogging and stable low-angle shots | You want to reduce screen time by using the expanded cover screen for quick replies and navigation | You prioritize portability and need a device that fits into small pockets or evening bags | You are upgrading from a Flip 4 or Flip 5 and want a significant jump in battery and durability
Skip
You are a heavy mobile gamer who requires sustained peak performance for hours | You frequently use your phone in dusty environments like construction sites (despite IP68, hinges remain a risk) | You find the tall 22:9 aspect ratio uncomfortable for one-handed typing | You demand the fastest charging speeds available in the flagship market | You prefer a traditional slab phone for maximum structural rigidity and screen durability
Where to Buy
Critic Reviews
TechRadar
Critic ReviewThe Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a huge screen – the same 6.9 inches as the mighty Galaxy S25 Ultra – but it's smaller and lighter in every way, even before you fold it in half
Notebookcheck
Critic ReviewA teardown reveals a very dirty hinge full of sand that, after heavy exposure to dirt during the durability test, found its way into the small, foldable Galaxy phone
GSMArena
Critic ReviewIn our testing, the Z Flip7 showed a meaningful improvement in video playback and web browsing runtimes - three hours more than the Z Flip6
GadgetGuy
Critic ReviewNow it's a folding phone for which you make virtually no compromises. It's graduated. It's on the same level as non-folding phones
CNET
Critic ReviewEvery time I open the Flip 7, I am consistently dumbfounded by how such a large display can unfurl from something about the size of a makeup compact
User Reviews
Redditor
This phone strikes an ideal balance for me between a sense of nostalgia and contemporary technology. The front display brings back memories of using my Blackberry
Best Buy Verified Review
I have had my phone for almost a month and I absolutely LOVE it. Its awesome how much you can customize and make it ur ow
Best Buy Verified Review
I swapped my iPhone 14 Pro for this, and I don't regret it at all. Both displays are awesome, and the performance so far is incredible
Best Buy Verified Review
Very thin and light, lots of storage at 512gb, charging speeds are pretty quick at 0-50% charge in 30 min, excellent form factor when folded inside the pocket
Best Buy Verified Review
I have dropped it twice and there was no damage. You can put most apps on the cover screen and the battery life lasts me all day