This is the first foldable that doesn’t feel like a compromise in your pocket. Holding it in its folded configuration, it genuinely feels like a substitute for a standalone phone—until you unfold it and reveal that expansive inner display.
The Z Fold 7 comes in three colors: Jet Black, Blue Shadow (or “Ombre Blue” in French marketing), and Silver Shadow. The Blue Shadow variant particularly caught my eye with its subtle yet distinctive finish. The Z Flip 7 shares the Blue Shadow color option, creating a nice consistency across the lineup.
Engineering Marvel with Practical Challenges
Despite the impressive engineering, there are some practical considerations. The Z Fold 7 is noticeably harder to open than previous models. My thumbs struggled to get a good grip on the ultra-thin edges, requiring more force than I’d like. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of. Fortunately, adding a case with a slight lip around the edges makes opening the device significantly easier.
The specs are impressive across both devices:
- The Z Fold 7 features a 7.6-inch inner display (2184×1968 resolution) and a generous 6.5-inch cover display
- The Z Flip 7 offers a 6.9-inch inner screen and a 4.1-inch outer display
- Both devices feature 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling and animations
- The Z Fold 7 comes with up to 1TB of storage, while the Z Flip 7 tops out at 512GB
Interestingly, the battery capacity is surprisingly similar between the two models—4,400mAh for the Fold versus 4,300mAh for the Flip. This suggests the Flip might actually offer better battery life, depending on usage patterns, since it has a smaller display to power when unfolded.
Camera Capabilities That Leverage the Form Factor
The camera systems take advantage of the unique form factors. The Z Fold 7 packs a more advanced camera array with a 200-megapixel main sensor, 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and 10-megapixel telephoto. The Z Flip 7 offers a more modest but still capable 50-megapixel main camera and 12-megapixel ultra-wide.
What makes these cameras special isn’t just the hardware—it’s how they work with the folding design. You can use the devices as their own tripods, perfect for hands-free photos or video calls. The ability to use the superior rear cameras for selfies by utilizing the cover screen as a viewfinder is another advantage that standard phones can’t match.
The processing power differs between the two models. The Z Fold 7 features the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, while the Z Flip 7 uses Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2500. Both should provide excellent performance, though the Fold will likely have an edge in demanding tasks.
The Future of Foldables Is Here
These devices represent a turning point for foldable phones. They’re no longer just interesting concepts or luxury items for early adopters—they’re becoming practical alternatives to conventional smartphones. The Z Fold 7’s thinness is particularly revolutionary, addressing one of the main reasons many consumers have hesitated to embrace foldables.
The price remains a hurdle, of course. These devices will continue to command premium prices due to their complex engineering and smaller production scale. However, as standard flagship phones from Apple and others continue to increase in price, the gap is narrowing. And arguably, these foldables offer more versatility than their conventional counterparts.
Whether you’re more drawn to the pocket-friendly Z Flip 7 or the productivity-focused Z Fold 7 will depend on your needs and preferences. The Flip offers ultimate portability, while the Fold provides a tablet-like experience that can transform how you consume media and multitask.
Samsung has clearly listened to consumer feedback and focused on making these devices thinner, more durable (with IP48 water and dust resistance), and more practical for everyday use. The result is the most compelling case yet for foldable phones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much thinner are the new Samsung foldables compared to previous generations?
The new Z Fold 7 is dramatically thinner than previous generations, approaching the thickness of a standard smartphone when folded. This represents a significant engineering achievement and addresses one of the main complaints about earlier foldable devices.
Q: What are the main differences between the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7?
The Z Fold 7 offers a larger tablet-like experience with a 7.6-inch inner display and more advanced camera system including a telephoto lens. It also features the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and storage options up to 1TB. The Z Flip 7 is more compact and portable with a 6.9-inch inner display, uses the Exynos 2500 processor, and maxes out at 512GB storage.
Q: How does the battery life compare between the two models?
Despite their size difference, the battery capacity is surprisingly similar—4,400mAh for the Fold versus 4,300mAh for the Flip. This suggests the Flip might actually deliver better battery performance since it has a smaller display to power when unfolded.
Q: Are these new foldables difficult to open?
The Z Fold 7 can be challenging to open due to its ultra-thin design, which makes it harder to get a good grip on the edges. Adding a case with a slight lip around the edges significantly improves this experience. The Z Flip 7 seems to open more easily due to its different form factor.
Q: What colors are available for the new Samsung foldables?
The Z Fold 7 comes in Jet Black, Blue Shadow, and Silver Shadow. The Z Flip 7 is available in Blue Shadow, Jet Black, and Coral Red. The Blue Shadow option (called “Ombre Blue” in some markets) is particularly striking with its subtle yet distinctive finish.
