It’s tough for me to get excited concerning the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is well-built and highly effective, however it spent considerably much less time in my pocket final yr than the Motorola Razr+. Samsung doesn’t seem to know why individuals purchase clamshell telephones. Its design selections stay uninspired, however I had hope for the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Sadly, Samsung appears content material to supply extra of the identical in 2025, with an anticipated spec bump and restricted design modifications. I’ll preserve an open thoughts when the Galaxy Z Flip 7 releases, however with out a mindset change, Samsung dangers dropping to Motorola earlier than it even steps onto the sphere with foldables in 2025.
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Folding telephones aren’t a gimmick anymore — and the 2025 Motorola Razr proves it
Flip telephones do it greatest
Samsung’s rumored plans appear bland
A brand new Snapdragon and a bigger exterior show
I don’t care whether or not Samsung places a Snapdragon 8 Elite or Exynos 2500 within the Galaxy Z Flip 7. The Snapdragon 8 Elite, specifically, is an outstanding chipset, and I’ve liked it in each cellphone I’ve used with one; nevertheless, its energy is wasted on a clamshell foldable. I don’t perceive why Motorola felt the necessity to ship one within the Razr Extremely, however I had the identical criticism.
Flip telephones aren’t designed for heavy gaming, and so they aren’t ultimate for video or photograph enhancing. Positive, you’ll get some Galaxy AI advantages with on-device processing, however Samsung hasn’t satisfied me that it’s value it simply but — I don’t want Now Temporary on my Galaxy Z Flip 7. I additionally welcome the rumored 4-inch exterior display, however that solely brings it degree with the Motorola Razr+ from two years in the past.
Even when Samsung provides related specs to the Motorola Razr Extremely, I hope it maintains a worth of round $1,100.
Samsung’s rumored Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE doesn’t appear to supply any aid. Leaks recommend the corporate is utilizing the identical design because the Galaxy Z Flip 6 for the Z Flip 7 FE. Samsung is mistaken if it thinks a watered-down Galaxy Z Flip 6 will compete with this yr’s trendy Motorola Razr 2025, even when the Z Flip 7 FE seems to be extra highly effective, which brings me to my subsequent level.
Motorola does extra with much less
Model factors matter with flip telephones
A considerable portion of Motorola Razr patrons won’t ever learn an Android Police article. It’s a tool that appeals to non-enthusiasts as a result of it has type. I carry round a Motorola Razr extra usually than a Galaxy Z Flip cellphone as a result of it’s extra enjoyable. I really like its curved design and vibrant colours.
Sure, Motorola advantages from the nostalgia enchantment of the Razr, however the expertise backs it up. I choose the Razr as a result of it is a cellphone that feels prefer it’s designed from the bottom as much as be a flip cellphone. In the meantime, the Galaxy Z Flip units constantly really feel like Samsung took one in every of its different flagship fashions and easily folded it in half — it’s not a singular expertise.
I do know the corporate performs it protected with its flagship units, however I want Samsung would take an opportunity prefer it has with the Galaxy S25 Edge. It wants one smartphone in its lineup that breaks the mould and surprises individuals. The corporate’s resolution to declining gross sales and curiosity at all times appears to be simply including higher specs, much like what Samsung plans for the Galaxy Fold Extremely. Greater isn’t at all times higher, and Samsung would do effectively to reevaluate why clamshell telephones are extra fascinating to patrons.
Decreasing the value is the way in which to my coronary heart
Don’t concentrate on what we will do, take into consideration how we do it
Even when Samsung provides related specs to the Motorola Razr Extremely, I hope it maintains a worth of round $1,100. Clamshells promote higher than book-style foldables as a result of they’re extra sensible, but additionally as a result of they’re extra reasonably priced. Samsung could not be capable of outstyle the Motorola Razr Extremely or Razr+, however it will probably entice individuals with a lower cost. That’s not been Samsung’s type over the previous few years, and I don’t see the corporate turning the Z Flip 7 into a price cellphone, however it will transfer the needle in the suitable route.
Learn our evaluate
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 most likely gained’t function a daring new design, however Samsung can nonetheless change the notion of the cellphone by offering a greater expertise. A bigger exterior show is a wonderful begin, however the firm wants to provide us an improved interface. Due to its limitations, I deal with the outer panel on my Galaxy Z Flip 6 like a smartwatch, displaying notifications and widgets.
Samsung might change my notion and get me excited concerning the Galaxy Z Flip 7 if it loosened restrictions. I shouldn’t want Good Lock to customise how I exploit apps on the outer panel. I really like how Motorola handles apps on the Razr’s 4-inch exterior show, and I’m ready so as to add a number of to the apps tile inside moments. Sure, there are incompatibilities with some packages, however general, the trade-off is worth it. If Samsung desires me to get pleasure from its Galaxy Z Flip telephones extra, I would like extra management over the apps I can use on the outer display.
To date, not so good
I can’t write off a cellphone that hasn’t even been launched but, however the indicators aren’t promising for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 this yr. If the corporate desires me to take its flip telephones severely, I have to see a bolder reimagining of the smartphone expertise. I’ve enjoyable utilizing my Motorola Razr, and folks at all times ask me about it when it comes out of my pocket. Samsung is able to making enjoyable, modern telephones — we simply haven’t seen it in years.