Hands-on Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 makes flipping fabulous again

With a dazzling cover display, stylish design and solid AI smarts, the Flip 7 is Samsung's best yet.

There's something undeniably enchanting about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.

From the moment I picked it up, clad in its bold and beautiful Blue Shadow finish, I couldn't help but admire the sheer elegance of the design.

The deep navy tone shimmers in the light with a subtle metallic gleam, catching reflections like ripples across a still lake.

This isn't just a phone - it's an accessory, a statement, and it's easily one of the most stylish devices I've ever held.

The refinement here is impressive. Samsung has made this generation thinner, stronger, and smarter without losing the essence of what makes a flip phone so delightfully unique.

That satisfying clap as it folds shut hasn't gone anywhere, and the feel in the hand - lightweight yet solid - is sublime. The new Armour Flex hinge is smoother and sturdier, folding with purpose and confidence.

Even the crease on the inner display is less noticeable than ever, especially once the screen is lit up in all its glory.

And what a screen it is. The internal display stretches to 6.9 inches, filling the eye with vivid colours, deep blacks, and sharp detail.

Everything looks magnificent on it, whether you're doomscrolling on social media or editing a short video. But it's the outer screen - the new, dramatically enlarged Flex Window - that steals the show.

At 4.1 inches, it feels like a proper mini display in its own right, not just a secondary glance-and-go widget.

Framed by ultra-slim bezels and bursting with brightness, it's playful, practical and incredibly addictive. I found myself replying to messages, checking Uber ETAs, snapping selfies and even chatting with Google's Gemini AI without ever flipping the phone open.

Speaking of selfies - this is where the Flip 7 shines.

You can frame up a shot using the main 50MP camera, with the Flex Window acting as your mirror.

The results are stunning. Auto Zoom cleverly adjusts to keep you in frame, and the AI enhancements ensure your background, lighting, and expression all look their best.

There's a joyful immediacy to taking photos this way. Just double-tap the power button, flash a smile, and the countdown begins. It's spontaneous, fun, and honestly a little addictive.

Performance is strong throughout, powered by Samsung's new Exynos 2500 chip and 12GB of RAM. I never once found myself waiting for apps to load or scrolling to catch up.

That said, I did notice the phone running warm at times - particularly during long camera sessions or while using location services in the background. It never became uncomfortable, but it's there, like a quiet hum beneath the surface.

Battery life, thankfully, is much improved. With a larger 4,300mAh cell, I comfortably made it through each day with around 25 - 30% left by bedtime.

Streaming videos, snapping photos, navigating the city - it handled it all without needing a midday top-up.

Charging, however, remains stuck at 25W, which feels sluggish by 2025 standards. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's definitely an area Samsung needs to catch up on.

I've reviewed a few flip phones over the years, and while they've always intrigued me, I've never quite felt they were "for me."

That changed with the Z Flip 7. It's not just a gimmick or a nostalgic throwback - it's a genuinely well-made, fun-to-use, and thoughtfully designed piece of tech. The interface is slick, the AI features are smart without being overbearing, and the build quality is top-tier.

Every interaction, from the satisfying fold to the rich haptics when typing, feels considered and premium.

Is it perfect? No. I still wish Samsung would open up the outer screen to full app usage without requiring workarounds, and the lack of a dedicated zoom lens limits photography versatility.

But as an overall package - the style, the performance, the novelty that doesn't wear off - it's simply brilliant.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the first flip phone I didn't want to put down. It's fun, fashionable, and functional in all the right ways.

If you're even remotely flip-curious, this might just be the one to convince you.