This year, Samsung introduces the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, a successor that aims to refine the clamshell foldable experience, building upon the solid foundation laid by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6. For tech enthusiasts and fashion-conscious consumers in Nairobi and beyond, the decision between these two sleek devices comes down to assessing the generational leaps, subtle design changes, and the impact of evolving AI features.
In this comprehensive, in-depth comparison and review, we’ll dissect every aspect of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and its predecessor. We’ll delve into their design and build quality, scrutinize their captivating displays (especially the outer Flex Window), compare their performance, analyze their camera systems, evaluate battery endurance, and explore the nuances of their software, including the latest advancements in Galaxy AI and Samsung DeX.
By the end of this extensive analysis, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the Z Flip 7 is a worthy upgrade or if the Z Flip 6 still holds its ground as a compelling foldable choice.
The Evolution: Iteration or Innovation?
Samsung’s strategy with the Z Flip series has traditionally been one of careful iteration, focusing on perfecting the user experience rather than radical overhauls.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, launched in July 2024, was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Z Flip 5. It introduced a larger 3.4-inch cover screen, a brighter main display, a more capable 50MP main camera, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset. It also brought initial Galaxy AI features and an improved hinge design. The focus was on making the Flip a more robust and feature-rich daily driver.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, released in July 2025, continues this trajectory with a clear emphasis on enhancing the user’s interaction with the device, both open and closed. It brings a significantly larger and more interactive cover screen, a slightly larger main display, and a new processor. While the camera hardware largely remains the same, software and AI enhancements aim to elevate the imaging experience. Samsung also seems to be making a strategic shift in its processor choice for the Flip line.
This generational progression means that while the Z Flip 6 is still a very capable and stylish phone, the Z Flip 7 offers several key upgrades that could make a tangible difference in daily use for some users.
Design and Build Quality: The Quest for Slimness and a Better Flex Window
The aesthetic and tactile experience of a clamshell foldable is paramount. Samsung has consistently refined the Z Flip’s design, focusing on durability, hinge mechanics, and the increasingly important outer display.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 measures 85.1 mm×71.9 mm×14.9 mm when folded and 165.1 mm×71.9 mm×6.9 mm when unfolded. It weighs 187 grams. It features an Armor Aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the cover screen and back panel, and an IP48 water and dust resistance rating. The hinge was refined to offer a smoother folding action and reduce the appearance of the crease on the main display. The 3.4-inch cover screen, dubbed “Flex Window,” was a major highlight, offering more widget functionality and a better viewfinder for selfies. The matte finish introduced on the Z Flip 6 made it less prone to fingerprints and provided a more secure grip.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 pushes the boundaries of slimness and enhances the cover screen experience. It measures 85.5 mm×75.2 mm×13.7 mm when folded, making it notably thinner than the Z Flip 6 (by 1.2mm). When unfolded, it’s an impressively slim 166.7 mm×75.2 mm×6.5 mm, also thinner than its predecessor. At 188 grams, it’s just 1 gram heavier than the Flip 6, an imperceptible difference for the advancements it brings. The Z Flip 7 features a new, even slimmer Armor FlexHinge and retains the IP48 water and dust resistance. The most striking design change is the significantly larger 4.1-inch, edge-to-edge Super AMOLED Flex Window with impressively slim bezels that seamlessly wrap around the dual cameras. This new design makes the Z Flip 6’s cover screen look dated by comparison. The Z Flip 7 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the cover display for enhanced durability.
Design and Build Takeaway: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the clear winner in terms of design evolution. The noticeable reduction in thickness, especially when folded, makes it even more portable and pocket-friendly. However, the standout feature is the much larger and more immersive 4.1-inch Flex Window. Its edge-to-edge design and slim bezels are a significant aesthetic and functional upgrade, making the cover screen far more usable for quick interactions and a better viewfinder. While the Z Flip 6 was a good step, the Z Flip 7’s design feels truly next-gen for a clamshell foldable.
Displays: A Larger Canvas, Inside and Out
The displays are undoubtedly the focal point of any foldable, and the Z Flip series relies heavily on its unique screen arrangement.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 features a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X main display with a resolution of 2640×1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) and a 22:9 aspect ratio. It supports an adaptive 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate and boasts a peak brightness of 2600 nits. The outer display is a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED Flex Window with a resolution of 720×748 pixels (306 ppi) and a fixed 60Hz refresh rate, with a peak brightness of 1600 nits. While highly functional, the cover screen’s limited refresh rate and resolution, along with its notch-like cutout for the cameras, were points of criticism. The main display featured a noticeable but improved crease.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 takes a substantial leap in both display departments. The main foldable display is now a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a resolution of 2520×1080 pixels (FHD+) and a more traditional 21:9 aspect ratio, offering more usable screen real estate. It retains the adaptive 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate and the impressive 2600 nits peak brightness. The star of the show, however, is the 4.1-inch Super AMOLED Flex Window. This new cover screen features a higher resolution of 1048×948 pixels, a crucial 120Hz refresh rate, and matches the main screen’s incredible 2600 nits peak brightness. Its edge-to-edge design, with the cameras elegantly integrated, offers a far more expansive and interactive experience. Samsung also claims an even less visible crease on the main display due to the new hinge.
Display Takeaway: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 offers significant advancements in both its main and cover displays. The larger and brighter 120Hz Flex Window is a game-changer, providing a much more fluid and useful experience without needing to open the phone. The larger main display with a more standard aspect ratio also enhances usability when unfolded. While the Z Flip 6’s displays were good, the Z Flip 7’s take them to the next level, particularly with the drastically improved cover screen. This makes the Z Flip 7 much more competitive against rivals with large, high-refresh-rate external screens.
Performance: Exynos Returns to the Flip
Historically, Samsung’s foldable phones in most markets (including Kenya) have featured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. However, the Z Flip 7 marks a significant shift for the clamshell foldable.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, built on a 4nm process. This was a custom-tuned version of Qualcomm’s flagship processor, offering a higher clock speed and optimized performance for Samsung devices. Paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the Z Flip 6 delivered exceptional performance for all tasks, from intense gaming to seamless multitasking and on-device AI processing.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 takes a different path, featuring Samsung’s own Exynos 2500 chipset. This 3nm octa-core processor represents Samsung’s latest in-house silicon, incorporating new CPU architectures (including Cortex-X5 cores) and Samsung’s Xclipse 950 GPU, which is designed for hardware-accelerated ray tracing. It is also paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This move to Exynos is a gamble for Samsung, as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “for Galaxy” was widely praised for its efficiency and raw power. While benchmark results for the Exynos 2500 are still emerging, Samsung asserts it will deliver flagship-level performance and superior AI processing thanks to its enhanced NPU. The Z Flip 7 is also the first Flip phone to support Samsung DeX, allowing for a desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor.
Performance Takeaway: This is the most intriguing difference. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 runs on a proven, high-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, ensuring consistent and top-tier performance. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7’s reliance on the Exynos 2500 is a bold move. While Samsung promises flagship performance and enhanced AI capabilities, real-world testing will be crucial to determine if it truly matches or surpasses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in terms of sustained performance, gaming, and power efficiency. The addition of full Samsung DeX support on the Z Flip 7 is a notable functional upgrade, turning it into a more versatile productivity tool.
Camera System: Software Refinements over Hardware Overhauls
Unlike the Z Fold 7, which saw a major camera hardware upgrade, the Z Flip 7 maintains a similar camera setup to its predecessor, focusing on software and AI enhancements.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Camera System: The Z Flip 6 offered a dual-camera setup on the rear and a single selfie camera:
- 50MP Main Camera: f/1.8 aperture, 1.0µm pixels, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS.
- 12MP Ultrawide Camera: f/2.2 aperture, 123˚ field of view, 1.12µm pixels.
- Front/Inner Camera: 10MP selfie camera, f/2.2.
The Z Flip 6 was praised for its improved main sensor over previous Flips, delivering solid image quality in good lighting conditions and respectable low-light performance. Features like Flex Mode (using the folded phone as a tripod) and the ability to use the main cameras for selfies via the cover screen were key differentiators. Video recording supported up to 4K at 60fps.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Camera System: The Z Flip 7 retains the same camera hardware as the Z Flip 6:
- 50MP Main Camera: f/1.8 aperture, 1.0µm pixels, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS.
- 12MP Ultrawide Camera: f/2.2 aperture, 123˚ field of view.
- Front/Inner Camera: 10MP selfie camera, f/2.2.
Despite the identical hardware, Samsung emphasizes software improvements and AI integration for the Z Flip 7’s camera experience:
- ProVisual Engine: Leverages AI for enhanced image processing, promising better detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy, especially in challenging conditions.
- Enhanced Nightography: Improved low-light performance through computational photography.
- 10-bit HDR Video Support: For richer colors and deeper contrast in video recordings.
- Zoom Slider on Flex Window: The larger cover screen now displays a zoom slider for easier framing and adjustments when using the main cameras for selfies.
- Auto Zoom (Flex Mode): The phone can intelligently adjust zoom to keep subjects centered in the frame when in Flex Mode.
- Gesture Controls: Enhanced gesture support for hands-free photo taking.
- FlexCam Improvements: More intuitive controls and preview options when the phone is partially folded.
Camera Takeaway: While the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 doesn’t bring new camera sensors, its focus on computational photography and AI enhancements is crucial. The Z Flip 6 already had a very capable camera, and the Z Flip 7 aims to refine that experience with smarter processing and more intuitive controls, particularly when leveraging the Flex Window and Flex Mode. For users who value the unique photographic capabilities of a flip phone (like hands-free selfies and low-angle shots), the Z Flip 7’s software-driven improvements will be beneficial, but it’s not a night-and-day hardware upgrade.
Battery Life and Charging: A Welcome Boost
Battery endurance is often a concern with compact foldables, given the limited space for larger cells. Samsung has addressed this with the Z Flip 7.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is equipped with a 4000 mAh (typical) Li-Po battery. It supports 25W wired fast charging (reaching approximately 50% in 30 minutes), 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. While a significant improvement over previous Flip models, its battery life was generally considered good for a day of moderate use, but heavy users might have needed a top-up.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 features a larger 4300 mAh (typical) Li-Po battery. This is a welcome 300 mAh increase over its predecessor. It retains the same charging speeds: 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Combined with the new, potentially more efficient Exynos 2500 processor, Samsung claims the Z Flip 7 can deliver up to 31 hours of video playback, a notable improvement over the Z Flip 6’s 23 hours.
Battery Life and Charging Takeaway: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 wins decisively in the battery department. The larger 4300 mAh battery, coupled with potential efficiency gains from the Exynos 2500, should translate to noticeably better real-world endurance. While charging speeds remain unchanged, the extended battery life means less frequent charging, which is a big plus for daily usability. This addresses one of the common concerns with earlier Flip models.
Software Experience: Galaxy AI Matures on One UI 8
The software experience on a foldable is critical, enabling seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes and leveraging the unique form factor. Both devices run Samsung’s One UI on Android, but the Z Flip 7 debuts with the latest.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 launched with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1. It introduced the initial wave of Galaxy AI features, including:
- Circle to Search: A convenient way to search for anything on your screen.
- Chat Assist: AI-powered tone adjustment and translation for messages.
- Note Assist: Summarization and formatting tools for notes.
- Live Translate: Real-time two-way voice and text translations during calls.
- Generative Edit: Basic AI photo editing for object manipulation and background filling.
Samsung committed to 7 years of major Android OS updates and security patches for the Z Flip 6, ensuring excellent long-term software support.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 ships with Android 16 and One UI 8, representing a more mature and deeply integrated AI experience. Key software advancements include:
- Enhanced Galaxy AI: Leveraging the Exynos 2500’s NPU, the Z Flip 7 offers more sophisticated AI features. This includes an improved Circle to Search (with conversational follow-ups), more robust Generative Edit (smarter background filling, “Suggest Erases”), and an upgraded Audio Eraser for video noise reduction.
- Deeper Gemini Live Integration: Google’s advanced AI chatbot, Gemini, is now more seamlessly integrated, including direct access and interaction from the Flex Window. Gemini can even “see” through the cameras without opening the phone.
- Now Bar and Now Brief: AI-powered glanceable information from the Galaxy S25 line, accessible directly on the Flex Window, providing real-time updates on weather, news, and schedule.
- Flex Window Functionality: The larger 4.1-inch Flex Window on the Z Flip 7 is significantly more capable, allowing for more widgets, full app support, and an overall more comprehensive mini-screen experience.
- Full Samsung DeX Support: A major addition, allowing the Z Flip 7 to connect to external monitors for a desktop-like computing experience, a feature previously absent from the Flip line.
- Optimized Flex Mode: One UI 8 further refines the split-screen and application layouts when the phone is partially folded, improving usability for media consumption and video calls.
Like the Z Flip 6, the Z Flip 7 also comes with a commitment to 7 years of major Android OS and security updates.
Software Experience Takeaway: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 takes a significant lead in the software department, primarily due to its launch with Android 16/One UI 8 and the deeper integration of enhanced Galaxy AI features. The drastically improved and more functional Flex Window, combined with full Samsung DeX support, makes the Z Flip 7 a more versatile and intelligent device. While the Z Flip 6 will receive many AI features through updates, the Z Flip 7 offers them out of the box with potentially better optimization and will be the first to get future advancements.
Other Notable Features
- Durability: Both phones use Armor Aluminum frames and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Z Flip 7 also uses Ceramic Glass 2 on the cover), along with IP48 water and dust resistance, making them more resilient to daily wear and tear and splashes. The IP48 rating is an improvement over the IPX8 of older models, adding a level of dust resistance.
- Audio: Both feature stereo speakers tuned by AKG for a good audio experience, but neither has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Security: Side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensors provide quick and reliable unlocking on both devices. Samsung Knox and Knox Vault ensure robust security for your data.
- Connectivity: The Z Flip 7 boasts Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, a slight upgrade from the Z Flip 6’s Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Both offer comprehensive 5G support (Sub6 and mmWave) and NFC.
- Hinge: While both have refined hinges, the Z Flip 7’s new Armor FlexHinge is even slimmer and designed to minimize the crease further.
Pricing and Availability in Kenya (including Mobihub Electronics)
Clamshell foldables are generally more accessible than their book-style counterparts, but they still represent a significant investment. Prices in Kenya are subject to import duties, exchange rates, and retailer specific pricing.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Price in Kenya: As the older model, the Z Flip 6 has seen price adjustments since its launch in July 2024.
- The 12GB RAM / 256GB storage model typically starts from around KSh 96,000 to KSh 109,999.
- The 512GB variant will be slightly more expensive.
- According to our records and various retailers, Mobihub Electronics and other local sellers list the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 256GB/12GB from KSh 97,995 to KSh 109,999.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Price in Kenya: Being the newest flagship, the Z Flip 7 comes at a premium.
- The base model (12GB/256GB) is expected to start from KSh 109,999 to KSh 129,999.
- The 512GB configuration will naturally be higher.
- Looking at current listings, Mobihub Electronics (and other online stores) show the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 12GB 256GB starting from KSh 109,999 to KSh 120,999. There is also a Z Flip 7 FE variant available at a lower price point, starting from KSh 85,000, which features an Exynos 2400 chip and slightly different specs, akin to a re-released Flip 6. This review focuses on the main Z Flip 7.
Pricing Takeaway: The price difference between the Z Flip 6 and the Z Flip 7 is less stark than with the Z Fold series, but the Z Flip 7 still commands a premium for its latest features. The Z Flip 6, especially with potential discounts now that its successor is out, offers excellent value. However, the Z Flip 7’s upgrades, particularly the Flex Window, make its higher price more justifiable for those who want the best experience. Always check Mobihub Electronics for the most current pricing and any promotions available in Nairobi.
The Verdict: Is the Z Flip 7 Worth the Upgrade?
The choice between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 boils down to how much you value the generational refinements, particularly around the crucial cover screen and improved battery life, versus the cost savings of the still-excellent Z Flip 6.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 if:
- The improved Flex Window is a major draw: Its larger size, 120Hz refresh rate, higher brightness, and edge-to-edge design make it significantly more usable and a standout feature.
- You want the best possible battery life from a Flip: The 4300 mAh battery combined with the new processor promises extended endurance.
- You desire the latest and most advanced Galaxy AI features: The Z Flip 7 with One UI 8 offers deeper AI integration and new functionalities from day one.
- Full Samsung DeX support is important to you.
- You appreciate the slightly thinner design.
- You are comfortable with the switch to an Exynos processor. (Performance needs to be confirmed in extensive real-world testing, but early indications are positive).
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 if:
- You want a premium clamshell foldable experience at a lower price point: The Z Flip 6 is still a fantastic device, and its price is now more attractive.
- You are satisfied with its 3.4-inch Flex Window and 60Hz refresh rate: While not as advanced as the Flip 7’s, it’s still highly functional for quick glances and selfies.
- You prefer a proven Snapdragon processor for its consistent and reliable performance.
- Its camera system and initial Galaxy AI features meet your needs.
- The slight difference in thickness and weight is not a major concern.
Final Thoughts:
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 represents a meaningful evolution for Samsung’s clamshell foldable. The vastly improved Flex Window, larger battery, and expanded AI capabilities make it a more polished, versatile, and user-friendly device. It feels like Samsung has listened to feedback and refined the Flip experience in crucial ways, making the outer screen truly useful as a primary interaction point.
However, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is far from obsolete. It delivered substantial upgrades over its own predecessor and remains a highly capable, stylish, and durable foldable. For those on a budget or who don’t necessarily need the very latest advancements in the cover screen and AI, the Z Flip 6 offers exceptional value, especially with potential price drops in the market. The switch to Exynos for the Z Flip 7 is a point of divergence that some traditional Snapdragon fans might eye with caution, but Samsung’s latest Exynos chips have shown promise.
Ultimately, both devices offer the delightful convenience and fashion statement of a modern flip phone. Your decision will depend on how much you value the Z Flip 7’s crucial enhancements, particularly the stellar new Flex Window and improved battery life, against the more accessible price of the Z Flip 6. For the most informed decision, be sure to check out both models at Mobihub Electronics in Nairobi and experience them firsthand. Sources