Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE review

Competition

The Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is sort of like an 'affordable' foldable - to the extent that this is at all possible. Motorola has been making that kind of flip phone too, last year's more premium models (Razrs and Galaxies alike) are also viable alternatives, and there are always compact non-bendy phones to be explored as well.

Starting with the most obvious 'competitor' - the Galaxy Z Flip6 is in most ways the same phone as the Z Flip7 FE and it's widely available (at least in Europe and India) and typically some 20% cheaper. The one thing that the FE has going for it in this bout is the newer software and more distant update horizon, but we'd be very much inclined to save the €200 and go Flip Number 6. Of course - if you can find them at the same price, get the FE. Alternatively, you can pay the premium and pivot to the Z Flip7 proper, gaining larger displays and better endurance.

Then there are the Razrs. Motorola's base model Razr 60/Razr 2025 is the latest budget-sensible option that's going to be about as good as the FE in terms of camera prowess, but the Galaxy easily wins on performance and has better battery life. The thing is, Motorola also has last year's Razr 50 Ultra (or the Razr+ 2024 in the US) going for under FE money, and that's going to give you a zoom camera, better endurance, faster charging, and nicer cover display.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 • Motorola Razr 60 • Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

The more boring responsible path can lead you to a Galaxy S25 instead of a Z Flip7 FE. The regular Galaxy scores points for battery life, performance, zoom action, and, in a way, pocketability - it's 25g lighter. It can also be had for significantly less money (depending on locale and exact moment in time, but generally true).

Other flat-panel reasonably compact options are the Xiaomi 15 and maybe the Pixel 9 (though neither is strictly lightweight).

Samsung Galaxy S25 • Xiaomi 15 • Google Pixel 9

Verdict

Samsung's dual-Flip approach in 2025 makes certain sense in isolation - two different small-size foldables at different price points means more people can find a handset that's a closer match to their budget/needs situation. But the Z Flip7 FE in particular is a bit of a weird proposition when the Z Flip6 still very much exists, is widely available, and is also typically cheaper.

That doesn't mean the Z Flip7 FE is bad, of course - it carries the typical traits of the lineup that make the Galaxy Flips possibly the most popular clamshells in existence. You can count on an excellent software experience (with some caveats as to the cover screen) and a competent camera, all in a durable and pocketable package. One long-standing Galaxy shortcoming is also part of the deal, though - the slow charging, and the battery life and thermal throttling are suboptimal too.

In the end, we don't entirely understand the Z Flip7 FE's existence for as long as there are still Z Flip6 units out there for sale at a lower price. Once the FE's price drops - sure, there's value to be had in a less expensive Galaxy clamshell.

Pros

• Compact, lightweight, IP48-rated, all that stuff.
• As recent as Android can be, feature-rich One UI, and Galaxy AI too, of course.
• Versatile camera system, solid zoom results too.

Cons

• Glacial charging speeds.
• Battery life not quite competitive.
• Cover screen could be larger and even more functional - like it is on the Razrs.
• Heavy throttling under load.

Pricing

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