Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 and Fold 7: Slimmer Designs, Better Cameras, and Casual-Friendly Upgrades

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 represent a big leap in foldable phone evolution. They refine the formula with sleeker builds and improved cameras that build on their predecessors’ strengths. In this post, we’ll break down how the Flip 7 and Fold 7 compare to previous models (and to rivals like Google’s Pixel Fold and Motorola’s Razr) in terms of design (especially thinness) and camera upgrades. We’ll also see why these changes make Samsung’s new foldables especially appealing for everyday, casual users.

Design and Build: Thinner, Lighter, and More Refined

Samsung has put the Flip 7 and Fold 7 on a serious diet – both devices are noticeably thinner and lighter than before. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, in particular, has stunned reviewers by being Samsung’s thinnest foldable to date. When folded shut it measures just 8.9 mm thick, making it 26% thinner (and about 24 grams lighter) than the Fold 6. For perspective, previous Fold generations were much bulkier (the original 2019 Fold was ~15.5 mm folded and weighed 276 g) – now the Fold 7 is down to 215 g, about the same weight as a regular flagship phone. Samsung achieved this slim profile with a redesigned “Armor Flex” hinge and refined internal design. The new hinge lets the Fold 7 close completely flat with no gap, while also reducing the visible crease on the inner screen. The result is a foldable that feels far less brick-like in your pocket – “noticeably thinner… a difference you’ll notice in your hand or pocket”.

The pocket-friendly diet isn’t limited to the Fold. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 also trims down its dimensions. Unfolded, the Flip 7’s body is only 6.5 mm thick, compared to 6.9 mm on the Flip 6. Folded up, it’s around 13.7 mm thick – impressively slim for a clamshell foldable (the Flip 6 was roughly 15–16 mm folded). In fact, the Flip 7 is a hair lighter than its main clamshell rival: 6.63 oz vs 7.02 oz for the Razr Ultra 2025 (about 188 g vs 199 g). Samsung says the hinge mechanism is 30% smaller on the Flip 7 than before, enabling that thinner profile. Despite the skinny build, the new hinge doesn’t compromise durability – it’s built from tough aluminum and steel, and Samsung applied waterproofing to internal components so the chassis could be slimmer. Both the Flip 7 and Fold 7 carry an IPX8 water-resistance rating, meaning they can survive splashes or even a dunking in water. (Dust resistance is still limited – they can handle only larger particles – but Samsung did coat internal parts with resin to add some protection.) Overall, these phones feel more polished and robust than prior models, not just thinner. One early tester even dropped the Flip 7 on concrete and found only a tiny scuff, with no damage to the screens – a testament to the hinge’s improved sturdiness. After several generations of iteration, Samsung’s foldables are now tough enough for everyday life.

Bigger Cover Screens, Same Portability

Slimmer doesn’t mean smaller displays – quite the opposite. Samsung managed to expand the screen real estate on both devices without making them unwieldy. The Galaxy Fold 7’s exterior cover display grew to 6.5 inches, up from 6.3″ on the Fold 6. It also has a wider aspect ratio, making the closed phone act more like a normal phone for messaging and apps. Open it up, and the Fold 7’s inner tablet-like screen stretches to 8.2 inches (vs 7.6″ on its predecessor), great for multitasking or watching videos. Yet thanks to the slim design and lighter weight, it’s easier to handle during prolonged use despite the bigger screens.

The Flip 7 sees an even more dramatic usability boost via its external cover display. Samsung enlarged the Flip’s front screen to 4.1 inches this generation, a big jump from the tiny 1.9″ window on the Flip 4 and even a step up from the 3.4″ cover on the Flip 6. This nearly full-front panel means you can do much more without flipping open the phone. Checking notifications, replying to texts, using widgets, or even running full apps like YouTube and Google Maps is now practical on the cover screen. Samsung also cranked up the cover screen’s brightness to 2,600 nits, matching the foldable’s main display. That means even under bright sunlight, the outer screen stays readable – a welcome improvement over the Flip 6, whose smaller cover screen could be hard to see outdoors. Both the Flip 7’s displays (inside and out) now refresh at 120 Hz for smooth scrolling, making the experience seamless when transitioning between the two screens. Impressively, Samsung achieved these larger displays while shrinking the overall device size. As one reviewer noted, the Flip 7 “has bigger displays inside a thinner body”, seeming to solve many of the shortcomings of earlier models. In other words, you get more screen and less bulk – a winning combo for casual users who want convenience.

Camera Improvements: From Good to Great

Early foldables often lagged behind standard phones in camera quality, but Samsung’s latest models close that gap significantly. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 in particular makes a huge jump in camera hardware. It now packs a 200 MP main camera sensor, up from the 50 MP sensor on the Fold 6. This is the same kind of ultra-high-resolution sensor used in Samsung’s top Galaxy S series, and it promises dramatically sharper, more detailed images. With pixel-binning technology, the 200 MP camera can combine pixels for better low-light performance, so night and indoor shots come out clearer and brighter. The Fold 7’s other rear cameras – a 12 MP ultra-wide and a 10 MP telephoto 3× zoom – haven’t changed in specs, but thanks to improved image processing they deliver better results than before. For example, Samsung’s new AI-powered “Pro Visual Engine” optimizes colors and detail, so even those secondary lenses produce vibrant shots. All told, the Fold 7’s rear camera system is now flagship-grade and ready to rival the best out there for everyday photography. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or low-light scenes, it’s equipped to “deliver exceptional results” across the board.

The selfie camera situation on the Fold 7 has also changed – for the better. Samsung actually ditched the under-display camera it used on the Fold 6’s internal screen. After trying under-display tech for a few generations (with only a 4 MP sensor hidden beneath the screen on Fold 6), the Fold 7 returns to a conventional punch-hole camera on the big inner display. It uses a much sharper 10 MP sensor (versus the Fold 6’s pixelated 4 MP under-display cam). While a tiny hole in the screen is a slight aesthetic trade-off, the payoff in image quality is huge – the Fold 7’s interior selfies now look “just like a normal selfie” with proper exposure and detail. In practice, that means video calls and selfie snaps on the tablet screen are drastically better. (On the Fold 6, selfies with the internal camera often came out dark and blotchy due to the screen layer.) The cover screen still has a 10 MP selfie camera as well, same as before – and combined with the ability to use the big rear cameras when open, the Fold 7 gives you multiple ways to capture yourself with great quality.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7, being a smaller device, doesn’t get a new camera sensor generation – but it still sees meaningful improvements. It carries over the upgraded 50 MP main camera that Samsung introduced in the Flip 6 (a notable step up from the 12 MP cameras on earlier Flip models). Alongside it is a 12 MP ultra-wide lens and a 10 MP front camera, similar to last year. While the hardware remains the same, Samsung has doubled down on software enhancements to boost the Flip 7’s shooting prowess. Thanks to better algorithms and that new Pro Visual Engine, the Flip 7 produces sharper, more vibrant photos than the Flip 6 could manage. Image processing is smarter about things like noise reduction and color, so your snapshots have more “pop” even without a hardware change. Samsung also added new video features – for instance, the Flip 7 supports improved low-light video recording, capturing clearer footage in dim environments than its predecessor. There’s also support for 10-bit HDR video now, which means more accurate and lifelike colors if you play your videos back on an HDR screen. These upgrades show Samsung’s commitment to squeezing the best out of the Flip’s camera system without needing a big lens bump (a wise choice to keep the phone’s slim design). The result is a camera experience that can satisfy casual photographers and social media enthusiasts alike.

One advantage both the Flip 7 and Fold 7 offer is the ability to use their form-factor to your benefit when shooting. For example, the Flip 7’s clamshell design lets its cover screen double as a viewfinder, so you can snap high-quality selfies with the superior rear cameras while framing yourself on the external display. The larger 4.1″ cover screen makes this more practical than ever – it’s like having a mini mirrorless camera display on the back of your phone. The Fold 7 can similarly act as its own tripod; you can prop it half-open (“Flex mode”) for hands-free group photos or steady shots. These are fun, casual-friendly uses of the cameras that a traditional slab phone can’t emulate easily. Importantly, Samsung’s refinements mean you no longer sacrifice much (if anything) in camera quality by choosing a foldable. Whereas a couple of years ago a power user might go for a Galaxy S-series or Pixel for the best camera, now the Fold 7’s 200 MP shooter actually outguns Google’s latest Pixel Fold on raw specs (the Pixel Fold sticks with a 48 MP main camera). And the Flip 7’s cameras, while not quite flagship-killer, are tuned to reliably capture those everyday moments – from brunch pics to concert videos – with ease. In short, Samsung has raised the bar so that foldable owners don’t feel like second-class citizens in the camera department.

How They Stack Up to Google Pixel Fold and Motorola Razr – Casual User Perspective

Samsung isn’t alone in the foldable arena anymore. Google’s Pixel Fold and Motorola’s Razr series are two high-profile competitors targeting similar form-factors (book-style and flip-style, respectively). So how do the Galaxy Flip 7 and Fold 7 compare, and why might Samsung’s approach be better suited for the average user? Let’s break it down.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel Fold

Google’s first-gen Pixel Fold (2023) and its follow-ups show a different philosophy from Samsung’s Fold. The Pixel Fold earned praise for Google’s famed camera software and a wider outer screen, but it comes with some trade-offs. Notably, the original Pixel Fold was heavier and thicker than Samsung’s foldables – it weighed in at 283 g and about 12.1 mm thick when closed. Even the refined Pixel 9 Pro Fold (2024) is still over 10 mm thick folded and weighs around 257 g, whereas the Galaxy Fold 7 is only 8.9 mm folded and 215 g. That difference in hand is significant – the Fold 7 feels much easier to carry around daily, whereas the Pixel can seem a bit “porky” by comparison. Samsung’s emphasis on an ultra-thin frame makes the Fold 7 a better fit for casual users who value comfort and portability. You can slip it in a pocket or use it one-handed more readily than the chunky Pixel Fold.

When it comes to cameras, Google of course has some advantages: the Pixel Fold introduced a powerful 5× optical telephoto lens (around 10.8 MP) that let users zoom in farther than Samsung’s 3× telephoto on the Fold 7. Pixel’s computational photography is also renowned – it can deliver beautiful point-and-shoot results thanks to Google’s image processing. However, Samsung has largely closed the gap here. The Fold 7’s new 200 MP main sensor actually eclipses the Pixel’s 48 MP main camera in pure resolution and detail. And Samsung’s improved image processing (plus their flexibility with SLR-like camera modes in the app) means casual photographers can still get outstanding shots. In everyday scenarios, both the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Fold will take excellent photos – but the Samsung might edge out in overall versatility now. Its only minor shortcoming is the lack of a long periscope zoom; if you love taking far-away zoom shots (say of wildlife or stage events), the Pixel’s 5× lens has an edge. For most users, though, Samsung’s 3× telephoto is sufficient, and the 200 MP sensor can even crop zoom with minimal loss.

Where Google is pushing hard is battery and durability. The upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to have a huge 5,015 mAh battery, about 9% larger than the Galaxy Fold 7’s 4,400 mAh pack. It’s also reportedly the first foldable with a full IP68 dust/water resistance rating, meaning it’s as dust-tight and waterproof as a regular phone. By contrast, Samsung’s Fold 7 (like most foldables) is rated IPX8 – it’s protected against water, but not certified against fine dust. This could appeal to more rugged users; someone who works in dusty environments or worries about long-term hinge debris might see Pixel’s approach as a plus. That said, these advantages come with Pixel focusing on practicality for power users. The larger battery and heavy-duty build likely keep the Pixel’s design on the thicker/heavier side (reports say Google had to use a smaller hinge and shrink bezels just to accommodate that 0.1″ screen increase and bigger battery). In contrast, Samsung is “prioritizing a thin frame and top-notch camera hardware”, aiming to make the Fold 7 feel like a sleek, luxury device. For the casual consumer, that sleekness and polish can be more attractive than raw spec sheet numbers. After all, what good is a huge battery if the phone is too bulky to comfortably use? The Fold 7 still easily lasts a full day for most users, and its faster Snapdragon chipset and refined One UI software ensure a smooth experience. Plus, Samsung has years of interface optimizations for large screens and multitasking (drag-and-split apps, Flex mode features, etc.), whereas Google’s foldable software, while clean, is newer and less feature-rich in some ways. And let’s not forget software support – Samsung has committed to an industry-leading 7 years of updates for its foldables, far outpacing Google’s typical 3–5 year support. All of this means the Galaxy Fold 7 feels like a more mature, refined product for everyday use, whereas the Pixel Fold (especially the first-gen) felt more like a tech enthusiast’s device with a few first-generation quirks (indeed, some early Pixel Fold units had screen durability issues within days, reminiscent of Samsung’s own first Fold hiccups). If you’re a casual user, you’ll likely appreciate Samsung’s proven track record – by generation seven, they’ve ironed out most kinks – and the way the Fold 7 simply disappears into your daily life until you need its big screen. Google’s foldable is catching up fast, but it’s playing by slightly different priorities.

Samsung Galaxy Flip 7 vs. Motorola Razr (2025)

Motorola’s Razr Ultra 2025 is a direct challenger to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in the flip-phone category. In many ways, Motorola stepped up its game this year: the Razr Ultra introduced a stylish new design (with premium touches like an alcantara leather finish), a large 4″ external display, and even dual 50 MP cameras (both the main and ultra-wide sensors are 50 MP now). On paper, that actually matches or exceeds some of the Flip 7’s specs – Samsung’s Flip 7 uses a 50 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide setup. The Razr’s internal screen is a 6.9″ OLED with a blazing 165 Hz refresh, similar size to Samsung’s 6.9″ 120 Hz display. Motorola even managed to pack in a 4,700 mAh battery on the Razr Ultra, which is larger than the Flip 7’s battery (around 4,000–4,300 mAh depending on model) – an impressive feat, potentially giving the Razr longer battery life for heavy users.

However, when it comes to real-world appeal for the average user, the Samsung Flip 7 still holds some key advantages. First is the form-factor and feel: the Flip 7 is slightly slimmer and lighter than the Razr. As mentioned, it’s about 13.7 mm thick folded, whereas the Razr 2025 is roughly 15.1 mm when closed. That difference, while just a few millimeters, means the Flip 7 makes a smaller bulge in your pocket. It’s also a tad lighter (about 10 g less), even though Samsung’s build quality is extremely solid. Motorola’s hinge and design are greatly improved, but Samsung has 7 generations of hinge refinement behind the Flip 7, so it exudes confidence in its durability. Both phones are water-resistant (interestingly, Motorola also touts an “IP48” rating, similar to Samsung’s IPX8, indicating strong water protection with limited dust resistance). Where Samsung leads is the ecosystem and polish – the Flip 7’s software (One UI) makes good use of the cover screen and flex mode, and Samsung’s long update policy means the phone will stay fresh for years. By contrast, Motorola promises only 3 years of Android updates on the Razr 2025 (and 4 years security patches), which is decent but not on par with Samsung’s lengthy support. A casual user who isn’t inclined to upgrade phones often might prefer the Flip knowing it will get OS updates out to Android 18 or beyond, whereas the Razr could stop at Android 18 and miss future features.

Another factor is price and availability. Samsung is making foldables more accessible with options like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE (Fan Edition) starting at $900, and the standard Flip 7 stays at $1,100 (same as last year). Motorola’s Razr Ultra comes in higher – about $1,299 MSRP. Motorola does offer a lower-tier Razr (with fewer features) around $700, but that has a much smaller cover screen and mid-range specs. For what the Razr Ultra 2025 offers, you’re paying a premium that’s actually closer to the Fold territory. Samsung, thanks to its scale, can price the Flip 7 a bit more aggressively or throw in promotional deals (and it’s widely available globally). For a casual consumer, walking into a carrier store, the Flip 7 might simply be easier to get and cheaper in the long run. Samsung’s brand also carries weight – after a decade of Galaxy phones, many users trust Samsung’s customer service and build quality, which can be reassuring for someone new to foldables.

That’s not to say the Razr Ultra isn’t a fantastic phone – it truly narrowed the gap, and it even has some fun touches like Pantone color collaborations and quirky outer screen games. In fact, Samsung seems to have followed Motorola’s lead on the big cover display concept. But ultimately, the Flip 7 balances features and usability in a way that feels finely tuned for everyday use. Its cover screen, while slightly smaller than Razr’s, is highly functional and integrated with Samsung’s software (with support for full apps, widgets, and Samsung’s Good Lock customization). Its cameras, while maybe one less sensor than Motorola’s, benefit from Samsung’s superior image processing and consistency – you can trust that a quick point-and-shoot will come out nicely. Battery life on both is now solid for a day’s use, but Samsung’s efficiency tweaks (and slightly lower refresh rate) make sure the Flip 7 easily meets all-day use for most owners. And if something does go wrong, Samsung’s broader support network (service centers, etc.) might make life easier than dealing with Motorola’s comparatively smaller infrastructure.

From a casual user’s perspective, the Flip 7 and Fold 7 have an edge because Samsung has consciously addressed the pain points that might have made foldables intimidating to the mainstream in the past. Concerns about bulk? They’re the slimmest yet, finally as pocketable as normal phones. Worries about cameras? Now they’re as capable as you’d expect from a high-end device. Fear of durability problems? Samsung’s proven its hinges and even made them survive drops and water dunking. Learning curve? One UI on these devices is refined and intuitive, and you can use them just like any other phone (with bonus features when you want). In contrast, Google’s and Motorola’s offerings each have a few caveats – be it weight, update longevity, or price – that make them perhaps better for enthusiasts than the average buyer. It’s telling that Samsung is the first to introduce a “Fan Edition” foldable at a lower cost; they clearly aim to bring foldables to the masses. All these factors contribute to why the Galaxy Flip 7 and Fold 7 might appeal more to casual users who just want a cool, fun phone that works reliably.

To sum it up, Samsung’s latest foldables combine the wow factor of foldable screens with the practicality and polish of a mainstream smartphone. Below is a quick comparison of how the Flip 7 and Fold 7 stack up against their key competitors in design and features:

Key Differences at a Glance: Flip 7 vs Fold 7 vs Pixel Fold vs Razr

(Specifications and pricing for Pixel and Razr are based on latest available models in 2024–2025. Pixel Fold 10 is expected to add IP68 durability and a slightly larger 6.4″ cover screen, while Samsung’s devices focus on thin design and upgraded cameras.)

Final Thoughts

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 demonstrate how far foldable phones have come – they blend style, innovation, and everyday usability more seamlessly than ever. By slimming down the hardware and beefing up the cameras, Samsung addressed two of the biggest hurdles that once kept foldables in a niche. The Flip 7 is fun, fashionable, and now more practical for the average person, shedding the bulk and weak cameras of older flips. The Fold 7, meanwhile, shows that you can have an expansive mini-tablet in your pocket without compromising on pocketability or photography. Compared to the competition, Samsung’s mastery of design and its focus on user experience give the Flip 7 and Fold 7 a broad appeal – these are devices a tech novice or casual user can pick up and enjoy, not just tech enthusiasts. Whether you’re a longtime Galaxy fan or just foldable-curious, Samsung’s latest duo makes a compelling case that 2025 is the year foldables truly went mainstream. With their head-turning thinness and polished performance, the Flip 7 and Fold 7 are ready to fit into your daily routine – and replace your flat phone – with ease. In a rapidly evolving market, Samsung’s foldables still set the bar for a balanced, user-friendly foldable phone experience. Flip it open or unfold it, and you’ll see: this new generation is all about bringing the future of phones to everyone, not just the geeks.