After spending nearly a week with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, I must admit it’s been a challenge to fully adapt to its unique form factor. This marks my first experience with a clamshell foldable phone, and while I appreciate its compact design, there’s an undeniable squareness to it that feels off.
With a thickness of 13.7mm, this device feels a bit hefty to slide into a pocket. However, I do enjoy the ability to hold it comfortably in my palm when closed. Yet, the trade-off for thickness hasn’t quite won me over in terms of pocket convenience.
Another surprising aspect has been my mixed feelings about the phone’s length. The 6.9-inch Super AMOLED display boasts a 21:9 aspect ratio, which I thought would enhance my scrolling experience and app navigation. Yet, there’s a persistent sense that something is just not right with this elongated setup, which left me feeling somewhat disappointed.
But today brought a turning point.
The Thickness Conundrum
Although the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is slimmer than its predecessor, the Z Flip 6, which was 14.9mm thick, it still feels bulkier compared to standard phones like the Galaxy S25 (only 6.4mm). On the brighter side, the upgraded Armor Flex hinge design makes it more durable, and its IP48 rating ensures better protection.
Even so, I still have doubts regarding dust resistance, a persistent issue for foldable devices. Overall, I’m still intrigued by the form factor but I wouldn’t say I’m ready to fully embrace it yet.
Today, while watching the new Ironheart series on Disney+, shot in a 21:9 format, I encountered a frustration: the series displayed in a 16:9 ratio, which resulted in unsightly black bars around the screen. But when I zoomed in, it was nothing short of a cinematic revelation—the display perfectly enveloped the content.
This experience was a delightful surprise, particularly because it’s my first encounter with a foldable phone of this design. The Flip 7’s aesthetic marks a significant improvement over the Z Flip 6, which had a noticeable bezel; now, the edges are visibly thinner, enhancing the viewing experience.
A Retro-Futuristic Moment
While watching, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. Back in 2009, I reviewed the quirky LG BL40 Chocolate, one of the first phones sporting a 21:9 screen. At that time, smartphone designs were still evolving, and a 4.01-inch screen felt enormous. Watching widescreen videos on it was a unique experience.
Fast forward to today—the Flip 7 dazzles with its AMOLED display, offering a stunning 2K resolution (1080 x 2520) and reaching peak brightness levels of 2,600 nits. It puts those earlier experiences in perspective, reminding me of the missed opportunities I had with the 21:9 format in other devices, such as Sony’s Xperia line.
One Little Flaw
Despite the overall positive experience, there is one lingering issue: the inconsistency in how video formats are handled on the Flip 7. During my viewing of Ironheart, I found myself frequently checking whether the content remained in 21:9. Some scenes might switch formats, leaving you feeling like you might miss crucial action.
If Samsung could implement a feature that automatically adjusts to the content’s format, it would elevate the viewing experience even further. Disney+ could also enhance its platform by ensuring a seamless transition without adding those annoying black bars, as seen on Netflix.
Even with this minor flaw, the cinematic experience on the 21:9 screen is commendable. Though flip-style smartphones aren’t for everyone, they serve a particular audience well—especially if you love to binge-watch your favorite shows on the go.
Are you curious about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 or foldable phones in general? Check out more technology insights and reviews at Moyens I/O.