Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: Foldable phones were once exotic gadgets — exciting to imagine owning, but impractical for most buyers. But Samsung appears committed to changing the conversation.
With the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, the brand is taking its foldable production game to a more affordable price tag and delivering a mix of high-end design and utility, minus the stratospheric price tag of its ultra-flagship brothers.
So, what do you actually get with the “FE” variant of the Flip? And is it a smart purchase or a weakened clone of the original? Let’s break it down.
Design: Aesthetic Looks, Familiar Charm
From first appearances, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE doesn’t scream “budget-friendly.” In fact, it shares much of the same design language that made past Flip models so iconic — slim, pocket-friendly and satisfyingly chic when closed.
That hinge mechanism is rock solid, and the clamshell shape still delivers that aural retro appeal of a flip phone, but modernized for 2020.
It’s offered in soft pastels and neutrals, all of which look classy, and is slightly less glossy than the regular Flip 7. The outer screen is a bit smaller, but is still good for notifications, music control and selfies.
Display: Smaller on the Outside, but Still Gorgeous on the Inside
Its main 6.7-inch AMOLED inner display also gets FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, just like its pricier brother. It is sharp, colorful, and ridiculously smooth to scroll through.
Whether you’re doom-scrolling on social media or binging a favorite show, the viewing experience does not disappoint.
The outer display is more utilitarian and smaller. You can peek at messages, control media playback and pick up calls, but don’t expect the sort of multitasking prowess a Flip normally brings.
Performance: Good Enough for Most The once-reviled A13 processor, introduced last year, returns in the 12 mini and still feels plenty fast.
The Z Flip 7 FE is powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, a slightly de-tuned version of the chipset in Samsung’s premium foldables.
With 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB internal storage, performance is compared to doing daily tasks, enjoying games, playing multiple tasks without problems.
Sure, it’s not the fastest phone on your block — but it will still do what you need without any hitches. The differences between the FE and the standard Flip 7 are more apparent on paper than in real-world use for most people.
Cameras: Not Amazing, But Not Too Shabby, Either
On the rear is a 12MP main camera and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter, there’s also a 10MP front-facing selfie cam.
Photo quality is decent, with nice color, an acceptable dynamic range, and good performance in bright light.
Low-light shots are where the FE model reveals its limitations, but if you’re a casual user, you likely won’t notice.
The Flex Mode is also back, meaning you can snap hands-free selfies and use the phone as a mini tripod.
Battery Life: Surprisingly Good
A 3700mAh battery doesn’t set any records for the Flip 7 FE, but it does surprisingly well thanks to software optimization and a less power-hungry chipset.
You should get a good full day of moderate use before needing to reach for the charger.
It is capable of 25W wired-charging and 15W wireless-charging, which might not be the fastest available, but it’s still nice to have.
Pros:
Foldable design, affordable price point
Gorgeous 120Hz right inside AMOLED display
Solid day-to-day performance
Convenient handy flex Mode and outer Display Features
Wireless charging and waterproofing (IPX4)
Cons:
Not a flagship camera system
Smaller outer display
May not be suitable for heavy gaming or demanding applications.
Power users may find the battery life lacking
An impermanent long-term durability against non-foldables
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: Final Verdict: A Foldable That Is Finally Within Reach
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE doesn’t take aim at the highest-end phones on the market — it’s on a mission to democratize foldable phones.
By stripping back some of the flashier specs and concentrating on what really counts — style, functionality and decent performance — Samsung has built a foldable that feels a lot more attainable.
If you’ve been interested in the flip phone form factor but reluctant on account of price, the Z Flip 7 FE could be the foldable phone you’ve been looking for. It’s evidence that innovation doesn’t always have to carry a premium.