The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 undoubtedly shines with its sleek foldable design and enhanced cover screen, offering a unique blend of style and portability. It’s a device that grabs attention and promises a fresh smartphone experience. However, as with any cutting-edge technology, there are always trade-offs. While the Flip 7 excels in many areas, it also carries certain limitations and compromises that might make it less ideal for some users.
Having spent an intensive week with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, pushing its capabilities in various real-world scenarios, I’ve identified several key areas where it falls short. As a seasoned tech reviewer, I aim to provide you with a balanced perspective, highlighting the “problems” or drawbacks that could be significant for your specific needs.
Before you jump into the foldable trend, join me as we explore the Top 5 Reasons to AVOID the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, ensuring you make a truly informed decision about your next smartphone!
1. Disappointingly Slow Charging Speeds
In an era where many mid-range phones boast 60W, 80W, or even 120W fast charging, the Galaxy Z Flip 7’s charging capabilities are a significant letdown.
- 25W Wired Charging: The device supports only 25W wired charging. This is noticeably slow by today’s standards, especially for a premium-priced smartphone. If you’re someone who often needs a quick power boost before heading out, you’ll find yourself waiting considerably longer. The reviewer humorously describes it as “about as speedy as a legless pensioner wearing a concrete hat,” which aptly captures the frustration.
- 15W Wireless Charging: The wireless charging speed is even slower at 15W. While convenient, it’s not practical for rapid top-ups.
- Impact on User Experience: This slow charging means you’ll need to plan well in advance to ensure your phone is adequately charged, potentially disrupting spontaneous plans or demanding a dedicated charging window of “a good hour or two.” For users accustomed to rapid charging, this will feel like a step backward.
2. Stagnant Camera Hardware (No Upgrades from Z Flip 6)
For a flagship device, especially one undergoing an annual refresh, the lack of camera innovation is a major point of contention.
- Identical Setup: The Galaxy Z Flip 7 features the exact same camera hardware as its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 6. This includes a 50-megapixel primary shooter and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle snapper.
- Zero Upgrades: There are “zero upgrades for this generation,” which is “a bit of a shame.” While the setup is “nice and easy to use” for everyday photos and videos, and performs reliably, it means you’re not getting any advancements in image quality, low-light performance, or new photographic capabilities that might be found in rival flagships or even some upper mid-range phones.
- Limited Versatility: The absence of a dedicated telephoto lens (relying on digital zoom) and the lack of significant improvements in areas like low-light photography mean that serious photography enthusiasts might find the camera system less versatile and capable than expected for its price.
3. Subpar Gaming Performance for Demanding Titles
While foldables aren’t typically marketed as gaming powerhouses, the Z Flip 7’s performance in graphically intensive games leaves something to be desired for its price point.
- Struggles with High Settings: Despite its new 3nm Exynos 2500 chipset and 12GB of RAM, the Z Flip 7 “regularly struggles” with demanding games like “Weather and Waves” when played at higher visual settings. The frame rate can drop significantly during intense action, leading to a “sluggish” and less fluid gaming experience.
- Recommendation to Lower Settings: The reviewer explicitly recommends “knocking down the visual settings” to maintain smoother gameplay, indicating that the phone cannot consistently handle top-tier mobile gaming at its full potential.
- Thermal Management: While it doesn’t get “troublesomely hot,” it can get “quite warm around the edges” during prolonged gaming, which can impact comfort.
- Impact on Gamers: If you’re a hardcore mobile gamer who demands consistent high frame rates and a buttery-smooth experience in the latest titles, the Z Flip 7’s gaming performance might be a significant disappointment.
4. Persistent Fingerprint Magnet & Minor UI Jank
While seemingly minor, these everyday annoyances can detract from the premium experience.
- Fingerprint Magnet: Both the cover screen and the main inner display are “pretty mucky” and prone to picking up grease and grime, especially obvious outdoors or after eating. This means you’ll constantly be wiping down the screens to maintain a clean viewing experience.
- Finicky Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while present, can be “exceedingly dinky” and unreliable if your hands are even slightly moist, forcing you to rely on less convenient PIN entry or face unlock.
- Occasional UI Jank: Despite the general smoothness of OxygenOS, the reviewer noted “occasional bits of One UI jank,” manifesting as minor stutters when rapidly navigating menus or switching between desktops. While not a constant issue, it can slightly detract from the otherwise premium feel.
5. Price vs. Value Proposition (Compared to Alternatives)
Ultimately, the decision to buy a flagship often comes down to the value it offers for its price. For the Z Flip 7, some of its compromises become more apparent when considering alternatives.
- Trade-offs for Form Factor: A significant portion of the Z Flip 7’s cost is attributed to its innovative foldable design and hinge technology. While this offers unmatched compactness and a unique experience, it means that for the same price, traditional slab phones (or even some other foldables) might offer superior performance, faster charging, or more advanced camera hardware.
- Lack of Innovation in Key Areas: The stagnant camera hardware and slow charging speeds suggest that Samsung has prioritized the foldable form factor over pushing boundaries in other critical areas.
- Who Should Avoid: If the unique foldable design isn’t your absolute top priority, and you value a more conventional flagship experience with top-tier charging speeds, cutting-edge camera tech, or consistent high-end gaming performance, then the Galaxy Z Flip 7’s compromises might make it a less compelling choice for its price. You might find better “bang for your buck” elsewhere in the market.
Conclusion: A Stylish Statement, But Know Its Limits
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is undeniably a stylish, compact, and highly appealing smartphone that offers a fresh take on the mobile experience. Its refined design, vastly improved cover screen, and robust build are certainly commendable. However, potential buyers must be fully aware of its significant trade-offs before committing.
The slow charging speeds, stagnant camera hardware, and limitations in demanding gaming scenarios are notable drawbacks that might impact your daily usage. If these specific compromises align with your priorities, the Z Flip 7 could still be a delightful device. But if you demand top-tier performance, rapid charging, and cutting-edge camera innovation for its price, then understanding these reasons to avoid the Z Flip 7 is paramount for making an informed purchasing decision.
About the Author: Tech Spurt Expect in-depth tech reviews, comparisons, unboxings, and hands-on features with fresh new UK smartphones, laptops, wearables, app,s and other new gadgets.
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- Source: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, One Week Review
