It folds like a Flip. It feels like a Flip. But it doesn’t cost as much as a Flip. That’s the idea behind the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, Samsung’s new entry-level foldable that brings the form factor to more people, but not without a few trade-offs.
After going hands-on with it, it’s clear this isn’t just a watered-down Flip7. It’s a simpler version with enough features to still feel fun and practical.
The Flip7 FE looks almost identical to last year’s Galaxy Flip6, and it’s slightly thicker and heavier. You’ll notice the extra heft when folded, but it still fits in most pockets. It comes in Black and White, with a matte finish that hides fingerprints well.
There’s still an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass protection, though the hinge mechanism feels slightly less premium than the one on the standard Flip7. It folds smoothly, just not as tightly.
The main 6.7-inch AMOLED display remains vivid and responsive. It’s bright, colorful, and great for media consumption or general browsing.
The cover screen, however, is where the biggest difference lies. It’s a small panel that supports limited widgets and notifications. It can show time, date, battery, and select app alerts, but doesn’t support typing or full-screen previews.
That said, Now Brief still works, offering a rundown of daily updates, weather, and commute alerts directly on the cover screen in a simplified layout.
Under the hood, the Flip7 FE uses the Exynos 2500 processor with 8GB RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage. Performance in daily tasks is smooth, with some occasional hiccups when switching between apps or using AI tools.
Battery life is solid thanks to a 4,200mAh cell. It holds up well for a full day of mixed use, from streaming and messaging to navigation. Charging speed is standard—not the fastest, but adequate for casual users.
Like its pricier sibling, the Flip7 FE comes with a 50MP + 12MP rear camera setup and a 10MP selfie camera. Most shots are clear and balanced, especially in good lighting.
You still get FlexCam, Dual Preview, and Nightography features. The main differences are in AI enhancements and post-processing, which are more limited compared to the Flip7.
Despite being a Fan Edition, this phone still runs Android 16 with One UI 8 and Galaxy AI features. Gemini Live, Now Brief, and Circle to Search are all present. Generative edits, voice translations, and portrait filters are scaled back a bit, but still usable.
The AI tools are focused more on utility than flair—they help organize notes, summarize content, and remove background noise in videos. You won’t get the full Galaxy AI suite, but what’s here works for most everyday use cases.
Price and Availability in the Philippines
- 8GB + 256GB: PHP 60,990
- 8GB + 128GB: PHP 56,990
Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE are available until July 31, with online exclusive options and bundled offers, including free storage upgrades and 0% installment plans.
Initial Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is a solid entry point into the world of foldables. It retains the iconic look and adds just enough features to keep it relevant in 2025. Sure, it cuts corners on the cover screen and some AI features, but for those wanting a Flip experience without the full price tag, this could be the sweet spot.
Is the Flip7 FE the foldable you’ve been waiting for? Let us know what you think.
