Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE vs Galaxy Z Flip 6: All the differences, and lack thereof

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Intro


Samsung looks set to shake up its foldable lineup in 2025 with the launch of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE — the company’s first clamshell foldable designed for a more budget-conscious audience.

But with this new arrival on the horizon, last year’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 could soon see attractive discounts, making it a tempting alternative. So, which should you pick: the proven Z Flip 6, or Samsung’s more affordable take on foldables?

Now that the Z Flip 7 FE is official, we know it has a lot in common with last year's flagship — from the design language to the camera systems and display specs. Still, there are a few key differences that might just sway your decision, depending on your priorities.

Pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 7 for up to $720 off

$499 99
$1219 99
$720 off (59%)
Pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 7 at Samsung and save $120 as a free storage upgrade on the 512GB variant. On top of that, you'll save up to $600 with eligible device trade-ins. Alternatively, you can get it with a $150 Samsung Instant Credit.
Pre-order at Samsung

Pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE for up to $560 off

$399 99
$959 99
$560 off (58%)
For the first time, Samsung launched a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE alongside the flagship flip phone. Pre-order the budget flip phone at the Samsung Store and save up to $500 with eligible trade-ins. On top of that, the 256GB model is $60 off before trade-ins.
Pre-order at Samsung

Galaxy Z Flip 6 is $150 off at Amazon

$150 off (14%)
Get the Galaxy Z Flip 6 at Amazon with 256GB of storage, and you can save $150 on the model in Silver Shadow or Blue. Don't miss out.
Buy at Amazon

Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 differences:



Table of Contents:

Design and Size

Basically identical

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE brings the familiar clamshell design of the Flip series with no changes in shape or dimensions compared to the Z Flip 6. You get the same aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and IP48 rating for dust and water resistance. Both weigh exactly 187g.

Samsung does introduce new colors for the FE — Black and White — and a glossy rear glass finish, which may give it a slightly different in-hand feel from the satin-like matte textures on the Flip 6.


Display Differences


You won’t find any display compromises here. The Z Flip 7 FE uses the same 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main screen with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Resolution and brightness match the Z Flip 6 as well.

The outer screen is also unchanged — a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. In our Z Flip 6 review, we measured a peak of 1,600 nits outdoors, so you can expect similar performance here.


Performance and Software

The Z Flip 6 might still be the better performer

This is where the two diverge. The Flip 6 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which delivered strong results in our tests — especially in graphics-heavy games and sustained performance. The Flip 7 FE, however, uses Samsung’s Exynos 2400 chip, which is less powerful overall.

The GPU performance, in particular, is a step-down. It’s still capable, but the Adreno 750 in the Flip 6 edges out Samsung’s Xclipse 940 in raw and gaming power.

Memory matters too: the Flip 6 gives you 12 GB of RAM, while the FE tops out at 8 GB — it directly impacts multitasking, app reload times, and long-term performance. With 12 GB of RAM, the Flip 6 can keep more apps open in memory, handle heavier workloads like photo editing or split-screen use more smoothly, and feel snappier overall.


The software support is excellent on both. The Flip 7 FE comes with Android 16 and One UI 8 right out of the box, and the Flip 6 already has the update. Both are promised seven years of OS and security updates.

Camera

Same hardware with potential differences due to processing

Both phones use the same camera setup: a 50 MP main camera, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10 MP selfie cam on the inner display. The FE model also supports FlexCam for hands-free selfies using the rear cameras when folded.

From our review of the Z Flip 6, we know this setup offers a solid boost over the Flip 5. Daylight photos looked sharper, color processing was more balanced, and low-light shots saw a clear improvement.


The difference here may come down to image processing. The Z Flip 6 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon ISP, which provided strong results in sharpening, dynamic range, and noise control. With the Z Flip 7 FE relying on Exynos, results might be a bit softer or less consistent, though Samsung's tuning may keep things close.

Battery Life and Charging

Same size battery, but slower speeds on the FE

Both phones come with a 4,000 mAh battery and support 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless power share.

In our testing, the Z Flip 6 managed a respectable 6h 45m of estimated battery life. The FE should offer similar results, though real-world battery life may vary slightly depending on how efficient the Exynos 2400 chip proves to be.


Charging speeds and the USB support are identical on both devices. They both offer 25W wired charging and support USB Type-C 3.2, which allows for faster data transfer and broader accessory compatibility.

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Wireless charging is the same at 15W, and reverse wireless charging (for earbuds or a watch) is also supported at 4.5W.

Specs Comparison


Here's a quick overview of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 specs:


Summary


Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is a smarter move than you might think. At $899, it offers nearly the same design, screen, camera, and software support as the more expensive Z Flip 6 — all while undercutting it by $200.

The main sacrifices come down to performance and RAM. If you need the fastest chip for gaming or multitasking, the Flip 6 still leads. But if you just want the Flip experience at a lower price — and don’t mind slightly less power under the hood — the Z Flip 7 FE might be the foldable you’ve been waiting for.

Still, don’t rule out the Flip 6 if you find it on sale. It brings a bit more polish to the table and might be the better buy — especially for power users.

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