Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 vs Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE: These are the differences

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Diagonally split image with one flip phone on each side. and "VS" written in the middle.

Intro


Samsung is doubling down on foldables this summer, launching not one but two Galaxy Z Flip models: the premium Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the brand-new Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE (Fan Edition).

Priced at $899, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is Samsung’s first real shot at a more affordable clamshell. It tries to take on Motorola’s budget Razr, while the regular Flip 7 holds its ground at $1,099, offering a more refined design and faster performance.

But with both phones looking quite similar at first glance — and even sharing the same camera setup — what do you really lose by saving $200? Let’s find out.

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

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



Table of Contents:

Design and Size

Both foldables look the part, but the Flip 7 will feel more premium

Both the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Flip 7 FE stick to Samsung’s signature clamshell formula with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back and Armor Aluminum around the frame. Both are IP48 rated, so they can handle some splashes and dust.

However, the Flip 7 introduces some meaningful physical upgrades. It gets a 30% slimmer hinge, thinner bezels, and most notably, a redesigned inner display layer that improves durability and reduces the visibility of the crease. We couldn't tell that much of a difference in our hands-on experience with the Flip 7 though, so it is not exactly crease-free.

By contrast, the FE model essentially borrows the Flip 6’s design and hinge, offering a sturdy but slightly less polished design. It’s still compact and pocketable, but without the refinements that make the Flip 7 feel truly next-gen.


Display Differences


The Flip 7’s 6.9-inch main screen is now closer to a standard smartphone shape (21:9), and it supports Vision Booster for better sunlight visibility. Both models use 120Hz OLED panels inside, but the Flip 7’s edge comes on the outside: its 4.1-inch cover screen is the largest on any Flip yet, now supporting 120Hz, 2,600 nits peak brightness, and thinner bezels.


The FE, meanwhile, sticks with the older 3.4-inch, 60Hz outer display from the Flip 6 — functional but limited, especially without Vision Booster and fewer software features integrated in the cover display.

Performance and Software

Snapdragon vs Exynos, and Galaxy AI everywhere

Here’s where things get more interesting. The Flip 7 uses Exynos 2500, a newer 3nm chip designed for efficiency and Galaxy AI workloads. The FE runs on Exynos 2400, still solid but a step behind in GPU and NPU power.

The Flip 7 also comes with 12 GB of RAM, while the FE settles for 8 GB. That may be enough for day-to-day use, but multitaskers and power users will notice a difference, especially for games, editing, or AI tasks.


Also worth noting: only the Flip 7 supports Samsung DeX, meaning it can double as a desktop replacement — a perk that the FE skips entirely.

Both devices ship with Android 16 and One UI 8, complete with the full suite of Galaxy AI features: Live Translate, Generative Edit, Circle to Search, and more.

However, the Flip 7 gets a much more interactive cover screen experience. It supports full-screen Gemini Live access, real-time camera filters, a new Zoom Slider, and broader third-party app integration through the new Now Bar. While the FE has Now Brief and a clean layout, it simply can’t match the depth of the Flip 7’s edge-to-edge "FlexWindow" software experience.

Camera

Same sensors, same results (but image processing may differ)

Both phones share the same rear and front cameras. That’s a big win for the FE, which gets the upgraded sensor and AI-powered ProVisual Engine that improves shots across lighting conditions. Samsung is also enabling FlexCam mode, Real-Time Filters, Dual Preview, and other tools on both phones.

But again, you’ll find that the Flip 7’s larger FlexWindow makes shooting selfies and previewing them without unfolding far easier — especially in bright conditions where Vision Booster and 120Hz help visibility and responsiveness.


Battery Life and Charging

Not identical, but very close

The Flip 7 features a 4,300mAh battery, while the FE sticks with 4,000mAh — matching the Flip 6. Samsung claims up to 31 hours of video playback for the Flip 7, aided by the newer, more efficient chipset and display controller.

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Charging specs are identical: 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless, with USB-C 3.2. Neither phone includes a charger in the box.

Specs Comparison



Summary


The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is Samsung’s clearest attempt yet to bring foldables to a wider audience, delivering the signature Flip experience at a more approachable $899 price point. You still get the same main and ultrawide cameras, a high-quality folding display, full Galaxy AI support, and that iconic compact design.

But for $200 more, the regular Z Flip 7 offers meaningful upgrades: a faster processor, extra RAM, Samsung DeX support, a larger and more capable cover screen, and likely better battery life.

For first-time foldable users, the Z Flip 7 FE is an appealing gateway. That said, the Motorola Razr (2025) undercuts it at $699 while delivering a similarly solid clamshell experience — and arguably a more flexible cover screen.

Still, if you want to stay in Samsung’s ecosystem, the Z Flip 7 FE brings much of what makes the full Flip great, at a lower price. Unless you really need the larger cover display or power-user extras, the FE model could be the smarter buy.

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