All of the options I wish to see

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 made many noteworthy enhancements over its predecessor, together with considerably decreasing crease visibility, upgrading the hinge, and extra. In the event you’re available in the market for a wise flip cellphone, you gained’t discover many alternate options that match the identical stage of polish, though gadgets just like the Moto Razr Plus make an admirable try. As a lot as I like the Flip 6, nothing is ideal. With that in thoughts, right here’s my wishlist for the Galaxy Z Flip 7, together with all the things we learn about it thus far.

Samsung’s cowl display know-how has come a good distance because the authentic Flip, and that’s talking from private expertise. Whereas the present Flex Window is an enchancment over the previous, it’s nonetheless a considerably restricted expertise.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 cowl display is successfully only a common smartphone show, however the smaller kind issue of the Flip means its window works extra like a smartwatch than a typical cellphone show. As a substitute of a full Android expertise, you’re restricted to a collection of widgets. Technically, you’ll be able to run full apps utilizing Samsung’s Good Lock software program and the MultiStar plugin, however the resolution is buggy, complicated, and doesn’t work effectively with many apps.

The smaller nature of the duvet show will at all times make it tough to supply a whole Android expertise, however Samsung must strive tougher to efficiently emulate that as an alternative of delivering one thing that feels so restricted. A much bigger cowl display would assist, as we’ve seen with gadgets just like the Razr Plus (2024). Nonetheless, even this system depends totally on a widget-based method.

Something bigger would doubtless require Samsung to vary the Flip’s kind issue considerably, which appears unlikely. Whereas a full Android expertise might not be possible on the duvet display, a barely bigger show, cleaner, extra useful widgets, and options like totally useful messaging apps would go a good distance. Even when it meant creating particular “cowl display” variations of core apps like a browser or e mail, it could be worthwhile for Samsung to push the boundaries of its Flex Window software program.

The Galaxy Z Flip sequence won’t be as inexpensive as a typical flagship, however the markup is comparatively small in comparison with one thing just like the Galaxy Z Fold 6. For that cause, I can forgive loads of lacking extras, particularly if the bottom Galaxy S from the identical 12 months doesn’t have these options both. One factor I can’t forgive, nonetheless, is sluggish charging. In a world the place gadgets just like the OnePlus 12 can cost as much as 80W, 25W simply feels anemic.

I sincerely hope the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 affords not less than 45W charging, as we acquired with the Galaxy S24 Extremely. I’d additionally prefer to see the Galaxy S25 Extremely go even additional, however that’s a subject for one more day.

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 affords top-of-the-line digicam setups accessible on a foldable cellphone, although it doesn’t fairly match a standard flagship’s digicam. Whereas I’d like to see the Fold 7 undertake the identical digicam bundle because the Galaxy S sequence, the Flip’s positioning as a extra inexpensive foldable product makes this rather less vital. Nonetheless, improved zoom performance could be a welcome addition. Samsung does its finest with software program, however having a telephoto lens could be an incredible possibility. Whereas not everybody could care about this, it’s a helpful characteristic for individuals who prefer to zoom in for sure photographs.

This results in my subsequent level: possibly it’s time for a couple of Flip?

There have been rumors that the Fold 6 would see an Extremely version, however these later gave solution to hypothesis a few Fold 6 Slim, a thinner model of the identical mannequin. The Galaxy Z Fold SE has since launched completely in South Korea, packing a bigger show and some different minor modifications.

It’s clear Samsung is curious about diversifying, and I personally assume foldable telephones have matured sufficient to warrant completely different fashions at numerous value factors. The identical logic applies to the Flip sequence as a lot because the Fold.

Those that need the bragging rights of a foldable may be content material with the bottom mannequin, however what about those that need a flip cellphone with out compromises? Proper now, there’s no actual possibility. Each flip cellphone comes with trade-offs, resembling slower charging, smaller batteries, and weaker cameras in comparison with true flagship gadgets.

I see two potential paths for Samsung right here. One possibility is to launch a extra inexpensive cellphone — possibly a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, for instance — with its cheaper price level achieved by reducing corners resembling utilizing cheaper supplies or providing a smaller cowl display. On this state of affairs, the bottom mannequin would keep comparatively unchanged, with the same old generational upgrades. Alternately, I’d choose a dearer cellphone — let’s say a hypothetical Galaxy Z Flip 7 Extremely — that raises the value however consists of flagship-level options sometimes lacking from flip telephones. Whereas it wouldn’t must match the Galaxy S Extremely in each manner, it ought to not less than be on par with the bottom Galaxy S in key areas like charging velocity, digicam high quality, and processing energy.

I’m an enormous fan of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip sequence. I’ve spent round six months every with the unique Flip, the Flip 3, and the Flip 4. In the end, I made a decision that foldable telephones had been simply too fragile for my way of life, so I presently use a Galaxy S24 as my primary system. The issue is, I’m clumsy, and I’ve children — a mix that doesn’t bode effectively for foldables.

Each foldable I’ve owned has finally developed points with the display or hinge. Admittedly, a part of this is because of my tough dealing with, however a part of it’s simply the character of foldable shows. The excellent news is the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has made vital strides in sturdiness, and whereas I haven’t had the possibility to strive it personally, it appears doubtless that a lot of my previous points are much less of a priority now. Nonetheless, hinges are inherently fragile, and a few type of guarantee would make me extra inclined to retake the plunge.

I’m not suggesting a lifetime hinge guarantee, however even providing one free hinge restore, display restore, or cellphone substitute throughout the system’s lifespan would give me peace of thoughts. I’m positive others who’re on the fence about foldable telephones could be extra more likely to take into account one in the event that they knew Samsung would cowl a damaged or broken show. Having broken my Flip 4, I seemed into restore prices — they’re steep! Therefore, I now use a Galaxy S24. It simply wasn’t price the price, particularly figuring out it might occur once more, even when I fastened it.

It’s far too early to have any strong rumors or reviews on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, however it’s a secure wager there can be a follow-up to the Galaxy Z Flip 6. The sequence has been profitable up thus far, and there aren’t any indicators that Samsung is slowing down. There have been a few patent leaks suggesting Samsung has not less than thought of including a telephoto lens to its flip cellphone, however a patent doesn’t imply a lot with regards to precise product design, and so we wouldn’t take that as a affirmation by any means.

When would possibly we see Flip 7? First, let’s check out the historic launch dates from the previous couple of years:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 — July 24, 2024
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 — August 11, 2023
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 — August 26, 2022

The Galaxy Z Flip sequence sometimes debuts alongside the Fold household in August, however this 12 months, the cellphone’s launch was a bit sooner, set in late July. Whereas we don’t know precisely once we would possibly see the Galaxy Z Flip 6, odds are it should launch someday in the summertime of 2025.

For the reason that Galaxy Z Flip 6 launched only some months in the past at this level, there’s no cause to attend for the subsequent mannequin. The present Flip won’t be good, however it’s top-of-the-line sensible flip telephones accessible, and there’s no assure that the Flip 7 can be an enormous enchancment. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 has an almost invisible crease, is extra sturdy than ever, and options among the most polished software program in a flip cellphone.

If Samsung’s 2024 clamshell foldable doesn’t meet your expectations, you may be higher off with a standard smartphone just like the Galaxy S24 ($859.99 at Amazon) or Pixel 9 ($799 at Amazon). Are you bought on the concept of a flip cellphone however in search of a substitute for Samsung? The Motorola Razr Plus (2024) ($799.99 at Amazon) might be your finest wager, because it’s extensively accessible. There are a number of different flip telephones on the market, however many of those gadgets are restricted to China or solely choose areas in Asia and Europe.