Last week, Samsung unveiled not one, not two, but three new folding phones!
If you’re eyeing the Galaxy Z Fold 7, stay tuned for our upcoming full review. But if you’re more interested in a flagship flip phone, you’re in luck. Samsung has graciously sent me a sample of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 ahead of its release on 25 July, and I’ve started the testing process before the full review.
Instead of keeping you waiting for the review to be published on Tech Advisor, I wanted to take you along with me. In this detailed diary, I’ll be chronicling my first 48 hours with the device, from the initial unboxing to the first two full days of usage.
This article will be updated regularly over the next couple of days, so remember to check back for more updates.
Day 1, Hour 0
The Z Flip 7 has arrived! Well, it actually arrived three days ago, but I was off work, and then it was the weekend. Close enough.
My first task is to unbox the device. Samsung makes this very easy, with two pull tabs that release the top of the box from the bottom.
Oh, and there’s the phone! I have the rather attractive ‘Blue Shadow’ model, but it’s also available in ‘Jet Black’, ‘Coral Red’ (the version you’ll see in some photos here), and ‘Mint’, with the latter exclusive to the Samsung website.
I’m already intrigued by the new, large cover screen. I wonder if anyone actually calls it a ‘FlexWindow’, Samsung’s official name.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Being a 2025 phone, there’s very little else in the box. A bit of paperwork, a SIM ejection tool, and a USB-C to C cable.
It means there’s no power brick, but with maximum charging speeds of just 25W, I’m sure you already have one that’s fast enough – I certainly do.
Day 1, Hour 1
Next, it’s time to actually set up the device. I know, this is the riveting content you all came here for.
Setup is very straightforward these days, although I had to install Samsung’s Smart Switch app on the Nothing Phone (3) (the handset I was transitioning from) and essentially give it permission to take full control of my device. What’s the worst that could happen?
Unfortunately, I didn’t have to wait long to find out. The setup process quickly got stuck on a “Getting your phone ready” screen, so I thought restarting might kick it back into action. But for some reason, the full restore I selected didn’t apply, and only my Google accounts and Wi-Fi were saved. Next time, I’ll use a cable instead of trying to do it wirelessly.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
It’s not a big deal for me: aside from WhatsApp (which I had already backed up separately), everything can be accessed by downloading the apps and signing in. But it’s an extra hassle I’d rather do without.
Oh, and I made the mistake of letting Samsung download all its “Recommended apps” during setup. In other words, annoying bloatware. We also seem to have Facebook and Instagram pre-installed – Meta must have a nice deal going with Samsung.
Day 1, Hour 2
I’m heading out to a pub quiz tonight, so I don’t have time to thoroughly test the phone.
But I’m already enjoying using the cover display for selfies (aka checking my appearance). Starting a countdown timer by holding my palm up is seamless, and I appreciate being able to swipe to adjust the background blur level.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
I had forgotten how compact it is in my pocket. It should easily fit in most women’s trousers, which says a lot.
Day 1, Hour 5
During the quiz, I mostly keep my phone on silent or turned off (no cheating!). The only exception is during a break, when I use it to look up a few things online.
The size of the 6.9-inch internal display immediately strikes me. It’s larger than almost every non-folding phone on the market, and it’s quite noticeable. This will take some getting used to.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Once home, I try to be responsible and put my phone away before bed. Day 1: Done!
Day 2, Hour 15
I try not to use my phone much before work in the mornings, so I only use it to send a few messages, check the news, and catch up on emails. (Okay, that’s quite a lot.)
Two things are immediately noticeable. The first is how lightweight this device is. Coming from the 218g Nothing Phone (3), I expected a difference, but the change is more significant than 30g suggests. I genuinely can’t feel it in my pocket sometimes.
