Kerry Wan/ZDNET Samsung this week introduced its newest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Fold 7. These devices feature updated specifications, resulting in a thinner, lighter, and more powerful design. You might be wondering if these updates justify an upgrade, especially if you own a previous model like the Galaxy Z Flip 6, or if you're considering a flip phone for the first time. Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked: Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, Watch 8 Series, more While there are notable improvements, users with less demanding needs might find that saving the extra money is a more practical choice. We will compare the benefits of each model. But are the updates monumental enough to warrant an upgrade? That's what we are here to help you figure out. Specifications Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 Main display 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Cover display 4.1-inch Super AMOLED 3.4-inch Super AMOLED Weight 188g 187g Processor Snapdragon 8 Elite Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 RAM/Storage 12GB/256GB | 12GB/512GB 12GB/256GB | 12GB/512GB Battery 4,300mAh 4,000mAh Main camera 12MP f/2.2 UW | 50MP f/1.8 wide-angle 12MP f/2.2 UW | 50MP f/1.8 wide-angle Front Camera 10MP f/2.2 10MP f/2.2 Starting price $1,100 $1,100 You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 if… Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET 1. You want a larger cover screen (with more capabilities) When taking a quick glance at both phones, the most glaring difference is the Flex Window's screen size. The new Flex Window found on the Galaxy 7 Flip 7 is the largest ever at 4.1 inches versus the 3.4 on the Z Flip 6. Other upgrades to the cover screen include an improved Vision Booster, 2,600 nits of peak brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it the brightest and highest-functioning yet. Therefore, if you often use the cover screen to read notifications or perform basic tasks, this upgrade may be worth the splurge alone. Also: I tried the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 - these 3 features make it worth upgrading to Even if you don't use the cover screen much at the moment, the updates to Gemini in the Galaxy Flip 7 may convert you. Samsung made Gemini (including Live features) accessible for the first time on the cover screen of the Galaxy Flip 7, offering assistance using the side button or hands-free. Another added bonus is being able to share the camera with multimodal AI on FlexCam. All you have to do is point your camera at anything you want to know about and ask Gemini to get multimodal assistance. 2. Pocketability is a priority When folded, the Galaxy 7 Flip 7 is noticeably slimmer than the Galaxy Z Flip 6. And over time, having a more compact phone can make a big difference, with it fitting more comfortably in your hand for prolonged periods of time and being more easily carried on the go, such as in your pocket or bag. It is worth noting that despite the improved form factor, key components were not compromised; in fact, they were overall improved. For example, not only is the Flex Window larger, but the unfolded screen measures 6.9 inches, compared to the 6.7-inch screen on the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Under the hood upgrades include a more powerful battery and what Samsung claims to be a more efficient Exynos chipset (versus Qualcomm Snapdragon). 3. You're a power user at heart While specs were improved across the board on the Z Flip 7, the most notable change is in battery capacity and endurance. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 packs the largest Flip series battery ever at 4,300mAh, which Samsung says can power up to 31 hours of video playback time. Comparatively, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has a 4,000mAh battery, which supports up to 20 hours of video playback. In ZDNET's review of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 phone, we found the battery can last a full day as long as you're careful, showing just how much more capable the new battery will be. You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 if... Kerry Wan/ZDNET 1. You're shopping on a budget Even though both the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy 7 Flip 7 launched at the same $1,100 price point, the older model is likely to see a price drop as the new one hits the market. This means that if you are looking to save some cash and can live without some of the latest features, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is still a solid option. 2. You want to wait for a bigger upgrade Ultimately, the biggest upgrades from the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to the Galaxy 7 Flip 7 relate to the form factor (larger displays and slimmer build) and endurance. To determine if these are must-have upgrades, I highly recommend comparing the two at a nearby retailer and feeling for yourself if the difference in design is noticeable. Also: The best Samsung phones to buy in 2025 Considering many of the software features on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 will also trickle down to the Galaxy Z Flip 6 via One UI 8, you can expect to have a relatively similar level of functionality with time. Samsung Unpacked