The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will outshine Motorola — if it fixes this one problem

I couldn’t have been more disappointed by the initial rumors surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. Early leaks suggested Samsung would offer more of the same, making no significant improvements on the design from last year’s Galaxy Z Flip 6. Thankfully, we’re getting a clearer picture as Galaxy Unpacked approaches on July 9th, and it appears that the early rumors were inaccurate.

High-res renders show that Samsung has been busy, making the Galaxy Z Flip 7 sleeker, with some eye-catching colors. If true, these renders suggest that the company has abandoned the more utilitarian design of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 in favor of a more stylish one. I’m even more pleased that the overseas price increase leaks were dispelled, as I thought Samsung would be making a terrible mistake charging more for the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Still, one hurdle remains to making it a winner: Good Lock.

So far, so good with the Galaxy Z Flip 7

Samsung is right on track

Source: Evan Blass / Evleaks

Samsung had a lot of work to do with its clamshell foldable. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 was a fine device, but it lacked charisma, and I preferred carrying the Motorola Razr+ 2024 in my pocket. Flip phones are about having fun, and you’re fooling yourself if you don’t believe that style plays a significant role in the buying decision for people. I never questioned the durability of my Galaxy Z Flip 6, but the phone desperately needed a makeover.

If rumors are true, it’s gotten one, with high-res renders showing a much more stylish phone than its predecessor. I love that Samsung will bring some decent colors to the Galaxy Z Flip 7, as I thought Coral was the best variant available on the Galaxy S25 series. I’m annoyed the company didn’t offer it on the more expensive Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Samsung also closed the gap to the competition by fitting the Galaxy Z Flip 7 with a larger external display. It’ll make typing more comfortable, and I’m looking forward to improved social media scrolls on this year’s device. Clamshell foldables are ideal because I can get more done without using the inner display — it’s a full-fledged smartphone when I need it, and a compact companion when I don’t.

Good Lock needs an overhaul

One UI 8 is an opportunity for Samsung to get it right

A larger cover screen is fantastic, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Samsung needs to do something with Good Lock. It’s a powerful piece of software, and if you’re willing to put in the time, it’s a wonderful tool for customizing your smartphone. However, I shouldn’t need to use it just to get more apps to work on the external display of the Galaxy Z Flip 7.

I understand Samsung wants to do its best to ensure an excellent user experience, but it’s doing more harm than good. Most people aren’t even aware they can set up Good Lock to get more apps, such as Instagram, on their cover display. There’s no reason to include extra steps. Yes, there are occasional app incompatibilities on my Motorola Razr Ultra’s external screen, but they’re manageable. If you asked me to choose between the two systems, I’d select Motorola every time.

Motorola’s open system for the cover screen isn’t perfect. Still, it works a majority of the time, and it’s a significantly better experience adding apps to the outer display from a single tile than using Good Lock. If Samsung wants to make the Galaxy Z Flip 7 a success, One UI 8 should allow us to add apps freely to the outer display.

Motorola isn’t going to win by default this year

The Razr lineup has company

I was convinced Motorola was going to win the clamshell foldable battle again this year before Samsung even took the field. The early design and pricing rumors about the Galaxy Z Flip 7 were depressing but believable. The company didn’t take any bold chances with the Galaxy S25 series, and it has been Samsung’s style to play it safe over the last few years.

If Samsung were to deliver in a big way with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, it would have advantages over the Motorola Razr Ultra. Samsung’s software support is significantly better than Motorola’s, and One UI updates are delivered in a more timely manner. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 would also be less expensive than the $1,300 Razr Ultra. Sure, Motorola has the cheaper Razr+ to consider, but it puts Samsung in the conversation.

Samsung is finally understanding why people buy clamshells

Clamshell folding phones aren’t about raw performance. Samsung learned that lesson last year, and even though the Galaxy Z Flip 6 was technically more powerful, I still preferred the Motorola Razr+ in my pocket. The tables may turn in 2025, as the Galaxy Z Flip 7 with its Exynos 2500 may not be as powerful as the Snapdragon 8 Elite featured in the Razr Ultra, but the Samsung might wind up in my pocket more.