You know what’s genuinely infuriating about outdoor umbrellas? They’re designed by people who clearly spend their summers in climate-controlled offices, not sweating under the relentless afternoon sun while wrestling with some sadistic crank mechanism. Traditional center-pole designs turn every poolside afternoon into a game of musical chairs as you chase shadows around your patio, while cantilever umbrellas promise freedom but deliver the mechanical equivalent of trying to parallel park a shopping cart. I’ve watched grown adults have full meltdowns trying to adjust these things, and honestly, I get it. Most cantilever designs feel like they were engineered by committee, with side-mounted cranks positioned exactly where no human would instinctively reach and tilt mechanisms that require a PhD in leverage physics to operate without looking like you’re performing interpretive dance.

The Novara Cantilever Umbrella just won the Red Dot Award’s top prize for 2025, and after years of umbrella-induced rage, I’m genuinely excited about outdoor shade for the first time in decades. Patrick van Lierop, Liming Zhang, and Yifei Wu at Zhejiang Zhengte Co. looked at this mess of a product category and asked the most obvious question: why isn’t the handle where you’d naturally put your hand? Their answer is beautifully simple – a single front-mounted handle that lets you reach forward and lift up, exactly like your brain tells you to do. No more awkward side-reaches, no more deciphering which direction turns the crank, no more wondering if you’re about to snap something expensive. It’s the kind of solution that makes you slap your forehead and wonder how we’ve been tolerating inferior design for so long.

Designer: Zhejiang Zhengte Co., Ltd.

The engineering details reveal why this actually works instead of just looking good in marketing photos. The custom base isn’t some generic aftermarket accessory that sort of fits if you squint – it’s precision-matched to the canopy dimensions, creating a system where physics actually works with you instead of against you. The rotating cuff mechanism moves smoothly without that horrible grinding sound that makes you wince every time you adjust cheaper umbrellas, while the front handle placement means you never have to do that awkward shuffle-walk around the base like you’re circling a campfire. Even better, the whole system ships in one box, eliminating that special kind of retail hell where you discover your umbrella and base are incompatible after you’ve already assembled everything.

The Novara is built primarily from recycled materials, proving that environmental responsibility doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or paying premium prices for the privilege of feeling good about your purchases. The Red Dot jury specifically highlighted what the designers call “emotional longevity,” which is design-speak for “you’ll actually want to keep this thing instead of cursing its existence every summer.” This matters because outdoor furniture has become disturbingly disposable, with umbrellas treated like seasonal decorations rather than functional investments. The Novara’s clean aesthetics and intuitive operation suggest it might actually survive multiple seasons without making you fantasize about throwing it in a dumpster.

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Cities worldwide are shifting toward pedestrian-friendly spaces and reducing reliance on gas-powered vehicles. As this transformation gains momentum, the demand for small, practical personal mobility solutions is growing rapidly. Among these, e-skateboards stand out for their portability and flexibility, providing a seamless fit with the city’s dynamic pace. While several options are already available, the Shuv e-skateboard presents a new level of innovation and refinement, poised to redefine urban commuting.

The Shuv e-skateboard concept thoughtfully blends the classic spirit of skateboarding with contemporary technology and design. Developed by LFD Official, Shuv’s story begins with a deep respect for traditional boards. The designers immersed themselves in skate culture, directly riding classic boards to understand their essence before evolving the design with modern materials and engineering. A visual comparison of a 1950s skateboard and Shuv’s 2030 vision highlights this evolution—the familiar deck profile endures but is elevated with a futuristic, aerodynamic silhouette and purposeful structure.

Designer: LFD Official

One look at Shuv reveals a board that is both visually stunning and functionally advanced. Its deck is sculpted from high-strength aluminum casting, delivering exceptional durability while maintaining a lightweight build ideal for city riding. The board’s flowing, architectural lines are more than aesthetic—they enhance rigidity and provide ergonomic comfort. Neon green accents add a bold urban flair and increase rider visibility for added safety.

The Shuv e-skateboard features a spacious 110.5 cm (43.5-inch) deck, giving riders ample foot room for stability and control. The 79.5 cm (31-inch) wheelbase ensures a balanced, secure stance, whether cruising straight or weaving through city corners. Shuv also offers two customizable pad options: a minimalist flat pad for unrestricted foot movement and a raised pad for riders who prefer extra grip and control. Both pad types integrate seamlessly, letting users tailor their riding experience. There are also three wheel options: all-terrain, urban, and rough-terrain.

Urban landscapes can be unpredictable, with surfaces ranging from smooth asphalt to rough patches. Shuv’s gravity suspension system, equipped with an FRP shell truck and a wide 23.9 cm (9.4-inch) stance, absorbs shocks and enhances stability. Whether gliding over city streets or traversing bumpier paths, the suspension system ensures every ride is both smooth and responsive. Beneath its sleek exterior, Shuv houses a robust battery system integrated into the deck for a lower center of gravity and optimal balance. The battery’s neon green cells are visible through a transparent enclosure, giving the board a cutting-edge look. With a top speed of 25 km/h (15.5 mph), Shuv keeps pace with urban life while delivering a stable and controlled ride.

The Shuv e-skateboard is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, maintaining the simplicity of classic boards while embracing a bold, futuristic design. Its thoughtful engineering, customizable features, and advanced battery make it adaptable and comfortable for any urban adventure. Shuv is designed for those who want to move confidently and stylishly through an ever-changing city landscape, making it an ideal choice for modern urban explorers seeking more from their ride.

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There have only been 4 cute robots in all of history – Baymax, Wall.E, EVE, and Rosey the robot from the Jetsons. No other robot’s managed to really strike that level of mass appeal (fine, okay, Astro Boy too) with a design that feels capable yet emotionally disarming. That’s also the sort of vibe the Kriket 3000 is going for, with its cute-meets-capable design.

The Kriket 3000 comes from the mind of industrial designer and artist Shaun Wellens, who’s worked on his fair share of robots. This one, unlike the droids from before, channels a design that borrows from the past. “Inspired by products of the 60s and 70s, Kriket aims to tap into a sense of nostalgia by blending retro-futurism with modern-day design sensibilities. It aims to reintroduce a spirit of excitement and optimism for a brighter future,” Wellens says.

Designer: Shaun Wellens

The last time Wellens worked on a robot design, ChatGPT wasn’t even a thing. The last 4 years has seen a LOT of changes in the rise of AI and how it’s shaped society. Most humans overwhelmingly believe that AI is helpful, but also potentially dangerous. The need for tech to inspire confidence and a sense of safety is truly paramount at this time, and Wellens tried to channel that with Kriket’s design.

The simplest way to make a robot look harmless is to ditch sharp lines and corners. To that end, the Kriket’s soft visual language, combined with its white colorway, gives off a sense of ‘sterilized’ cuteness. Sort of like Baymax from the movie Big Hero 6. Unlike Baymax, though, Kriket 3000’s design is as detailed as it gets. Joints are present at all crucial parts of the arms and legs, there’s a battery backpack, faux ribs, and an antenna that resembles a halo of sorts, giving the robot its angelic appeal!

The head has a few notable elements – for starters, it isn’t shaped like a head – it’s much wider, creating a disproportion that makes the Kriket look ‘young’, just like how kids and early teens have larger heads in proportion to their body before they grow up. Multiple cameras placed on the Kriket 3000’s head give it 360° awareness, while sensors on the body detect distance and depth. A screen on the front serves as Kriket’s ‘face’, showing its eyes that I assume emote the way most robot eyes do. The back, however, has another display that shows Kriket’s battery levels. Is it needed? No… but does it give the robot a sense of data-transparency? Yes.

Kriket 3000 was created as a mere concept, but it sets a framework for what robots need to look like if they have to inspire confidence. This one has the appeal of ‘staff’, with how approachable it looks (especially with its name tag on the front), and how adorable it looks too. Do I see a world in which Kriket 3000 exists? Yes sure, I’d probably choose this little guy over one of those scary dogs at Boston Dynamics…

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Nike and LEGO are two iconic companies in their own right that have long inspired us to learn, play, and create. So, when the two brands decided to collaborate to give kids a world where sports and creative play always win, there was nothing more fascinating for even the adults to appreciate. There have been rumors of what’s coming out in the collaboration, but the wait is finally over. The first result of their partnership is here: the fully co-branded Nike Dunk x LEGO Set.

An inspiring set that celebrates imagination, sneaker culture, and the spirit of basketball in the same breath was dropped on July 1, 2025, for an amazing $99.99 tag. It’s an electrifying display of colors, elements, and playfulness that kids above the age of 10 will enjoy rebuilding and displaying at home. However, I’m sure the crazy Dunk fans are not going to miss their chance to get home the memorabilia, even if it means hosting an ardent LEGO builder friend for a sleepover. Arguably, this is the hottest LEGO build of the season. The creation is not just a toy, it’s a unification of culture and imagination at its pinnacle.

Designer: Nike x LEGO

“Kicks, bricks, and a whole lot of hype” come together in the Nike Dunk x LEGO Set, which doesn’t include the Nike Dunk as the main element by default. The choice is to celebrate the iconic status and the cultural relevance that the silhouette has enjoyed once on and off the court, and how it is making a resurgence among kids of late. The set, predominantly in blue and white colorway, comprises 1,180 pieces and is designed “for kids to build, rebuild, and display. The almost real brick-built Nike Dunk in blue and white remains on display, accompanied by a rotatable brick basketball (not intended for play), the Dunk logo in 3D letters, and a minifig wearing Nike Dunks.

The minifigure with an orange basketball head (and its eclectic elements) is outfitted with its own Nike Drip and Dunks. The Jersey sports number 32 on the front – a nod to the number of years the LEGO Group has been entertaining us – and number 72 on the back, which is a reference to the number of years it’s been since Nike released its first shoe. The minifig can either stand guard at the bottom of the display or hide inside the secret compartment in the LEGO Dunk (which is revealed by pulling the heel back or lifting the tongue upward). While the blue and white colorway looks cool, if you want the Dunk in your build to look a little different, you can pull open the toe and bring out the faded green laces to replace the blue ones instantly.

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Samsung has officially confirmed that the Galaxy Z Fold7 will not support the S Pen, marking a major shift in the foldable’s design philosophy. The company found S Pen usage “extremely low” among Fold users and prioritized a thinner, lighter device instead. The result? At 8.9mm folded and 215g, the Fold7 is Samsung’s thinnest, lightest foldable yet. This puts Samsung neck-and-neck with the OPPO Find N5’s 8.93mm folded thickness and within striking distance of the Honor Magic V5’s 8.8mm record. How does this thickness achievement change the foldable landscape? Samsung has created a device that measures nearly half as thin as the original Galaxy Fold while maintaining durability standards.

Designer: Samsung

The Galaxy Z Fold7 measures 4.2mm when unfolded, which translates to approximately 8.9mm when folded (accounting for the protective gap between displays). Samsung didn’t quite claim the thickness crown, but they’ve essentially matched the competition while maintaining the familiar feel of a traditional smartphone. After spending a couple of hours with the Galaxy Z Fold7, this represents more than incremental improvement. Samsung has created one of the thinnest mainstream foldable phones while keeping it accessible to users who want a device that feels like the S25 Ultra when closed. The Z Fold7 achieves Samsung’s goal of making foldables feel like regular phones while competing at the highest level.

Key Changes:

• S Pen support removed for the first time since Fold3
• 8.9mm folded thickness (vs. 12.1mm on Fold6)
• 215g weight (down from 239g)
• 8-inch main display, 6.5-inch cover screen
• 200MP camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, up to 16GB RAM

Design Engineering That Actually Works

The cover screen expanded to 6.5 inches with a 21:9 aspect ratio, making it easier to hold and type on than ever before. The main screen grew to 8 inches, making it the most expansive display on a Galaxy smartphone. Testing every Z Fold generation reveals that the cramped typing experience on previous cover screens always killed daily usability. The Z Fold7 eliminates that completely. The cover screen now feels like a complete smartphone experience instead of a notification preview.

Compared to the Galaxy Z Fold6, Samsung shaved off 3.2mm when folded and reduced weight by 24 grams. During brief testing with the device, focusing on using only the cover screen for basic tasks revealed it never felt limiting. The proportions work for one-handed use, typing feels natural, and apps display properly. This is the first time you could see using a Z Fold as your primary device without constantly unfolding it for basic tasks.

Samsung’s Armor Flexion hinge represents a fundamental rethinking of foldable design. The water-dropping geometry with multi-rail structure disperses stress across multiple points. This creates more internal space, allowing the display to fold with a gentler curvature. The crease reduction is the most noticeable improvement in initial testing. Previous Z Fold devices had creases that felt intrusive and distracting. The Z Fold7’s crease integrates naturally into the user experience.

When folded, Samsung states it measures almost as thin as the S25 Ultra (8.2mm), putting Samsung in elite company with the thinnest foldables available. The hinge mechanism provides confident tactile feedback during folding operations. Samsung engineered a hinge that disappears when closed while maintaining structural integrity. The device feels solid throughout the folding motion. Samsung has joined the elite thickness club while maintaining mainstream appeal. The gap between the thinnest foldables is now measured in fractions of millimeters rather than full millimeters. This achievement proves Samsung can compete on engineering while keeping foldables accessible to mainstream users rather than just tech enthusiasts.

Samsung made deliberate material decisions that enhance the user experience. Gorilla Glass Victus on the cover screen provides familiar tactile feedback. Advanced armored aluminum forms the frame, creating structural rigidity while reducing weight. The main display incorporates a titanium layer for protection, with ultra-thin glass that feels like typing on a solid surface.

The weight hits you first. At 215 grams, this weighs less than many traditional smartphones while giving you an 8-inch display. Within minutes of holding it, the difference from previous Z Fold models is immediately apparent. This doesn’t feel like two phones stuck together anymore. It feels like a single device that happens to unfold.

The 8-Inch Display Experience and Notable Changes

The display expansion from 7.6 to 8 inches creates genuine productivity space. This additional screen real estate transforms multitasking from a gimmick into a necessity. During testing, running three apps simultaneously without feeling cramped becomes natural. Email, calendar, and messaging apps work together naturally with breathing room.

Samsung launched the Z Fold7 with One UI 8 built on Android 16, making it the first Samsung device to ship with Android 16. Galaxy AI integration transforms the large screen into a productivity powerhouse. Gemini optimization includes floating windows and adjustable layouts with conversation continuity between displays. The AI Result view offers multiple layout options that show promise. Drag-and-drop functionality between apps makes content creation intuitive.

Samsung made two significant changes to the inner display that will affect different users differently. The inner selfie camera is no longer under the display. Samsung replaced the under-display camera with a traditional 10-megapixel punch-hole camera that offers higher quality and a wider field of view. This makes group selfies much more practical on the large screen, letting you fit more friends and family into the frame. However, this means there’s now a visible camera cutout on the main display, which some users preferred to avoid. The visible camera cutout on the main display represents a step backward for users who preferred the seamless under-display camera, even if it means better selfie quality.

Why Samsung Killed S Pen Support

Most significantly for productivity users, Samsung has officially confirmed the removal of S Pen support from the Z Fold7. According to Samsung, “S Pen usage on the fold was extremely low, and the things that users value more were the size and weight of this device.” By removing the digitizer layer, Samsung increased the ultra-thin glass layer thickness for better durability while reducing device weight. This eliminates a key differentiator for users who relied on pen input for productivity tasks, but it directly contributed to the device’s impressive thinness and weight reduction.

The decision affects productivity users who rely on stylus functionality for note-taking and precise input. Samsung prioritized mainstream appeal over power user features, supported by user research indicating preferences for size and weight over stylus functionality. This trade-off directly enabled the thickness achievement while improving structural integrity. The removal of S Pen support will disappoint users who relied on stylus functionality for productivity tasks, though Samsung’s data suggests this affects a small percentage of users. These changes show Samsung prioritizing mainstream appeal over power user features, supported by user research indicating preferences for size and weight over stylus functionality.

Camera Performance That Delivers

The 200-megapixel main camera brings Ultra-series performance to the foldable form factor. Samsung engineered a slimmer actuator, making it 18% thinner to fit within the device profile. This eliminates the camera compromise that plagued previous foldables. The ultra-wide camera now supports autofocus for detailed macro photography. The 3x telephoto lens benefits from Pro Visual Engine enhancements.

Video recording defaults to 10-bit HDR, providing four times wider color range. In brief camera testing, the system performs like what you’d expect from a $2,000 smartphone. The Pro Visual Engine gets a next-generation upgrade with advanced noise analysis. The system distinguishes between moving and static objects for cleaner low-light footage. Samsung made the camera system a selling point rather than an afterthought.

Extended testing of the Z Fold7’s camera system over the coming weeks will include a dedicated deep dive session focused specifically on camera performance. Expect a detailed follow-up article that explores the 200-megapixel sensor’s capabilities, Pro Visual Engine improvements, and how the camera system performs across different shooting scenarios. The initial impressions are promising, but the real test will be how it handles various lighting conditions and use cases.

Most significantly for selfie users, Samsung replaced the under-display camera with a traditional 10-megapixel punch-hole camera. This change offers higher quality and a wider field of view, making group selfies more practical on the large screen. The trade-off is a visible camera cutout on the main display, but the improved results justify this decision for most users.

Performance and Battery Life

The customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor keeps multitasking smooth across both displays. Enhanced CPU, GPU, and NPU performance handles demanding tasks without thermal throttling. The 4400 mAh battery powers both screens with improved efficiency despite the larger 8-inch display. Samsung’s ecosystem integration extends capabilities through DeX mode, Galaxy Buds connectivity, and Galaxy Watch integration.

The device launches with One UI 8 built on Android 16, making it the first Samsung device to ship with Android 16. Galaxy AI integration transforms the large screen into a productivity powerhouse. Gemini optimization includes floating windows and adjustable layouts with conversation continuity between displays.

Pricing and Specifications

Samsung positioned the Z Fold7 at $1,999.99 with three storage configurations: 256GB and 512GB models include 12GB RAM, while the 1TB model upgrades to 16GB RAM. The device comes in Blue Shadow, Jet Black, and Silver Shadow, with an exclusive Mint color available on Samsung.com. Seven generations of OS updates ensure the device remains current through 2032. The pricing reflects Samsung’s positioning as a premium productivity device.

The camera module integrates cleanly into the rear panel without disrupting the design flow. Samsung eliminated visual clutter throughout the device. The Z Fold7 feels cohesive rather than assembled from competing priorities. Samsung has created a device that measures nearly half as thin as the original Galaxy Fold while maintaining durability standards. The device is included in Samsung’s Self Repair Program, showing confidence in build quality.

After a couple of hours with the Z Fold7, extended testing becomes the next priority. The initial impressions suggest Samsung has addressed most major criticisms of foldable technology: weight, thickness, camera quality, software optimization, and durability. This feels like the phone Samsung should have made from the beginning in terms of form factor and build quality. The Z Fold7 proves that foldable technology has finally reached maturity while competing at the highest level on thickness. The compromises that remain are design choices rather than technical limitations, backed by user research and data. Extended daily use will reveal how these initial impressions hold up, particularly for users who relied on the removed features.

FAQ: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

Q: Does the Galaxy Z Fold7 support the S Pen?
A: No, Samsung has officially removed S Pen support to make the device thinner and more durable.

Q: How thin is the Z Fold7 compared to competitors?
A: At 8.9mm folded, it’s nearly as thin as the Honor Magic V5 (8.8mm) and OPPO Find N5 (8.93mm).

Q: What are the RAM and storage options?
A: 12GB RAM for 256GB/512GB models, 16GB RAM for 1TB model.

Q: What’s new about the camera?
A: 200MP main camera, improved ultra-wide with autofocus, and a punch-hole selfie camera replaces the under-display version.

Q: When can I buy the Galaxy Z Fold7?
A: Samsung has announced pricing at $1,999.99, with availability details to be confirmed.

The Z Fold7 represents Samsung’s entry into the elite thickness club while maintaining mainstream appeal. The trade-offs Samsung made, removing the digitizer layer for S Pen support, directly enabled this thickness achievement while improving durability. The device feels like the phone Samsung should have made from the beginning in terms of form factor and build quality.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Hands-on: S Pen Support Dropped, Samsung’s Thinnest Foldable Yet first appeared on Yanko Design.

Design has always been about solving problems elegantly. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 lineup embodies that philosophy in its purest form, transforming the foldable smartphone from experimental curiosity into essential everyday tool. After getting my hands on both devices for an early first look, it’s clear Samsung has cracked the code that eluded the industry for years: making foldables that enhance rather than complicate your digital life.

Designer: Samsung

The Z Flip7 delivers a breakthrough 4.1-inch edge-to-edge FlexWindow with razor-thin 1.25mm bezels, powered by the new Exynos 2500 processor and enhanced by a 50-megapixel camera with next-generation Pro Visual Engine. More significantly, Samsung launched the Z Flip7 FE, marking the first Fan Edition model in the foldable lineup. With the largest battery ever in a Flip (4,300mAh), Samsung DeX support, and Galaxy AI features that actually work on the cover screen, Samsung finally built flip phones that adapt to human behavior.

The Z Flip7 delivers a breakthrough 4.1-inch edge-to-edge FlexWindow with razor-thin 1.25mm bezels, powered by the new Exynos 2500 processor and enhanced by a 50-megapixel camera with next-generation Pro Visual Engine. More significantly, Samsung launched the Z Flip7 FE, marking the first Fan Edition model in the foldable lineup and democratizing access to thoughtful foldable design. With a massive 4,300mAh battery (the largest ever in a Flip), Samsung DeX support for the first time, and Galaxy AI features that actually work on the cover screen, Samsung finally built flip phones that adapt to human behavior rather than demanding behavioral adaptation.

Breaking Design News: Samsung’s First Foldable Fan Edition Changes Everything – The Z Flip7 FE brings flagship design thinking to accessible pricing, potentially transforming foldables from niche luxury to mainstream necessity.

The FlexWindow: When Engineering Meets Human-Centered Design

My first impressions of the FlexWindow reveal Samsung’s mastery of constraint-driven innovation. Previous generations treated the cover screen as an afterthought. The Z Flip7’s edge-to-edge design with Vision Booster technology delivers 2600 nits peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate, creating a massive interactive canvas that handles serious tasks without compromising compactness.

Samsung achieved this through radical engineering decisions. Waterproofing was re-engineered directly into the internal circuitry rather than around the bezels like the Z Flip6, creating space for the most high-density circuit board Samsung has ever created. The main screen has also grown wider, nearly matching the S25 Plus in width while maintaining the compact folded form factor.

The personalization options show Samsung’s understanding that great design is personal. Auto-curated wallpapers use AI to suggest designs based on your preferences. Custom emojis and background colors adapt to your style. The stretch clock dynamically adjusts around subjects in your photos.

Gemini integration transforms human-AI interaction paradigms. You can ask questions, get information, and complete tasks directly from the cover screen. The Now Bar provides instant access to music controls and live notifications, while Now Brief delivers proactive daily updates including trip planning suggestions and Find My Device alerts.

Camera Design: Form Follows Function Beautifully

The 50-megapixel main camera brings pro-level performance to the flip form factor, eliminating compromises that made previous models feel like design exercises. The next-generation Pro Visual Engine, inherited from the S25 Ultra, identifies skin tones and textures with advanced algorithms for professional-looking results.

FlexWindow camera integration shines brightest here. You can take high-resolution selfies directly from the cover screen using the main camera, then apply filters without opening the device. FlexCam functionality makes the Z Flip7 a unique content creation tool. The ability to prop the device at various angles while using the cover screen for framing creates shooting opportunities impossible with traditional smartphones.

AutoZoom uses AI to frame subjects perfectly, while the zoom slider interface provides precise control. The 10-bit HDR recording comes as default, delivering punchier videos with wider color gamuts. The 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera complements the main sensor for versatile shooting scenarios.

Performance Architecture: Beauty in Efficiency

The Exynos 2500 processor delivers the most powerful Flip experience Samsung has ever shipped. The 3nm architecture provides efficiency improvements while enabling Samsung DeX support. For the first time, you can plug the Z Flip7 directly into a monitor for a PC-like experience in the most compact form factor Samsung offers.

Samsung increased battery capacity by 300mAh to 4,300mAh, with claims of up to 31 hours of video playback. One UI 8 optimization targets the dual-screen experience with Galaxy AI features working seamlessly across both displays. The AI Result view offers multiple layout options that adapt to your workflow, while drag-and-drop functionality allows AI-generated content to move between apps.

At just 6.5mm when unfolded, the Z Flip7 achieves remarkable thinness without compromising structural integrity. Enhanced Armor Aluminium frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and IPX8 water resistance ensure real-world durability.

The Z Flip7 FE: Design for Everyone

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 FE addresses the price barrier that kept the foldable design limited to early adopters. The FE model makes strategic compromises while retaining core flip phone benefits: FlexWindow interactions, 50-megapixel camera capabilities, and the unique form factor advantages.

Key differences include a standard 5G processor instead of the flagship Exynos 2500, 8GB RAM versus 12GB, and a 4,000mAh battery versus 4,300mAh. At 187 grams and 6.7mm when folded, it maintains the compact, pocketable form factor with the same 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and 1-120Hz refresh rate.

This strategy removes the premium barrier that limited adoption to tech enthusiasts, proving that innovative design doesn’t require exclusive pricing.

Next-Generation Security: Knox Enhanced Protection

Both models benefit from Samsung’s most advanced security architecture. Knox Enhanced Encryption provides app-by-app locking, while Knox Matrix technology monitors your device ecosystem. The Personal Data Engine safely encrypts data on-device with Knox Vault storage, giving users control over whether Galaxy AI processing happens locally or in the cloud.

Secured Wi-Fi introduces quantum-resistant encryption, while Knox Matrix Trust Chain provides security across Galaxy connected devices.

Why This Changes Everything

The Galaxy Z Flip7 lineup addresses fundamental usability issues that kept foldables niche while expanding mobile device capabilities. Samsung positioned the Z Flip7 as premium flagship, while the Z Flip7 FE targets mainstream adoption. Both include seven years of software updates through 2032.

Real-World Impact:

The expanded FlexWindow transforms daily interactions. Checking notifications, controlling music, and responding to messages without unfolding creates efficiency gains. Content creators benefit from hands-free recording capabilities and professional-level control in an ultra-portable package.

Travel scenarios highlight practical advantages. The compact folded size fits small pockets while providing full smartphone functionality. Samsung DeX support enables connections to hotel TVs or conference displays for presentations.

My initial time reveals these devices speak to fashion-conscious users wanting cutting-edge technology, content creators needing versatile capabilities, and professionals appreciating compact form factors. The Z Flip7 FE extends benefits to budget-conscious users previously excluded from foldable innovation.

The devices eliminate experimental learning curves. You immediately understand how to use them. Samsung has addressed durability, battery life, and practical utility concerns through considered design decisions rather than marketing promises.

After this early hands-on look, the question isn’t whether flip phones will become mainstream. The question is whether you’re ready to experience mobile technology that adapts to your lifestyle through thoughtful design. The Galaxy Z Flip7 lineup makes that choice easier than ever before.

Design Analysis: Form, Function, and Future

Aesthetic Innovation: Clean lines and purposeful proportions create Samsung’s most confident foldable aesthetic. The edge-to-edge FlexWindow provides visual continuity previous generations lacked.

Practical Engineering: Remarkable thinness without structural compromise, with natural weight distribution eliminating top-heavy sensations.

Functional Integration: Every design decision serves multiple purposes. The enlarged FlexWindow offers enhanced utility, camera improvements provide accessibility, and battery increases deliver efficiency.

Sustainable Vision: Seven-year update commitments reflect long-term thinking that reduces electronic waste, while FE pricing democratizes sustainable technology choices.

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