Last week, Samsung made waves in the tech world by launching not one, not two, but three new folding phones. Among them is the highly anticipated Galaxy Z Flip 7, which is set to hit the shelves on July 25th. As a lucky recipient of a sample unit from Samsung, I have embarked on a journey to test and review the Galaxy Z Flip 7 ahead of its official release date. In this detailed diary, I will be sharing my experiences and insights from the first 48 hours of using the device, from unboxing to initial impressions and usage.
Day 1, Hour 0:
Upon receiving the Galaxy Z Flip 7 in the ‘Blue Shadow’ color variant, I wasted no time in unboxing the device. The sleek packaging revealed the stunning phone, along with minimal accessories such as a SIM ejection tool and a USB-C to C cable. The absence of a power brick was noticeable, but with the device supporting up to 25W charging speeds, it was not a major concern. The highlight of the unboxing was the new ‘FlexWindow’ cover screen, which promises a unique user experience.
Day 1, Hour 1:
The setup process of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 started off smoothly, but I encountered a hiccup during the transfer of data from my previous device. A restart was required, and I learned the importance of using a cable for data transfer instead of relying on wireless methods. Additionally, the presence of pre-installed bloatware and unnecessary apps was a slight annoyance, highlighting the need for a cleaner user experience.
Day 1, Hour 2:
As I prepared to head out for a pub quiz, I found myself impressed by the convenience of the cover display for quick tasks like taking selfies and checking notifications. The compact size of the phone made it easy to carry around, and the seamless functionality of the cover screen added to the overall user experience.
Day 1, Hour 5:
During the pub quiz, I marveled at the large 6.9-inch internal display of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which provided ample screen real estate for various tasks. The device’s pocket-friendly size and impressive display quality were standout features that enhanced the overall usability of the phone.
Day 2, Hour 15:
As I began my day with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I appreciated the lightweight design of the device and the seamless fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking. The phone’s performance and responsiveness were notable, showcasing the capabilities of the Exynos 2500 chipset. However, the slow 25W charging speed proved to be a drawback, requiring extended charging times for a full battery replenishment.
Day 2, Hour 19:
After a day of work, I encountered the challenge of slow charging speeds with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, highlighting the need for faster charging solutions. The device’s 4300mAh battery capacity coupled with the sluggish charging rate posed a significant inconvenience for users with busy schedules.
Day 2, Hour 20:
Exploring the functionality of the cover screen, I discovered limitations in running third-party apps and the need for a workaround to access additional features. Despite the initial hurdles, the flexibility to customize app settings and adjust the aspect ratio enhanced the usability of the cover screen for a more personalized experience.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 excels in display quality, performance, and compact design, offering a unique folding phone experience. Stay tuned for more insights on the rear cameras and gaming performance in the upcoming days.
