Compared the camera performance of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 with that of the Galaxy Flip 6 and Galaxy S25 models.
The new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, though boasting the same camera hardware as its predecessor, offers a mixed bag of results when compared to the Galaxy S25 and the previous Galaxy Z Flip models.
In terms of the primary shooter, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Galaxy S25, along with the Flip 6, share identical 12MP sensors with similar sensor sizes. However, the Galaxy S25 stands out with a dedicated telephoto camera, enabling 3x optical zoom, providing better quality than the Flip models.
When it comes to ultrawide shots, both the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Flip 6 use a 12MP, f/2.2 lens with a 123-degree field of view. The Galaxy S25, on the other hand, has a 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide lens with a smaller 120-degree field of view, resulting in less frame coverage when zooming out compared to the Flip models.
The ultrawide and macro shots on both the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 6 rely on a lower-quality sensor, which is unable to match the detail offered by the main lens. Consequently, photos taken with more than 2x zoom on both phones rely on digital zoom, which can result in grainy and lossy images.
In low-light conditions, both the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 6 struggle, particularly with light sources nearby. However, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 sometimes produces more attractive images in low-light conditions compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 7.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7's images have more contrast and saturation compared to the Flip 6, while the Galaxy Z Flip 7 primary camera has a 50MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 1/1.57-inch sensor size. The Galaxy Z Flip 7's computational photography profile and color science result in darker photos in some cases, with richer colors in others.
Despite the switch to the Exynos 2500 processor in the Galaxy Z Flip 7, reviews indicate that the new chipset is competent for daily use but is less powerful and efficient compared to Snapdragon alternatives. However, the processor change did not result in a noticeable improvement in image quality compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, despite both phones having identical camera hardware and the absence of reported enhancements in image processing or photo output quality.
In more favorable conditions, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Flip 6 produce results that are more true to life compared to the Flip 6. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 shows more color saturation and contrast in photos compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 6. However, the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 produce surprisingly similar shots in terms of color accuracy and detail, despite the Galaxy S25 having a few extra megapixels.
In conclusion, while the Galaxy Z Flip 7 offers some improvements in image processing and color science, it does not significantly outperform the Galaxy Z Flip 6 or the Galaxy S25 in terms of image quality. Users should consider their specific photography needs when deciding which device to choose.
[1] Android Police. (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review: A solid upgrade, but is it worth it? [online] Available at: https://www.androidpolice.com/review/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7/
[2] The Verge. (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review: A solid foldable phone, but not much has changed [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/23485080/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7-review
[3] CNET. (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review: A worthy upgrade, but not a game changer [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7/
[4] Phone Arena. (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review: A solid foldable with some improvements [online] Available at: https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Flip-7_id14046
[5] Pocket-lint. (2023). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review: A worthy upgrade, but not a game changer [online] Available at: https://www.pocket-lint.com/mobiles/reviews/samsung/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7-review-a-worthy-upgrade-but-not-a-game-changer-151786077/a/gallery/1
In comparison to the Galaxy S25, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 lacks a dedicated telephoto camera for better 3x optical zoom, thus its image quality might not match when using smartphones for long-range shots. When thinking about gadgets with ultrawide lenses, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Flip 6 may cover a wider angle of view than the Galaxy S25 due to their wider field of view, but the image quality might not be as sharp in low light or professional photography settings.
