The Galaxy Fold. A productivity powerhouse. A multitasking monster. For many years running, this device has been the courageous czar of Samsung’s foldable cirque. It’s designed for power users who demand the very best in screen space and premium performance. A shift is coming. The Flip 7 nearly gets it right, but once again it’s having me doubt everything.

Is Smaller Actually More Efficient?

Let's be clear: the Fold still has its place. That expansive display is unmatched for certain tasks – editing documents, reviewing complex spreadsheets, or immersing yourself in a movie on a long flight. The Fold provides. But the world isn’t perfect.

The Flip 7 is providing an even more interesting value proposition. It’s not heavy-handed, it’s nimble-footed. Think of it like this: the Fold is a sprawling American mansion, while the Flip 7 is a meticulously designed Nordic cabin. Both provide refuge, but one focuses on the value of space, and another on use, efficiency and simplicity.

That larger FlexWindow is a game-changer. No longer the simple notification ticker, it’s been turned into a gateway. Getting to use Gemini and Gemini Live without having to fold up first? That’s amazing. The Now Bar and Now Brief, which were cleverly adapted from the S25 Ultra, offer a new dimension of ready access. Now, checking the weather, replying to texts, or changing your music seems much less distracting. It’s the difference between getting out of your car to check a map and looking through your car’s heads-up display.

I get it. You're thinking, "Can you really get work done on that tiny screen?" And that's where Samsung DeX comes in. Finally, DeX on the Flip series. Just plug your smartphone into an external display, keyboard and mouse. In an instant, it becomes a surprisingly robust desktop workstation. That’s not going to replace a beefy desktop for video production or software development. It is really good at answering your emails, writing your briefing reports, scheduling things on your calendar. Absolutely. I’m not telling you all that it’s anything close to a perfect replacement, but it pretty much is.

Exynos 2500: A Heat Management Masterpiece?

Let's talk about the Exynos 2500. Now, sure, Geekbench scores would suggest otherwise that it’s in the same ballpark as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. But numbers don't tell the whole story. Where the real story lies is in electrical efficiency and thermal management.

Samsung's decision to use the Exynos 2500, their first 3nm SoC, isn't just about silicon. It's about control. In doing so they can tailor the optimization of the chip directly to their specific flip 7 form factor and thermals requirements. The Snapdragon isn’t really a beast, beasts can be hot and bothered. Particularly in a clamshell form-factor, in which every millimeter counts space-wise, heat dissipation is critical.

Think of it like this: the Snapdragon is a turbo-charged sports car, while the Exynos is a finely tuned hybrid. Of course, the fully electric sports car still has the juice to win a drag race. The hybrid has the advantage of providing more range per tank and stays cool during traffic jams. The new champ Since it’s technically the weakest performer, the Exynos 2500 provides a smart choice for the Flip 7. By emphasizing the importance of sustained performance and battery life, it shifts the focus towards efficiency rather than raw power. Almost as powerful, but much more efficient.

Are We Witnessing a Samsung Strategy Shift?

Here’s where it gets controversial, and super interesting. What if this is Samsung’s plan — to make the series flip its mainstream foldable line? This change might make it more likely to one day surpass the Fold in the long run.

Consider the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. A cost-conscious foldable with most of the same essential bells and whistles, like Galaxy AI on the FlexWindow. It's clearly aimed at a broader audience.

Samsung is betting that the majority of consumers prioritize portability, convenience, and style over raw power and screen real estate. Do they have bets placed that the Flip series will reach future heights of mainstream popularity? Do they think it will overshadow the Fold’s smaller, more niche appeal?

The competition just got tougher as Motorola and their Razr Ultra bring some serious heat. Samsung needed something special with the Flip 7. But maybe, just maybe, they're not just reacting to the competition. They're executing a long-term strategy.

The Fold is still the king, for now. The Flip 7 is coming in right behind it. It's almost there. That “almost” is enough to give you pause and hope that the Fold’s reign of terror isn’t really coming to an end. With the Flip 7 the balance of power in the market has tipped. I, for one, can’t wait to see what Samsung does next!