Fold, Flip, and Feel: My Day with Samsung’s New Galaxy Z Lineup

I’ve always believed that the best technology doesn’t just impress you, it quietly slips into your life and makes the ordinary feel a little more effortless. That’s exactly what I had in mind when I got to try the new Samsung Galaxy lineup. I was invited once again by Samsung Philippines to their Exclusive Media Preview Event in Makati, where I had a chance to get hands-on with the Galaxy Z Fold7, the pocket-sized Flip7, and the wellness-focused Watch8.

First Impressions: Sleek, Small, and Surprisingly Thoughtful

The Galaxy Z Fold7 was the first one I picked up. When folded, it felt like a slim, polished little book you’d tuck into your carry-on. But unfolding it? That felt a bit like opening a window. The big, bright screen turned into a space where you could read, journal, or edit photos without squinting. I imagined editing photos on that expansive screen while sipping coffee in a hidden Taipei café. Or perhaps reading a novel on a cramped flight, no tablet required.

Galaxy Z Fold7 is Samsung’s thinnest and lightest Fold yet, just 215 grams. The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display unfurls like a mini tablet, with a brightness that somehow manages to outshine Manila’s afternoon sun. What I loved most was how light it felt in my hand, surprisingly so for something this capable. If you travel a lot or work on the go, it feels like the kind of phone you’d be glad to have when you need to catch up on emails or finish something while waiting at the airport.

Then there was the Galaxy Z Flip7. If I’m honest, this was the one that made me smile the most. It’s so compact you could forget it’s in your pocket, until you need it. With its FlexWindow, you can check messages, see your calendar, control music, and even reply without opening the phone. I also liked how bright and clear the display was, even under harsh lights. It felt like the kind of thing you’d appreciate if you were trying to find directions in the middle of a sunny day.

One clever detail is how you can use the cover screen as a mini camera preview. So if you want to take a quick selfie or group photo, you don’t have to open the phone at all. There’s also a new Zoom Slider and Real-Time Filters, which make it really easy to frame your shot and tweak it before you snap.

And there’s something oddly satisfying about closing it with that soft click. Ahhh! It’s nostalgic but in a way that feels fresh, not gimmicky.

I also had a quick look at the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, which is basically a more accessible version of the Flip7. It still folds up small enough to slip into a pocket, but the design feels a bit simpler. The cover screen is smaller, but you can still see your notifications, check the weather, and handle basic tasks without opening it. It struck me as a good option if you want the fun of a flip phone but don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles of the main model.

And of course, there were the new watches: Galaxy Watch8, Watch8 Classic, and the rugged Watch Ultra. They all share the same focus on health and everyday ease, just in slightly different styles. They all have updated health features, like sleep coaching, stress tracking, and even an Antioxidant Index, which was honestly a first for me. I can see any of them being handy if you want to keep an eye on your wellness while you’re on the move.

Learning to Embrace Smart Tools on the Road

If there was a theme to everything Samsung unveiled that day, it was this: technology should adapt to you.

The Fold7 leans heavily into productivity, with Galaxy AI built into nearly every function. Generative Edit can remove photobombers from your vacation photos. Circle to Search lets you look up anything on your screen without switching apps. The device feels less like a phone and more like a personal creative studio that folds neatly into your palm.

The Flip7, on the other hand, feels purpose-built for life on the move. I couldn’t help but picture myself navigating unfamiliar streets, FlexWindow glowing with directions, or flipping it open to capture spontaneous travel snapshots, a little piece of travel tech that just makes everything simpler.

And standing there with all these devices in front of me, I couldn’t help but think about how there’s really no escaping AI anymore. Whether we like it or not, it’s already woven into almost everything we do; from the apps that suggest our next meal to the cameras that edit our photos before we even look at them.

I’ll be honest, I still have a lot of reservations about it all. Part of me wonders what we might be giving up in exchange for so much convenience. But there’s also another part that’s genuinely excited to see how these new updates can actually make life a little easier and maybe even more meaningful especially when you’re far from home and need your tech to keep up.

What I Loved Most

Of everything I tried, I kept coming back to one thought: the Flip7 might be the sweet spot between novelty and practicality.

It’s small enough to feel freeing, yet powerful enough to stand in for a bigger phone. I loved how the FlexWindow could handle everyday tasks in seconds.

But the Fold7’s expansive screen and AI photo editing made me dream about ditching my laptop for short trips. 

When the Future Feels Familiar

As I left the venue, I kept thinking about how far we’ve come since the first touchscreen phones. Back then, a foldable screen felt like something out of a sci-fi movie. Now, it’s not only real, it’s actually useful and made to fit into daily life without much fuss.

I’m still someone who values slow travel, handwritten notes, and stepping away from screens when I can. But I also appreciate when technology makes space for those things.

If these devices are any sign, the future isn’t just about being smart. It’s about feeling a little more human, too.

Galaxy Z Series and Galaxy Watch8: Pricing & Pre-Order Details

The Galaxy Z Fold7 comes in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack, and an online-exclusive Mint. It’s available for pre-order until July 31, 2025, and includes a free storage upgrade worth ₱8,000. You can also enjoy up to 18% savings and 0% installment plans for up to 36 months with select banks. General availability starts on August 1, 2025.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 is offered in Blue Shadow, Jetblack, Coral Red, and Mint (also online exclusive). It comes with the same pre-order perks: a free storage upgrade, flexible installment options, and special discounts. The Flip7 will be available starting August 1, 2025.

For a more accessible version, the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE is available in Black and White. It has similar pre-order offers and is designed for those who want the Flip experience without all the extras.

The Galaxy Watch8 Series, which includes the Galaxy Watch8, Watch8 Classic, and the rugged Watch Ultra, is also available for pre-order until July 31. All models will be available in stores and online starting August 1, 2025.

For more information or to check out the full specs and pre-order offers, you can visit:

• Samsung Philippines – Galaxy Z Fold7
• Samsung Philippines – Galaxy Z Flip7
• Samsung Philippines – Galaxy Watch8

Which of the new Galaxy devices would you love to try? Are you a Fold convert, a Flip fan, or all about wearable tech?

Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear what you think.

Disclosure: This post is based on my personal experience at a Samsung media event showcasing the new Galaxy Z Series. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and Samsung had no input on the content.

tags:Events

Johanna Marie Frejoles

A travel writer based in the Philippines with countless tales to share but often struggles to find the right words to do them justice.