Samsung’s Foldable Evolution: Flip 7 FE vs Flip 6 vs Flip 5
Samsung’s journey with its clamshell foldables has been an exercise in slow but steady refinement. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 made big waves in 2023 with its revamped cover screen, and the Flip 6 builds on that momentum with upgraded internals and smarter software(full long-term review). Now, the brand seems ready to lower the barrier to entry with the rumored Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE — a more affordable foldable designed to appeal to users who have long been curious but hesitant to spend $1,000 or more.
So, how do these three devices — the Flip 7 FE, Flip 6, and Flip 5 — stack up in 2025? Here’s where things stand based on what we know, what’s expected, and what Samsung seems to be aiming for with its foldable lineup.
A Fold for Every Price Point
The biggest story around the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE is its positioning. If leaks and reports hold true, Samsung will finally introduce a budget-friendly foldable($740/Ksh 95,600) — something the market has needed. Unlike its flagship siblings, the FE model could launch with slightly lower specs in exchange for a more accessible price tag, possibly undercutting Motorola’s Razr 2023 series. But make no mistake — Samsung still intends for it to look and feel like a premium foldable.
That contrasts with the Galaxy Z Flip 6, which continues to carry the flagship torch and launched with Samsung’s new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “For Galaxy” processor, increased RAM, and a 50MP primary sensor for Ksh 121,800. The Flip 6 also builds on the Flip 5’s hardware by fixing some of its shortcomings, like the relatively small battery and slow wired charging.
The Flip 5, on the other hand, has started to show its age. Originally released at $999(Ksh.193,000/ – Kenyan Price at launch), it introduced the much-needed larger cover screen, but its limitations — like no dust resistance, only 25W charging, and a 12MP camera — now make it feel like a first draft compared to the more refined hardware Samsung is now offering.
Design and Display: The Outer Screen Arms Race
Cover screen real estate has become the new battleground in foldables. The Flip 5 gave us a 3.4-inch AMOLED outer display, which was a significant jump from the Flip 4, but it remained functionally limited. You had to jump through hoops to get apps running on it. It was a sign Samsung was testing the waters.
With the Flip 6, that was expected to change. Samsung seemed more open to unlocking full app functionality on the outer screen, matching what Motorola and others already offer. We also saw a more boxy, modern look with flatter edges, echoing recent Galaxy S design language.
The Flip 7 FE could go either way. Since it’s positioned as a more affordable option, Samsung might shrink the outer display or scale back on some of its usability. That said, early renders suggest it’ll still feature a decently sized screen and the iconic flip silhouette, just without all the polish.
Performance and Software: How Far We’ve Come
Internally, the Flip 5 still holds up surprisingly well. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and 8GB RAM can handle most daily tasks. But with the Flip 7 FE expected to launch with 12GB RAM and a newer processor(likely Exynos 2400), the performance delta will grow, especially when it comes to demanding tasks like gaming, multitasking, or camera processing.
Samsung is also continuing its software promise, supporting the Flip6 with 7 years of software support. The Flip 7 FE could launch with Android 16 and receive fewer updates than its flagship siblings, depending on how Samsung tiers its software support.
What’s consistent across all three, however, is Samsung’s foldable-specific software enhancements. From Flex Mode to cover-screen widgets, Samsung’s One UI continues to offer one of the most polished foldable experiences on the market.
Cameras and Charging: Small but Important Gains
One of the Flip 5’s weakest spots was its 12MP main camera, which struggled in low light and lacked the detail expected from a flagship. While the Flip 7 FE is expected to bring a 50MP sensor — likely the same one used in the Galaxy S25 — don’t expect a huge leap in camera versatility. Samsung still sticks with just two rear lenses, limiting optical zoom and portrait options.
The FE model could end up reusing the Flip 6’s camera setup or introduce a slightly downgraded version of the Flip 6’s. It’s unlikely Samsung will equip it with top-tier camera specs at a lower price point.
As for charging, the Flip 5’s 25W wired charging felt outdated even in 2023, and that remains one of its biggest shortcomings. The Flip 7 may see a bump to 45W, and we hope Samsung doesn’t hold back fast charging on the FE model, though it might to cut costs.
Which Flip is Right for You?
In 2025, Samsung’s foldables portfolio finally feels like a lineup rather than a one-size-fits-all experiment. The Flip 5 is effectively phased out, the Flip 6 becomes the refined flagship, and the Flip 7 FE could be the long-awaited foldable for the masses.
If you want top performance, long-term software support, and the latest design, the Flip 6 is your best bet. But if you’re curious about foldables and have been priced out so far, the Flip 7 FE might just open the door. Either way, Samsung’s message is clear: there’s now a Flip for everyone.
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