Foldable telephones have lengthy include a listing of compromises, however Samsung is beginning to flip that script with the Galaxy Z Flip 7. No, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is not excellent. It’s, nonetheless, one other few steps nearer to the “endgame” for clamshell foldables — a slab cellphone you’ll be able to fold in half with out dropping a lot. As an alternative of speaking in regards to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 when it comes to compromises, we’re now all of the unique options and capabilities it affords in comparison with regular telephones.
When you not too long ago picked up a brand new Galaxy Z Flip 7, or are pondering of shopping for one, you will wish to do these 10 issues instantly after unboxing it. They cowl every little thing from the fundamentals, to unique Samsung foldable options, to helpful AI instruments. Some are new to the Galaxy Z Flip 7, and others have been staples of previous Galaxy Z Flip fashions.
However each single one represents an important tip or trick that Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 homeowners have to know. Let’s dive in and begin taking part in round together with your brand-new folding cellphone.
Arrange the fundamentals
Whenever you get a brand new Samsung cellphone, there are at all times just a few mundane duties it’s best to full earlier than transferring on to the enjoyable stuff. They embrace establishing your biometrics, downloading your most well-liked password supervisor, and logging into your Google and Samsung accounts. You must also examine for early updates by going to Settings > Software program replace > Obtain and set up. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has already acquired its first OTA replace, so you should definitely set up it.
We would additionally advocate tweaking your cellphone’s settings to match your preferences. A typical frustration with One UI 7 and One UI 8 is a change to lock display screen notifications that exhibits icons as an alternative of banners by default. You would possibly wish to change this, and we have now a information for doing so right here. Personally, I at all times flip off Adaptive brightness on my telephones and even change on Further brightness. Generally, I will swap out Samsung Keyboard for Gboard.
No matter your checklist of base-level Android modifications is, be sure you deal with these earlier than transferring to the rest.
Customise the duvet display screen
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a bigger, 4.1-inch cowl display screen that tries to make it simpler to view glanceable info and take actions with out opening your cellphone. In my expertise, that effort falls flat as a result of sure cowl display screen choices are gone in One UI 8 on the Flip 7. Nonetheless, there are a handful of issues you are able to do to make the duvet display screen your personal.
To take action, you can begin by swiping to a widget panel on the duvet display screen, holding it, and urgent the Edit button. This may require you to open the cellphone, and it will open up a Settings web page for the duvet display screen. Alternatively, you’ll be able to open the Settings app and faucet Cowl display screen with the show open to get to this similar spot. That is the place you’ll be able to handle widgets, lock display screen and clock, notifications, and canopy display screen timeout.
After tapping the Widgets tab, you can begin customizing your cowl display screen. Most widgets can be both 2×2 or 2×4 in measurement, so you’ll be able to match both two or 4 widgets per panel. Some third-party app widgets are supported on the duvet display screen, like Spotify, however these are the exception, not the rule. You’ll be able to choose any widgets you want — I’ve Samsung Well being, Sleep, Climate, Information, Voice Recorder, and Battery on my cowl display screen.
Allow cowl display screen apps with MultiStar
Apps aren’t absolutely supported on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 cowl display screen, it doesn’t matter what you put in or which Labs options you allow. Nonetheless, there are some things you are able to do to make the expertise usable. The very first thing to do is add the Apps widget to your cowl display screen utilizing the steps within the part above. This will provide you with a small residence display screen launcher with solely a choose few official apps — on my Flip 7, the one choices are Google Maps, Google Messages, and (oddly) YouTube.
To search out this web page from wherever, you’ll be able to search Apps allowed on cowl display screen within the Settings app.
On the backside of the display screen, there is a Get MultiStar button that it’s best to press if you wish to run extra cowl display screen apps. This may allow what is named the Launcher Widget, an experimental possibility that permits you to run nearly any app on the duvet display screen. I take advantage of the Tesla app on the duvet display screen of my Flip 7 to precondition my automobile with out unfolding it. We’ve got an entire information to operating apps on Galaxy Z Flip cowl screens right here.
Check out Flex Mode
Flex Mode is considered one of my favourite methods to make use of Samsung foldables, and it is a Galaxy Z Flip 7 important. The best way it really works is easy. Open the foldable about midway and relaxation it on a desk, kind of like a laptop computer. Then, a small icon will float within the bottom-left nook of your display screen. Faucet it, and you will see the Flex Mode person interface take over.
The Flex Mode expertise will differ barely relying on what’s in your display screen on the time. Some apps natively assist Flex Mode, like YouTube, so you will see video on the highest half of the display screen and playback controls, feedback, and the outline on the underside. Different media apps won’t, however One UI 8 creates a Flex Mode interface for it anyway. Within the picture above, I am utilizing Apple Music on the highest half of the display screen and a Flex Mode playback management UI on the underside.
There are different cool Flex Mode experiences to attempt, like split-screen apps and a digital touchpad. It’s best to give all of them a go, however I discover that Flex Mode is most helpful with media apps.
Check digicam options & Camcorder Mode
If that is your first foldable cellphone, it’d take you a bit to study that it’s best to use the selfie digicam on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 nearly by no means. The rear digicam on this cellphone is your selfie digicam, and the versatility is without doubt one of the finest elements of each day driving a foldable. To attempt it, open the digicam from the duvet display screen similar to you’d on any Android cellphone. There are a number of methods to take action, together with a double-press of the ability button.
Do not simply use it for selfies — get inventive. Your Galaxy Z Flip 7 will also be used as a tripod because of its folding type issue. Subsequent, attempt Cowl display screen preview — it is the Flip 7 icon within the top-right nook of the digicam app when unfolded. It’s going to present a preview of the viewfinder on the duvet display screen, so your topic can see how they give the impression of being earlier than you snap an image.
Do not sleep on Camcorder mode — a enjoyable solution to take movies prefer it’s the 2000s once more. Open your Flip 7 midway and maintain it like a camcorder, and a brand new UI will seem. You will get handheld controls on one half of the display screen and a viewfinder on the opposite. It is a neat solution to take residence movies whereas staying within the second.
Give Galaxy AI a go
Whether or not you’re keen on or hate AI, there are a handful of Samsung Galaxy AI options price utilizing on the Galaxy Z Flip 7. A few of my favourite choices embrace AI Choose, Object Eraser, Interpreter, and Name Help. With AI Choose, you’ll be able to flip something in your display screen right into a saved screenshot or GIF. Let me let you know, with the ability to take a video from social media and convert it to a GIF with simply two button presses is game-changing.
In the meantime, Object Eraser is one of the best cell generative fill software obtainable. Interpreter bridges the language barrier, and is nice whereas touring. Lastly, Name Help has your again when coping with spam calls or lengthy maintain instances. These are simply the tip of the iceberg, and we cowl each Samsung Galaxy AI function right here.
Pair your smartwatch and earbuds
Whenever you get a brand new Android cellphone, you should not overlook to pair your favourite equipment together with your gadget. When you have a Samsung Galaxy Watch, the method may be straightforward. Open the Settings app in your smartwatch, then faucet the Common tab. When you see a Switch watch to new cellphone possibility, you are in luck. Faucet it and comply with the prompts to switch your smartwatch to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7.
This technique ought to work with most Put on OS smartwatches, and we have now a full information to utilizing it.
When you signal into the identical Google account in your new Flip 7, your saved Bluetooth units could already be linked. If not, merely provoke the pairing course of in your headphones or earbuds — normally by long-pressing a button till you see a flashing gentle — and comply with the prompts to attach them to the Flip 7.
Strive multimodal Gemini Stay
My favourite AI function on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is definitely from Google. Circle to Search is available in at a detailed second place, however at primary is unquestionably multimodal Gemini Stay entry on the duvet display screen.
Maintain down the ability button to activate Gemini — you will have to set it up first on the primary display screen. Any time thereafter, you will get the unabridged Gemini and Gemini Stay experiences on the duvet display screen. That features video streaming assist, so you’ll be able to ask Gemini questions on what you are seeing with out opening up the gadget.
Use Samsung DeX
For the primary time, Samsung DeX is out there on a flip cellphone with the Galaxy Z Flip 7. It is a desktop surroundings for One UI 8 powered solely by your clamshell foldable. Join it to a show, and your Flip 7 may theoretically function your foremost laptop. The principle display screen can be utilized as a touchpad for DeX, too. There are wired and wi-fi choices for connectivity, so you’ll be able to select both primarily based in your must prioritize both latency or comfort.
We’ve got a full information to utilizing Samsung DeX right here.
Another factor
The very last thing it’s best to do whereas attending to know your Galaxy Z Flip 7 could also be a very powerful. Do not forget that your Flip 7’s pre-installed display screen protector might be changed free-of-charge one time inside 12 months of your buy. After that, replacements will price round $20. In different phrases, do not assume your Flip 7 is breaking if the display screen protector wears down over time — it is simple and low cost to get changed by knowledgeable.
You’ll be able to even set a reminder utilizing the Reminder app in your cellphone in about 11 months to examine in your Flip 7 and discover getting the free alternative earlier than time runs out.
Till then, get pleasure from utilizing your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. It is an excellent cellphone, and after you get to know its finest options, you will understand that it affords far more than a standard “slab” smartphone.
A flipping enjoyable cellphone
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 is jam-packed with options you will not discover on a slab cellphone. You get a enjoyable cowl display screen, Flex Mode, and different helpful tips.
