Day: July 31, 2025

Samsung’s Mobile Phone Triumph Gleams Even with 55% Decline in Q2 Profits

Samsung’s Q2 2025 performance highlights that it remains a formidable player, albeit facing significant challenges.

What you should be aware of

– Samsung’s revenue reached $53.5B, but profits plummeted by 55%, primarily due to a difficult quarter in its chip sector.
– Semiconductor profits fell significantly — from $4.6B last year to merely $287M — as a result of Nvidia delays and stricter U.S. export regulations.
– With Meta and Microsoft increasing their AI requirements, Samsung is counting on a stronger latter half of the year.

Samsung has published its Q2 2025 results, revealing a mixed picture, where overall performance has declined, albeit a few segments have managed to remain stable.

The South Korean conglomerate generated KRW 74.6 trillion (around $53.5 billion), yet profits experienced a downturn, with operating profit decreasing to KRW 4.7 trillion ($3.37 billion). This reflects a 55% drop compared to the previous quarter and is almost identical year-over-year.

Samsung attributes the downturn primarily to its semiconductor division, which faced substantial challenges this quarter.

The semiconductor sector was particularly adversely affected, recording only KRW 400 billion in profit ($287 million). This represents a dramatic fall from the KRW 6.5 trillion earned last year. A significant factor contributing to the drop is the delay in delivering high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips to Nvidia, alongside tightened U.S. export restrictions impacting chip sales to China.

AI demand from major tech firms sparks Samsung’s optimism

Despite robust demand from AI and cloud-oriented companies, Samsung struggled to seize the opportunity this quarter as rivals like SK Hynix and Micron did.

However, there are indications of a recovery on the horizon. Samsung anticipates a more robust second half, driven by increased AI demand from major stakeholders such as Meta and Microsoft. A new trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea, implementing a 15% chip tariff, also offers some relief and predictability.

Additionally, Samsung is making a significant gamble on its foundry business with a $16.5 billion chip order from Tesla, which will commence manufacturing at its Texas facility in 2026.

During the earnings call, Daniel Araujo, VP of Samsung’s Mobile Experience team, revealed that the Galaxy S25 FE will launch sooner than expected, likely around August or early September, according to Android Authority.

Mobile and electronics stabilize Samsung amid semiconductor downturn

Looking forward, Samsung is prioritizing advanced chip technology as it aims to bridge the performance gap in the AI arena. It is in the process of developing HBM-3E and HBM-4 memory, essential components for maintaining relevance in the AI chip competition.

Samsung’s mobile division performed well, generating roughly $2.23 billion in profit, a nearly 40% increase from last year’s $1.6 billion. The uplift was driven by strong sales across its product range, including not just phones but also laptops, smartwatches, tablets, and even smart rings.

Despite a challenging Q2 for its semiconductor business, Samsung found some equilibrium within its mobile and electronics sectors. The company is banking on AI advancements and new partnerships to aid in turning the tide in the second half of 2025.

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Concerns Expressed Regarding App Store Security Resulting from Tea App Problems

**Appalling Security Vulnerabilities in the Tea App: An In-Depth Review of Apple’s App Store Regulations**

Apple has historically justified its monopolistic dominance over the distribution of iPhone applications, claiming that its thorough review process guarantees user safety and security. Nonetheless, recent discoveries concerning the Tea app—a platform for dating advice—have raised critical doubts about the efficiency of this review process. The app, intended to assist women in sharing red flags regarding potential partners, has been revealed to harbor considerable security flaws that have exposed the private conversations and personal information of tens of thousands of users.

### Significant Security Issues

The security vulnerabilities associated with the Tea app are concerning. Reports suggest that sensitive data, such as selfies and identification photos utilized for user verification, has been compromised. This breach not only threatens users’ privacy but also makes it simple to identify individuals and the men they have mentioned within the app. Such flaws contradict the app’s declared goal of fostering a safer dating environment for women.

### Conflicting Assertions Regarding App Store Security

Apple’s defense for its App Store monopoly is based on the claim that it is a “secure and trustworthy environment” for users to acquire applications. However, the existence of fraudulent apps within the App Store has drawn scrutiny from antitrust authorities worldwide. A study conducted in 2021 indicated that nearly 2% of the top-grossing apps in the App Store were scams, resulting in losses of around $50 million for users. This situation raises concerns about whether Apple’s review process is genuinely effective in protecting users.

Despite facing pressure to permit third-party app stores in the EU, Apple has been resistant to implementing similar adjustments in the United States and other areas. Critics contend that the existence of problematic applications, such as Tea, directly challenges Apple’s claims regarding the safety of its App Store.

### The Tea App: A Prime Example of Oversight

The continued availability of the Tea app on the App Store, despite its obvious security flaws, has spurred discussions among users and commentators. A prominent voice in this debate, John Gruber, has proposed that while Google has restricted the app’s visibility on its Play Store, Apple should contemplate analogous actions. Gruber’s viewpoint underscores the necessity for a balanced strategy—removing the app entirely may not be warranted, but limiting its visibility could avert new users from unintentionally downloading a potentially dangerous application.

### Conclusion

The circumstances surrounding the Tea app represent a significant case study in the ongoing discussion regarding app store security and monopolistic behavior. As Apple continues to encounter scrutiny over its App Store control, the crucial question persists: what measures should the company undertake concerning apps with considerable security flaws? Should it eliminate such apps, restrict their visibility, or preserve the current situation? The resolutions to these questions will have far-reaching consequences for user safety and the future of application distribution on iOS platforms.

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Comparison between iOS 18 and iOS 26: Fresh App Icons for Your iPhone Home Screen

# The Liquid Glass Revamp of iOS 26: An In-Depth Summary

As Apple gears up for the introduction of iOS 26, users can look forward to a major visual transformation, especially with the reworking of app icons. This is the first instance since iOS 7 where Apple has thoroughly redesigned all system app icons, ensuring a fresh and contemporary appearance for the iPhone home screen this autumn.

## A Cohesive Visual Framework

The Liquid Glass revamp encompasses more than just visual appeal; it signifies a comprehensive rethinking of Apple’s strategy for app icons across its ecosystems. Traditionally, iOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS displayed various iterations of the same icons. For example, macOS icons featured greater 3D depth and shadowing, while watchOS icons were round but shared minimal similarities with their visionOS counterparts.

With iOS 26, Apple has seized the chance to harmonize iconography across its platforms. The icons on iOS and macOS now exhibit a unified design language, featuring a ‘squircle’ rounded rectangle shape for all Mac icons, closely aligning with the iPhone’s visual style. In addition, watchOS and visionOS icons will also incorporate this fresh design, simply trimmed to accommodate a circular format.

## Design Advancements

Apple’s updated design principles promote the inclusion of glass elements, which offer depth through edge highlights and blur effects. Updated alignment rules stipulate the spacing for circular components within the icons, guaranteeing a uniform and refined look. Notably, the squircle shape has been delicately modified, showcasing a larger corner radius for a gentler appearance.

One of the key attributes of the new icons is their adaptability to device movement. On iPhones and iPads, the glass elements respond dynamically, producing subtle directional light effects that enhance the overall user experience.

## Visual Contrast: iOS 26 vs. iOS 18

To exemplify the design advancements, a side-by-side evaluation of the iOS 26 app icons alongside their iOS 18 versions demonstrates a distinct evolution in visual style. The new icons are widely considered more visually appealing, highlighting Apple’s dedication to design superiority.

## Conclusion

The Liquid Glass revamp of iOS 26 not only rejuvenates the appearance of system features like buttons and tab bars but also substantially refines the app icons, establishing a unified visual identity across all Apple platforms. As users await the autumn launch, the new icons are set to enhance the overall experience of utilizing iOS devices.

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ChatGPT’s Study Mode Efficacy Relies on Truthful Application

**ChatGPT’s Study Mode: A Revolutionary Step in AI-Assisted Education**

Earlier this month, OpenAI introduced a new functionality for ChatGPT referred to as “Study Mode,” created to function as a virtual tutor for students. This mode is intended to support learners by guiding them through challenges instead of merely supplying answers, fostering deeper comprehension and critical analysis.

**The Necessity for Study Mode**

With the emergence of AI instruments like ChatGPT, educational institutions have encountered difficulties as students leverage these technologies to complete tasks and assessments. Nevertheless, AI can additionally act as a robust educational tool when utilized appropriately. Study Mode and comparable features, such as Claude’s Learning Mode, are crafted to assist students in their learning by providing step-by-step guidance and generating quizzes to enhance understanding.

**Attributes of ChatGPT’s Study Mode**

OpenAI teamed up with educators and specialists to construct Study Mode, which incorporates:

– **Engaging Prompts**: Employs Socratic questioning and clues to encourage active learning.
– **Structured Responses**: Breaks down information into easily digestible parts to prevent overwhelming students.
– **Tailored Assistance**: Modifies lessons according to the user’s skill level and prior engagements.
– **Knowledge Evaluations**: Provides quizzes and feedback to monitor progress and retention.
– **Adaptability**: Permits users to switch Study Mode on and off as required.

**Fostering Autonomous Learning**

Study Mode is elective and necessitates users to opt not to cheat. It highlights the significance of self-guided learning and critical thinking, capabilities that are vital in a technology-driven world. OpenAI intends to improve Study Mode with further features such as visual aids and personalized goal tracking.

**Final Thoughts**

Although ChatGPT’s Study Mode represents a promising resource for education, it is essential for users to validate the accuracy of the information given. As AI consistently advances, it possesses the capacity to revolutionize learning, provided it is utilized responsibly and efficiently.

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Adobe Promotes Implementation of Firefly AI to Complete an Artist’s Unfinished Film

Sam Finn collaborated with Adobe to produce a video lasting less than two minutes, titled “The Unfinished Film.”

Developed using Adobe’s Firefly suite of AI tools that have seen considerable enhancements in recent months, “The Unfinished Film” is described as “more than merely a creative trial,” according to an Adobe blog post. “It’s a project for community storytelling aimed at honoring creative freedom and collaboration. We began with a straightforward question: What occurs when you pass an idea—not a completed work—to the creative community and encourage them to expand upon it?”

“The Unfinished Film” has the potential to serve as an excellent marketing asset for Adobe, as the company invites creators to develop their own renditions of it. AI image and video generators have gained massive attention multiple times, with examples such as ChatGPT’s 4o image generator, Google’s Veo 3, and Higgsfield Soul. Adobe Firefly might also capitalize on similar popularity within the creator community.

In particular, Adobe is encouraging them to utilize the AI image, video, and audio tools found in Firefly to complete “The Unfinished Film.” This initiative is designed to highlight the expanding capabilities of the Firefly AI suite, assisting creators in realizing whatever they envision with remarkable simplicity.

What functionalities does Adobe Firefly AI offer?

Most US iPhones Are Now Produced in India Due to Apple Tariffs

**Majority of US iPhones Now Produced in India: A Change in Apple’s Supply Chain**

A significant proportion of US iPhones are now produced in India rather than China, as Apple modifies its supply chain to alleviate tariffs on imports from China to the US. This tactical shift is projected to yield substantial advantages for Apple in the near future, but two main issues could hinder its long-term viability.

### Apple Approaching Its Long-Term Objectives

Though the bulk of iPhones continue to be assembled in China, Apple has been diligently striving to boost production in other nations, with India rising as its secondary production center. The company’s goal is to achieve 50% of iPhone manufacturing in India within the next few years. A crucial objective for Apple would be to synchronize the production of new iPhone models in both India and China. Although Apple intended to accomplish this with the iPhone 16, Indian production commenced a few weeks later than in China. Nevertheless, strategies are in place for this synchronization to take place with the forthcoming iPhone 17.

The primary drive for this transition has been to lessen dependency on Chinese manufacturing. The recent shifts in production are proving beneficial, particularly in light of the tariffs on Chinese imports to the US.

### Majority of US iPhones Now Produced in India

As reported by Bloomberg, most iPhones intended for the US market are now being manufactured in India, overtaking China as the predominant supplier. At present, India represents over 20% of global iPhone output and has emerged as the leading supplier of iPhones to the US market.

### However, There Are Two Challenges

In spite of the benefits of this transition, Apple contends with two notable challenges. The first is the significant surge in demand that comes with the introduction of new iPhone models. It is improbable that production in India alone will satisfy the full US demand for the iPhone 17.

The second challenge involves the potential for temporary relief from import tariffs. While smartphones are presently exempt from a 25% tariff enacted by the Trump administration on goods from India, this exemption may not last indefinitely. The administration has been known for its frequent changes in policy, and ongoing negotiations between the US and India could result in adjustments to tariff regulations.

Although Apple has thus far managed the effects of import tariffs, it is unlikely to maintain this in the long term, which could result in higher prices for Apple products available in the US.

### Final Thoughts

Apple’s transition of production to India signifies a notable shift in its supply chain strategy, propelled by the need to decrease reliance on China and mitigate tariff consequences. While this decision offers immediate advantages, the hurdles of fulfilling demand and possible tariff alterations could complicate Apple’s long-term strategies.

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Galaxy Z Fold 7 Establishes New US Preorder Milestone for Z Fold Line

Foldable Phones Are Now a Resounding Success

![Foldable Phones](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/L9Qphtkffet32e9BYXYMYT-1920-80.jpg.webp)

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

## Essential Information

– Samsung’s Z Fold 7 has shattered preorder records, with the Flip 7 closely trailing.
– Both devices are outpacing last year’s models by over 25%, and the Fold 7 alone is selling nearly 50% quicker.
– Carriers have experienced a 60% increase in preorders, and customers are visiting stores as well.

There is a clear enthusiasm for the new [Galaxy Z Flip 7](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7) and [Z Fold 7](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7), with recent data from Samsung indicating robust interest, likely due to the enhancements the company included in both foldable devices.

Samsung’s [latest and most impressive foldables](https://www.androidcentral.com/best-foldable-phone) are making a strong debut in the U.S., with internal figures revealing that the Z Fold 7 has achieved record-setting preorders for the product line, while the Flip 7 is not far behind.

Within just a week of its release, both the Fold 7 and Flip 7 are already exceeding last year’s models by over 25%, as reported by Samsung. The Fold 7 itself is selling nearly 50% more rapidly than its predecessor, indicating that foldables are swiftly transitioning from niche products to mainstream offerings.

Samsung’s findings align with an earlier report [indicating the Z Fold 7 accumulating more preorders than the Flip 7 in Korea](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-finally-pulls-ahead-of-the-flip-in-sales-in-korea), marking a first for this series.

## Genuine Interest, Not Mere Hype

![Foldable Phones](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iyhNwQFDYkgxESLWkv3E3T-320-80.jpg.webp)

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Carriers noted a 60% increase in preorders, highlighting significant buyer interest rather than just casual browsing. Demand is escalating both online and in physical locations, with many attracted to the lighter design and enhanced cameras, according to Samsung.

Color preferences are evolving as well. While black has historically been the standard option, nearly half of Fold 7 purchasers selected the new Blue Shadow option. Meanwhile, Coralred has emerged as an unexpectedly favored choice on the Flip side, constituting 25% of preorders.

Drew Blackard, Samsung’s SVP of Mobile Product Management, states that this seventh-generation foldable lineup is a culmination of years of consumer feedback. “Once people try a Z series device, they’re captivated — and now we’re seeing everything align with unprecedented numbers.”

## Significant Enhancements

![Foldable Phones](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9EvtFQDoc5yYq6nmjzcSWT-320-80.jpg.webp)

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

The popularity of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes as no surprise. Samsung has reduced the thickness and weight, making it the slimmest, lightest book-style foldable to date. This polished redesign is likely a major factor in attracting more users.

Additionally, the Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 [incorporate advanced AI and improved hardware](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7-early-battery-impressions) into lighter structures. From innovative tools to more intelligent assistants like Now Bar and [Gemini](https://www.androidcentral.com/tag/gemini) Live, Samsung is demonstrating that one can enjoy both power and portability.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and the more budget-friendly Z Flip 7 FE are currently available. They can be found on Samsung’s website, in retail stores, and through major carriers nationwide.

### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

![Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n492cdTmAtXoxYWXC3iyrB-320-80.jpg.webp)

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 features impressive upgrades, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a new phone. Preorder promotions are still available, but act quickly.

### Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

!

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Apple Security Bounty Program Provides as Much as $2 Million, But Only Disbursed $1,000 for Major Vulnerability

Apple’s Bug Bounty Program: An In-Depth Examination of Payout Variations

Apple has developed a strong bug bounty program aimed at motivating security researchers to find and report weaknesses in its devices and software. The company provides significant incentives, with rewards reaching as high as $2 million for severe vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, recent findings have pointed out inconsistencies in the payouts, raising questions regarding the program’s efficacy and fairness.

A prominent case involves a security researcher referred to as RenwaX23, who discovered a critical vulnerability in Safari, noted with a severity score of 9.8 out of 10. Despite this high rating, the researcher was awarded merely $1,000 for their findings. This situation has led to conversations about the factors Apple considers when setting bounty payouts and the potential consequences for the security research community.

In 2022, Apple’s bug bounty program saw enhancements, with the company proclaiming an average payout of $40,000 and instances of six-figure rewards for significant issues. For example, a student earned a total of $175,000 for successfully taking control of both Mac and iPhone cameras. However, RenwaX23’s case prompts inquiries into the reliability of these payouts, particularly regarding critical vulnerabilities.

The flaw discovered by RenwaX23 was a Universal Cross-Site Scripting (UXSS) vulnerability, which could permit an attacker to impersonate a user and access private information, including iCloud and the iOS Camera app. This vulnerability, cataloged as CVE-2025-30466, was rectified in the Safari 18.4 update released in March. Despite its critical nature, the amount awarded to the researcher was considerably below what one might expect for such a significant issue.

One potential reason for the low payout is that the exploit necessitated user involvement, which Apple takes into account when evaluating the risk and deciding on bounty figures. This has led to additional reports from other researchers who have faced similar discrepancies, with several receiving much less than expected based on Apple’s published criteria.

The gap between the severity of vulnerabilities and the related payouts could have wider repercussions for the security ecosystem. Low payouts may dissuade researchers from notifying Apple about vulnerabilities, possibly prompting them to sell their discoveries on the black market instead. Conversely, other companies may offer considerably higher rewards for serious vulnerabilities, fostering a competitive environment that may sway researchers’ choices.

In summary, while Apple’s bug bounty program has advanced in promoting security research, the recent payout inconsistencies emphasize the necessity for improved transparency and uniformity in determining rewards. As the cybersecurity environment continues to progress, it is vital for firms like Apple to cultivate trust and partnership with the security research community to safeguard the safety and security of their products.

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Proton Unveils New Application for Improved Two-Factor Authentication

Proton has introduced a new independent application named Proton Authenticator, aimed at improving the two-factor authentication (2FA) experience for users. Previously a part of Proton Pass, the built-in 2FA feature was inconvenient for mobile users. The newly launched app seeks to simplify this process, providing a free, multi-platform tool accessible on all devices.

Proton Authenticator is distinctive due to its open-source framework, enabling users to verify its functionality and guaranteeing that no data is collected by Proton. The application offers end-to-end encryption, safeguarding user data during synchronization across platforms. In contrast to other authenticators such as Google Authenticator and Authy, Proton Authenticator includes encrypted sync capabilities and is offered on a wider range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, as well as Android and iOS.

The app facilitates the straightforward export and import of 2FA accounts from various authenticators, improving user convenience. Eamonn Maguire, Head of Account Security at Proton, highlighted the application’s emphasis on user control, privacy, and convenience, removing dependency on major tech firms for 2FA solutions.

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Comparing the Camera Capabilities of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Flip 6, and Galaxy S25

Can Samsung extract improved shots from the same camera setup?

Samsung’s redesign of its foldable devices for 2025 introduced significant enhancements to both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. However, unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Flip didn’t acquire any camera hardware advancements this generation. The clamshell foldable continues to feature a dual-camera arrangement on the exterior, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor, along with a 10MP front camera.

The pressing question is whether Samsung’s transition to an in-house Exynos 2500 processor has led to enhanced image quality for the Galaxy Z Flip 7. With a new processor and updated computational photography technology, it’s feasible that the new model might surpass the previous Galaxy Z Flip 6—even with identical hardware.

To investigate, I subjected the Galaxy Z Flip 7 to a series of camera evaluations against the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy S25. It appears that Samsung’s image processing has significantly evolved in the new Flip. However, your preference may hinge on your personal style tastes. Let’s take a closer look.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Main camera

One of the advantages of having a clamshell foldable is the ability to access your best camera almost all the time. For the Galaxy Z Flip 7, that’s the 50MP primary camera featuring an f/1.8 aperture and a 1/1.57-inch sensor. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 utilizes the same primary camera, while the Galaxy S25, included for comparison, houses a 50MP f/1.8 sensor with nearly the same sensor size.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 boasts a distinctive computational photography profile and color science, evident in the camera samples below. It showcases heightened color saturation in images and favors contrast, sometimes at the cost of accurately representing real-world colors. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 may appear a bit washed out at times, indicating that the new model has made progress in this aspect.

For instance, in the first slide, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 displays excessive saturation and contrast, leading to a heavily darkened palm tree trunk. The sunset hues in the sky are more vibrant, but the rest of the image is darkened to achieve this effect. In the second slide, this approach proves effective as the Flip 7 better captures the blue sign than the Flip 6.

The third and fifth slides reflect a similar trend of darker hues and strong contrast—observe the roof color in the former and the leaf color in the latter. The selfie shot in the fourth slide tells a different story, as I believe the Flip 6 better replicates my skin tone than the Flip 7. This might suggest that the Flip 7 employs different color science profiles for faces and landscapes, which wouldn’t be unexpected.

In comparison to the Galaxy S25, the images are surprisingly alike. This is somewhat astonishing until one realizes that apart from a slight increase in megapixels and a minor difference in sensor size, both the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 share comparable main sensors. Overall, I tend to favor the output from the Galaxy S25, although the Galaxy Z Flip 7 surpassed it on several occasions.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Ultrawide and macro photography

When it comes to ultrawide and macro images, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 deliver nearly indistinguishable photos. Some pictures may be slightly more saturated on one device compared to the other, but this fluctuates in ultrawide and macro shots—there’s no clear trend like with the main camera images. Both phones utilize a 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide lens with a 123-degree field of view.

For wide-angle shots, this lower-quality sensor falls short of the detail produced by the main lens. However, the expansive FOV allows you to fit more subjects into the frame or capture a vast landscape.

As previously mentioned, color accuracy shifts back and forth between the Flip 7 and the Flip 6. In the first slide, the Flip 7 is better at reproducing the palm tree colors. By the third slide, the opposite is true, with the Flip 6 excelling in capturing the tree’s shade. Again, since the hardware remains the same, this variation is to be expected.

For reference, the Galaxy S25 also features a 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide lens, but it has a narrower 120-degree field of view. This implies that you won’t be able to include as much in the frame while zooming out when compared to the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Nonetheless, the Galaxy S25 excels in providing detail in close-up shots.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Zoom shots

Flip phones typically do not offer telephoto lenses for optical zoom,

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