Think the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is smaller than your S24? It's a matter of perspective

It's not outlandish to consider that many Galaxy S24 users chose the 6.2-inch base model over the Plus and Ultra variants because of the phone's relatively compact footprint. But can you go even more compact than this within Samsung's area of operation?

Technically, you can, but it comes with caveats. The other compact Samsung phone worth noting is the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which went on sale this past summer, boasting a larger and more usable 4.1-inch cover screen. But is this phone really a more compact alternative to the Galaxy S24? Should you trade-in?

If your main concern when choosing a new phone is its size, then the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, when folded, the phone measures only 85.5 x 75.2mm and has a small 4.1-inch Super AMOLED cover display with a special UI that will make you rethink how you interact with the phone. It's as compact and straightforward as it gets.

On the other hand, when unfolded, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is not that compact. It is, in fact, significantly larger than your Galaxy S24. It has a 6.9-inch display instead of a 6.2-inch one, and its bezels are rather thick.

This adds up to dimensions of 166.7 x 75.2mm when unfolded. The phone also weighs 188 grams.

That's a bit of a stretch from your Galaxy S24, which measures only 147 x 70.6mm and weighs 168 grams.

The answer depends on how you look at it. If you value the compact form factor when you're carrying your phone in your bag or pocket, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 delivers.

But do you think a compact phone is defined primarily by a small screen for one-hand usability? In that case, your Galaxy S24 is truer to that definition, unless you get a lot of use from the Flip 7's cover screen.

Apart from their dimensions, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is indeed a slightly better phone in many areas, from a technical perspective. It is newer than the S24+, so it benefits from:

And now, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 supports Samsung DeX, so if you value the desktop experience in a compact phone, the Flip is finally an option worth considering.

Of course, price is also a factor. And that's where the Galaxy Z Flip 7 pill might get tougher to swallow. It's not that much more advanced than the S24+ but commands a premium price.

In the USA, you can get a trade-in discount of $300 if you're willing to give Samsung your Galaxy S24, but even so, the Flip 7 costs at least $799. And arguably, the S24 is worth more than $300. Even Samsung is selling Re-Newed S24s for $610.

All in all, if you're not willing to make that investment but would like to try walking down the Flip 7 route, you may get lucky and find the phone at a discount around Black Friday or the holiday shopping season.