Samsung Adds UWB to Galaxy Z Flip 7, But Only in One Market

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 marks a major step forward in making the Flip series feel like a true flagship. It is the first model to support Samsung DeX and Ultra Wideband (UWB). However, there’s a frustrating twist: UWB is only available on the Korean model. In all other regions, the feature is missing without explanation, leaving buyers questioning why such a premium feature is exclusive to Samsung’s home market.

Galaxy Z Flip 7 offers UWB in Korea but not anywhere else

For years, Samsung’s Z Flip lineup has lagged behind its Galaxy S and Z Fold siblings in offering UWB, a feature that enables highly accurate location tracking. UWB allows digital car keys to automatically unlock your car as you approach and powers precise item tracking through Google’s Find My Device network. It’s not just a flashy extra — it’s a practical, forward-looking feature.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip 7, not many expected it to offer UWB. However, the company’s official spec sheet for the domestic market does list UWB support. Not only that, but the device appears in Google’s UWB-capable device catalog. Moreover, when tested using Samsung’s own Remote Test Lab, the Korean Flip 7 (SM-F766N) shows an active UWB toggle under Settings > Connections, just like other UWB-enabled Galaxy devices. No such feature is available in global versions.

It’s not uncommon for certain features to vary by region — bands, charging speeds, even chipsets in some cases — but why would a flagship phone support UWB in South Korea and nowhere else? As Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority points out, there are a few possible explanations. Most notably, it may be down to the popularity of UWB in Samsung’s home country. Digital car keys using UWB could be more common there, or UWB-based tracking may be integrated into local apps.

Additionally, certifying UWB in each market might cost more than Samsung believes it’s worth. The company could also be holding back UWB on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 globally to keep it distinct from more expensive models. After all, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy S25 Ultra include UWB as a standard feature. Or maybe it’s a temporary software limitation as Samsung trials the feature in the domestic market before a global rollout. Unfortunately, we do not have official answers from the company.