📢 ANNOUNCEMENT: Tech-Savvy Saturdays Takes a Brief Hiatus - Continuing to Empower Lawyers with Legal Tech Insights Through Blogs and Podcasts.

Hey everyone!

My goal with Tech-Savvy Saturdays (TSS) is to consistently serve as a cornerstone resource for legal professionals seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of legal technology. Due to other obligations, I need to take a pause on TSS.  But fear not, TSS will return in several months. Meanwhile, you can still stay updated on all things legal tech through the Tech-Savvy Lawyer Blog and Podcast.

Stay safe and Tech-Savvy!

Your Friend,
Michael D.J.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Series Redefines Mobile Legal Practice: The Ultimate July 2025 Review 📱⚖️

are the new samsung galaxy z mobile phones the next innovation in smart phones for lawyers?

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent the most transformative mobile devices for legal professionals in 2025, delivering unprecedented productivity enhancements while finally achieving the durability and refinement necessary for serious law practice deployment.

Revolutionary Design: Function Meets Form

Galaxy Z Fold7: The Legal Powerhouse

The Galaxy Z Fold7 achieves what previous foldable generations promised but couldn't deliver—genuine laptop-like productivity in a pocket-sized device. At just 8.9mm folded and an impossibly thin 4.2mm unfolded, it's lighter than most traditional flagships at 215 grams while providing dual-screen functionality. Legal professionals finally have access to a device that feels like a conventional smartphone when closed but transforms into a 7.6-inch tablet workstation when opened.  (Editor’s note: I have to admit that when I held and played with a Fold that I was so impressed it became my new blog/podcast phone!)

The 6.5-inch cover screen with improved 21:9 aspect ratio eliminates the narrow, cramped experience of previous generations, making email management, calendar review, and client communications genuinely usable without unfolding. This addresses a critical pain point for attorneys who need quick access to information between court sessions or client meetings.

Galaxy Z Flip7: Compact Professional Excellence

The Galaxy Z Flip7 transforms the traditional smartphone experience with its 4.1-inch edge-to-edge FlexWindow—now a legitimate secondary interface rather than a glorified notification panel. At 188 grams, it's lighter than most flagship phones while offering a 6.9-inch main display that rivals the Galaxy S25 Ultra when unfolded.

For legal professionals who prioritize portability, the Z Flip7's ability to fold to just 13.7mm thick while maintaining flagship performance represents a paradigm shift in mobile form factors.

Productivity Revolution for Legal Practice

Multitasking Mastery

The Galaxy Z Fold7's Multi-Active Windows capability allows attorneys to run three apps simultaneously—a game-changer for legal workflows. Imagine reviewing case documents in one window, conducting legal research in another, and managing client communications in a third, all on a single device. This level of multitasking was previously impossible on mobile devices and rivals desktop productivity.

Real-world legal applications include:

• Simultaneous document review and note-taking during depositions

• Side-by-side contract comparison and analysis

• Multi-app case management during court proceedings

• Instant legal research while drafting briefs or motions

Scrool to the bottom for a comprehensive comparison table for the Samsung Zs, the iPhone, and the Pixel!

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Scrool to the bottom for a comprehensive comparison table for the Samsung Zs, the iPhone, and the Pixel! 📱

Document Management Excellence

Both devices excel at PDF annotation, form completion, and document scanning—core legal tasks that previously required desktop computers or specialized equipment. The 200MP camera system on the Z Fold7 ensures crystal-clear document capture even in challenging lighting conditions, while the large screen makes detailed document review practical on mobile devices.

Legal professionals report dramatically reduced processing times for routine document tasks—what once required printing, manual completion, scanning, and emailing can now be accomplished entirely on the device in under five minutes.

Enterprise Security Meets Legal Compliance

Samsung Knox: Defense-Grade Protection

Samsung Knox provides chip-to-cloud security architecture specifically designed for sensitive professional environments. For legal practices handling confidential client information, Knox's container technology creates separate, encrypted workspaces that isolate professional data from personal applications.

Key security features for legal professionals:

There are noticeable improvements to these devices that may rival apple’s iphone line.

• Hardware-level encryption protecting client confidentiality

• Secure folders for case-sensitive documents and communications

• Enterprise management compatibility with law firm IT policies

• Regular security updates for seven years—crucial for compliance requirements

• AI-Powered Productivity with Privacy Controls

Galaxy AI integration enhances legal workflows without compromising data privacy. Note Assist automatically organizes meeting notes into actionable items, while Interpreter in FlexMode facilitates hands-free client communications. Importantly, many AI features process data on-device, addressing legal industry privacy concerns. (Editor’s note - always check the terms of service and other reliable sources to confirm your client’s PII is protected before using any AI service.)

Competitive Analysis: Leading the Professional Mobile Market

Performance Leadership

The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor in the Z Fold7 delivers flagship-level performance with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage—specifications that rival desktop computers from just a few years ago. This computational power enables smooth operation of multiple legal applications simultaneously, from case management software to video conferencing platforms.

Camera Systems: Evidence Documentation Excellence

The Z Fold7's 200MP main camera represents a significant upgrade for legal documentation needs. Whether capturing whiteboard notes during strategy sessions, photographing evidence at accident scenes, or documenting contract details, the camera system delivers professional-grade results.

The 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom proves particularly valuable for detailed text capture—essential when photographing contracts, court documents, or exhibit materials.

Battery Life: All-Day Professional Use

Both devices feature 4,300-4,400mAh batteries designed to support intensive legal workflows throughout extended court sessions or client meetings. 25W fast charging minimizes downtime between professional engagements.

Market Impact: Reshaping Legal Technology Adoption

Is there a galaxy z in your firm’s future?

Industry Momentum Building

Samsung's foldable preorders increased 25% year-over-year in July 2025, with 38% surge in US shipments indicating growing professional adoption. Legal professionals represent a significant portion of this growth, driven by the productivity benefits and enterprise security features.

Competitive Response

With Apple yet to enter the foldable market and Google's Pixel Fold lacking the productivity optimizations of Samsung's devices, the Galaxy Z series maintains a unique position in professional mobile computing. This market leadership provides legal practices with proven, mature foldable technology rather than experimental alternatives.

Limitations and Considerations

Investment Analysis - Are they worth the price?

Pricing remains a significant consideration—the Z Fold7 starts at $1,999, while the Z Flip7 begins at $1,099. However, for attorneys who can leverage the productivity benefits, the devices may justify their premium pricing through improved billable hour efficiency and reduced need for multiple devices.

Learning Curve Management

Staff training requirements should be considered for firm-wide deployments. The unique interface and multitasking capabilities require adjustment from traditional smartphone usage patterns.

Durability in Professional Environments

While both devices are tested for 200,000 folds (approximately 10 years of use) and feature IP48 water resistance, legal professionals working in challenging environments may need additional protection. The removal of S Pen support from the Z Fold7 eliminates handwritten note-taking capabilities that some attorneys preferred.

Final Thoughts: Verdict for the Galaxy Z phone series - Transformative Technology for Modern Legal Practice

The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 represent the first foldable devices mature enough for serious legal practice adoption. The combination of flagship performance, enterprise security, productivity optimization, and refined design creates compelling value propositions for different attorney needs.

For litigation attorneys and corporate lawyers who require maximum screen real estate and multitasking capability, the Z Fold7 delivers unprecedented mobile productivity that approaches desktop-level functionality. For attorneys prioritizing portability and quick access to communications, the Z Flip7 offers flagship performance in an exceptionally compact form factor.

I don’t know if my excitement to use the Fold justifies a switch in my legal work device (and move from my iPhone to the Fold), but the significant hardware improvements, including thinner profiles, better displays, enhanced cameras, and robust security features, position the Flip and the Fold as legitimate professional tools rather than technological novelties. With seven years of security updates and Samsung's enterprise support infrastructure, these devices meet the long-term stability requirements of legal practice.

Samsung has successfully transformed foldable phones from experimental curiosities into practical productivity tools that can genuinely enhance legal workflows and professional efficiency. For law practices ready to embrace next-generation mobile technology, the Galaxy Z series delivers the durability, functionality, and enterprise features necessary for professional legal work.

Compare the specs for the Zs, the iphone and the iphone.

📖 Word(s) of the Week (Wow): "Service as a Service" (SaaS) & "Hardware as a Service" (HaaS)!

SaaS vs. HaaS: What Law Firms Need to Know About Service as a Service and Hardware as a Service in 2025 ⚖️💻

Exploring SaaS vs. HaaS in Legal Tech!

Legal practices are rapidly embracing cloud-based solutions, and two models stand out: Software as a Service (SaaS) and Hardware as a Service (HaaS). Understanding these models is essential for law firms seeking efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness in 2025.

What is SaaS?
SaaS is a cloud-based software delivery model. Instead of buying software outright and installing it on each device, law firms subscribe to web-hosted applications. This means no more managing physical servers or complex installations. Leading SaaS providers handle updates, security, and maintenance, freeing attorneys to focus on clients and cases.

Benefits of SaaS for Law Firms:

• Centralized, secure document management—enabling paperless workflows and real-time collaboration.

• Cost savings by eliminating expensive hardware and IT support. Firms pay only for what they use and can scale up or down as needed.

• Remote access to case files, calendars, and billing from anywhere, supporting hybrid and remote work environments.

• Automatic updates and improved security, with providers responsible for compliance and data protection.

• Specialized legal features, such as document automation, calendaring, and legal billing, tailored for law practices.

Legal Considerations for SaaS:
SaaS agreements replace traditional software licenses. They must clearly define service levels, data privacy, and compliance with regulations. SaaS lawyers play a crucial role in drafting contracts, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.

What is HaaS?
HaaS provides physical hardware—like computers, servers, or networking equipment—on a subscription basis. Law firms avoid large upfront purchases and instead pay a monthly fee for access, support, and maintenance. HaaS often includes installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and ongoing monitoring.

Benefits of HaaS for Law Firms:

Knowing your SAAS and Haas agreement terms is essential to maintaining client confidentiality and security

• Predictable budgeting with no surprise hardware expenses.

• Up-to-date equipment and proactive maintenance, reducing downtime.

• Comprehensive support agreements, including warranties and rapid response times.

• Enhanced security and compliance, as providers manage device updates and data protection.

Legal Considerations for HaaS:
HaaS contracts should specify the scope of services, pricing, service-level agreements (SLAs), liability, data privacy, and dispute resolution. Clear terms protect both the law firm and the provider, ensuring accountability and compliance with industry standards.

Challenges Law Firms Face in Using SaaS and HaaS

Law firms adopting SaaS and HaaS face several notable challenges:

• Security Vulnerabilities: SaaS platforms can be susceptible to misconfigured access controls, inadequate monitoring, and insufficient threat detection. These weaknesses make law firms prime targets for cyberattacks, such as unauthorized access and data breaches, as seen in high-profile incidents involving major firms.

• Data Breaches and Compliance Risks: Sensitive client data stored in SaaS environments is at risk if proper security measures are not in place. Breaches can expose confidential information, leading to regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and class action lawsuits if firms fail to notify affected parties promptly.

• Integration Challenges: As law firms rely on multiple SaaS vendors, integrating various software platforms can become complex. Poor integration may disrupt workflows and reduce efficiency, especially if systems do not communicate seamlessly.

• Shared Responsibility Confusion: SaaS providers typically secure the platform, but law firms are responsible for data security and access controls. Many firms mistakenly believe vendor security alone is sufficient, which can leave critical data exposed.

• Reliable and consistent internet access: Reliable and consistent internet access is essential for law firms using SaaS and HaaS, as these cloud-based solutions require an active connection to access software, documents, and case management tools; any internet outage or slow connectivity can disrupt workflows, limit access to critical information, and impact client service. (What if you are on travel and the airplane, hotel, or location does have (reliable) internet connection - how do you get your work done?)

• Business Email Compromise (BEC): SaaS ecosystems increase the risk of BEC attacks. Compromised email accounts can be exploited for fraud, impersonation, and data theft, often going undetected for extended periods.

• Data Classification and Visibility Issues: Rapid adoption of SaaS can lead to scattered data across multiple platforms. Without a formal data classification strategy, firms may lose track of where sensitive information resides, complicating compliance and incident response.

• Legal and Contractual Complexities: SaaS contracts involve nuanced licensing agreements, third-party vendor relationships, and service level commitments. Discrepancies between vendor terms and client expectations can result in disputes and legal challenges.

• Dependency on Providers: Both SaaS and HaaS models make firms dependent on external vendors for uptime, support, and updates. Service disruptions or vendor instability can directly impact firm operations.

• Hardware Lifecycle Management: With HaaS, firms avoid upfront hardware costs but must rely on the provider for timely upgrades, maintenance, and support. Poor vendor performance can lead to outdated equipment, downtime, or security gaps.

• Cost Over Time: While SaaS and HaaS reduce initial capital expenditures, ongoing subscription fees may add up, potentially exceeding the cost of traditional ownership in the long term if not carefully managed.

Lawyers need to know the pros and cons in using saas and haas products!

While SaaS and HaaS offer significant advantages, law firms must address these risks through robust security practices, careful contract negotiation, and ongoing vendor management to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity. This may be easier for large law firms but difficult if not nearly impossible for mid- to small- to solo-size law practices.

Why Law Firms Should Care
Both SaaS and HaaS offer flexibility, scalability, and security that traditional IT models cannot match. By leveraging these services, law firms can modernize operations, improve client service, and reduce risk. The right contracts and due diligence are critical to ensure business continuity and compliance in a rapidly evolving legal tech landscape.