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tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
Yeah the Z Fold still has some areas it shines over the others. Ecosystem for sure is fantastic. S pen and their software on a foldable really makes the experience top of the line. Having the ZF6, OP Open, and now P9 Pro Fold I can say Samsung's software easily outclasses the others, especially when considering multitasking abilities. There is something I can take from all of them on the software side that they excel at but Samsung is just the complete package there. That said, I can do everything I need to do 99% of the time on the other two and I just prefer the build better. Due to the Pixel features I value I'll probably lean towards keeping it and selling my ZF6 and Open. But to me the ZF6 is still an amazing device and the constant criticism of it is mostly unwarranted.
I think if Samsung adopted a form factor/aspect ratio closer to the others that provided a better closed experience, the criticism would largely disappear. It could also stand to lose a thickness but I wager we’ll see that with the next iteration.
 
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RSB96

macrumors 6502
Jan 23, 2021
422
1,914
Spain
Ditto! The iPad is my favorite Apple device.. but the Fold is just so fun to use.

I know some people tend to ditch a tablet when they pick up a book style foldable device... But I can’t see myself parting ways with the iPad, it’s just too good of a device. I like the latest Magic Keyboard paired with it (wasn’t fond of Apple forcing us to buy new accessories).

And I like the combination of Fold and iPad, best of both worlds... All that comes with Galaxy experience (S-Pen, multitasking, DeX and Good Lock) while there’s no better tablet than an iPad.
For me the iPad is also my favorite Apple device. As you can see in the picture, I also have the iPad Pro M4 and it is an amazing device and one that I really like, even with its limitations. I stopped using MacBook in 2017 and it's a decision I don't regret. Now I have a MacBook Pro for certain work purposes (although I hardly use it, as I use the Surface much more).

With the Fold I could get rid of the iPad mini, in the end it's the most similar device I have in size and its purpose is similar (a single device that doubles as a mobile and mini-tablet). I don't consider it a replacement for my iPad Pro, which is my personal portable computer.

I want to dig a little deeper into the Galaxy Fold, but after two days, my impressions are very good.

Yeah the Z Fold still has some areas it shines over the others. Ecosystem for sure is fantastic. S pen and their software on a foldable really makes the experience top of the line. Having the ZF6, OP Open, and now P9 Pro Fold I can say Samsung's software easily outclasses the others, especially when considering multitasking abilities. There is something I can take from all of them on the software side that they excel at but Samsung is just the complete package there. That said, I can do everything I need to do 99% of the time on the other two and I just prefer the build better. Due to the Pixel features I value I'll probably lean towards keeping it and selling my ZF6 and Open. But to me the ZF6 is still an amazing device and the constant criticism of it is mostly unwarranted.
I had my doubts whether to make the leap to the Fold 6 or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, although in the end as Google has not launched the Fold in Spain (if in other European markets), I opted for the Fold.

My biggest criticism of the Samsung is the camera, which for its price, I think it should be somewhat better. I'm not saying it has the same specs as the S24U, but something better than what it has. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a camera system that, being better, I was quite disappointed when it was presented, since in some aspects it is even worse than the previous model.

The Samsung may not be super thin, but it feels sturdy, the hinge is reliable, it transmits me more confidence than other alternatives, especially Chinese. The software is very solid and full of options, the best by far, although I like the Pixel UI layer better, I'm getting the hang of One UI (let's see how One UI 7 is).

I think Samsung could have risked more, but the Galaxy Fold 6 feels like a well-made product, with excellent build quality and a robustness that its rivals lack. I prefer that, a serious stability and software support, a great technical service behind, to be dazzled by technical features that then come to nothing (as sometimes happens with some Chinese brands).
 

Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,963
5,131
Texas
The Samsung may not be super thin, but it feels sturdy, the hinge is reliable, it transmits me more confidence than other alternatives, especially Chinese. The software is very solid and full of options, the best by far, although I like the Pixel UI layer better, I'm getting the hang of One UI (let's see how One UI 7 is).
I’ve been waiting to see any rumors on how One UI 7 is going to be for foldables… supposedly they are leaning toward iOS influenced.

And I like the Pixel UI layer better… but there are pieces within One UI (particularly the Quick Settings Tile). I do like how Pixel Fold does the two column layout for notifications. It really bugs me that both Apple and Samsung does not do two column layout… for the notification to be centered wasting valuable space seems lazy to me.
 

SteveJUAE

macrumors 601
Aug 14, 2015
4,511
4,750
Land of Smiles
I think if Samsung adopted a form factor/aspect ratio closer to the others that provided a better closed experience, the criticism would largely disappear. It could also stand to lose a thickness but I wager we’ll see that with the next iteration.
I doubt it 🙂

Critics always want more for less lol

If the Fold 6 was better in every aspect than say the S24, including wider front screen, pen silo, bigger battery, periscope lens etc etc

Firstly it would be well over $2000 and be heavier

Like all models out there some features are missing to meet a price point hence the variances

These Chinese models look impressive at 1st take but they are not significantly cheaper and lack the complete package you expect from top tier oems

That does not make them bad devices just the compromises you take you would not on Apple or Samsung or Google devices

Everyone wants to cherry pick the key features but fail to see the implications, mostly on cost 🙂
 
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tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
I doubt it 🙂

Critics always want more for less lol

If the Fold 6 was better in every aspect than say the S24, including wider front screen, pen silo, bigger battery, periscope lens etc etc

Firstly it would be well over $2000 and be heavier

Like all models out there some features are missing to meet a price point hence the variances

These Chinese models look impressive at 1st take but they are not significantly cheaper and lack the complete package you expect from top tier oems

That does not make them bad devices just the compromises you take you would not on Apple or Samsung or Google devices

Everyone wants to cherry pick the key features but fail to see the implications, mostly on cost 🙂
But there are already models that have the wider aspect ratio, are thinner, and are less expensive available besides the aforementioned Chinese OEMs, namely the OnePlus Open and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. And in nearly every online review, this point of contention with the Z Fold is invariably brought up.

The Z Fold is certainly a very capable foldable but this specific criticism has been lingering for years as Samsung has done nothing to change it and we're now seeing just about every other foldable adopting this so called more desirable form factor so again, I'll be genuinely surprised if Samsung sticks with it.
 

SteveJUAE

macrumors 601
Aug 14, 2015
4,511
4,750
Land of Smiles
But there are already models that have the wider aspect ratio, are thinner, and are less expensive available besides the aforementioned Chinese OEMs, namely the OnePlus Open and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. And in nearly every online review, this point of contention with the Z Fold is invariably brought up.

The Z Fold is certainly a very capable foldable but this specific criticism has been lingering for years as Samsung has done nothing to change it and we're now seeing just about every other foldable adopting this so called more desirable form factor so again, I'll be genuinely surprised if Samsung sticks with it.
I don't disagree 🙂 although I am not really a front screen user, I 99% of the time unfold

To be fair the screen has got wider and thinner, it's now 3mm wider than even the iPhone 13 mini that was probably one of the last optimal one hand devices

There must be some valid reason samsung have stayed so far with the thinner front screen

Maybe a wider screen would distract S24 users lol, who knows
 

Tulani

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Dec 6, 2012
1,888
851
256G Z Fold 5 selling at $1280 brand new unboxed....
Is it worth one buying?
 

Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,963
5,131
Texas
Wanted to share my experience with adding Samsung Care+ to the Fold 6… entered the payment information and once I sign up for Care+. Immediately I was sent an email from Servify detailing how to submit a video to showcase the quality of the device.

I was surprised by this, because when I did the same process with the Fold 4 back in 2022... Waited a month or so until I signed up for Care+ and that was it (never had to do this). Nonetheless, I did what was instructed… sent in the recorded video on Wednesday and it took the website awhile to upload the video (34 secs 88mb).

Today I was sent an email from Servify that the plan was successful activated. But I’m guessing this process helps to protect themself from fraud.
 

luckystriked

macrumors regular
May 23, 2008
134
1
Nope! Right now, you can order the unlocked ( samsung.com ) Navy Blue or Pink 1TB Fold 6 (no trade in + student edu discount ) for $1214.xx !! Plus, stack another 10% cash back from Rakuten.

Wish we had this in europe. Here is still 2000€ so 2.200 usd on Samsung.com
 

Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,963
5,131
Texas
20240923_091756.png

Shot using the Fold 6.

Yesterday, I received an email that my trade-in had been successfully approved. Figured I'd give a couple thoughts on my first few days with it. First and foremost... enjoying the battery life. I can go a day or two without having to place it on a charger (kudos to Samsung).

Coming from the Watch 4 Classic, which I had for 3 years... battery life wasn't that bad on it. But the improvements in battery life on the Watch Ultra is beautiful, I'm glad I went with this over the Pixel Watch 3. And one thing that bothered me with the Watch 4 Classic was the sluggishness.

The apps I mostly use for the Galaxy Watch is Google Home, Assistant and Pocket Cast... and I can definitely see the difference in load time and performance when it comes to these 3 apps. Supposedly, Google Home has a feature where we can see Nest camera live feeds from the watch... it's on the Pixel Watch 3 now. But hoping that it comes to the Galaxy Watch series.

Last but certainly not least is the customizable quick button (or maybe action button). I'm certainly not alone in this... but too many times I'm trying to locate something around the house and I'm in need of a flash light. Enabling the flash light for the button use makes a huge difference in resolving that problem.

And I'm still on the hunt for Watch bands.
 

Bkdodger

macrumors 68040
Jun 6, 2019
3,624
6,055
View attachment 2426170
Shot using the Fold 6.

Yesterday, I received an email that my trade-in had been successfully approved. Figured I'd give a couple thoughts on my first few days with it. First and foremost... enjoying the battery life. I can go a day or two without having to place it on a charger (kudos to Samsung).

Coming from the Watch 4 Classic, which I had for 3 years... battery life wasn't that bad on it. But the improvements in battery life on the Watch Ultra is beautiful, I'm glad I went with this over the Pixel Watch 3. And one thing that bothered me with the Watch 4 Classic was the sluggishness.

The apps I mostly use for the Galaxy Watch is Google Home, Assistant and Pocket Cast... and I can definitely see the difference in load time and performance when it comes to these 3 apps. Supposedly, Google Home has a feature where we can see Nest camera live feeds from the watch... it's on the Pixel Watch 3 now. But hoping that it comes to the Galaxy Watch series.

Last but certainly not least is the customizable quick button (or maybe action button). I'm certainly not alone in this... but too many times I'm trying to locate something around the house and I'm in need of a flash light. Enabling the flash light for the button use makes a huge difference in resolving that problem.

And I'm still on the hunt for Watch bands.
That looks excellent really like the way that looks
 
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aggie99

macrumors 65816
Sep 23, 2016
1,002
2,338
Dallas, TX
View attachment 2426170
Shot using the Fold 6.

Yesterday, I received an email that my trade-in had been successfully approved. Figured I'd give a couple thoughts on my first few days with it. First and foremost... enjoying the battery life. I can go a day or two without having to place it on a charger (kudos to Samsung).

Coming from the Watch 4 Classic, which I had for 3 years... battery life wasn't that bad on it. But the improvements in battery life on the Watch Ultra is beautiful, I'm glad I went with this over the Pixel Watch 3. And one thing that bothered me with the Watch 4 Classic was the sluggishness.

The apps I mostly use for the Galaxy Watch is Google Home, Assistant and Pocket Cast... and I can definitely see the difference in load time and performance when it comes to these 3 apps. Supposedly, Google Home has a feature where we can see Nest camera live feeds from the watch... it's on the Pixel Watch 3 now. But hoping that it comes to the Galaxy Watch series.

Last but certainly not least is the customizable quick button (or maybe action button). I'm certainly not alone in this... but too many times I'm trying to locate something around the house and I'm in need of a flash light. Enabling the flash light for the button use makes a huge difference in resolving that problem.

And I'm still on the hunt for Watch bands.
Great looking color combo.

I've had the Pixel Watch 3 in my cart so many times bc of how seamless it works with Pixel devices and the GWU has a few functions that only work with Samsung phones. But I just can't pull the trigger. I like the GWU that much. My favorite looking smart watch I've had. Love the battery life and everything runs so smooth on it. The only thing that I could see myself replacing it with is that black Apple Watch Ultra but that would require me to use an iPhone full time and I just don't want to return to iOS right now.
 

DeepIn2U

macrumors G5
May 30, 2002
13,051
6,984
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I’ve been waiting to see any rumors on how One UI 7 is going to be for foldables… supposedly they are leaning toward iOS influenced.

And I like the Pixel UI layer better… but there are pieces within One UI (particularly the Quick Settings Tile). I do like how Pixel Fold does the two column layout for notifications. It really bugs me that both Apple and Samsung does not do two column layout… for the notification to be centered wasting valuable space seems lazy to me.
yet the Pixel has NO UI layer.

its simply the core of AndroidOS right?
 

DeepIn2U

macrumors G5
May 30, 2002
13,051
6,984
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I don't disagree 🙂 although I am not really a front screen user, I 99% of the time unfold

To be fair the screen has got wider and thinner, it's now 3mm wider than even the iPhone 13 mini that was probably one of the last optimal one hand devices

There must be some valid reason samsung have stayed so far with the thinner front screen

Maybe a wider screen would distract S24 users lol, who knows
Bravo! Well spoken.

The iPhone 13 mini was THE LAST iPhone I truly loved - and going back as far as June 2023 of my posts or earlier you'll see just how much I liked the 12 mini before upgrading to the 13 mini and LOVED IT for so long. Until iOS updates started rendering Safari browser and the way it poorly rendered existing websites such as macrumors poorly in the time that I owned it as my ONLY device. At that time, along with production killed so early - regardless of my denial of poor sales being accurate I knew it wasn't long before Apple rendered the iPhone 12+13 mini's as bastardized as 3D Touch was on the iPhone 7 [replacing it with software on the X and 8 and XS before just killing it outright in just 3 iOS updates).

Samsung's Z Fold series was meant to be THE modern Nokia E36 Communicator for professionals. Pocketable in a blazer breast pocket or slacks / dress pants front pocket and slim enough to be held in a business/fashionable woman's clutch-purse!

Quick and rapid use and notification interactions primarily on the outer display with expertly managed with 1-handed use while longer more productive interactions, manipulation of data to be done on the internal display. To be honest I believe its due to Tim Roh's small hand-size which is quite similar to mine.

Seemingly it seems the majority of males outside of USA, Western Europe I'm guessing has similar small hands yet I'm no expert on regional demographics to be even 60% confident of that thought. Moreover its likely most users prefer pocketable smartphones than larger width ones over the long term. It would see though there are many that prefer to use their phone 2-handed almost ALL the time hence why the competition makes larger and wider foldables.

I see this competitive trend continue when Samsung potentially launches the first rollable screen smartphone as the competition goes with the dual-foldable (aka incorrectly coined tri-fold) smartphones (that are really tri-screen). We'll see a definitely split in how applications behave when that future comes to pass.


This looks promising for Pixel Pro 9 Fold users.
Man you know that's still going to be really weak against Samsung Dex. Although with Samsung Messages no longer default in Canada and USA and rumors abound with no future development by Samsung later in 2024 I SERIOUSLY fear Dex may be cut-off once Android 15 launches and Google refines or takes HUGE tips and help from Samsung to improve the Android15 desktop mode. I mean Google is already trying to copy Samsung's Secure Folder as well in the same launch.

IF this continues to occur with Samsung's treasure trove of great and unique apps, which is essentially their differentiator amongst the competition - I'll have to seriously hang on and eventually bit the bullet but it'll leave a serious distaste for me, personally.

Then again with Samsung Gauss promissing to be evolved (remember, Gauss is Samsungs own LLMs collectively which may finally be all unified - there is over 11 variances of it under use and development across their ecosystem of devices from washer/dryer/stoves/fridges of the Bespoke line to their Galaxy S and Z models). There is hope since Galaxy AI continues to offer real world tangible benefits for various users in the phone app, and Samsung Notes which continues to evolve so fingers crossed regarding Samsung Messages.
View attachment 2426170
Shot using the Fold 6.

Yesterday, I received an email that my trade-in had been successfully approved. Figured I'd give a couple thoughts on my first few days with it. First and foremost... enjoying the battery life. I can go a day or two without having to place it on a charger (kudos to Samsung).

Coming from the Watch 4 Classic, which I had for 3 years... battery life wasn't that bad on it. But the improvements in battery life on the Watch Ultra is beautiful, I'm glad I went with this over the Pixel Watch 3. And one thing that bothered me with the Watch 4 Classic was the sluggishness.

The apps I mostly use for the Galaxy Watch is Google Home, Assistant and Pocket Cast... and I can definitely see the difference in load time and performance when it comes to these 3 apps. Supposedly, Google Home has a feature where we can see Nest camera live feeds from the watch... it's on the Pixel Watch 3 now. But hoping that it comes to the Galaxy Watch series.

Last but certainly not least is the customizable quick button (or maybe action button). I'm certainly not alone in this... but too many times I'm trying to locate something around the house and I'm in need of a flash light. Enabling the flash light for the button use makes a huge difference in resolving that problem.

And I'm still on the hunt for Watch bands.

Man that's a REALLY REALLY sweet smartwatch! This is coming from a guy that's owned and previously enjoyed using the Apple Watch S3 Nike+ until the Nike+ S7 and tried the S8 briefly before selling it with the less than 12 day old iPhone 15 Pro for the Galaxy S23!

I have to ask ... just cause the default watch faces are so LIT and CLEAN ... is there sort of a digital 'shadow' if you will when the sun shines on one side of the watch across the tachometer layout or even the second hand ??!!
 
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zakarhino

Contributor
Sep 13, 2014
2,611
6,963
Ordered a Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. I've been wanting to play around with a foldable phone and it seems like Chinese hardware is the gold standard. Z Fold hardware and software is not for me. Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a nice design but it doesn't seem worth the price compared against Chinese competitors.

I feel like I'm gonna use it for a day and get bored. I really don't get along with Android it seems. We shall see. At the very least it can be an additional device just for watching YouTube on the go or doing some browsing/maps when I don't want to lug around my iPad.

I would have purchased the Huawei tri fold Mate XT but the current going price on a US import is in the $6-7k range. Once tri folds get to the $2k mark I will probably buy.
 

bigup

macrumors 6502
Mar 7, 2008
282
251
United Kingdom
Ordered a Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. I've been wanting to play around with a foldable phone and it seems like Chinese hardware is the gold standard. Z Fold hardware and software is not for me. Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a nice design but it doesn't seem worth the price compared against Chinese competitors.

I feel like I'm gonna use it for a day and get bored. I really don't get along with Android it seems. We shall see. At the very least it can be an additional device just for watching YouTube on the go or doing some browsing/maps when I don't want to lug around my iPad.

I would have purchased the Huawei tri fold Mate XT but the current going price on a US import is in the $6-7k range. Once tri folds get to the $2k mark I will probably buy.
Did you go for global or China variant?
 
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Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,963
5,131
Texas
IMG_0592.jpeg


Been awhile since I posted about my Galaxy Fold accessories setup (not pictured is the buds, GWU, and stands).
  • Portable 4k monitor from DragonTouch
  • B.O.W mini-foldable keyboard (I have Keychron K2, but I like the portability of this keyboard)
  • GZF6
  • S-Pen
  • Belkin Thunderbolt Dock
  • Samsung T7 Shield
  • Samsung Wireless Portable Charger
  • MX Master 3
 

scott craft

macrumors 6502a
Feb 10, 2011
697
143
Louisiana
View attachment 2427948

Been awhile since I posted about my Galaxy Fold accessories setup (not pictured is the buds, GWU, and stands).
  • Portable 4k monitor from DragonTouch
  • B.O.W mini-foldable keyboard (I have Keychron K2, but I like the portability of this keyboard)
  • GZF6
  • S-Pen
  • Belkin Thunderbolt Dock
  • Samsung T7 Shield
  • Samsung Wireless Portable Charger
  • MX Master 3
That's pretty sweet!
 

lionofthesouth

macrumors member
Apr 21, 2021
81
53
Thinking of buying a foldable. Honor Magic V3.
My only concern is that I work in a dusty environment. I often have to wipe down my current phone as it gets dusty. Would it be better to stay away from a foldable?
 
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