Phones Folding phones the next frontier

[Bkdodger]

You nailed it on the head. Other than a couple of very minor annoyances, battery is the number one complaint I have since switching. Everything else is awesome.

Yes sir. I’m a heavy user so only phone that cuts it for me without issue of having to bump charge is the Oneplus 13.
I’m OK because I can charge on the go but it’s nice not to have to think about it. That said I’d never not own a foldable phone just so enjoyable

 

[Tulani]

Oh yeah, it weighs more... no doubt. But I personally don't see that being such a deal breaker... when I owned the Fold 2... it was slightly heavier than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and I didn't really mind the weight given what was offered.

We ask for more battery and when delivered... that could possibly affect the weight as well as the thickness. So, when we ask for more battery... we then criticize the bulkiness and weight of phones, it's a paradox.

I would like to think that Samsung is still traumatised by the past experience on one of their phone generations that kept catching fire such that they would rather be extra cautious before yielding to the unrelenting call for extra large batteries

 

[Bkdodger]

 

[Tulani]

I think the part where Samsung needs to step up is definitely increase the battery, I know everyone wants to tell me how efficient the new chip is but the way I look at it is if another manufacturer is successfully using a carbon silicon battery while keeping the phone slim then Samsung should at least be in the ballpark with increasing it's batteries.

Samsung eyes new battery tech to break free from its 45W charging prison

Samsung may finally move to new battery technology for its phones, and to nobody's surprise, it's following Apple's example

www.androidpolice.com

 

[Ludatyk]

Finally received May security patch!

 

[Ludatyk]

June security update!

 

[Bkdodger]

Okay time to update thank you very much

 

[HouseLannister]

This year is going to be my first foldable. I just don't know if it will stick with me. But I have some serious bonus money burning a hole in my wallet, so why not?

I'm watching both the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7 devices closely. Two things primarily influencing my decision:

1. Lots of videos of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold showing micro scratches on the inner screen and bezels that just don't happen with the Z Fold. Anybody here experience this? I will get the optional coverage on either device, but things like IP rating and stats about screen durability will likely influence my purchase.
2. Which phone has the battery life to be a daily driver without a bunch of battery anxiety or keeping a second phone around for busy days. Is the Tensor G5 more efficient or do they both hold up equally well (or equally poor)? Can I get 5-ish hours SoT with medium use and not have to baby it?

I tend to lean Pixel because I like fast updates and the calling features, but how often do I really make or receive calls on a phone, anyway? I tend to throw other launchers on my phone anyway, so neither is a surefire win in software design either. Anyone have any experience with Octopi launcher? Seems like it's worth checking out.

This new Android launcher is my new must-have app for foldable phones

Android launchers that understand how to use multiple screens are rare, but Octopi Launcher may just be the best of the lot.

www.androidauthority.com

 

[turbineseaplane]

I tend to lean Pixel because I like fast updates and the calling features, but how often do I really make or receive calls on a phone, anyway?

I would lean to a Pixel for the flexibility of using GrapheneOS.

 

[Ludatyk]

This year is going to be my first foldable. I just don't know if it will stick with me. But I have some serious bonus money burning a hole in my wallet, so why not?

I'm watching both the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7 devices closely.

You can't go wrong with either one. Both will be incredible for a first time foldable user... but based on your two question I think you should go with Pixel. I believe the G5 will be an improvement... and that's the name of the game right? Annual improvements.

If Google announced the Pixel 10 Pro Fold with no improvements to their chip... they would get heavily criticized in the tech world.

I tend to throw other launchers on my phone anyway, so neither is a surefire win in software design either. Anyone have any experience with Octopi launcher? Seems like it's worth checking out.

Never used Octopi launcher... I don't use launchers on the Galaxy Fold because it removes taskbar functionality. Pixel Fold can't have different screens unlike the Galaxy Fold, that's why Octopi launcher is such a big deal for the Pixel users.

 

[Bkdodger]

This year is going to be my first foldable. I just don't know if it will stick with me. But I have some serious bonus money burning a hole in my wallet, so why not?

I'm watching both the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7 devices closely. Two things primarily influencing my decision:

1. Lots of videos of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold showing micro scratches on the inner screen and bezels that just don't happen with the Z Fold. Anybody here experience this? I will get the optional coverage on either device, but things like IP rating and stats about screen durability will likely influence my purchase.
2. Which phone has the battery life to be a daily driver without a bunch of battery anxiety or keeping a second phone around for busy days. Is the Tensor G5 more efficient or do they both hold up equally well (or equally poor)? Can I get 5-ish hours SoT with medium use and not have to baby it?

I tend to lean Pixel because I like fast updates and the calling features, but how often do I really make or receive calls on a phone, anyway? I tend to throw other launchers on my phone anyway, so neither is a surefire win in software design either. Anyone have any experience with Octopi launcher? Seems like it's worth checking out.

This new Android launcher is my new must-have app for foldable phones

Android launchers that understand how to use multiple screens are rare, but Octopi Launcher may just be the best of the lot.

www.androidauthority.com

IMO third party launchers are not great on foldables, otherwise preference on phones with each having positives but Samsung has it dialed in right with the UI daily running IMO

 

[RSB96]

In my case, after a year with the Galaxy Fold 6, I can say it has no visible scratches on either the exterior or the interior. With the same usage, the screen on the iPhone 15 Pro Max I have is significantly worse than the Samsung's.

The inner screen has two micro-scratches that are only visible if you hit it with strong light at a certain angle. The outer screen has zero. I don't use any protectors or have a case on the screen area (only on the back, for the Spen).

 

[Ludatyk]

Since @RSB96 shared their thoughts after a year... I'd do the same. Unfortunately, mine has some damages... been dropped a couple times on concrete, clearly not paying attention. Has some minor dents on the corners, which has me worried about the trade in process.

Seen on various forums that Samsung possibly could excuse the damages as long as there is no issues on the screen... so, I'll be crossing my fingers when they give me those emails detailing the progress of the trade in when ordering the Fold 7. But back to the Fold 6, haven't had any major issues. Battery life certainly could be better, but I'm always around chargers or battery packs that it doesn't annoy me much.

One notably thing that I think doesn't get discussed along owning the Fold 6... is photo taking, especially doing selfies or group photos. When traveling with family... and experiencing life moments, it's important to be able to capture it. And it's always a pleasure taking group photos with the Fold 6. Especially showing my friends and family what it's capable of doing.

Recently picked up this Hoverbar Duo stand (best stand for the Fold)... ironically its marketed for the iPad. But I picked it up for the Galaxy Fold. Included with the stand is a attachment clamp where it provides another level of creativity in terms of how you want to set it up. The clamp is wide enough to use the Fold in portrait orientation (which makes it better for swipe gestures).

But with all that being said... let's bring on the Fold 7.

 

[Tulani]

Since @RSB96 shared their thoughts after a year... I'd do the same. Unfortunately, mine has some damages... been dropped a couple times on concrete, clearly not paying attention. Has some minor dents on the corners, which has me worried about the trade in process.

Seen on various forums that Samsung possibly could excuse the damages as long as there is no issues on the screen... so, I'll be crossing my fingers when they give me those emails detailing the progress of the trade in when ordering the Fold 7. But back to the Fold 6, haven't had any major issues. Battery life certainly could be better, but I'm always around chargers or battery packs that it doesn't annoy me much.

One notably thing that I think doesn't get discussed along owning the Fold 6... is photo taking, especially doing selfies or group photos. When traveling with family... and experiencing life moments, it's important to be able to capture it. And it's always a pleasure taking group photos with the Fold 6. Especially showing my friends and family what it's capable of doing.

Recently picked up this Hoverbar Duo stand (best stand for the Fold)... ironically its marketed for the iPad. But I picked it up for the Galaxy Fold. Included with the stand is a attachment clamp where it provides another level of creativity in terms of how you want to set it up. The clamp is wide enough to use the Fold in portrait orientation (which makes it better for swipe gestures).

But with all that being said... let's bring on the Fold 7.

Twelve South make nice accessories

 

[Bkdodger]

My Fold 6 looks like the first day I got the phone other than one micro paint chip from removing a case which is barely noticeable. I do have to admit that for some reason I have not carried the phone outside of the house as much as my other slab phones. I've been using it more like a mini iPad at home. I would like to change my ways this coming year and commit to it more daily. Sometimes I get in the mood where I just want to clear out all my phones that would force me to just use one. Overall the experience is excellent with my only nitpicks being the battery could definitely be better even though I'm usually around a charger. I'm in the camp that I would definitely want a wider folded screen and I'm not sure if this year's model is going to be wide enough still LOL. I've been saying I'm going to upgrade most definitely but TBH if the trade in is not as favorable as I want I might just wait for another release. I know I say that now and next week I'll be the first one ordering.

 

[scott craft]

My Fold 5 has cracks in the crease. The screen protector has been replaced once so I might do it on my own this time. The cover screen has scratches from being in my pocket with no screen protector so I'll put one on the Fold 7 when I get it.

 

[Ludatyk]

Twelve South make nice accessories

Agreed! When I had an iPhone... bought their HiRise stand (1st and 2nd generation). But here is the photo with Fold 6 and Hoverbar Duo Stand.

I've been saying I'm going to upgrade most definitely but TBH if the trade in is not as favorable as I want I might just wait for another release. I know I say that now and next week I'll be the first one ordering.

Once the preorders open up… I’d expect to see you there .

 

[RSB96]

I attach photos of the status of my main phones. The iPhone 15 PM has several visible scratches in certain scenarios. The longest was caused by a buckle of a wallet, the point I don't even know how it has been made.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Fold, storing it in backpacks, coats with zippers and so on, has the outer screen intact (I think it has a surface scratch barely visible to the naked eye not even with direct light). Unfolded has a couple of scratches that are only seen when you have the screen off and under direct light. It has a mark in the corner, where the speaker, which I don't know how it has been done.

What I do notice is that the edges of the corners are somewhat shiny, perhaps from taking it out and storing it in pants, jackets and so on, something that has not happened to me with the iPhones (maybe because they have rounded corners). It has not lost color, but it does look like "brilliant" instead of matte.

 

[mjschabow]

I can share the same experience. Had the 15 Pro Max for 15 months and the screen was so ripped up. And it already started showing the scratches within a couple weeks. I've had the S25 Ultra for 5 months, not one micro scratch.

 

[tbayrgs]

I’m not going to lie, I’m genuinely excited to see this rumored ‘trifold’ that Samsung is purported to unveil at their event. I would love a device that can open to basically a 10” display, and more so one that has the inner screen fully protected when folded closed (unlike Huawei’s S-fold design).

If the price is not ridiculously astronomically high, this could be my first Samsung phone since the Note 3.

 

[Sensamic]

I’m not going to lie, I’m genuinely excited to see this rumored ‘trifold’ that Samsung is purported to unveil at their event. I would love a device that can open to basically a 10” display, and more so one that has the inner screen fully protected when folded closed (unlike Huawei’s S-fold design).

If the price is not ridiculously astronomically high, this could be my first Samsung phone since the Note 3.

A trifold high-end device could be 2.500$. insane, but really cool.

 

[NeonNights]

A trifold high-end device could be 2.500$. insane, but really cool.

$2500 actually doesn't sound too bad for tri-fold. I have been reading estimates of $3000 and China/Korean market only, so that would be a no-go for me.

I am fairly certain I'll upgrade to the Fold 7. The 8" screen of the Fold 7 will be more than enough for me. With the G Fold it sounds like too much bending and unfolding to get that 10" screen, plus I am wary of first-gen products.

 

[The Game 161]

Tri fold I think will be closer to 3k and more

 

[The Game 161]

$2500 actually doesn't sound too bad for tri-fold. I have been reading estimates of $3000 and China/Korean market only, so that would be a no-go for me.

I am fairly certain I'll upgrade to the Fold 7. The 8" screen of the Fold 7 will be more than enough for me. With the G Fold it sounds like too much bending and unfolding to get that 10" screen, plus I am wary of first-gen products.

Same

Fold 7 will be ideal and when I want bigger that’s what my tablets are for

 

[Bkdodger]

Okay I'm getting mentally prepared as I just swapped SIM to my ZF6