Phones Samsung Z Fold 2

[tbayrgs]

Yeah I disagree. A wider screen is easier for two handed use. The only times I use my iPhone one handed these days is to pick a new song or podcast on the go while walking.

Honestly I can't imagine having a conversation on my smartwatch on a crowded and loud beach. We are talking about a lot of elements with respect to sound. (Waves, people, children, wind, etc.) Doesn't sound like a great experience. I'd rather have a bag and attempt with it or remove the device from the bag and take the call.

If I'm out rocking only my LTE enabled Apple Watch, I almost always have my AirPods Pro in my ears or in my pocket so taking calls is rarely an issue. I'll agree with @spinedoc77 -- it's a great experience not having a heavy phone in your pocket and can easily take calls and reply to messages. I go for long walks with my dogs for an hour or two almost daily and love only needing to wear my watch and some wireless buds. I listen to music/podcasts/audiobooks, track workouts, can pay for purchases since tap to pay is finally nearly ubiquitous. Even if I don't have the AirPods already in my ears, it's way easier to easily pop them in than it would be to remove a phone from a water/dust proof bag to handle something on the phone.

I rely on my Apple Watch to do so much every day that it's single-handedly the reason why I won't stop using an iPhone, even if it's outclassed in certain regards. The iPhone/Apple Watch combo, for me and my daily use case, is a far superior setup than any current Android/smart watch combo. It's not even close. It's why as cool as I think the Fold 2 is, I'd be making too many compromises using it in my personal ecosystem.

And again, before I get flamed to hell...I'm talking about MY use case. I know many here don't rely on their smart watch for as much as I do and that's the big difference. So much of what I use my Apple Watch for is just not available on Samsung or Wear OS watches.

 

[spinedoc77]

If I'm out rocking only my LTE enabled Apple Watch, I almost always have my AirPods Pro in my ears or in my pocket so taking calls is rarely an issue. I'll agree with @spinedoc77 -- it's a great experience not having a heavy phone in your pocket and can easily take calls and reply to messages. I go for long walks with my dogs for an hour or two almost daily and love only needing to wear my watch and some wireless buds. I listen to music/podcasts/audiobooks, track workouts, can pay for purchases since tap to pay is finally nearly ubiquitous. Even if I don't have the AirPods already in my ears, it's way easier to easily pop them in than it would be to removed a phone from a water/dust proof bag to handle something on the phone.

I rely on my Apple Watch to do so much every day that it's single-handedly the reason why I won't stop using an iPhone, even if it's outclassed in certain regards. The iPhone/Apple Watch combo, for me and my daily use case, is a far superior setup than any current Android/smart watch combo. It's not even close. It's why as cool as I think the Fold 2 is, I'd be making too many compromises using it in my personal ecosystem.

And again, before I get flamed to hell...I'm talking about MY use case. I know many here don't rely on their smart watch for as much as I do and that's the big difference. So much of what I use my Apple Watch for is just not available on Samsung or Wear OS watches.

Just this morning I went on a run to the gym and then hit the heavy bag for an hour and during that time fielded a couple of calls and several texts, that would have sucked if I had to carry my iphone with me. Now I'm starting to get anxiety thinking about giving up my AW, sigh. I sure hope Samsung offers some of the same apps on Tizen. I'm already missing some like Autosleep to track sleep, Marune to track my MMA workouts, of course Apple just purchased Dark Sky, I'll miss Apple News, etc just to name a few.

 

[blairh]

Yeah I can see why you don't use your iphone one handed if it's too heavy for you. For me the iphone is very light, I have no issue holding it with one hand for extended periods. The extra .12 lbs of the Fold won't be an issue either. But it just illustrates how different people use their phones differently. If the Fold 3 does have a wider screen you need to be careful and make sure you can handle all that extra weight, even 2 handed, that might be an issue to consider.

Same here, I couldn't imagine having a conversation with my phone in a bag, trust me I've tried and even under the best of conditions (non crowded space) it was an exercise in frustration. Over the years I've tried several bag kits on the market and even some of the otter cases with the plastic covers but never seemed to find an acceptable one, talking/listening/touching through a plastic barrier just didn't cut it. Although it's not an issue anymore with the water resistance of the iphones and I don't have a motorcycle anymore.

I'm personally not a fan of one handed usage unless absolutely necessary. I find using both hands so much easier. Especially with typing.

Honestly I don't think it would be an issue if it gets a little bigger the next generation due to the fact that I'm using both hands. And maybe we get lucky and they make it bigger but also thinner. Who knows.

If I were to use a bag I could of course simply remove the phone for phone calls. Or keep some wireless earbuds in the same pouch and use those. I doubt I would raise a phone in a pouch to my ear LOL.

 

[tbayrgs]

Just this morning I went on a run to the gym and then hit the heavy bag for an hour and during that time fielded a couple of calls and several texts, that would have sucked if I had to carry my iphone with me. Now I'm starting to get anxiety thinking about giving up my AW, sigh. I sure hope Samsung offers some of the same apps on Tizen. I'm already missing some like Autosleep to track sleep, Marune to track my MMA workouts, of course Apple just purchased Dark Sky, I'll miss Apple News, etc just to name a few.

Yeah, I don't want to hijack this thread any longer in regards to smart watches. Just simply put, the list of functionality I'd have to give up leaving an Apple Watch is way too long. If I'm ever going to consider leaving Apple, Samsung and Google need to make up some major ground in the smart watch area.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Just this morning I went on a run to the gym and then hit the heavy bag for an hour and during that time fielded a couple of calls and several texts, that would have sucked if I had to carry my iphone with me. Now I'm starting to get anxiety thinking about giving up my AW, sigh. I sure hope Samsung offers some of the same apps on Tizen. I'm already missing some like Autosleep to track sleep, Marune to track my MMA workouts, of course Apple just purchased Dark Sky, I'll miss Apple News, etc just to name a few.

One thing I can say from experience. There is no app on AW (not even the default beta) that compares to Galaxy Watch default auto sleep tracker. Everything else I can't speak on as I rarely use 3rd party apps.

 

[Ralfi]

Yep that's exactly what I do. Then it just keeps turning on and registering like I'm trying to enter in my pin.

Oh. When you mentioned you make accidental calls, I thought it was unlocking. Wouldn't it just not do anything if it doesn't unlock whilst in your pocket?

 

[spinedoc77]

Oh. When you mentioned you make accidental calls, I thought it was unlocking. Wouldn't it just not do anything if it doesn't unlock whilst in your pocket?

After a set amount of tries it locks the phone for a certain period of time. I'm sure I can change that behavior, but I do want it for security purposes.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Im curious, as we were discussing phone insurance the other day, how many of you are getting insurance for this phone? And if so, do you always have phone insurance or are you doing it just for this device specifically?

 

[SteveJUAE]

I read with interest the last couple of pages and the different scenarios posters come up with user cases for the Fold

All I can say being an owner of a Fold for 12 months is :

I live in the tropics, see more than 3x the rainfall of Seattle, been on 6 beach holidays before Covid lock down, work in heavy industry go on a building site regularly , have my own pools etc

The Fold is my main phone and other than those first week or so where you cosset any phone I only consciously changed 2 habits

1) On my Notes I always use the LED full case so as the Fold front screen is not covered I do not place other items in my pocket with my Fold, but that would be same for any phone where screen is not covered

2) I am more mindful of my wife who knocks more glasses of wine over than I care to remember so I tend to place it away from her glass

Else as others have noted it's far more resilient than you imagine and unless your are complete accident prone, buy and enjoy

 

[bbs008]

I read with interest the last couple of pages and the different scenarios posters come up with user cases for the Fold

All I can say being an owner of a Fold for 12 months is :

I live in the tropics, see more than 3x the rainfall of Seattle, been on 6 beach holidays before Covid lock down, work in heavy industry go on a building site regularly , have my own pools etc

The Fold is my main phone and other than those first week or so where you cosset any phone I only consciously changed 2 habits

1) On my Notes I always use the LED full case so as the Fold front screen is not covered I do not place other items in my pocket with my Fold, but that would be same for any phone where screen is not covered

2) I am more mindful of my wife who knocks more glasses of wine over than I care to remember so I tend to place it away from her glass

Else as others have noted it's far more resilient than you imagine and unless your are complete accident prone, buy and enjoy

Good stuff! The fold is definitely not as fragile as people make it out to be =)

 

[blairh]

Im curious, as we were discussing phone insurance the other day, how many of you are getting insurance for this phone? And if so, do you always have phone insurance or are you doing it just for this device specifically?

Assuming I like and keep the Fold 2, I absolutely will be getting insurance. Hopefully Samsung Care+ if it's eligible.

I've been paying for Apple Care+ for a few years now. Once I started using smartphones in the $1000 range, I just felt it made sense. Given the Fold 2 is $2000, I personally would never use it without insurance.

 

[blairh]

Good stuff! The fold is definitely not as fragile as people make it out to be =)

I mean it definitely is. Especially regarding sand. Go watch the JerryRigEverything Fold video to see how it can be easily destroyed by such a thing. Whether or not the Fold 2 is more durable to the elements remains to be seen.

The Fold desperately needs an IP rating in the future.

 

[Aneres11]

As someone who had a 'Flip' earlier this year, and dented the inside screen by complete accident and with absolutely no idea how... I can say it will likely be fragile.

That inside screen having a screen protector is definitely a good move by Samsung. I'd understand if I was opening my Flip one handed and digging my thumb in to flip it, but I never did that in order to try and avoid damage.
I just noticed it one day and was gutted.

I don't personally think the design is 'fragile', but these foldable screens definitely are IMO, but it's great there is an added screen protector now which my Flip never had.

 

[tbayrgs]

Im curious, as we were discussing phone insurance the other day, how many of you are getting insurance for this phone? And if so, do you always have phone insurance or are you doing it just for this device specifically?

I get AppleCare+ for all of my phones and iPads because for phones, I generally keep them for a year and then hand it off to one of my 3 kids (teenagers now). They are absolutely going to break it, not doubt. If you have to use the accidental damage protection even once, you've saved money. Sadly, it's often more than once.

For my iPad Pro, it's such a ridiculously expensive device to repair/replace out of warranty that I add it here too. I cracked the display on my current 12.9" model--hairline crack, not sure how it happened but if I had to pay out of pocket, it would cost $649 because Apple can't repair just the glass since it's laminated to the entire display components and the iPad is replaced. With AppleCare+, it cost me $129 for the plan and $49 for the deductible. God forbid I break it again or it gets damaged by liquid, will only cost me another $49. And AppleCare overnights me my replacement.

If I was going to be the only owner of a phone, I probably wouldn't get it because I don't break every phone, usually have an accident once every few years so the cost of repair evens out.

If I was getting the Fold 2, considering it had no water/dust resistance and a soft screen, I'd absolutely get it through Samsung. Can't imagine what the out of pocket cost would be to get it replaced.

 

[Awesomesince86]

I get AppleCare+ for all of my phones and iPads because for phones, I generally keep them for a year and then hand it off to one of my 3 kids (teenagers now). They are absolutely going to break it, not doubt. If you have to use the accidental damage protection even once, you've saved money. Sadly, it's often more than once.

For my iPad Pro, it's such a ridiculously expensive device to repair/replace out of warranty that I add it here too. I cracked the display on my current 12.9" model--hairline crack, not sure how it happened but if I had to pay out of pocket, it would cost $649 because Apple can't repair just the glass since it's laminated to the entire display components and the iPad is replaced. With AppleCare+, it cost me $129 for the plan and $49 for the deductible. God forbid I break it again or it gets damaged by liquid, will only cost me another $49. And AppleCare overnights me my replacement.

If I was going to be the only owner of a phone, I probably wouldn't get it because I don't break every phone, usually have an accident once every few years so the cost of repair evens out.

If I was getting the Fold 2, considering it had no water/dust resistance and a soft screen, I'd absolutely get it through Samsung. Can't imagine what the out of pocket cost would be to get it replaced.

Yeah, I was actually surprised to find out Samsung Plus insurance for the Fold 2 is ony $12 a month. I expected it to be more like $20. I know I've **** on phone insurance a lot the past day, but thats actually really reasonable for a $2K device. Though I cant find any information on what downpayment costs would be under the insurance. I imagine they differ depending the type of damage.

 

[tbayrgs]

Yeah, I was actually surprised to find out Samsung Plus insurance for the Fold 2 is ony $12 a month. I expected it to be more like $20. I know I've **** on phone insurance a lot the past day, but thats actually really reasonable for a $2K device. Though I cant find any information on what downpayment costs would be under the insurance. I imagine they differ depending the type of damage.

I dug into their terms and conditions a few days back and IIRC, it's $29 for screen repair and $99 for anything else. It stuck with me because they just happen to be the identical deductibles that Apple charges. If those are correct, that's pretty damn good for a $2K phone.

While $12/mo isn't nothing--nearly $300 over the coarse of 2 years if you carry it that long, it still means if you have to use it even once, it means some significant cost savings. And again, with a device like this that isn't as durable as most flagship smartphones, probably not a terrible cost to take on. At least, that's my $0.02.

 

[Awesomesince86]

I dug into their terms and conditions a few days back and IIRC, it's $29 for screen repair and $99 for anything else. It stuck with me because they just happen to be the identical deductibles that Apple charges. If those are correct, that's pretty damn good for a $2K phone.

While $12/mo isn't nothing--nearly $300 over the coarse of 2 years if you carry it that long, it still means if you have to use it even once, it means some significant cost savings. And again, with a device like this that isn't as durable as most flagship smartphones, probably not a terrible cost to take on. At least, that's my $0.02.

Yeah, I still dont think it makes sense for phone under $1K. But I'm also someone that babies their phones and mine barely every have a scratch on them. But for some of the flagship phones nowadays its not a bad deal. Especially with deductibles that low. Those actually shocked me. I thought they would be considerably more.

 

[Fernandez21]

Usually with preorders from Samsung, they seem to ship early. Anyone think we'll see them at the end of this week?

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Usually with preorders from Samsung, they seem to ship early. Anyone think we'll see them at the end of this week?

My guess would be the 15th or 16th.

 

[jamezr]

So i got to play with the original Fold at BB. They don't have the Fold 2. But I disagree with people who say the Fold could not be an everyday driver. This phone is going to be so easy to use. I think the outside display will be large enough to do most simple things like respond to a text or social media and the like.
It is thicker than most phones but that doesn't seem like an issue.
I am more concerned about the battery life and camera and of course the longevity of the inside display panel.
Will be able to see for myself in a week or so...

 

[Vegastouch]

I imagine in construction there's probably a lot of dust and particles in the air as well. That would make me nervous if I was a Fold owner.

I can't imagine anyone using a Fold in construction unless they are an office worker. It's way too big to be carrying around on a job site and too big to put in your pocket.

The phones I use at work , I get a good case, not those flimsy rubber ones and use a tempered glass protector on the front.

 

[Fernandez21]

So i got to play with the original Fold at BB. They don't have the Fold 2. But I disagree with people who say the Fold could not be an everyday driver. This phone is going to be so easy to use. I think the outside display will be large enough to do most simple things like respond to a text or social media and the like.
It is thicker than most phones but that doesn't seem like an issue.
I am more concerned about the battery life and camera and of course the longevity of the inside display panel.
Will be able to see for myself in a week or so...

I think battery life will depend on how much you use the outer 60hz display vs the inner, larger 120hz display. Would be interesting if someone did a screen on time of only the outer display vs only the inner.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I can't imagine anyone using a Fold in construction unless they are an office worker. It's way too big to be carrying around on a job site and too big to put in your pocket.

The phones I use at work , I get a good case, not those flimsy rubber ones and use a tempered glass protector on the front.

It's not that big. I used to carry actual bricks in my pocket with no problem back in the 2000s. We are spoiled by the thin size of modern phones.

 

[SteveJUAE]

It's not that big. I used to carry actual bricks in my pocket with no problem back in the 2000s. We are spoiled by the thin size of modern phones.

Yep too much guess work going on here

My Note is bigger and tighter in my front jeans pocket than my Fold

 

[blairh]

Yep too much guess work going on here

My Note is bigger and tighter in my front jeans pocket than my Fold

Then Note is thinner than the Fold. How would it be tighter?