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LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
8,877
10,987
My Fold 3 has been delivered but it’s being held hostage by apartment complexes storage locker. I have to wait until my locker generates a code to unlock it. Argggh technology!

Just gots mines too. Phone, Watch, and case with S-Pen delivered. My complex puts a storage locker key in my mailbox. We not fancy. :p
 
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LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
8,877
10,987
My first impressions. The under display camera is more noticeable than I expected, but much less noticeable than the Fold 2 pinhole. It does feel slightly lighter and thinner when unfolded.
 
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spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,413
Nice, just got home and unboxed. First impressions it feels a tiny bit lighter than the F2, otherwise feels the same. I absolutly love the matte (black) finish, so much better than the F2's shiny finish. The matte collects virtually zero fingerprints. Of course the inner and outer screens are fingerprint magnets (they really need to figure out how to apply an oloephobic coating on screen protectors). Screen protector on the inner screen is much better than the one on the F2, this time I won't rush to rip it off.

I'm a bit bummed about reports I'm reading that the GPU is gimped to be worse than the F2 because of thermal issues, will have to test some games to see how bad it is.
 
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titoaida2078

macrumors regular
Jul 3, 2020
209
154
I got my watch and phone also tonight!! Not opening the phone until y’all tell me you are loving yours lol. I’m most likely keeping the watch but is it waterproof ?
 

LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
8,877
10,987
So I finished setting everything up. Samsung did a really good job with the screen protector. It's almost not noticeable when it comes to the feel and look. I'm taking the the front display protector off though, cause I can feel the edge on my left hand when I'm holding it unfolded.
 

Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
No delivery for me today. Thanks a lot Samsung. Apparently they instructed FedEx not to deliver mine until the 26th and FedEx actually followed instructions for once.
 

spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,413
Man I forgot how heavy these phones are. If I don't cinch up the drawstring on my scrubs this phone pulls my pants down, lol. I've gotten used to my iPhone that I've been forced to use the past couple of months. I'm not certain I'm going to keep it, my biggest gripe is having no pen silo. I know most of you don't care, but I really didn't want something else to carry. Decisions decisions.
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Man I forgot how heavy these phones are. If I don't cinch up the drawstring on my scrubs this phone pulls my pants down, lol. I've gotten used to my iPhone that I've been forced to use the past couple of months. I'm not certain I'm going to keep it, my biggest gripe is having no pen silo. I know most of you don't care, but I really didn't want something else to carry. Decisions decisions.
Seems like that’s the general consensus in the reviews I’ve been seeing too. Everyone loves the tech, but not sure that the practicality is there yet. I still think the true groundbreaker will be phones that can have a screen that slides out so it can keep its form factor.
 
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mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Man I forgot how heavy these phones are. If I don't cinch up the drawstring on my scrubs this phone pulls my pants down, lol. I've gotten used to my iPhone that I've been forced to use the past couple of months. I'm not certain I'm going to keep it, my biggest gripe is having no pen silo. I know most of you don't care, but I really didn't want something else to carry. Decisions decisions.
#pantsdowngate
 

lympero

macrumors 6502a
Sep 1, 2008
869
562
Arta, Greece
It seems that the 512gb version is slightly delayed here in amazon.de. They have the 256g in stock and moved release date for 512 to 31/8. Still undecided if I should just update to 13 pro max or keep my 11 pro max and get also the fold 3.
 

LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
8,877
10,987
It seems that the 512gb version is slightly delayed here in amazon.de. They have the 256g in stock and moved release date for 512 to 31/8. Still undecided if I should just update to 13 pro max or keep my 11 pro max and get also the fold 3.

That's what I'm with now. 11 pro max and Fold 3. I doubt I'm going to upgrade to the 13, maybe the 14.
 

lympero

macrumors 6502a
Sep 1, 2008
869
562
Arta, Greece
That's what I'm with now. 11 pro max and Fold 3. I doubt I'm going to upgrade to the 13, maybe the 14.
Are you carrying both phones when you are outside? I’m planning to use only one (depending on situation) when I’m out but don’t know how this will work with my Apple Watch.
 

Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
Finally got it. I'm torn so far. It feels a lot better than the Fold 2 for me. Software has made a big leap forward. Inner screen still feels sticky but nowhere near what it was before. Honestly, the hardware is a work of art. My hesitancy right now comes from the thought of learning a whole new way to use a phone. I'm going to make sure to give it a week.

One early thought though, is it feels really manageable and not too big....until you put a case on it. That tips the scales. I will say, cases fit and feel much better than last versions. Especially the Samsung ones.
 

aggie99

macrumors 65816
Sep 23, 2016
1,002
2,338
Dallas, TX
My first impressions. The under display camera is more noticeable than I expected, but much less noticeable than the Fold 2 pinhole. It does feel slightly lighter and thinner when unfolded.
Same thoughts here. Give me the hole punch back with the higher quality camera. Honestly I think this looks like a messier version of the hole punch. Other than that I'm happy moving from the Fold 2 to the Fold 3. Feels a little lighter, more durable and the processor upgrade and storage upgrade to 512 make it worth it to me. I'll still have the S21 Ultra to use on the weekends for the camera but this will be my workhorse during the work week.
 

aggie99

macrumors 65816
Sep 23, 2016
1,002
2,338
Dallas, TX
Finally got it. I'm torn so far. It feels a lot better than the Fold 2 for me. Software has made a big leap forward. Inner screen still feels sticky but nowhere near what it was before. Honestly, the hardware is a work of art. My hesitancy right now comes from the thought of learning a whole new way to use a phone. I'm going to make sure to give it a week.

One early thought though, is it feels really manageable and not too big....until you put a case on it. That tips the scales. I will say, cases fit and feel much better than last versions. Especially the Samsung ones.
The screen definitely feels better to me but still not glass like my S21 Ultra. I removed the screen protector after it bubbled up on my Fold 2 but hope to leave this one on. The Fold 2 felt great without the protector though and I didn't experience any scratches. The screen protector is still a fingerprint magnet moreso than most devices. I used Smitty's Glass Wax on my Fold 2 and it helped alot with the fingerprints and made the screen protector feel more smooth once applied.
 

rhinosrcool

macrumors 68000
Sep 5, 2009
1,761
695
MN
Well, I have received my Fold 3 and am very satisfied. Yes, the front display is narrow but usable. Texting works better if you hold it in landscape. Also, I wish that the outer screen was s pen compatible. The s pen case is very usable but the screen cover kind of gets in the way. As far as the phone's weight, it doesn't bother me. Nor does the bulk. There's a lot of experimenting to do...
 
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LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
8,877
10,987
Finally got it. I'm torn so far. It feels a lot better than the Fold 2 for me. Software has made a big leap forward. Inner screen still feels sticky but nowhere near what it was before. Honestly, the hardware is a work of art. My hesitancy right now comes from the thought of learning a whole new way to use a phone. I'm going to make sure to give it a week.

One early thought though, is it feels really manageable and not too big....until you put a case on it. That tips the scales. I will say, cases fit and feel much better than last versions. Especially the Samsung ones.

I agree. And it's one of the reasons I've used the Fold 2 naked since release. I will be doing the same with the Fold 3 but will use the S-Pen flip case only on certain occasions.
 

Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
Well, I have received my Fold 3 and am very satisfied. Yes, the front display is narrow but usable. Texting works better if you hold it in landscape. Also, I wish that the outer screen was s pen compatible. The s pen case is very usable but the screen cover kind of gets in the way. As far as the phone's weight, it doesn't bother me. Nor does the bulk. There's a lot of experimenting to do...

I feel like when closed it almost feels better than a regular slab phone because it's more narrow and thicker.
 

Fernandez21

macrumors 601
Jun 16, 2010
4,840
3,183
Got mine! To me, the hardware feels quite a bit better than my fold2, unfortunately I can't compare directly as I sold my fold2 a month ago. But things such as the raised inner lip, the raised hinge gasket, the size of the hinge, and size of the camera bump are all much smaller giving the phone a tighter and more compact feel.

The "hole punch" looks like there is a big water droplet on the screen. It's not really invisible, more like it camouflages the hole punch. Doesn't really bother me any, and I love how apps go full screen now without a black bar going across that side.

Software has also been greatly improved. Several of my apps now show up in tablet mode, a huge improvement. Hopefully more will get updated soon.
 

Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
Ok so I know these updates are coming fast from me, but just throwing info out there for anyone thats still on the edge. Early first day thoughts...

- Hardware is better than Fold 2. Just feels more refined. From the screen, to the hinge, to the matte back. Small improvements everywhere.
- Software has definitely taken a leap forward. More apps support tablet modes and Samsung were very smart but including labs to force aspects on apps that dont. It works very well. So far Ive only found one app that it couldnt fix.
- Still heavy, no noticeable difference there for me. It feels really good in hand when closed, better than normal phone. When opened, its cumbersome. No way around it.
- Tabbed browsing on a phone is awesome.
- Too early to tell on battery, but it doesnt seem great. But this will depend on user more than ever given the inner/outer display split will make a massive difference.
- Sound and vibration are best on android phone or close to it.
- Camera software is awesome for taking advantage of the fold. The lenses and picture quality however are not. Im not a big camera guy but I didnt find the quality of the pictures to be impressive at all, especially in low light. I would say on par with my old S20 plus.
- UDC becomes invisible after 10 minutes of using it. And really, just dont use it except for video calls. It sucks. Like really bad quality. Like taking a picture behind plexiglass.

But by far, the biggest advice I can give to someone (including myself) is that this phone will be a waste unless you learn to use it to its ability rather than treat it like a regular phone. If you use it like you're used to using slab phones, you just bought an expensive phone with a big screen. But if you use the outer screen for quick things only (120hz on the outer screen makes that experience miles better) and use the inner screen to its full ability, it could be a game changer. And by full ability, I mean multiwindow, force tablet view, flex mode, etc. then you'll know if this is for you. Im going to force myself to use these features rather than treat it like a normal phone and see how the experience changes. If I dont like using it that way, then its going back because it doesnt justify the price. I would recommend doing the same.
 

LIVEFRMNYC

macrumors G3
Oct 27, 2009
8,877
10,987
Are you carrying both phones when you are outside? I’m planning to use only one (depending on situation) when I’m out but don’t know how this will work with my Apple Watch.

Yes I carry both. My iPhone is my secondary phone though.
 

Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,965
5,133
Texas
But if you use the outer screen for quick things only (120hz on the outer screen makes that experience miles better) and use the inner screen to its full ability, it could be a game changer. And by full ability, I mean multiwindow, force tablet view, flex mode, etc. then you'll know if this is for you. Im going to force myself to use these features rather than treat it like a normal phone and see how the experience changes. If I dont like using it that way, then its going back because it doesnt justify the price. I would recommend doing the same.
This was me from day one! I knew exactly how I plan on utilizing the Fold… which is keep the outer display for quick interaction. Out of all the criticism the Fold gets… which some it might deserve, there’s no phone out there that has a 7plus inch display (not in the US).

I enjoy all the multitasking, Sound Assistant feature and all that comes with Android. I totally understand it’s not for everyone, but those power users who like to do more… the Fold is a must.
 

Awesomesince86

macrumors 68020
Sep 18, 2016
2,482
3,302
This was me from day one! I knew exactly how I plan on utilizing the Fold… which is keep the outer display for quick interaction. Out of all the criticism the Fold gets… which some it might deserve, there’s no phone out there that has a 7plus inch display (not in the US).

I enjoy all the multitasking, Sound Assistant feature and all that comes with Android. I totally understand it’s not for everyone, but those power users who like to do more… the Fold is a must.

I do a lot of web browsing, emails, and video watching on my phone and for those things it's awesome.

Side note, I cannot find a keyboard a like. Gboard on the inner display is awful and Samsung split keyboard I just can't get used to.
 

titoaida2078

macrumors regular
Jul 3, 2020
209
154
I do a lot of web browsing, emails, and video watching on my phone and for those things it's awesome.

Side note, I cannot find a keyboard a like. Gboard on the inner display is awful and Samsung split keyboard I just can't get used to.

Well I received my fold 3 and watch but havent opened them and haven’t decided if I’m going to keep the fold 3 lol. I think I’ll keep the watch as I’ve never had any watch besides apples watch last year. But then I have to contend with apple making a new watch, phones and I think I read about new iPads lol like a 5G Air and mini. I love my fold 2 but I really wish there were more options for pens compatible with the fold 3. I looked on Amazon and eBay but nothing. Maybe I guess it’s too early for that.
 

spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,413
The screen definitely feels better to me but still not glass like my S21 Ultra. I removed the screen protector after it bubbled up on my Fold 2 but hope to leave this one on. The Fold 2 felt great without the protector though and I didn't experience any scratches. The screen protector is still a fingerprint magnet moreso than most devices. I used Smitty's Glass Wax on my Fold 2 and it helped alot with the fingerprints and made the screen protector feel more smooth once applied.

Yeah, the Fold 3 inner screen protector still doesn't feel as good as a Naked Fold 2, but certainly better than the previous rubbery POS the Fold 2 had for a screen protector. It still irks me that the Fold 3 is a fingerprint magnet though on the inner screen. With the sp removed the Fold 2 was nowhere near as bad. I wish screen protectors could have an oloephobic coating applied to them. I know there is some spray and rub stuff, but from what I understand it doesn't really work well.
 
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