Phones Samsung Z Fold 3

[MisterMillz]

Welp, my Galaxy Fold 3 is back in the box and likely being returned this week. Battery life is abysmal. Barely lasts an 8-hour period with light interaction before it's begging for a charger.

Called Samsung because I thought it might've been defective and their solution was to send it back, buy another one and lose out on the pre-order perks and discounts I received...nope.

 

[tbayrgs]

This may be true but until Samsung Browser gets compatibility with MacOS with bookmark/password synchronisation.. until then I'm out.

Google Chrome is perfect the above and for people in fingers in different OS pots. I can use Chrome on my M1 MacBook Air and continue with the same activity on my S21 Ultra Chrome mobile. That functionality is keeping me on Chrome for now.

Also for the record Chrome is improving all the time. There's even an Apple silicon version.

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve used the Samsung browser but I thought I recall there was a browser extension for Chrome that synced with the Samsumg browser.

I’m right there with you in regards to cross platform syncing but like others I found mobile Chrome to be abysmal and lack of content blocking to be a big part of that. I don’t use Android or Windows very much anymore but when I do, I now generally use Brave.

 

[Awesomesince86]

Lol guy says battery life is horrible and that all the reviewers say it's not great. Then links some random YouTuber with some of the worst, click bait videos I've ever seen.

Battery life is average but most people complaining haven't even had the phone long enough for it to learn usage patterns. It's not a battery champ but 5-6 hours of SOT is easily doable.

 

[Ludatyk]

Welp, my Galaxy Fold 3 is back in the box and likely being returned this week. Battery life is abysmal. Barely lasts an 8-hour period with light interaction before it's begging for a charger.

Called Samsung because I thought it might've been defective and their solution was to send it back, buy another one and lose out on the pre-order perks and discounts I received...nope.

Well, that’s unfortunate.

When I first had my Fold 2… battery life wasn’t what I expected. But I’ve been told.. that it learns your usage patterns as @Awesomesince86 mentions. And watching Sakitech on YT helped with trying to make the most of my battery health, he mentioned using auto-turn off feature.

I have mine set to turn off 3 or 4 times a week during the night and I keep the device optimization widget to monitor RAM along with everything else. That’s one thing with Samsung phones… have to be thorough when it comes to managing the device.

 

[G14Eva]

Well firstly because there is no more Note series, at least for this year. Users who want the largest screen are going to go for the Note series, they would be a natural fit to upgrade to an even larger screen in the Fold. I get that the S21 is creeping up there (6.8 vs 6.9), and has s pen support, but as long as a larger screen exists it will still be where IMO Note users will gravitate. The entire Note series was built as being a phablet, something between a phone and a tablet, and the Fold series is IMO more of a spiritual successor to the Note series. Instead of the Note upping the ante and releasing say a 7.1" screen which would be too large they released the Fold phones. Adding s-pen support was just natural, and I'll bet Samsung had plans on including s-pen support right out of the gate, but the technology was not ready yet. I also suspect that might be the same with the pen silo, maybe they just couldn't water proof it properly, or maybe it was too much of a battery hit if the Fold 3 has less battery life than the 2.

I just don’t agree the Fold is mean to be a successor to the Note series. I think including S-pen support for the Ultra *was* the successor. It would make sense for Sammy to phase out the Note, if that’s what’s happening. There is virtually no difference between their S line and a Note. (I am a hardcore Note lover, so I don’t say this flippantly.)

My guess on the s-pen is Sammy is market testing if their consumers care if it’s included or an accessory. Remember: most of their data on the s-pen is that their customers *don’t* use it that much. Those who do of course see it as indispensable, but from a macro level it just may not move the needle that much.

 

[Bkdodger]

Well I will see soon as my phone is out for delivery... I don't expect battery to be bad.. If same as ZF2 it will be a non issue...

 

[Awesomesince86]

I think my Fold 3 is going back. It's great phone and for those that will use it to its potential, its a game changer and does what no other phone can do. For me, the reason its getting returned is I am too stubborn to change the way I use a phone and because the Pixel 6 Pro has my head turned. However, if the Pixel 6 disappoints I will probably try to pick up one of these again around black Friday.

For anyone on the fence, I would say if you're the type that loves to multitask, consume lots of media, web browse a lot, and are ok with a bulky device with average cameras then get this phone. The web browsing alone almost makes me want to keep it. It's so much better than on any other device. My problem was I found myself in too many situations where I could only use the front screen. So I was effectively using an inferior device more than half of the time. The other issue, not with he phone but with me, was that I didn't use multi window very often. So basically, I was wasting all the extra real estate.

Bottom line, great phone and an upgrade on the Fold 2 in every way. I'm convinced this is the future of phones. For a lot of people, it's finally time to make the switch if you are interested. For the rest, give it a few more years for the software to catch up all the way and for the hardware to get to a place where the front screen is like a regular phone.

 

[MisterMillz]

Well, that’s unfortunate.

When I first had my Fold 2… battery life wasn’t what I expected. But I’ve been told.. that it learns your usage patterns as @Awesomesince86 mentions. And watching Sakitech on YT helped with trying to make the most of my battery health, he mentioned using auto-turn off feature.

I have mine set to turn off 3 or 4 times a week during the night and I keep the device optimization widget to monitor RAM along with everything else. That’s one thing with Samsung phones… have to be thorough when it comes to managing the device.

Every so often I clear my open apps. In the device care section I usually hover around 90%. Clear all my open apps and it'll jump back up to 100%.

Other than that, I judge battery life based on my usage with all the nicety features (120Hz, adaptive brightness and AOD) enabled. ~7 hrs of usage/SOT is what I'd consider good. 8-9 hrs is great. I'm probably getting 3-4 hrs with this. I just wish they had packed 5000+ mAhs. I know that effects weight and thickness, but I'd still have bought it lol

 

[Awesomesince86]

Every so often I clear my open apps. In the device care section I usually hover around 90%. Clear all my open apps and it'll jump back up to 100%.

Other than that, I judge battery life based on my usage with all the nicety features (120Hz, adaptive brightness and AOD) enabled. ~7 hrs of usage/SOT is what I'd consider good. 8-9 hrs is great. I'm probably getting 3-4 hrs with this. I just wish they had packed 5000+ mAhs. I know that effects weight and thickness, but I'd still have bought it lol

How long have you had the Fold 3?

 

[Ludatyk]

My guess on the s-pen is Sammy is market testing if their consumers care if it’s included or an accessory. Remember: most of their data on the s-pen is that their customers *don’t* use it that much. Those who do of course see it as indispensable, but from a macro level it just may not move the needle that much.

That is my stance on it.

I think Samsung is weighing the option of having the Note line or charging consumers the S-Pen as a standalone accessory. They have two smartphones to market it as a standalone device... the Fold and S21 Ultra. When I had the Note... I used the S-Pen, but not to the point of calling me a S-Pen user.

For anyone on the fence, I would say if you're the type that loves to multitask, consume lots of media, web browse a lot, and are ok with a bulky device with average cameras then get this phone. The web browsing alone almost makes me want to keep it. It's so much better than on any other device. My problem was I found myself in too many situations where I could only use the front screen. So I was effectively using an inferior device more than half of the time. The other issue, not with he phone but with me, was that I didn't use multi window very often. So basically, I was wasting all the extra real estate.

That makes sense, at least you gave it a fair chance. But I'm curious... because you use the front screen more than the inner screen you come to the conclusion that's an inferior experience? You recommend those who do use the front/outer screen the most, then it's not for them?

Other than that, I judge battery life based on my usage with all the nicety features (120Hz, adaptive brightness and AOD) enabled. ~7 hrs of usage/SOT is what I'd consider good. 8-9 hrs is great. I'm probably getting 3-4 hrs with this. I just wish they had packed 5000+ mAhs. I know that effects weight and thickness, but I'd still have bought it lol

Well.. I'm of the cloth that just because the features exists.. you don't have to use them lol. I use AOD... but I don't have it set to always (set to 10 seconds). And I use adaptive brightness... but I manage it, avoiding brightness set up above 60%.

And then on top of that, you were using Chrome... which is a battery hog.

 

[mjschabow]

I think my Fold 3 is going back. It's great phone and for those that will use it to its potential, its a game changer and does what no other phone can do. For me, the reason its getting returned is I am too stubborn to change the way I use a phone and because the Pixel 6 Pro has my head turned. However, if the Pixel 6 disappoints I will probably try to pick up one of these again around black Friday.

For anyone on the fence, I would say if you're the type that loves to multitask, consume lots of media, web browse a lot, and are ok with a bulky device with average cameras then get this phone. The web browsing alone almost makes me want to keep it. It's so much better than on any other device. My problem was I found myself in too many situations where I could only use the front screen. So I was effectively using an inferior device more than half of the time. The other issue, not with he phone but with me, was that I didn't use multi window very often. So basically, I was wasting all the extra real estate.

Bottom line, great phone and an upgrade on the Fold 2 in every way. I'm convinced this is the future of phones. For a lot of people, it's finally time to make the switch if you are interested. For the rest, give it a few more years for the software to catch up all the way and for the hardware to get to a place where the front screen is like a regular phone.

100% agreed. I ended up ordering one on the Try for 21 days thing and after 2 days of using it, I'm so impressed by the technology and futuristic feel of the device, but honestly, it's a pain in the ass to use. I'm so "on the go" that taking the extra time to open the screen up and close it is just more than I'm used to having to do on a phone. I'm sure some of this is just purely all about getting used to the device, but I feel like when I want a bigger screen, I could just grab my iPad.

So basically, really love the tech and ambition, but realized quickly that it's just not my kind of device until they're able to make it a less clunky experience.

 

[Awesomesince86]

That is my stance on it.

I think Samsung is weighing the option of having the Note line or charging consumers the S-Pen as a standalone accessory. They have two smartphones to market it as a standalone device... the Fold and S21 Ultra. When I had the Note... I used the S-Pen, but not to the point of calling me a S-Pen user.


That makes sense, at least you gave it a fair chance. But I'm curious... because you use the front screen more than the inner screen you come to the conclusion that's an inferior experience? You recommend those who do use the front/outer screen the most, then it's not for them?


Well.. I'm of the cloth that just because the features exists.. you don't have to use them lol. I use AOD... but I don't have it set to always (set to 10 seconds). And I use adaptive brightness... but I manage it, avoiding brightness set up above 60%.

And then on top of that, you were using Chrome... which is a battery hog.

I look at it like this...the inner screen in a superior experience to any other phone but the outer screen is an inferior experience to most smartphones. So if I am using the outer screen more than 50% of the time, I'm getting a worse experience more than 50% of the time. If I had to guess, I was using about 60/40 with the outer screen being the more used screen. That was either because I was on the go, had my hands full dealing with the kids, or something of that nature. But when I was at my desk or sitting on the couch I had the inner display open and it was a joy.

It might be hard to gauge which display you'll use more until you get your hands on it. But to answer your question, yes I think if you're going to use the outer screen more than the inner then I feel like its a lot to pay to be stuck with a worse experience a majority of the time. Thats why I believe the Fold will really take off if they shorten and widen the outer display. Its a win/win. It would make the outer screen easier to use, more like a regular slab phone, and would naturally widen the inner display making it even better for media consumption due to the aspect ratio. But thats just my two cents.

 

[spinedoc77]

I just don’t agree the Fold is mean to be a successor to the Note series. I think including S-pen support for the Ultra *was* the successor. It would make sense for Sammy to phase out the Note, if that’s what’s happening. There is virtually no difference between their S line and a Note. (I am a hardcore Note lover, so I don’t say this flippantly.)

My guess on the s-pen is Sammy is market testing if their consumers care if it’s included or an accessory. Remember: most of their data on the s-pen is that their customers *don’t* use it that much. Those who do of course see it as indispensable, but from a macro level it just may not move the needle that much.

I've changed my thought pattern on that and yeah I don't think the Fold is the Note successor, what changed my mind was Samsung's comments that the Note line was absent this year due to chip shortages and they decided to put their efforts into the Fold, so there should be a Note series again next year, although that's only speculation. Samsung is an odd company with so many flagship devices, but I suppose it must work for them.

I still opine that the pen should have been siloed, Note successor or not, but again that just my personal preference/opinion. It's one of the major reasons I returned mine. Just looking at the case that Samsung had, as well as what some aftermarket vendors were starting to advertise, I knew there was not going to be ANY way to keep that pen with the phone that was convenient. So I really thought about my priorities and if I really needed the pen that much, I guess I really don't. I doubt my return will move the needle at Samsung at all, but at least they have my money vote.

 

[spinedoc77]

100% agreed. I ended up ordering one on the Try for 21 days thing and after 2 days of using it, I'm so impressed by the technology and futuristic feel of the device, but honestly, it's a pain in the ass to use. I'm so "on the go" that taking the extra time to open the screen up and close it is just more than I'm used to having to do on a phone. I'm sure some of this is just purely all about getting used to the device, but I feel like when I want a bigger screen, I could just grab my iPad.

So basically, really love the tech and ambition, but realized quickly that it's just not my kind of device until they're able to make it a less clunky experience.

I definitely respect your opinion and use case scenario, but I'm just curious, why do you feel flipping the Fold open is that much more difficult or cumbersome than reaching for your iPad? Personally I found flipping the Fold open was really easy for when I needed that, but I did use the outer screen a lot as well.

 

[mjschabow]

I definitely respect your opinion and use case scenario, but I'm just curious, why do you feel flipping the Fold open is that much more difficult or cumbersome than reaching for your iPad? Personally I found flipping the Fold open was really easy for when I needed that, but I did use the outer screen a lot as well.

I really feel like the only time I'd use the big screen is for when I'm not on the go. I'd never use it while hiking or if the kids are around. The times I'd really use the big screen is when I have leisure time to sit back and consume media (browsing, streaming, etc). In that case, it's just as easy to put my iPhone on the charger and grab my MacBook or iPad and just enjoy media. Again, more of a personal use case here and might not be everyone else's need.

And like Awesome said, the outer screen is not even close to a screen I'd like to use even 40% of the time, high refresh rate and all.

 

[MisterMillz]

How long have you had the Fold 3?

Since last Thursday.

I'm of the cloth that just because the features exists.. you don't have to use them lol. I use AOD... but I don't have it set to always (set to 10 seconds). And I use adaptive brightness... but I manage it, avoiding brightness set up above 60%.

And then on top of that, you were using Chrome... which is a battery hog.

I don't disagree with your overall point. Just because an M3 can do 130 doesn't mean I should lol I'm with you there. However, I bought the phone for those specific reasons–120Hz, big inner screen, AOD, etc. I would just stick with my not-so-exciting, but generally consistent iPhone if I weren't going to take advantage of the things that make Samsung Samsung and Android Android. I liken it to buying a 4K HDR TV w/high refresh and disabling all the features because it uses more energy than a standard HD tv. I know I could eek out a bit more juice, but it isn't worth the squeeze for me.

 

[rhinosrcool]

Boy, my experience is a polar opposite of some of the above. I love my Fold 3. It's fast, the battery is good, and I love the big screen. Multitasking is great. I'll agree on the s pen case being non-optimal. Hopefully, someone comes up with a better solution.

 

[Ludatyk]

It might be hard to gauge which display you'll use more until you get your hands on it. But to answer your question, yes I think if you're going to use the outer screen more than the inner then I feel like its a lot to pay to be stuck with a worse experience a majority of the time. Thats why I believe the Fold will really take off if they shorten and widen the outer display. Its a win/win. It would make the outer screen easier to use, more like a regular slab phone, and would naturally widen the inner display making it even better for media consumption due to the aspect ratio. But thats just my two cents.

Oh, I totally understand your point. I‘m sure if you polled Fold users… majority will most certainly favor the inner display over the outer display. But my push back on your point… is that you have that option to unfold. Whether or not you use the inner display more than the outer display.. if it’s 60/40. That 40% of the time… that’s an experience no standard phone can replicate.

I liken it to buying a 4K HDR TV w/high refresh and disabling all the features because it uses more energy than a standard HD tv. I know I could eek out a bit more juice, but it isn't worth the squeeze for me.

What I’m getting at is… there’s more to the Fold than AOD and brightness set to 100%. I totally understand why disable features only to have an average device. A consumer wants to enjoy their device to it’s full capabilities. But I’ve been a Fold user for about a year.

And battery has always been the annoying part of the experience… that’s why I try to manage it as best as I can. It’s one of those things where… gotta take the good with the bad. And I believe the good outweighs the bad as long as I can manage the bad, it works for me.

 

[Bkdodger]

I'm not planning on using S pen otherwise it's full throttle on all options turned on with phone...


BTW just got it and left at steps no signature required haha

Z Fold 3

8 new items · Album by bkdodger nyc

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[spinedoc77]

I really feel like the only time I'd use the big screen is for when I'm not on the go. I'd never use it while hiking or if the kids are around. The times I'd really use the big screen is when I have leisure time to sit back and consume media (browsing, streaming, etc). In that case, it's just as easy to put my iPhone on the charger and grab my MacBook or iPad and just enjoy media. Again, more of a personal use case here and might not be everyone else's need.

And like Awesome said, the outer screen is not even close to a screen I'd like to use even 40% of the time, high refresh rate and all.

Yes that certainly makes sense. It brings me back to the rhetorical question I've made, do you value a tablet or a phone more? What about those specific situations, let's say when you are hiking, would there never come a time when you sat down and would enjoy a tablet sized screen? So I suppose in the end it's a conglomeration of wants and needs, where every situation might be different, but put them all together to find your answer. If overall you value the tablet part more then the Fold is a great choice. If you value the smartphone part then you are better off keeping your phone.

The more I read through here the more I realize that many who don't think the Fold paradigm is for them simply value the smartphone part more than the tablet part. There is nothing wrong with that, but there are a lot of us who value the tablet part more.

Lastly, I'm not sure why there is so much negativity around the outer screen, it's perfectly usable. It's a 120hz screen, it's as big as many non pro/max phones currently out, and really is not that much worse than even a pro/max model. I used my outer screen much much more than the inner screen the year or so I had the Fold 2 and rarely found myself complaining, but most of that was probably due to the constant dopamine rush I got when I opened that huge inner screen. What many are missing here is that NOT having a tablet in your phone is also a disadvantage to some of us.

 

[mjschabow]

Yes that certainly makes sense. It brings me back to the rhetorical question I've made, do you value a tablet or a phone more? What about those specific situations, let's say when you are hiking, would there never come a time when you sat down and would enjoy a tablet sized screen? So I suppose in the end it's a conglomeration of wants and needs, where every situation might be different, but put them all together to find your answer. If overall you value the tablet part more then the Fold is a great choice. If you value the smartphone part then you are better off keeping your phone.

The more I read through here the more I realize that many who don't think the Fold paradigm is for them simply value the smartphone part more than the tablet part. There is nothing wrong with that, but there are a lot of us who value the tablet part more.

Lastly, I'm not sure why there is so much negativity around the outer screen, it's perfectly usable. It's a 120hz screen, it's as big as many non pro/max phones currently out, and really is not that much worse than even a pro/max model. I used my outer screen much much more than the inner screen the year or so I had the Fold 2 and rarely found myself complaining, but most of that was probably due to the constant dopamine rush I got when I opened that huge inner screen. What many are missing here is that NOT having a tablet in your phone is also a disadvantage to some of us.

I definitely value the phone more than a tablet/macbook. In fact, the phone gets 90% of my use. And that's why the thought of hiking, stopping to fold it out to a bigger screen doesn't interest me. Having the best camera during hiking interests me though so I can edit the photos on my MacBook when I get home. So yeah, it really comes down to the person.

 

[cardfan]

For those curious about the screen size, it is almost identical to the iPad mini screen without bezels. Was pretty cool to see in person. Definitely enjoying the Fold 3. Definitely NOT impressed with its battery life though. Seems Chrome and Google Maps (2 of my more used apps) drain this thing with no remorse.

Kinda looks broken in middle. Or maybe that’s the crease? Looks like garbage though.

 

[Ludatyk]

The more I read through here the more I realize that many who don't think the Fold paradigm is for them simply value the smartphone part more than the tablet part. There is nothing wrong with that, but there are a lot of us who value the tablet part more.

That perfectly sums up who are Fold users. Those that value the tablet part of the technology and yeah, there’s nothing wrong with going for the standard phone. It’s one of those things.. a consumer gotta know what they are signing up for when purchasing it.

I think the trend will start becoming now that the Note is slowly fading into the background, Fold users are going to fill in those Note uncertainties. I recall Note users early on had to defend the use of the bigger display.. how essential having a S-Pen is, it’s as if Fold users are becoming Note users in that manner.

Lastly, I'm not sure why there is so much negativity around the outer screen, it's perfectly usable.

There’s no denying it’s usable. But is it perfectly usable? I disagree... too many typing mistakes happen for me on the outer display. I don’t like how narrow it is.

 

[spinedoc77]

There’s no denying it’s usable. But is it perfectly usable? I disagree... too many typing mistakes happen for me on the outer display. I don’t like how narrow it is.

I don't know, for me it was perfectly usable. Touch typing with 2 hands was mildly frustrating, no argument there. But I tend to use my phones one handed most of the time, so touch typing with 1 hand was actually much easier than on a larger phone. I actually use swipe a lot more than type, and that was about the same on the Fold as on other phones 2 handed, but one handed again the advantage easily goes to the Fold. Lastly, just navigating around the OS was much easier one handed on the Fold's outer screen. It all depends on what you need, if you need 2 handed touch typing then yeah I don't blame you, the Fold's outer screen isn't the best (but also not the worst by far).

 

[Awesomesince86]

Since last Thursday.

I don't disagree with your overall point. Just because an M3 can do 130 doesn't mean I should lol I'm with you there. However, I bought the phone for those specific reasons–120Hz, big inner screen, AOD, etc. I would just stick with my not-so-exciting, but generally consistent iPhone if I weren't going to take advantage of the things that make Samsung Samsung and Android Android. I liken it to buying a 4K HDR TV w/high refresh and disabling all the features because it uses more energy than a standard HD tv. I know I could eek out a bit more juice, but it isn't worth the squeeze for me.

To be fair, thats not enough time to judge battery life. Usage pattern learning hasnt even taken effect. Thats made a big difference in the past on my devices.

But it also sounds like you may have a rogue app draining battery. I would look at battery stats and see if something stands out.