Alleged Leaked Images of Samsung's Clamshell-Style Galaxy Fold Appear Online

[Darth Tulhu]

I for one see the value of a foldable phone, and I appreciate what Samsung, Moto, and Huawei are trying to do here, so long as they don't do it Apple-like and STOP offering "conventional" devices alongside the bleeding-edge tech.

I'm glad someone is trying, because this results in feedback and refinement, which is the OPPOSITE of the Apple approach.

Apple gets to a point (in secret) where THEY are happy with what THEY come up with (which is admittedly usually pretty great), and then release it. But then they keep it the same & ignore feedback for years, and when they do listen it's still a version that is good but not quite what people were asking for, because according to Apple (and their fans), "we don't know what we want until Apple shows it to us".

I'd rather play with tech now, even if it's imperfect, if it gives me a compelling feature than to wait and wait and wait for a "perfect" device that may never come.

 

[EdRed]

If Samsung does edge to edge displays why not have 2 physical displays hinged together instead of adding a foldable layer?

Exactly. Something like Microsoft's Surface Duo.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

I like the Microsoft Surface Duo better than this or Galaxy Fold. Google already has support for foldables in Android 10 (API 29) so it wont be hard to create a more productive apps with foldables or dual screen devices.

I do too. I think that the dual-screen with no space between is a better approach than the foldable device.

For me, all these different approaches, when combined with wearables, really point to a boom in innovation today that will lead to really flexible (no pun intended) choices in the future.

Apple is a company that rarely invents; they reinvent things (or at least they used to with SJ at the helm).

But lately it's Microsoft in particular who has impressed me greatly with their VISIONS, even if their execution is a little wonky.

This Surface Duo joins the Surface Studio (and that really cool Dial) as some of the very few products that truly impressed me since the iPhone came out. I want (better versions) of both of those more than any current Apple device.

Sadly, I think Apple's (BS) philosophy of not combining devices means I will NEVER see an iOS-based 2-in-1 or an iMac I can draw on, because they'd rather sell you the iPad AND the iMac/MacBook.

These devices are a NEW CATEGORY they are resolutely choosing to ignore.

 

[farewelwilliams]

This is so naive. Meanwhile at Samsung, they're selling you the prototypes for devices they haven't figured out how to make yet. And you're busy hating the company that sells working products...

but it gets internet points!

 

[turbineseaplane]

It’s hilarious to read all the hot takes here about how “this is a horrible idea because I wouldn’t like it“ or “it wouldn’t fit with my usage patterns so it sucks”

Love it or hate it I am just glad to see somebody trying some new ideas.

All Apple does anymore is put better/more cameras into ever larger glass rectangles while continuing to raise the ASP’s. I’m starting to wonder if they have any new ideas for the phones. It doesn’t seem like it.

 

[nt5672]

Oh, you mean like THIS one?

iPhone SE: Feature List, Reviews, and Advice

The iPhone SE is Apple's prior-generation low-cost iPhone. It has been replaced by the iPhone 16e.

www.macrumors.com

Which is rumored at this time to be larger than the SE.

 

[0388631]

Why? What's the point?

 

[SteveJUAE]

It’s hilarious to read all the hot takes here about how “this is a horrible idea because I wouldn’t like it“ or “it wouldn’t fit with my usage patterns so it sucks”

Love it or hate it I am just glad to see somebody trying some new ideas.

All Apple does anymore is put better/more cameras into ever larger glass rectangles while continuing to raise the ASP’s. I’m starting to wonder if they have any new ideas for the phones. It doesn’t seem like it.

I agree it's almost absurd that so many find it objectionable that there should be choices

Not every product needs to world dominating, why should so many be upset that a device is created say just for a few million. Many would be inventors dream of such numbers.

Is the theoretical world of an Apple Utopia threatened so easily.

You would think reading the comments here you were talking to some bizarre cult following from a SiFi movie than the rational acceptance of diversification, evolution and choice.

The biggest threat to the next big thing is believing it will uniquely be from Apple.

However successful Apple is by refinement of others , consumers choices would be poor if other OEM's followed the same methods

 

[Lalatoon]

True and I agree with this.


There are the three "I"s. Improvement, invention and innovation. Are you saying Microsoft is at the first "I"?

I would have to say Improvement since they did not Invent it. And here the meaning of innovation from wiki

Innovation in its modern meaning is "a new idea, creative thoughts, new imaginations in form of device or method".

Considering Nintendo DS I would have to say that dual screen is not a Microsoft innovation

 

[aksala]

I believe the correct term is 'flip phone'. (Yeah yeah, I know.."Ok Boomer").

 

[aksala]

It’s hilarious to read all the hot takes here about how “this is a horrible idea because I wouldn’t like it“ or “it wouldn’t fit with my usage patterns so it sucks”

Love it or hate it I am just glad to see somebody trying some new ideas.

All Apple does anymore is put better/more cameras into ever larger glass rectangles while continuing to raise the ASP’s. I’m starting to wonder if they have any new ideas for the phones. It doesn’t seem like it.

Very much agree, and this idea of a "flip phone (or clamshell) has been proven to be successful already. Yes, I know this is a different day and age from when the flip phone was popular, but there is no reason why the concept couldn't be successful again. Before 2007, you basically had 2 choices - a 'candy bar' format, or a 'flip' format. I had a candy bar for years and when the flip format came out, it was pretty revolutionary for its time. It cut the size of the phone down considerably without reducing the size of the main screen (and it actually made it a dual screen device when they slapped a screen on the 'closed' side). It was pretty cool at the time, and I don't see any reason why it couldn't be popular or useful again.

 

[Abazigal]

I agree it's almost absurd that so many find it objectionable that there should be choices

Not every product needs to world dominating, why should so many be upset that a device is created say just for a few million. Many would be inventors dream of such numbers.

Is the theoretical world of an Apple Utopia threatened so easily.

You would think reading the comments here you were talking to some bizarre cult following from a SiFi movie than the rational acceptance of diversification, evolution and choice.

The biggest threat to the next big thing is believing it will uniquely be from Apple.

However successful Apple is by refinement of others , consumers choices would be poor if other OEM's followed the same methods

It’s not about choice, but the annoying double standards that Apple faces compared to its competitors.

For some reason, Apple is always painted to be just one step away from irrelevancy, and everything they do is subject to the greatest of scrutiny and skepticism. Conversely, the completion often gets a free pass with their offerings. The galaxy fold was supposed to be the epitome of Apple having lost its innovative edge. I cannot recall the last time when the haters here had been more wrong.

This is what frustrates me. Not that other companies are releasing all these different form factors, but that the haters are latching on to them and holding them up as evidence that Apple has lost its way.

Maybe people have grown too bored with phones. Maybe it’s just in their nature to hate on Apple. But it’s definitely affecting their ability to objectively evaluate any given product given how everything the competition does that Apple isn’t is always proof that Apple is doomed.

Here’s what I think. Post-PC devices make a lot of people uncomfortable. Post-smartphone devices (eg: wearables) take this discomfort to a whole new level - these products are not even acknowledged to exist. This is where I believe the future lies - not in folding phones but in wearables such as smart watches and glasses.

I predict that folding phones are going to go the way of curved screens (a gimmick) than larger screen phones (the norm). And if Apple doesn’t release a folding phone (and I am sure they won’t), it won’t be because they are no longer innovating, but because they are betting on wearables being the future. For all its size and fortunes, Apple is ultimately still resource-constrained and so needs to be very selective in terms of what they choose to focus their time and energy on.

And I don’t think that folding phones is something worth Apple’s time.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Very much agree, and this idea of a "flip phone (or clamshell) has been proven to be successful already. Yes, I know this is a different day and age from when the flip phone was popular, but there is no reason why the concept couldn't be successful again.

Fully agree. Some forget how long ago that era really was. There's an entire generation+ out there that would find a modern flip phone to be an incredibly cool new revolution and form factor they never experienced.

We shouldn't discount how everything old can be new again, particularly with new technologies that can make it fresh and interesting.

It's flat out "time" for some different smartphone interpretations and form factors as technology continues to allow for some interesting remixes on new and old ideas.

 

[Kong1971]

Folding phones are the 3D TVs of 2019. Neat, but never going to be a real thing. Five years from now someone is going to think, Oh, remember when they tried to make folding screens a thing? I would much prefer an e-ink like color screen that refreshes like LCD screens but doesn't burn holes in my retinas after extended use. It's time to Harry Potter our screens. Make them look like magic paper. Or maybe plugless phones that charge off the ubiquitous wifi signals all around us now. Never run out of juice. Or maybe universal internet access. Give us something truly revolutionary, Brain Guys. Not gimmicks.

 

[Tech198]

This looks good.. Kinda of like a miniature Razr. In fact, if i wasn't being so pulled into the app Eco-system, i probably would go back to a dumb phone.

 

[mellofello]

2020 is the year I buy a folding phone.

I am stoked

 

[FlyingDutch]

As I wouldn’t either. Far to entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. But a “joke”. At least some companies are pushing the boundaries of what possible with today tech. Apple far prefers to play it safe. There nothing wrong with that but not a lot of innovation lately.

Watch is 5 years old now. AirPods are old news too. APP isn’t really that exciting. Nothing wrong with them iPhone hasn’t changed form factor is since the 6

Pushing the boundaries for the sake of it, has no sense.
Apple Watch 5 was released a few months ago. Very different from the model launched 5 years ago.
Airpods still are a great product, and AirPods Pro are the best product in the class.
iPhone 11 Pro are just the best smartphone on the market.

Evolution sometimes is better than innovation, especially in a matured market.
I like Samsung, I’m using their products, but the Fold is a joke.

 

[SteveJUAE]

It’s not about choice, but the annoying double standards that Apple faces compared to its competitors.

For some reason, Apple is always painted to be just one step away from irrelevancy, and everything they do is subject to the greatest of scrutiny and skepticism. Conversely, the completion often gets a free pass with their offerings. The galaxy fold was supposed to be the epitome of Apple having lost its innovative edge. I cannot recall the last time when the haters here had been more wrong.

This is what frustrates me. Not that other companies are releasing all these different form factors, but that the haters are latching on to them and holding them up as evidence that Apple has lost its way.

Maybe people have grown too bored with phones. Maybe it’s just in their nature to hate on Apple. But it’s definitely affecting their ability to objectively evaluate any given product given how everything the competition does that Apple isn’t is always proof that Apple is doomed.

Here’s what I think. Post-PC devices make a lot of people uncomfortable. Post-smartphone devices (eg: wearables) take this discomfort to a whole new level - these products are not even acknowledged to exist. This is where I believe the future lies - not in folding phones but in wearables such as smart watches and glasses.

I predict that folding phones are going to go the way of curved screens (a gimmick) than larger screen phones (the norm). And if Apple doesn’t release a folding phone (and I am sure they won’t), it won’t be because they are no longer innovating, but because they are betting on wearables being the future. For all its size and fortunes, Apple is ultimately still resource-constrained and so needs to be very selective in terms of what they choose to focus their time and energy on.

And I don’t think that folding phones is something worth Apple’s time.

Whilst I understand your thoughts it simply a product of you reap what you sow

While many a fan placed Apple on several pedestals (Creator/OS/Premium product etc) and reveled in pure trivia and extrapolations on why Apple do this and that. It's simply come full circle on a position that was not sustainable, instigated by fans themselves.

If anything Samsung and others are now creating premium plus devices that the big production line of Apple is not flexible enough to compete with let alone come up with original and interesting designs

The premium world of many products is driven by more than just spec's. Like the Apple watch popularity for some is equally a turn-off and the equivalent of someone turning up with the same shirt or dress

I think Samsung and others are offering a double theme to some with both a measure originality and new design. The appeal may be limited and yet that is part of the appeal.

Although the numbers it may only nibble around the edges of Apples more mass produced products even Apple would prefer to gain 1 or 2 million sales than loose them

Enjoy the products for what they are than trying to pigeon hole them in to more common devices that spec chases simply put a $ value on and miss the point.

 

[BvizioN]

I seriously hope Apple does not get Encouraged/Inspired by this crap!!

 

[SteveJUAE]

Pushing the boundaries for the sake of it, has no sense.

Tell that to NASSA and others, many products have spun off from others

Apple Watch 5 was released a few months ago. Very different from the model launched 5 years ago.

So the Fold and others are not capable of evolving similarly over the next 3 or 5 years

Airpods still are a great product, and AirPods Pro are the best product in the class.

Ranking around 40th place is not a great product in my books but in the limited world of choice in Apple ECO 2nd place out of 2 is I suppose great

iPhone 11 Pro are just the best smartphone on the market.

Completely subjective

Evolution sometimes is better than innovation, especially in a matured market.

The mature car market is over 100 years old and they still innovate and surprise us

I like Samsung, I’m using their products, but the Fold is a joke.

We shall see who the joke is on as the fat lady is still singing

 

[I7guy]

Tell that to NASSA and others, many products have spun off from others


So the Fold and others are not capable of evolving similarly over the next 3 or 5 years


Ranking around 40th place is not a great product in my books but in the limited world of choice in Apple ECO 2nd place out of 2 is I suppose great


Completely subjective


The mature car market is over 100 years old and they still innovate and surprise us


We shall see who the joke is on as the fat lady is still singing

Samsung is smart. The company is using the paying public as market research.

 

[FlyingDutch]

So the Fold and others are not capable of evolving similarly over the next 3 or 5 years

not if the concept behind it is totally wrong.

Ranking around 40th place is not a great product in my books but in the limited world of choice in Apple ECO 2nd place out of 2 is I suppose great

40th place in what imaginary ranking ?
nothing compares to AirPods, even if others are struggling to copy them.

Completely subjective

nope.
iPhone 11 Pro is far better than anything else.
it is a matter of fact.

The mature car market is over 100 years old and they still innovate and surprise us

literally speaking about apples and oranges 🤦🏻‍♂️

We shall see who the joke is on as the fat lady is still singing

We already had our share of laughs about Galaxy Fold launch...
[automerge]1576850715[/automerge]

Samsung is smart. The company is using the paying public as market research.

And according to the guy you are quoting, they seems to be happy 😆

 

[SteveJUAE]

40th place in what imaginary ranking ?
nothing compares to AirPods, even if others are struggling to copy them.

We can see how your imagination is playing tricks on you

But your right I got it wrong it was not 40th place Consumer Reports placed Airpods at 49th place

Their updated review which includes the Airpods Pro noted although fared better than the Airpods from an audio quality aspect they were still below many, including the Galaxy Buds, only because of some convenience with Iphones are they considered an obvious choice for some

"The Echo Buds, Amazon’s new noise-canceling true wireless headphones, didn’t score quite as well in our tests, but they’re solid performers and far cheaper at $130. And while the AirPods Pro sound far better than Apple’s earlier models, they still don’t meet the audio quality of our top pick for true wireless sound, the Samsung Galaxy Buds, which also sell for around $130. (They aren’t noise-canceling.) "

 

[FlyingDutch]

We can see how your imagination is playing tricks on you

But your right I got it wrong it was not 40th place Consumer Reports placed Airpods at 49th place

Their updated review which includes the Airpods Pro noted although fared better than the Airpods from an audio quality aspect they were still below many, including the Galaxy Buds, only because of some convenience with Iphones are they considered an obvious choice for some

"The Echo Buds, Amazon’s new noise-canceling true wireless headphones, didn’t score quite as well in our tests, but they’re solid performers and far cheaper at $130. And while the AirPods Pro sound far better than Apple’s earlier models, they still don’t meet the audio quality of our top pick for true wireless sound, the Samsung Galaxy Buds, which also sell for around $130. (They aren’t noise-canceling.) "

Consumer Reports 😂

guess who is CR primary commercial partner ? 😂
oh yes , CR ranking is very relevant... to CR agenda 😂

 

[Roller]

We can see how your imagination is playing tricks on you

But your right I got it wrong it was not 40th place Consumer Reports placed Airpods at 49th place

Their updated review which includes the Airpods Pro noted although fared better than the Airpods from an audio quality aspect they were still below many, including the Galaxy Buds, only because of some convenience with Iphones are they considered an obvious choice for some

"The Echo Buds, Amazon’s new noise-canceling true wireless headphones, didn’t score quite as well in our tests, but they’re solid performers and far cheaper at $130. And while the AirPods Pro sound far better than Apple’s earlier models, they still don’t meet the audio quality of our top pick for true wireless sound, the Samsung Galaxy Buds, which also sell for around $130. (They aren’t noise-canceling.) "

Not sure which CR articles you consulted, but the AirPods Pro received a 75 score in a roundup of wireless portable headphones i just looked at. The Sony WF-1000XM3s were rated at 87 due to sound quality. The Samsung Galaxy Buds were scored at 86 in a separate review, but as you say, they're not noise canceling. Its absence is a significant shortcoming in many situations, such as airplane travel.

Personally, as a recovering audiophile, I've been very satisfied with my AirPods Pro. The sound quality and noise cancelation are surprisingly good, and easy pairing with multiple Apple devices is a plus.

Regarding foldable phones: I began with bricks in the early 90s, then moved to clamshells when they became available, mostly because of their compact size. But the first iPhone was a revelation because it was small enough to fit in my pocket and didn't have to be unfolded to use. That advantage has also applied to its successors, since I often need to see incoming messages or view/interact with content while the device is lying flat.

I'm not averse to a folding design as long as I don't give up any features. It has to be thin enough when folded to slip into a shirt pocket, I want a truly seamless screen that will hold up for years, and the phone should easily stay perfectly flat and functional on a table or other surface.

I would be astonished if Apple isn't investigating foldable phones, but I don't think they'll bring anything to market unless it doesn't compromise on current designs.