Galaxy Z Fold7/Flip7

[aggie99]

How do you like OpenBubbles over BlueBubbles? And do you have to keep an iPhone in a drawer or something?

Easier to get tapbacks and typing indicators to work. Much more stable for me. They have a self host option or hosted option much like beeper. I don't use my number just apple id for iMessage so not sure on having the iPhone on but mine has been off for two days now. UI nearly identical to BlueBubbles

 

[mjschabow]

Now that I've had this thing for a week, I'm definitely at a crossroads. I really love this device and the extra capabilities that it brings. It's really awesome how it can enhance productivity!

On the other side, I still feel like it's just...awkward. I was at a baseball game last night and just the whole process of unfolding, taking photos, and all that stuff, it's just a lot and I question if I really need this in my life (if that makes sense). I get along just fine with slab phones and while the extra productivity is nice, there's nothing that's really going to enhance what I already do. Even the tablet experience on stage. Yeah it's nice, but it's not enough to overcome the awkwardness of a Fold.

And again, going back to price, is all of this really worth an extra $1,000 after trade in? Especially now that I'm realizing that I use zoom camera way more than I realized. It really struggled at the baseball game I was at last night and I was really disappointed with the photos.

 

[cuzo]

Now that I've had this thing for a week, I'm definitely at a crossroads. I really love this device and the extra capabilities that it brings. It's really awesome how it can enhance productivity!

On the other side, I still feel like it's just...awkward. I was at a baseball game last night and just the whole process of unfolding, taking photos, and all that stuff, it's just a lot and I question if I really need this in my life (if that makes sense). I get along just fine with slab phones and while the extra productivity is nice, there's nothing that's really going to enhance what I already do. Even the tablet experience on stage. Yeah it's nice, but it's not enough to overcome the awkwardness of a Fold.

And again, going back to price, is all of this really worth an extra $1,000 after trade in? Especially now that I'm realizing that I use zoom camera way more than I realized. It really struggled at the baseball game I was at last night and I was really disappointed with the photos.

It's not too pratical for most people, that's the problem with android and alot of it's innovation it's just hype and people trying to figure out a way to attract customers. A big folding slab probably isn't going to be that easy on the fly when a person is on the go, alot of these phones are created for people who are sitting and just playing with their phones all day.

A big reason Iphone is so popular it's a simple device that's good for most people to accomidate their real life.

 

[mjschabow]

It's not too pratical for most people, that's the problem with android and alot of it's innovation it's just hype and people trying to figure out a way to attract customers. A big folding slab probably isn't going to be that easy on the fly when a person is on the go, alot of these phones are created for people who are sitting and just playing with their phones all day.

A big reason Iphone is so popular it's a simple device that's good for most people to accomidate their real life.

And that's kind of it. I'm out and about a lot and not sitting around (other than when I'm working). It's just a lot to pull the phone out and use that cover screen, then unfold it to do something, all while managing life with a 7 week old.

 

[Ludatyk]

Easier to get tapbacks and typing indicators to work. Much more stable for me. They have a self host option or hosted option much like beeper. I don't use my number just apple id for iMessage so not sure on having the iPhone on but mine has been off for two days now. UI nearly identical to BlueBubbles

That’s what I don’t understand why both have the same UI… is the two being supported by the same dev team?

On the other side, I still feel like it's just...awkward. I was at a baseball game last night and just the whole process of unfolding, taking photos, and all that stuff, it's just a lot and I question if I really need this in my life (if that makes sense). I get along just fine with slab phones and while the extra productivity is nice, there's nothing that's really going to enhance what I already do. Even the tablet experience on stage. Yeah it's nice, but it's not enough to overcome the awkwardness of a Fold.

But the point of the wider cover screen is that you don’t have to open it up so often. Plus I don’t really unfold unless I know that I’m stationary for a while.

And again, going back to price, is all of this really worth an extra $1,000 after trade in? Especially now that I'm realizing that I use zoom camera way more than I realized. It really struggled at the baseball game I was at last night and I was really disappointed with the photos.

I thought you were able to get some discounts to bring the price down a bit? Probably contact them again to see what more they can do…

 

[Harthag]

I actually wonder if Smart Switch can be the culprit. I used smart switch and had some funky stuff happen so I reset All Settings and it's been great ever since.

Did you do a factory reset or did you just reset all settings?

Easier to get tapbacks and typing indicators to work. Much more stable for me. They have a self host option or hosted option much like beeper. I don't use my number just apple id for iMessage so not sure on having the iPhone on but mine has been off for two days now. UI nearly identical to BlueBubbles

Interesting, looks like a great app. I just completely turned off all iMessage settings everywhere but will try this out if I re-enable it at some point. Does it work with Android Auto?

Now that I've had this thing for a week, I'm definitely at a crossroads. I really love this device and the extra capabilities that it brings. It's really awesome how it can enhance productivity!

On the other side, I still feel like it's just...awkward. I was at a baseball game last night and just the whole process of unfolding, taking photos, and all that stuff, it's just a lot and I question if I really need this in my life (if that makes sense). I get along just fine with slab phones and while the extra productivity is nice, there's nothing that's really going to enhance what I already do. Even the tablet experience on stage. Yeah it's nice, but it's not enough to overcome the awkwardness of a Fold.

And again, going back to price, is all of this really worth an extra $1,000 after trade in? Especially now that I'm realizing that I use zoom camera way more than I realized. It really struggled at the baseball game I was at last night and I was really disappointed with the photos.

I noticed a difference between this and the S25U funnily enough as I was recording videos of S25U and 16PM prior to packing them up in case of any buyer / trade in nonsense that may go down. Still love the device overall and can't see myself going back to slab phones at this point. Not yet a parent but may be in a year or so, and can see how handling the Fold could be a bit cumbersome. Still, I'd just use it folded in those situations I imagine.

Are you going to keep it? I already am hooked on the dual inner screens when watching MLB TV and showing stats on the other screen. Come football season + fantasy it'll be awesome, you will miss it!

It's not too pratical for most people, that's the problem with android and alot of it's innovation it's just hype and people trying to figure out a way to attract customers. A big folding slab probably isn't going to be that easy on the fly when a person is on the go, alot of these phones are created for people who are sitting and just playing with their phones all day.

A big reason Iphone is so popular it's a simple device that's good for most people to accomidate their real life.

I was of the same opinion until the Fold 7. Hated the prior Folds and felt the outer screen was too narrow and unusable. It has finally gotten to the point where it is wide enough that I can use it all day without needing to open the phone. We'll see how long I stay on the Fold bandwagon, but I am sending my S25U trade in today and have sold my iPhone. No phone has caused me to completely forget about and sell my other devices as this one has.

 

[tbayrgs]

That’s what I don’t understand why both have the same UI… is the two being supported by the same dev team?


But the point of the wider cover screen is that you don’t have to open it up so often. Plus I don’t really unfold unless I know that I’m stationary for a while.


I thought you were able to get some discounts to bring the price down a bit? Probably contact them again to see what more they can do…

I’m personally a huge fan of the unfolded form factor but I think I understand where he’s coming from.

If you find yourself using it predominantly in ‘slab’ format, while significantly better than any Z Fold predecessor, that cover display is a noticeable downgrade from the S25 Ultra. For that use case, is it worth spending a lot more money for the small percentage of time having the benefit of the inner display form factor while having a lesser experience for just about every other aspect of the phone (camera, battery life and charging speed, outer display, water/dust resistance)?

Again, I use my Pixel 9 Pro Fold mostly unfolded so I love what it brings verses a standard slab smartphone but it really probably isn’t worth the compromised experience and greater cost for someone not taking advantage of the inner display very often.

 

[mjschabow]

Did you do a factory reset or did you just reset all settings?

Interesting, looks like a great app. I just completely turned off all iMessage settings everywhere but will try this out if I re-enable it at some point. Does it work with Android Auto?

I noticed a difference between this and the S25U funnily enough as I was recording videos of S25U and 16PM prior to packing them up in case of any buyer / trade in nonsense that may go down. Still love the device overall and can't see myself going back to slab phones at this point. Not yet a parent but may be in a year or so, and can see how handling the Fold could be a bit cumbersome. Still, I'd just use it folded in those situations I imagine.

Are you going to keep it? I already am hooked on the dual inner screens when watching MLB TV and showing stats on the other screen. Come football season + fantasy it'll be awesome, you will miss it!

I was of the same opinion until the Fold 7. Hated the prior Folds and felt the outer screen was too narrow and unusable. It has finally gotten to the point where it is wide enough that I can use it all day without needing to open the phone. We'll see how long I stay on the Fold bandwagon, but I am sending my S25U trade in today and have sold my iPhone. No phone has caused me to completely forget about and sell my other devices as this one has.

I'm still probably going to keep it but not 100% sure yet. I am going on a fun little beach vacay the next week and can still either trade in my S25 or return the fold the day after we get back, so I'm going to see my thoughts on the Fold 7 after the vacation since that seems like a really good test.

 

[mjschabow]

I’m personally a huge fan of the unfolded form factor but I think I understand where he’s coming from.

If you find yourself using it predominantly in ‘slab’ format, while significantly better than any Z Fold predecessor, that cover display is a noticeable downgrade from the S25 Ultra. For that use case, is it worth spending a lot more money for the small percentage of time having the benefit of the inner display form factor while having a lesser experience for just about every other aspect of the phone (camera, battery life and charging speed, outer display, water/dust resistance)?

Again, I use my Pixel 9 Pro Fold mostly unfolded so I love what it brings verses a standard slab smartphone but it really probably isn’t worth the compromised experience and greater cost for someone not taking advantage of the inner display very often.

Yep and this is really where my mind is at. If I'm using it folded 70-80% of the time, I might as well keep my Ultra.

 

[mjschabow]

Forgot to mention, I am still not used to the fingerprint sensor and have so many false touches, errors, etc. On my Ultra, the on the screen reader is so much more convenient.

 

[Ludatyk]

If you find yourself using it predominantly in ‘slab’ format, while significantly better than any Z Fold predecessor, that cover display is a noticeable downgrade from the S25 Ultra. For that use case, is it worth spending a lot more money for the small percentage of time having the benefit of the inner display form factor while having a lesser experience for just about every other aspect of the phone (camera, battery life and charging speed, outer display, water/dust resistance)?

I totally get the argument of having a slab phone over a foldable. But in this scenario… you are paying for that convenience factor of having a chance to open it up and get a different (tablet) experience. Now I can’t really say how much value is that worth… entirely up to the individual.

Again, I use my Pixel 9 Pro Fold mostly unfolded so I love what it brings verses a standard slab smartphone but it really probably isn’t worth the compromised experience and greater cost for someone not taking advantage of the inner display very often.

I agree with you. And it goes back to what I mentioned awhile back… folks who complain about how narrow the cover screen, when Samsung increases it. Percentages will be in favor of using the cover screen way more… then we are back to “why buy a foldable in the first place? When the user plans to be on cover display more often” lol.

 

[Bkdodger]

It's definitely about your daily flow and how you utilize the phone. In my scenario mostly open when working by desk. On the ago text and quick pics folded or take calls and pay for stuff. Quick check maps ..taking pics at a game or event unfolded or out to dinner. At home unfolded 95% ..as for fingerprint sensor more misses with no case resolved with one.

 

[HouseLannister]

Forgot to mention, I am still not used to the fingerprint sensor and have so many false touches, errors, etc. On my Ultra, the on the screen reader is so much more convenient.

I feel a little texture on the sides would help me find the button a lot easier without looking. Would also make opening the phone easier. I might pick up some skateboard grip tape and see if I can improv something. Just waiting to see if I decide it is a keeper or not. Love the device, but the boxy corners are digging into my leg occasionally in the pants pocket, so I am unsure if that is going to be a deal breaker. Hopefully next gen they make it a bit rounder.

 

[mjschabow]

I feel a little texture on the sides would help me find the button a lot easier without looking. Would also make opening the phone easier. I might pick up some skateboard grip tape and see if I can improv something.

That's interesting. Yeah I think some of it is muscle memory of knowing where to press. I find myself pressing too low haha.

 

[Ludatyk]

It's not too pratical for most people, that's the problem with android and alot of it's innovation it's just hype and people trying to figure out a way to attract customers. A big folding slab probably isn't going to be that easy on the fly when a person is on the go, alot of these phones are created for people who are sitting and just playing with their phones all day.

A big reason Iphone is so popular it's a simple device that's good for most people to accomidate their real life.

Not to rain on your parade… but rumors are Apple is jumping into the foldable industry (coming next year).

 

[mjschabow]

Appreciate everyone's thoughts. I think the only correct answer here is that I have about a week left on my return window, so I'm going to be using that full window to see if some of my annoyances are a result of getting used to it.

Funny thing is, camera and battery are mixed. I actually seem to be getting BETTER battery life than my S25 Ultra, even though the battery is smaller. But I'm not a big fan of the camera other than the main sensor.

 

[cuzo]

Not to rain on your parade… but rumors are Apple is jumping into the foldable industry (coming next year).

I'm aware but apple will probably keep face ID on the cover screen, also I don't see them changing the core IOS features much. If anything it will act like a regular iphone closed and if you are stationary and have time to fool around with the phone they'll probably make the folded iphone more like Ipad OS when it's fully opened.

I can see core phone IOS on the cover and IPad OS on the folded.

Spotlight search and face ID, Imessage and Facetime is a big reason why IOS does so well, Spotlight search is a huge feature that alot of people overlook, very easy and finds anything and it's easier and simpler than swiping up on android.

 

[HouseLannister]

rumors are Apple is jumping into the foldable industry (coming next year).

I wonder if it will have all the new iPadOS 26 window resizing stuff or just the old split-screen like iPadOS 18 (or worse, it's just iOS on a bigger screen with no multi-app). Android started doing split-screen in 7.0 and has iterated a lot on the design over the years, so I feel that Apple's first implementation will feel pretty barebones and take a couple generations to get dialed in.

 

[cuzo]

Also remember Steve Jobs was pretty against bigger Iphones, he wanted it small and simple. Apple had to adjust when Android started selling well with it's bigger phones.

Apple brought out the plus to appeal to user who wanted a bigger device at a cheaper cost, now plus isn't selling that well and they're doing the air which is almost the same size as the plus but much lighter.

Android is good but to be honest alot of the appeal isn't for people moving around much, moreso a stationary device, browsing with ublock origin instead of paying for apple's crappy adblocker extensions that rarely work.

 

[Cuesca]

After setting everything up, I managed to make slab mode work the closest to my 13PM as possible which helps with the change from iOS to OneUI. Overall my impressions for the slab mode is pretty positive.

-double press on power button will bring up Samsung Pay as well as instantly read my thumb, with my 13PM it would take a few rotations to get my face to register.
-swipe down to quick access panel
-double press vol up to turn ringer on while double pressing vol down turn on silent mode
-adguard also seem to work better on OneUI, for $8/yr I can block ads on the Youtube App now. Where it would be very limited on iOS.

Bixby Routines is IMHO not as powerful as Shortcuts but easier for me to understand. I feel like Shortcut can become overwhelming at first and even now I would need to look up a guide to do anything on it while Routines to me felt self explanatory. I especially love the fact that you can setup the slab mode independently from tablet mode.

So yea, I'll probably be keeping it. I always keep an iPad Mini 6 around solely because I truly hate browsing on the iPhone's screen and while the screen on the 13PM is good, I prefer the Mini's jellyscroll LCD screen solely for the real estate. But now with the Fold 7 I can finally ditch the Mini 6.

 

[tbayrgs]

It's definitely about your daily flow and how you utilize the phone. In my scenario mostly open when working by desk. On the ago text and quick pics folded or take calls and pay for stuff. Quick check maps ..taking pics at a game or event unfolded or out to dinner. At home unfolded 95% ..as for fingerprint sensor more misses with no case resolved with one.

I use mine mostly open whenever possible. Unless I'm quickly checking something while moving, with my left hand full or connected to Android Auto in the car, I use it open--and I'm using a Pixel 9PF which is noticeably heavier and a bit thicker.

Takes me a split second to open it and I generally have no issues using it one handed when open. My aging eyeballs appreciate all that extra display, as do mine thumbs for typing.

I'm a full convert to the foldable lifestyle.

 

[Ludatyk]

I'm aware but apple will probably keep face ID on the cover screen

Rumors have it that.. faceID won’t be supported, just the on the side finger-print scanner.

If anything it will act like a regular iphone closed and if you are stationary and have time to fool around with the phone they'll probably make the folded iphone more like Ipad OS when it's fully opened.

That’s no different than what other Android foldables are doing. They have a normal phone experience when closed.. and a tablet when unfolded.

Spotlight search is a huge feature that alot of people overlook, very easy and finds anything and it's easier and simpler than swiping up on android.

You do know Samsung and other Android OEMs have a similar feature such as Spotlight on their phones.. right?

I wonder if it will have all the new iPadOS 26 window resizing stuff or just the old split-screen like iPadOS 18 (or worse, it's just iOS on a bigger screen with no multi-app). Android started doing split-screen in 7.0 and has iterated a lot on the design over the years, so I feel that Apple's first implementation will feel pretty barebones and take a couple generations to get dialed in.

Based on Gurman report, Apple has already started working on adding foldable features for iOS 27… I’m not sure what to think of that. But maybe they keep it simple and adopt the old split screen iPadOS 18.. that way it leaves more room to improve.

 

[jamezr]

Yep and this is really where my mind is at. If I'm using it folded 70-80% of the time, I might as well keep my Ultra.

See that is where I am at...I WANT to use it folded most of the time. It should provide the same user experience as my S25U. Then unfolded have a tablet like experience. But I cannot use the Fold 7 folded as the display is still too narrow for me. Then a lot of apps don't scale when unfolded.
For me and my use cases and work flows....the S25U provides a better user experience.
But man...the Fold 7 is a great phone....This is the best foldable Samsung has ever put out by far. I have nothing negative to say about it....

 

[Bkdodger]

I use mine mostly open whenever possible. Unless I'm quickly checking something while moving, with my left hand full or connected to Android Auto in the car, I use it open--and I'm using a Pixel 9PF which is noticeably heavier and a bit thicker.

Takes me a split second to open it and I generally have no issues using it one handed when open. My aging eyeballs appreciate all that extra display, as do mine thumbs for typing.

I'm a full convert to the foldable lifestyle.

Exactly appreciate the screen with my older eyes and no issues one handed either

 

[mjschabow]

See that is where I am at...I WANT to use it folded most of the time. It should provide the same user experience as my S25U. Then unfolded have a tablet like experience. But I cannot use the Fold 7 unfolded as the display is still too narrow for me. Then a lot of apps don't scale when unfolded.
For me and my use cases and work flows....the S25U provides a better user experience.
But man...the Fold 7 is a great phone....This is the best foldable Samsung has ever put out by far. I have nothing negative to say about it....

Hit the nail on the head. Even if I decide to return mine, that doesn't take away at how impressed I am with the device. It's really just determining if it's the right device for me at this point.