Galaxy Z Fold7/Flip7

[HouseLannister]

I was helping my Aunt last week with her 16 Pro Max and that thing is a friggin' brick. It seems comically big -- too tall and wide for my taste. From the spec sheet, the 17 Pro Max is even an extra bit more in every dimension over the 16 Pro Max!

And heavier. I remember Apple bragging about how much weight they shed by getting rid of stainless steel, and then they brought it all back.

I don't really mind the width of my Fold6 and am surprised some folks want the Fold7 even wider. I am definitely looking forward to the Fold8 and nothing else on the market right now even tempts me away from my Fold6.

Don't think I could use the fingerprint sensor very well if it got any wider. I found the dimensions of the 7 perfect. Just up the battery size and speaker quality a bit and I would be very happy with a Fold 8.

 

[NeonNights]

.

 

[mjschabow]

And heavier. I remember Apple bragging about how much weight they shed by getting rid of stainless steel, and then they brought it all back.


Don't think I could use the fingerprint sensor very well if it got any wider. I found the dimensions of the 7 perfect. Just up the battery size and speaker quality a bit and I would be very happy with a Fold 8.

I wouldn't mind if they would raise the power button up a little bit. I really struggled with the fingerprint sensor for the first month I had this phone. Now I'm pretty good with it but I still have more misses than an on screen fingerprint sensor.

 

[NeonNights]

9to5google reports Samsung tri-fold may have a US variant. If that's true and the phone retails for $3500 then it would still be a manageable expense with trade-in and 24-month finance. There's no way I am upgrading yearly with a tri-fold anyways.

Looking forward to the Fold8, but still curious about the tri-fold hitting US shores.

 

[Ludatyk]

9to5google reports Samsung tri-fold may have a US variant. If that's true and the phone retails for $3500 then it would still be a manageable expense with trade-in and 24-month finance. There's no way I am upgrading yearly with a tri-fold anyways.

Looking forward to the Fold8, but still curious about the tri-fold hitting US shores.

I’m not interested in the tri-fold at all, even if there’s a US release. Samsung took the wrong strategy imo.. should have copied Huawei and tweak it to their liking, especially since Huawei won’t do a global release.

With Huawei… it has more ways to use their tri-fold, from using in a mini tablet to unfolding into a large tablet. I would enjoy the heck out of it, particularly with the amount of angles it can be positioned which makes for a productivity powerhouse. Probably would have been a day one purchase if Samsung did one exactly like Huawei… perhaps got rid of my iPad Pro too (pick up a iPad Mini instead).

But Samsung dropped the ball, it can only be used in two ways… phone and tablet mode.

 

[NeonNights]

I get the criticisms of the Samsung tri-fold design, especially compared to the Huawei Mate XT, but I'll give Samsung some grace until we get more hands-on reviews of the design.

I agree, the Mate XT's Z-fold approach seems to make more sense than Samsung's G-style folding mechanism. But I will wait to learn more before passing final judgment.

 

[maka344]

It's been a fun 4 months but I think I'm done with my Fold 7. Love the device but just not for me I've come to realize. I don't use the inner display nearly as often as I'd thought I would and the outer screen is still too narrow. I keep the phone set to the light power profile and still don't get all day battery life. I'm around chargers most of the day so not a major issue, but when out and about and using the phone heavily it becomes a concern.

After using the 17PM as my main line since September I can't re-acclimate to the narrow outer screen. I've an Oppo X9P on order and assuming it plays nicely w/ T-Mobile will sell the Fold 7. If I had to choose again I'd actually choose the Flip 7 over the Fold. Will definitely monitor the Fold 8 and consider jumping in again next year, but the outer screen needs to be wider, period.

When the Fold7 launched I ordered it but returned it within a few days. The biggest reason, the outer screen was too thin. I saw the Honor Magic 5 in store and it has the perfect outer cover size more like a slab phone button reading reviews, I decided against it. I currently have the OPPO X9 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. I’m also toying with the Pixel 10 Pro XL. I really want to move away from Apple. I’m not a fan of the poor colour coatings and ios26.

 

[The Game 161]

9to5google reports Samsung tri-fold may have a US variant. If that's true and the phone retails for $3500 then it would still be a manageable expense with trade-in and 24-month finance. There's no way I am upgrading yearly with a tri-fold anyways.

Looking forward to the Fold8, but still curious about the tri-fold hitting US shores.

3500 is still way too high though for a display which is only 2 inches bigger than current z fold line. question is where would people use this to jusify this cost. it's basically price of a vision pro which if you compare what you're getting for price the vision pro is basically giving you better everything from a content point of view. i know it's different to a phone but the price makes you think about value i guess and what it would be used for.

opening a 10 inch display would be more in your own space kind of usage and when you are at home wouldn't you just use your tablet?. can't see people opening it up enough in public or in shops or at work so you would be using the phone front display mainly which is a tough sell for cost.

having an 8 inch option would certainly make this be used in more settings to me

 

[Ludatyk]

can't see people opening it up enough in public or in shops or at work so you would be using the phone front display mainly which is a tough sell for cost.

having an 8 inch option would certainly make this be used in more settings to me

Seems like you are in agreement with me? Huawei approach was better… Phone, mini tablet and large one?

I get the criticisms of the Samsung tri-fold design, especially compared to the Huawei Mate XT, but I'll give Samsung some grace until we get more hands-on reviews of the design.

I agree, the Mate XT's Z-fold approach seems to make more sense than Samsung's G-style folding mechanism. But I will wait to learn more before passing final judgment.

There’s no denying Samsung will bring something great to the table… I will be watching the reviews, probably check it out in person if it comes to the states.

But I like what the Z Fold gives me in a mini tablet form factor and that would be lost with Samsung tri-fold design.

 

[mjschabow]

But I like what the Z Fold gives me in a mini tablet form factor and that would be lost with Samsung tri-fold design.

Yeah I feel like it would be too cumbersome. It is really nice being able to just quickly unfold it and have that many tablet. I don't feel like I need anything bigger. Maybe if somehow they could stretch it out to have a little bit better aspect ratio but that's really not a huge deal to me..

 

[tbayrgs]

I’m not interested in the tri-fold at all, even if there’s a US release. Samsung took the wrong strategy imo.. should have copied Huawei and tweak it to their liking, especially since Huawei won’t do a global release.

With Huawei… it has more ways to use their tri-fold, from using in a mini tablet to unfolding into a large tablet. I would enjoy the heck out of it, particularly with the amount of angles it can be positioned which makes for a productivity powerhouse. Probably would have been a day one purchase if Samsung did one exactly like Huawei… perhaps got rid of my iPad Pro too (pick up a iPad Mini instead).

But Samsung dropped the ball, it can only be used in two ways… phone and tablet mode.

I would prefer the Samsung. I can appreciate having 3 different use options but to be fair at least for me, once it’s open at all it’s usually a two handed affair and at that point, why use 2 screens instead of 3? But more importantly, the Samsung design is far better for durability…

The Huawei design leaves a third of the inner display and one hinge, the soft, flexible, much more vulnerable display always exposed, a recipe for disaster. I couldn’t imagine having the inner display of my Pixel 10 Pro Fold always facing outward. You’d have to keep it in a immaculately clean microfiber sleeve just to carry it around.

Regardless, $3500 is far too rich for my blood. Spending an extra $600 to add essentially one extra screen going from a Pixel 10 Pro XL to a P10PF is one thing—spending another $1500-$1700 just to add a third screen is just too much for me…not enough value.

 

[Ludatyk]

I would prefer the Samsung. I can appreciate having 3 different use options but to be fair at least for me, once it’s open at all it’s usually a two handed affair and at that point, why use 2 screens instead of 3? But more importantly, the Samsung design is far better for durability…

Because 2 screens is compact enough for public use… it would be awkward to use 3 in that setting. I would be more inclined to use 3 screens only at home as @The Game 161 pointed out.

And agree completely! Huawei has questionable durability with the screen being exposed, but slap a screen protector on it and get some insurance. I don’t mind the screen being exposed if that gives me more uses cases and to be fair durability comes with the territory when owning a foldable.

The Huawei design leaves a third of the inner display and one hinge, the soft, flexible, much more vulnerable display always exposed, a recipe for disaster. I couldn’t imagine having the inner display of my Pixel 10 Pro Fold always facing outward. You’d have to keep it in a immaculately clean microfiber sleeve just to carry it around.

Yeah, I’ve seen a few videos of it… but I wouldn’t leave the screen exposed on the table or anything like that. We constantly touch our phone screen all the time… so there’s plenty of smudges on it already lol, for me I often use a microfiber cloth to wipe my Z Fold.

 

[Bkdodger]

I'm for one not interested in tri Fold, let's just keep improving on our current Fold

 

[NeonNights]

I chucked my 12.9" iPad Pro M1 back when I had the Fold4, and I have no regrets. That said, Samsung's tri-fold could be nicer than the Z Fold for content consumption or viewing sheet music, spreadsheets, meeting calls, be even easier to remote into my home computers, etc. It would kick productivity up a notch over the awesomeness of the Z Fold. It doesn't mean I will definitely get the tri-fold if available State-side, it would depend on overall pricing, discounts, and promos. But besides the Fold8, the Samsung tri-fold is the only other upcoming phone that piques my interest. Oh, and rollable screens, that's another interesting area. Rollables are not ready for primetime due to durability concerns but that's what people said about early foldables too.

I wouldn't get an AVP at the same $3500 because I can't take that device everywhere and it has horrible battery life. I see much more daily value and utility in a $3500 tri-fold or laptop before I ever gain interest in the AVP.

 

[Dave245]

Isn’t it starting to get ridiculous tho, a trifold, what’s next a quadruple fold followed by a quadruple double fold. They should perfect the foldable they already have.

With Apple entering into the foldable market (rumoured this year) I hope it will give Samsung a kick to improve even further (bring back S-pen support for one). But it will depend on what Apple do as well. Lee just hope they don’t drop the ball on the iPhone fold.

 

[NeonNights]

Isn’t it starting to get ridiculous tho, a trifold, what’s next a quadruple fold followed by a quadruple double fold. They should perfect the foldable they already have.

With Apple entering into the foldable market (rumoured this year) I hope it will give Samsung a kick to improve even further (bring back S-pen support for one). But it will depend on what Apple do as well. Lee just hope they don’t drop the ball on the iPhone fold.

Can't wait for the release of the Sabre arrow or pyramid next. A revolutionary form that "fits all other shapes inside of it". The surprise is it unfolds into a tray table.

 

[tbayrgs]

Because 2 screens is compact enough for public use… it would be awkward to use 3 in that setting. I would be more inclined to use 3 screens only at home as @The Game 161 pointed out.

And agree completely! Huawei has questionable durability with the screen being exposed, but slap a screen protector on it and get some insurance. I don’t mind the screen being exposed if that gives me more uses cases and to be fair durability comes with the territory when owning a foldable.


Yeah, I’ve seen a few videos of it… but I wouldn’t leave the screen exposed on the table or anything like that. We constantly touch our phone screen all the time… so there’s plenty of smudges on it already lol, for me I often use a microfiber cloth to wipe my Z Fold.

Touching the phone is one thing, having the softer screen exposed all the time is very different. It’s going into pockets, handbags, backpacks, etc and while I do my best, the places my phone with gorilla glass is currently stored are far from pristine. An accidental drop on the exposed hinge.. I don’t baby my devices but Huawei’s design sure feels like it’s asking for trouble.

Also, to each their own regarding use case but I use my tablets (including my 13” iPP) in public all the time, coffee shops, sitting on the train, airplanes, doctor’s offices, etc. and taking them in and out of my bag is far more cumbersome. Being able to pull what’s essentially a 10” tablet from my pocket, that sounds great. But again, $3500 for that convenience isn’t worth it, IMO.

 

[Cuesca]

Isn’t it starting to get ridiculous tho, a trifold, what’s next a quadruple fold followed by a quadruple double fold. They should perfect the foldable they already have.

With Apple entering into the foldable market (rumoured this year) I hope it will give Samsung a kick to improve even further (bring back S-pen support for one). But it will depend on what Apple do as well. Lee just hope they don’t drop the ball on the iPhone fold.

Knowing Samsung's track record of just doing what Apple does if Apple were to release a special stylus(one that doesn't cause dents on the innner screen) for their foldable then it will probably come back.

 

[TPadden]

Knowing Samsung's track record of just doing what Apple does if Apple were to release a special stylus(one that doesn't cause dents on the innner screen) for their foldable then it will probably come back.

Capacitive stylus (cheap enough to be considered throw away) works great for me with Fold 7 and won't dent anything.

Tom

 

[mjschabow]

Capacitive stylus works great with Fold 7 and won't dent anything.

Tom

I welcome S-Pen support more for the people that actually really liked it. I never really got into using the s pen other than for signing documents. The one nice thing about this phone is that the screen is much bigger so signing a document with your finger results in a much more legible signature than on a regular phone.

 

[Ludatyk]

Touching the phone is one thing, having the softer screen exposed all the time is very different. It’s going into pockets, handbags, backpacks, etc and while I do my best, the places my phone with gorilla glass is currently stored are far from pristine. An accidental drop on the exposed hinge.. I don’t baby my devices but Huawei’s design sure feels like it’s asking for trouble.

But the outer screen is only exposed when using it in mini tablet... once you fold to phone form and place it in your pocket, there won't be any damage against it. Because in phone form... no other screen is at risk.

Also, to each their own regarding use case but I use my tablets (including my 13” iPP) in public all the time, coffee shops, sitting on the train, airplanes, doctor’s offices, etc. and taking them in and out of my bag is far more cumbersome. Being able to pull what’s essentially a 10” tablet from my pocket, that sounds great. But again, $3500 for that convenience isn’t worth it, IMO.

I take my 13" iPP with me everywhere as well... since I carry it in small backpack, but I don't pull it out often. I prefer using the Z Fold more out in public given the compact screen.

I get you, the idea of having a 10" tablet in my pocket is really cool. But the awkwardness of unfolding that out in public, I don't know.

 

[TPadden]

I welcome S-Pen support more for the people that actually really liked it.

Never used mine, I do use a capacitive pen.

 

[Cuesca]

Capacitive stylus (cheap enough to be considered throw away) works great for me with Fold 7 and won't dent anything.

Tom

I don't even use the Apple Pencil with my IPP, it was cool to have it for like the first few weeks but I'm not much of an artist and I type way faster than I write. I'm fine with using my thumbs, but I kinda wish I had one of those in the few times I do use the AI photo editing.

 

[The Game 161]

Seems like you are in agreement with me? Huawei approach was better… Phone, mini tablet and large one?


There’s no denying Samsung will bring something great to the table… I will be watching the reviews, probably check it out in person if it comes to the states.

But I like what the Z Fold gives me in a mini tablet form factor and that would be lost with Samsung tri-fold design.

Agreed completely

Don’t get me wrong I love the tech is there but it’s not practical. You are likely going to spend 1500 more than a z fold where you can use open most places without looking out of place.

If people use the tri fold mainly at home might as well just pull out your iPad or galaxy tab etc

I have a 11 inch iPad Pro and 14.6 inch s10 ultra and it will not be better than either when at home

 

[The Game 161]

Isn’t it starting to get ridiculous tho, a trifold, what’s next a quadruple fold followed by a quadruple double fold. They should perfect the foldable they already have.

With Apple entering into the foldable market (rumoured this year) I hope it will give Samsung a kick to improve even further (bring back S-pen support for one). But it will depend on what Apple do as well. Lee just hope they don’t drop the ball on the iPhone fold.

Agreed people are only just buying foldables so going higher price isn’t practical