Hands-On With Samsung's New $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 3

[TheSapient]

Funny how Samsung fanboys are doing the same thing here saying if Apple made this foldable nonsense the Apple crowd would buy it. They know nothing about someone’s future let alone what someone would buy. Sounds like they’re salty about the enormous criticism and are being defensive.

"Samsung is crap and and no one has any use for their crappy crap!"
*everyone else continues discussion about the pros and cons of this technology*
"Samsun fanboys just hate Apple and are stupid and mean!"
*everyone else continues discussion about the pros and cons of this technology*
"Samsung fanboys only care about defending their crappy company!!!"
*everyone else continues discussion about the pros and cons of this technology*

 

[Lemon Olive]

How is a future prediction of yours a "fact?" Are you a time traveler? Who will win the 2022 Super Bowl? I wanna make some money.

A lot of people predicted the iPad was a gimmick that will fail too. "Just a big iPhone" they said.

10 years later, the iPad is literally just a big iPhone. It is modestly successful as such. But is literally that. A giant consumption device.

 

[M3gatron]

Apple is just waiting for Samsung to perfect the screen so it will no longer have a visible crease when unfolded. Then Apple will order millions of these screens for their own foldable. Samsung is basically testing the hardware for Apple. I am guessing the iPhone 18 will be a foldable.

Well if that's the case then Samsung has Apple by the ba**s and they will be able to ask how much they want for their creaseless foldable screens.

 

[Lemon Olive]

Because tablets offer superior functionality to rectangular smartphones. The bigger screen allows for more of a computer-like experience than a limited strictly "mobile" smartphone.

However, tablets are impractical to carry with you everywhere you go. Smartphones on the other hand, fit in your pocket easily, thus offering superior usability. Foldable tablets like the Galaxy Fold combine the usability of a tablet (albeit on the smaller end of the size spectrum, which I can tall you from experience isn't a problem) with the pocketability of a smartphone, though it is thicker. But, it still fits in your pocket easily.

Therefore, you are able to use your tablet in places you would never normally have it. Like on a hike (to take pictures), or while traveling, etc. Tablet wherever you have your smartphone. And for what it's worth, the outside screen is immensely usable.

Did this really need explaining? Will it take Apple releasing one for you to agree on these merits?

You're making a case for tablets, which is ridiculous. That doesn't automatically translate to the foldable phone, which is the real problem with this. You people think it automatically just works the way you envision it. It does not.

 

[wigby]

Yeah but somebody has to actually improve the technology in order for foldables to get much better while Apple just sits around and waits so there's no reason to be angry at Samsung.



So the real innovation is just waiting to be very last because you have no vision or ability to improve a technology or a concept. Got it.
We will be waiting to hear in a few years how Apple "invented foldable phones".

No one claims Apple invented anything except for the personal computer, the modern smartphone, the modern tablet, App Store ecosystem. They didn't invent those things because they were first. They "invented" them because they took the efforts of others and waited for the right moment to introduce their own version that worked better for customers than any previous versions. That's how technology works. do you really think Samsung invented folding phones? No, they took technology invented by other companies and used that to make the first folding smartphone. Good for them, they'll get a link in wikipedia for that. But unless they can produce a device that works great for millions of customers, they're just not in the same league as Apple.

 

[dk001]

It never ceases to amaze me the way some folks just jump on the horse without honestly looking at the product.

 

[GrumpyCoder]

Funny how Samsung fanboys are doing the same thing here saying if Apple made this foldable nonsense the Apple crowd would buy it. They know nothing about someone’s future let alone what someone would buy. Sounds like they’re salty about the enormous criticism and are being defensive.

"Those Nvidia cards in MBs are crap, I'm never going to buy it!"
"That's a trashcan, not a Mac, I'm never going to buy it!"
"That keyboard sucks, I'm never going to buy it! "
"What no headphone jack? I'm never going to buy it!"
"Totally useless touchbar, I'm never going to buy it!"
"A stylus to write on a iPad? I'm never going to buy it!"
...

*bought each and everyone of them, every single thing Apple released and will release in the future*

 

[M3gatron]

I think Apple is letting Samsung Electronics work out the bugs on folding displays so by 2023, when the technology is better, Apple can finally offer a folding iPhone of its own design.

I mean at most Apple will be able to buy the screen form Samsung but the rest they will need to build themselves.
Or you assume they will just buy an entire Samsung foldable smartphone and install iOS on it?

 

[GrumpyCoder]

You're making a case for tablets, which is ridiculous. That doesn't automatically translate to the foldable phone, which is the real problem with this. You people think it automatically just works the way you envision it. It does not.

Could you please, in detail, describe why it doesn't? Say, in comparison to a iPhone + iPad Mini.

 

[M3gatron]

No one claims Apple invented anything except for the personal computer, the modern smartphone, the modern tablet, App Store ecosystem. They didn't invent those things because they were first. They "invented" them because they took the efforts of others and waited for the right moment to introduce their own version that worked better for customers than any previous versions. That's how technology works. do you really think Samsung invented folding phones? No, they took technology invented by other companies and used that to make the first folding smartphone. Good for them, they'll get a link in wikipedia for that. But unless they can produce a device that works great for millions of customers, they're just not in the same league as Apple.

Yeah, very unconvincing. The first iphone didn't even have 3G, a very mature tech by that time so the hole "their own version that worked better for customers than any previous versions" is not true. Most of Apple's first generation products had a lot of shortcomings. I mean you have to start somewhere.

Also, I was obviously being ironic with the "Apple invented foldables" claim.

 

[wigby]

Yeah, very unconvincing. The first iphone didn't even have 3G, a very mature tech by that time so the hole "their own version that worked better for customers than any previous versions" is not true. Most of Apple first generation products had a lot of shortcomings. I mean you have to start somewhere.

Also, I was obviously being ironic with the "Apple invented foldables" claim.

Sorry but you're just too hung up on specs and dates. Again, the reason why everyone claims Apple invented the modern smartphone isn't because it had the best camera, 3G, most storage, etc. It's because Apple made the best design choices and compromises that clearly showed the way in which all future smartphones would go. Ask Google, Nokia, Microsoft and Blackberry and they will tell you the same thing.

 

[justperry]

Beautiful, beautiful piece of tech. Those saying foldable phones are trash, you wont buy them etc - wait until you see Apple release one and talk again

Didn't you see the crease, it was/is noticeable through the whole video, sorry, this phone is trash.

 

[Rafterman]

No one claims Apple invented anything except for the personal computer, the modern smartphone, the modern tablet, App Store ecosystem. They didn't invent those things because they were first. They "invented" them because they took the efforts of others and waited for the right moment to introduce their own version that worked better for customers than any previous versions. That's how technology works. do you really think Samsung invented folding phones? No, they took technology invented by other companies and used that to make the first folding smartphone. Good for them, they'll get a link in wikipedia for that. But unless they can produce a device that works great for millions of customers, they're just not in the same league as Apple.

Apple didn't invent the modern smart phone or the app store. The PocketPC circa 2000-2003 was the first modern smartphone, running Windows CE. It could do much of what any iPhone or Android can do now. Or you could even go back to Palm Pilots of the late 90s. App stores like Handango and PocktGear sold apps for PocketPCs.

 

[M3gatron]

Sorry but you're just too hung up on specs and dates. Again, the reason why everyone claims Apple invented the modern smartphone isn't because it had the best camera, 3G, most storage, etc.

Oh, so facts don't matter. Got it.

It's because Apple made the best design choices and compromises that clearly showed the way in which all future smartphones would go. Ask Google, Nokia, Microsoft and Blackberry and they will tell you the same thing.

No it's because Apple introduced a new concept together with some new technologies(mainly the screen) just like Samsung has been doing with their foldable smartphones. But I'm used to your logic: Samsung bad / Apple good, The end.

 

[Rafterman]

Didn't you see the crease, it was/is noticeable through the whole video, sorry, this phone is trash.

Says someone who never held one in their hands. We all know that video can be misleading - like the iPad mini LED blooming being exagerated via video and photos. In person, you barely notice it. It is extrarodinary engineering. And, as I would remind you , that "trash" company Samsung makes many of Apple's parts.

 

[wigby]

Oh, so facts don't matter. Got it.


No it's because Apple introduced a new concept together with some new technologies(mainly the screen) just like Samsung has been doing with their foldable smartphones. But I'm used to your logic: Samsung bad / Apple good, The end.

I don't use Samsung products regularly but I like that they innovate and force Apple to compete. I guess if I say anything else, I'll be labelled as an extreme fanboy by you so have a good day.

 

[Maconplasma]

It never ceases to amaze me the way some folks just jump on the horse without honestly looking at the product.

Surprised by this post seeing as you've been a member here for a very long time. This is exactly how this forum acts when a RUMOR of an UNCONFIRMED action or product from Apple gets people trashing Apple left right and sideways. Said product has never been seen or said action has never happened but people here get the pitchforks ready to stick them in Apple. I this doesn't sound familiar to you then...

 

[Maconplasma]

I don't use Samsung products regularly but I like that they innovate and force Apple to compete.

And what exactly has Samsung innovated in that forced Apple to compete?

 

[spinedoc77]

Awesome phone! Shrinking phones are the future, they will be ubiquitous eventually. My only gripe with the Fold 3 was that there is no pen silo, that would have made it perfect. Unfortunately I'm stuck with an iPhone because of work and I just can't make 2 phones work, so I'll most likely return mine. But if I had the choice to make I'd choose the Fold series over ANY other phone out there, well except the other foldables out there, but that's another discussion.

 

[M3gatron]

I don't use Samsung products regularly but I like that they innovate and force Apple to compete. I guess if I say anything else, I'll be labelled as an extreme fanboy by you so have a good day.

Well then go back and read what I wrote before you decided to concentrate only on my irony with Apple inventing foldables. You said "folding phones will get much better over next few years" while "Apple has enough sense to sit out this round until the technology..." while at the same time saying that "companies like Samsung are racing to market with half-baked products" so cheaply criticizing Samsung for developing/improving a technology and concept that Apple will inevitably use in the future.
I just said that somebody has do do something in order for the folding phones to get much better, somebody has to improve the technology while Apple sits around and waits. It's just simple logic.

 

[Maconplasma]

Says someone who never held one in their hands. We all know that video can be misleading - like the iPad mini LED blooming being exagerated via video and photos. In person, you barely notice it. It is extrarodinary engineering. And, as I would remind you , that "trash" company Samsung makes many of Apple's parts.

Just like I said earlier, someone criticizes Samsung and the response is hurling an attack towards Apple's products in defense when Apple has nothing to do with this. People taking Samsung criticism personally. People do have a right to criticize Samsung. That's what this article is about. Criticizing Samsung's products is not a personal attack so people need to stop taking it personally.

 

[spinedoc77]

You're making a case for tablets, which is ridiculous. That doesn't automatically translate to the foldable phone, which is the real problem with this. You people think it automatically just works the way you envision it. It does not.

No sh sherlock, that IS the entire point. Having a tablet shrink down to the size of a phone. Functionally the Fold 3 IS a tablet when folded out.

 

[spinedoc77]

Just like I said earlier, someone criticizes Samsung and the response is hurling an attack towards Apple's products in defense when Apple has nothing to do with this. People taking Samsung criticism personally. People do have a right to criticize Samsung. That's what this article is about. Criticizing Samsung's products is not a personal attack so people need to stop taking it personally.

Here is a non hurt opinion. Yes there is a crease, yes it would be "perfect" without the crease. But you don't notice the crease once you use it for a few days, if not less. I don't even notice the crease when taking notes on it, although I've only had it a few days in that respect. There is a disconnect between how bad the crease looks on video/pictures versus what it actually feels and looks like in person and in regular use.

 

[Maconplasma]

Awesome phone! Shrinking phones are the future, they will be ubiquitous eventually.

Yeah the Samsung Crease's inventory will shrink alright. Once Samsung realizes very few will buy this thing especially at the overpriced amount of a stupid $1800.

 

[Maconplasma]

Here is a non hurt opinion. Yes there is a crease, yes it would be "perfect" without the crease. But you don't notice the crease once you use it for a few days, if not less. I don't even notice the crease when taking notes on it, although I've only had it a few days in that respect. There is a disconnect between how bad the crease looks on video/pictures versus what it actually feels and looks like in person and in regular use.

The MR reviewer easily saw the crease. Is he lying? Are his eyes just looking in the wrong angle?