Hands-On With Samsung's New Galaxy Fold

[Morgenland]

It's not a bad rendering of a good idea. It's a terrible idea. It's just a technical trick, that theoretically, as they were developing foldable OLED screen, that they said, "Hey, we could build a foldable phone." But not really. Just look at that hinge. Think of folding and unfolding it hundreds of times. They admit they're going to break down. Of course they are. This was the PR department's fantasy of an engineer saying, "Hey! We could build foldable stuff! Really science-fiction!" Well, you can, but why? A thick phone for my pocket? Or a little iPad with a big wrinkle that's in the middle of the screen? It's possible they'll get truly able to do it, but let me remind you, it costs over $2,000. People are screaming about the rising prices of smartphones. I think you get a great camera and FaceID, the most advanced processor, and Jony Ive styling up to now. $999. Or down to $445 if you don't mind TouchID. And they'll take your trade-in and give you a year of free Arcade. Samsung launching this is a sign that some stupid executive is making decisions at Samsung.

Perfect summary of this insanity, thank you!

I don’t want that.

I want this:

Xiaomi’s Mi Mix Alpha is almost entirely made of screen

The display wraps around the entire phone.

www.theverge.com

I find it fascinating that this phone was yanked of the main page of every popular website overnight.

Dam Apple PR has astonishing power.

Well... about $2,800. Run and you'll get it first.

And while others are excited and happy about Apple's new superb film/photo editing capabilities (camera app), you can philosophize which side of your Xiamoni-Mi-Mix-Man-Alpha device (have I forgotten something?) you are about to look at.

Tip:
Do not worry that -without a rear-view mirror- you will only see the front of the device! The Xiamonitor-developers might have forgotten that issue too.

 

[Abazigal]

Try looking whats in the box then come back to me when Apple include a case or wireless charging Airpods or a warranty that includes extra features like screen replacement for $149

Given that people are already damaging the fold's display after just one day, I am surprised that Samsung even has the audacity to charge for a screen replacement.

Someone should film a daily VLOG of themselves using a galaxy fold and we can start a betting pool on just how far he gets before the screen starts showing issues.

 

[gco212]

It's weird they released this phone. It actually looks like a very intriguing phone, but it's also clear the tech isn't quite ready. It'd be silly to buy this product, but I could see a similar phone being the gold standard in five years.

 

[Morgenland]

It's weird they released this phone. It actually looks like a very intriguing phone, but it's also clear the tech isn't quite ready. It'd be silly to buy this product, but I could see a similar phone being the gold standard in five years.

Isn't quite ready?
For 25 years, the industry wants to develop flexible, glass-like Jalousinas with UV protection and thermocrome properties. It never worked because flexible materials never have the required surface properties of solid materials. I'm tired, as stupidity and progress naivety always hope for miracles.

Mind, on the other hand, is a tool to check visions for feasibility. Apple can do that.
This makes Apple look stronger than these medieval show stages.

 

[Abazigal]

It's weird they released this phone. It actually looks like a very intriguing phone, but it's also clear the tech isn't quite ready. It'd be silly to buy this product, but I could see a similar phone being the gold standard in five years.

By that time, we may well have moved on to AR glasses or some other similar tech.

 

[danny842003]

By that time, we may well have moved on to AR glasses or some other similar tech.

I would be inclined to agree. I’m not sure how you get a foldable screen to also be durable in a device that tends to take a bit of a beating. Neither do Samsung which is why they’ve brought this out instead.
with AR you can have a screen as big as you want it.

 

[papacuppa]

If you start by telling your customer that they will damage the phone if they use it in an intuitive way (pressing largest surface area to close it: the screen), you're asking for problems. This is an exaggeration, but people are stupid. We default to path of least resistance. The only exception would be is they required you to take a 3 month course to learn how to use the phone to ensure you 'using it right'. Haha, oh lordy.

I love innovation and respect them for that, but seem like the 360 Xiaomi screen is the more practical way to introduce the bendy screen to the market.

#BendGate2

 

[RadioHedgeFund]

These phone concepts are all well and good but the form of a smartphone, much like the form of a laptop has now been nailed down for good.

What we need now are innovations on the inside, like batteries that last 2-3 days, phones that don’t break when dropped on concrete from 3’ and tight process control so our phones do what we tell them, not the other way around.

We also need better OS control over privacy still, for example an outright ban on all notifications from games and Adaptive home screens.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Given that people are already damaging the fold's display after just one day, I am surprised that Samsung even has the audacity to charge for a screen replacement.

Someone should film a daily VLOG of themselves using a galaxy fold and we can start a betting pool on just how far he gets before the screen starts showing issues.

Well not sure whats better, this or having to file numerous class action law suits with some OEM's to admit faults in the 1st instance

But sure everyone is watching for more frailty reports

 

[FlyingDutch]

If a standard exists, Apple are still desperately looking for it.

Apple didn’t adjust to other’s standard. They set standards

Compromised design? Kind of like the horrendous notch on the iPhones then. At least their trying something new.

... with a bigger notch

Nope. A portable tablet, essentially what these phones will be, will become the norm in the next 2-3 years.

Says who ?

 

[FlyingDutch]

innovation is not doing something just because it can be done.

Especially when it can’t be done (see the fold).

 

[FlyingDutch]

wait a minute... at least Samsung is up front about what customers are getting. And the cost of the screen for what it is seems a bargain compared to what Apple charges for its iPhones X, XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. I believe all of which cost more than double the price Samsung charges for this screen replacement. Apple is trying to make a home run in terms of profits with every gouging thing they do!!!

Samsung, Google and Huawei are also causing Apple to innovate. However, Apple is like a dinosaur that takes years to respond. For example night photography. I agree that once Apple does it everyone seems to think Apple implemented it best. But as some people say they don’t even see the notch over two years later, IT’S ALL I SEE WHEN I LOOK AT THE FRONT OF MODERN IPHONES. Apple truly should have eliminated the notch, gone to a hole punch or embraced a forehead. Or at a minimum, allow people like me who are disgusted by it to hide the notch via a software control like all other notched phones do!!!

According to your logic, Apple should have settled for an inferior solution (a ridiculous hole punch or a Chinese-like forehead).
I’m very glad you don’t work for Apple.

 

[FlyingDutch]

Try looking whats in the box then come back to me when Apple include a case or wireless charging Airpods or a warranty that includes extra features like screen replacement for $149

Sticker price of a bare phone is not comparable while Apple do not make it compulsory its clear from their profit results many do buy their accessories to make their Iphones complete.

Adding an Air in to the equation will just make it worse and typifies the money grab of separate component/device only solution from Apple

Given that the Fold phone basics is identical to the other Samsung Flagship phones ie S10's and Note 10's your vastly superior remark is just drivel even from the most ardent Apple supporter

You meant this “flagship product “ ?
Embarrassing...

 

[TEK Rider]

1st thanks for a great website and videos...I've been following for years and years.

Secondly, the Fold seems like if a person sat down with it the wrong way in a pocket would break it.

Also, I noticed the comment about "maybe next year I'll go for the smaller iPhone". Well this year I did it, I went from the Xs Max to the iPhone 11 Pro 5.8" and...I REALLY like knocking down so much of the iPhone’s height. The iPhone 7 Plus was my first "big" iPhone, but it did okay because the screen still had the larger bands on the top and bottom. But last year I bought the Xs Max, and now with the 5.8" iPhone 11 Pro. I feel like I've come home again, where I can use it with one hand without really stretching. Plus, I don’t really notice any width differences...and it's sooooooo much lighter weight! And I have had NO trouble typing…in fact I’ve made less errors that I used to.

So, I'm 6'-5" and too big around. ;-) But for me, it feels like I just got rid of a 1st or 2nd Gen.12.9” iPad Pro in favor of the latest 3rd Gen. 12.9” with its 25% reduction in overall volume. So again to me, the iPhone 11 Pro “feels” like it is NO longer unwieldy or hard to brandish (just like how I felt about the previous 1st and 2nd Gen. 12.9" iPad Pros). Only in this case we're talking iPhones after having had a Max for a year where its weight was already heaver than my iPhone 7 Plus (this years 11 Pro Max is heavier again, almost 1/2 Pound to pull down my sweat shorts without a belt). ;-) It’s hard to explain…I’d say that it’s not really so much because of the cases outside dimensions…because again my iPhone 7 Plus and Xs Max was just as big (yet I am liking the smaller dimensions of the 11 Pro). But what I really notice more, perhaps…is that when I had my iPhone 7 Plus, its screen was not up there so tall and out of reach. When they moved the Control Center to the Top Right…I use that all the time, too. I feel like I’m in the goldilocks zone again. ;-) (and YES I'm aware of 'Reachability', but that was just one more step to slow me down).

Thanks again for your great work...it is appreciated!!!

 

[blasto2236]

AR tech will mature and replace most of our portable screens before this kind of device is ready for prime time.

 

[Rafterman]

Its definitely for early adopters and gadgt freaks like myself. But in addition to my one iPhone, I get one Android too, and that one is the Note 10+ - by far the better device than the Fold. But it is an interesting look at the future.

Especially when it can’t be done (see the fold).

Well...no. They did it. You can buy it and it works.

 

[az431]

Its definitely for early adopters and gadgt freaks like myself. But in addition to my one iPhone, I get one Android too, and that one is the Note 10+ - by far the better device than the Fold. But it is an interesting look at the future.


Well...no. They did it. You can buy it and it works.

“works” is open to interpretation, but a high number of units fail after a few day use. To most people that doesn’t fit the description of “works.”

 

[Onelifenofear]

whine all you want, this thing is interesting

In the same way a AMC Pacer is interesting. Looks stupid and you wouldn’t want one.

 

[Rafterman]

“works” is open to interpretation, but a high number of units fail after a few day use. To most people that doesn’t fit the description of “works.”

When I bought my iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple Watch 5, BOTH were defective and I had to exchange (iPhone was stuck in activation loop and Watch cellular was broken and the watch wouldn't charge.)

Does that mean Apple's stuff doesn't work?

One report of a bad phone doesn't make the whole production run a failure. Let's see when they get out there en masse how the Foldis.

 

[Ramchi]

Very nice review clearly outlining it's capabilities, limitations and how to use it... Really impressive if Samsung could make this as success since future tablets, laptops could use this tech for further limiting it's foot print while enhancing the user experience (dual displays).... Definitely this is only for those early adopters with deep pockets and certainly NOT for the common Joes...I thought Samsung would find it difficult to pull it off but hats-off to Samsung for bringing a magic device albeit unaffordable for the most!

 

[Black Magic]

well, Huawei's 5g is ahead of anything in the USA. Like by a couple of years. Why do you think the Gov target them?? Because of that little lie the gov told you?

You have no idea what tech ours or any country has offer outside of what you read in the news. Further more, China hacks the USA relentlessly so the last thing we need is a less friendly country supplying key communication infrastructure with backdoors. It's common sense.

 

[rmsanger]

seems very gimmicky but still it's good to see technology advance and create additional options as well as competition.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I just can’t understand the supposed appeal for a device like this. Yes, I do think that foldable/rollable devices will someday be the mainstream device and our glass slabs of today will look quaint. BUT, the aspect ratios of this device are enough to make me firmly believe this ain’t it chief. Even if it was literally indestructible I have no interest in looking at this thing, it just looks like a terrible compromise that doesn’t fit ANY type of content correctly.

Agreed. While I find this interesting because of the folding screen which doesn't really show a line where it folds, Samsung has a ways to go before this tech becomes mainline.

 

[realtuner]

Ohh dear here we go let me help you

Simple comparisons to sticker price conveniently hides the true cost of ownership when it comes to phones even when accounting for less depreciation which is more country specific (eg US).

Please. You didn't just try to use the "total cost of ownership" argument on a Samsung device, did you?

1. iPhones are supported by updates for 5 years. Samsung? 2 if you're lucky. My Note 8 took 6 months to get the next version of Android and my Note 9 took 5 months. I wonder how long my Note 10 will take? My Note 8 is 2 years old and apparently it's not on the list for Android 10 (as of this week). Pathetic.
2. iPhones have better repairability than Samsung phones (just check the iFixit scores). Easier repairs means lower costs when your device is in its 3-5th year of use. You can check all the popular repair sites and see that overall iPhones simply cost less to repair.
3. Used iPhones also have higher residual value. This is directly affected by #1 and #2 above. I'm not talking about what Samsung or carriers give you for any "special offers". I'm talking about the actual market value of a used device since most people sell used (you get more). Who wants to buy a used device that no longer gets OS updates?

Samsung might give Fold owners a deal to save face from the disaster that this device will end up being, but that doesn't mean the device holds value. Nobody would ever in their right mind buy a used version of a severely flawed (and fragile) product.

 

[Jim Lahey]

“works” is open to interpretation, but a high number of units fail after a few day use. To most people that doesn’t fit the description of “works.”

“It just works.” vs. “It just about works.”

What a difference a word can make