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No, I remember it well. Horses and buggies were once the most popular mode of transportation.

Now they‘re not. Because better solutions prevail.

So answer my question - what’s the use case? People used to wear those flip phone on their belts. Are we going back to that?
Because it gets smaller. Why does Apple offer multiple size iPads? iPhones? What's the point of that? Some consumers value size. Do you really not understand that? If it flops, it flops.
 
I bet Apple stays away from this type of thing and I am perfectly happy with my glass rectangle.

Same here. There's no doubt in my mind Apple has developed a dozen or so different flip phone prototypes in their labs over the years. And has yet to find a good case that makes sense for going further.

Apple is great for saying no to to adding unnecessary fluff.
 
Because it gets smaller. Why does Apple offer multiple size iPads? iPhones? What's the point of that? Some consumers value size. Do you really not understand that? If it flops, it flops.
But it‘s NOT smaller. It’s the same size in use, and twice as thick when not in use. Hence my question - in what circumstances is this particular phone’s form factor useful?
 
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all this coolness of the Z flip, it looks good, but its just a way to say "Hey, look now i can do something i just knew abut 2 seconds ago"

I don't think it's something people would not be thinking on as a "feature".. "I cannot do x because I don't have a flip phone". It's just something no one would care about, UNTIL its in the public eye.

(...and even then, it may not be much use)
 
I have my doubts that after 6 months we won't see a crease in the middle of that screen

Can someone explain the use case? What is the purpose of a phone that folds in half to half the height but double the width and which needs to be opened to be used?

Nothing ground breaking but a couple I can think of:
1-If you fold it you don't have to worry about scratching the screen
2-I will guess if it falls folded the screen won't shatter
3-easier to carry in the pocket, its thicker but not larger.

I feel like this tech is better used in a smaller form, lower end product
 
I have my doubts that after 6 months we won't see a crease in the middle of that screen



Nothing ground breaking but a couple I can think of:
1-If you fold it you don't have to worry about scratching the screen
2-I will guess if it falls folded the screen won't shatter
3-easier to carry in the pocket, its thicker but not larger.

I feel like this tech is better used in a smaller form, lower end product

No,,, I see that as it's just an excuse for not using a screen protector.

Not a wow factor, but you know people will make a big deal about it. It's tough to keep back the crowds. As Apple fans will know too well as well
 
Just one question really. Why? What problem does this solve? Perhaps pocketability, but other than that, I think this is just a race to make something different.

I bet Apple stays away from this type of thing and I am perfectly happy with my glass rectangle.
Let’s be real here. If Apple were to release a folding iPhone 2-3 years from now, you’ll probably be one of the first to own one.
 
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I have my doubts that after 6 months we won't see a crease in the middle of that screen



Nothing ground breaking but a couple I can think of:
1-If you fold it you don't have to worry about scratching the screen
2-I will guess if it falls folded the screen won't shatter
3-easier to carry in the pocket, its thicker but not larger.

I feel like this tech is better used in a smaller form, lower end product
I guess i have tighter pockets than you. I don’t see how this would fit in mine. (and of course, if one wants to protect the screen, there are lots of ways and possible designs that don’t double the thickness). But if that’s the market, that’s the market. Guess we’ll see how many people fall into that category.
 
But it‘s NOT smaller. It’s the same size in use, and twice as thick when not in use. Hence my question - in what circumstances is this particular phone’s form factor useful?

Several people have tried to explain it to you but it’s just not getting through so let me try. THICKNESS IS NOT THE SAME AS HEIGHT. Are you with me so far? Wallets can become far thicker than this phone but are still easily pocketable. Most pockets can accommodate far more thickness than height. When the phone is closed, it is far more pocketable than the average modern large glass slab phone because it is HALF THE HEIGHT. The thickness is insignificant in terms of pocketability.

I see this phone as a springboard to future much larger folding screens (think 8”+). Is the use case coming into view for you? If not, then it’s probably a lost cause.
 
Several people have tried to explain it to you but it’s just not getting through so let me try. THICKNESS IS NOT THE SAME AS HEIGHT. Are you with me so far? Wallets can become far thicker than this phone but are still easily pocketable. Most pockets can accommodate far more thickness than height. When the phone is closed, it is far more pocketable than the average modern large glass slab phone because it is HALF THE HEIGHT. The thickness is insignificant in terms of pocketability.

I see this phone as a springboard to future much larger folding screens (think 8”+). Is the use case coming into view for you? If not, then it’s probably a lost cause.

I simply disagree with your premise because I’ve never seen pockets that can comfortably accommodate devices that thick. Whereas even the largest iphone height fits easily in the back pocket of every pair of pants I own.

I also have never seen a wallet that thick since 1976, other than George Costanza on Seinfeld.
 
But it‘s NOT smaller. It’s the same size in use, and twice as thick when not in use. Hence my question - in what circumstances is this particular phone’s form factor useful?
Are you serious? Because it has the same volume when it's closed, you're saying it's the same practical size? Bro, dimensions matter. Form matters. When it comes to phones especially, pocketability is almost always limited by length and width, not depth. It makes a difference. Some may value this. Some may not.
 
Same here. There's no doubt in my mind Apple has developed a dozen or so different flip phone prototypes in their labs over the years. And has yet to find a good case that makes sense for going further.

Apple is great for saying no to to adding unnecessary fluff.
If memory serves, there is a quote or a story somewhere by Johny Ive stating all the ways a foldable screen is just not a great experience and not worth the hassle and filled with technical problems.

I'm sure Apple has been working with foldable tech for years but just doesn't see the utility.

Besides, smart phones are where the puck is; not where it is going.

Rather that Richard around with foldable phones, they are putting their bets on whatever is next, which I assume will involve AR or some new type of device---a growing wearables market.
 
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Are you serious? Because it has the same volume when it's closed, you're saying it's the same practical size? Bro, dimensions matter. Form matters. When it comes to phones especially, pocketability is almost always limited by length and width, not depth. It makes a difference. Some may value this. Some may not.
Yes, dimensions matter. And no pants pockets I’ve seen are designed to accomodate such thickness, whereas tall thin phones fit fine.

And someone said “it’s smaller,” and the point is it’s not. It’s shorter. The penalty for that is it’s thicker.

So back to my original question - why is thicker better than shorter, especially when you now have to use two hands to open the phone every time You want to use it?
 
I don’t see a point in folding phones or computers. I also will not buy a phone with a notch or hole punch in the screen. Another trend I can’t stand is the tall narow aspect ratios. If lg improved on the v30/35 design I think that would have been great. As of right now I have a one plus 7 pro and also love the design.
 
But it‘s NOT smaller. It’s the same size in use, and twice as thick when not in use. Hence my question - in what circumstances is this particular phone’s form factor useful?

It is smaller, effectively. Absolute dimensions matter. Phones are so thin that folding does not add any significant thickness, while shrinking the height by many centimetres. Likewise, a folded laptop is twice as thick as one laid out flat, yet the former is much easier to transport than the latter.
 
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So back to my original question - why is thicker better than shorter, especially when you now have to use two hands to open the phone every time You want to use it?

Here you go buddy. I understand demensions can be a tricky thing to understand in words, so here's a few Gifs I made on my awesome Note 10+. In case you're interested, I made the Gifs using the built in software feature called smart select. Very convenient feature.

SmartSelect_20200211-222552_YouTube.gif


SmartSelect_20200211-222351_YouTube.gif
 
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Give me a phone in the form factor of a pencil with a rolled up screen that can unfold, and now we’re talking.

I'm having trouble picturing this in practice. Wouldn't it be flopping around, and one would have to put it down onto some hard surface for many uses? Or would there be some sort of stabilizing frame (which sounds mechanically complex)?
 
I guess you are too young to remember the Razr. You probably weren't born yet when it was the most popular phone.

I am old enough to remember it. It was a time when phones were made for making/receiving calls and text messages and they barely did anything else. It was a time when people were fascinated with smaller/pocketable mobile phones, and the smaller/thinner was the king!! What these companies don't seem to realize is that time has changed, and with it, the way people use mobile devices. Now, most people want a smartphone with large beautiful displays because these now are not just smartphones but powerful computers/cameras. The way I see it is, these companies are having too much of orgasm over foldables/flipables, just like they did over a decade ago with 3D displays. To later realize that people really weren't bothered with that, and instead, they wanted the simple way.
Do I want a mobile device that I have to flip open every single time I use it, and then flip close it?? Me personally, heck no! And charging that ridiculous price for it is just outrages!!
 
I guess i have tighter pockets than you. I don’t see how this would fit in mine. (and of course, if one wants to protect the screen, there are lots of ways and possible designs that don’t double the thickness). But if that’s the market, that’s the market. Guess we’ll see how many people fall into that category.

So a wallet doesn't fit in your pockets?
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I simply disagree with your premise because I’ve never seen pockets that can comfortably accommodate devices that thick. Whereas even the largest iphone height fits easily in the back pocket of every pair of pants I own.

I also have never seen a wallet that thick since 1976, other than George Costanza on Seinfeld.

You should probably look up the dimensions of the Flip and measure some wallets, because your eyes (or Apple bias) are deceiving you.

Edit: to do some of the work for you. The Flip is 17.3mm thick at the hinge, and my wallet is 20mm thick and it's pretty compact (I do have a lot of cards, but there's hardly any space wasted on material).
 
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