Are foldable phones as good/bad as they say?
I'm saving up for a new phone and I'm thinking of getting a foldable one.
Are they really as good/bad as people say they are?
The one I had in mind was the Pixel Fold.
I really liked mine, it was fucking awesome... but a 5¢ ribbon connector failed (understandable) and Samsung only allows repair places to replace both internal and external screens and the hinge mechanism for $600 (not understandable).
I ended up getting a moto stylus 5g for $250 and threw the fold right into the landfill.
It is excellent for reading the paper, but make sure you get one from a company that allows for repairability. I never abused my phone or even dropped it.
I had a 2020 RAZR and the screen popped off after 3 years. Those 3 years ruled, though.
I have the Pixel Fold, I am a fan. If you read a lot of documents and watch a lot of videos, it's a game changer.
Brother loves the foldables, I think he's on his third now. It seems like the tech matured rather quick and just works good now
The two my wife had worked great until they didn't. Guessing the foldable screen wore out or somthing because they both just stopped working after about a year each.
I bought a Pixel Pro Fold 9 because all these tech influencers were talking about how once you get one you can't go back.
Yes, I can. I rarely unfold it.
It's really expensive and I don't see the value. I thought I'd use it most on a plane and it's "kinda" more useful on a flight. Balatro plays better. However, I just wish I got a thinner phone that's easier to carry for my runs.
I think I just want a smaller phone with a good battery life and a headphone jack.
If you do wind up getting a Pro Fold and have smaller hands like me. Get a Sinjimoru or something so you can grip it better. The "spine" of the phone is exposed and I dropped it after like a few weeks and guess where it scratched?
i don't have one, but need a new one soon as well and all new models are too big for one handed operation, especially the foldables. they are gigantic. android has a one-handed mode, that shrinks the screen into a corner, but then it's still difficult to operate like that.
I have Samsung Z Flip. Have used it for the past several years and I love it. I wanted it for two reasons 1. So I can finally fit a modern smartphone in stupid women's pants and 2. Because I thought it was cool/fun. No regrets!
That being said, the "flip" form factor is going to have a different use case than the "fold" form factor. I don't personally have a use for a phone+tablet combo, so it isn't right for me. Keep in mind also that when you are using these "fold" style devices in tablet mode, the screen turns into more of a square rather than a rectangle. So YouTube videos and such really don't look that much bigger on the inner screen and much of the screen is filled with black bars.
A tale as old as the w310i (Sony Ericson walkman flip phone)
Any device with any component that slides/flips/folds/moves is prone to failure simply due to the movement.
The ribbon cable is almost always poorly placed or not adequate.
Then there's the issue of things getting in between the fold.
For me, I love the pixel, but hate the form factor (wtf is this camera bulge?)
But my fav is still the lg v60/velvet. Huge display, thin (even with a case), flat form, and still fast as ever (after bloat removal), and durable.
I've had a few Moto's and i loved their nearly strict adherence to stock aosp (no bloat) and they're super durable.
Any device with any component that slides/flips/folds/moves is prone to failure simply due to the movement.
Well sure. Nowhere in my comment did I say that the device is meant to be used forever. For me, I don't mind the compromises for some newer tech. I'm in the position where I can finally get fun tech now. Prior to this, the average length of time I had a phone was 4-5years, but I only had low end models. I really don't think that compromising with a 3-4 year projected usage time for folding phones is all that odd. It depends on what you want in a device. OP is looking for something new, presumably, hence asking the question.
I agree about the design language of the Pixel tbh. I've always found it to be butt ugly compared to a majority of the other phones out there. The camera design is just kind of unpleasant imo. That being said, I've been looking into buying an older flagship Pixel to gift to my mom. My research shows that for whatever reason, Pixels are the only phone out there that seem to do well capturing subjects that move a ton (toddlers, pets, etc.). Not sure why most other brands seem to be a blurry mess with the slightest movement.
I've got one. For the most part, it stays closed. I'm occasionally on call for a tech job and having the extra screen when I need it means I don't have to lug around a laptop. It's absolutely worth it for me. The only other times it really gets unfolded are for reading manga or watching something with my partner.
I do not have a foldable and will not get one for a very simple reason, the moving parts are always first to break. I personally care most about longevity of my tech so that is a no-go for me.
yes