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I have a Samsung fold 3 that I've been using since launch. Never had any issues with it and don't use it with a case either. The inner screen is not cracked or missing anything but there is a visible crease, and the inner screen protector came off naturally a long time ago
Yeah I have the flip 6. I upgraded from the flip 3 for a larger cover screen. No issues with either of them.
I like that it takes up less pocket space and most tasks can be done on the cover without opening the phone. The flipping is neat but honestly I'd rather have a modern 4-4.5 inch android slab. Too bad all the major phone manufacturers have switched to only making giant pocket tablets.
I still have my Z Flip 3 that I got when it released. About 2 years ago the screen protector came off at the hinge, and I removed it as I couldn't stand the bubbles. Since then cracks have formed in the hinge and scratches on the lowet half of the screen. But it still works, that's the only problem I have with it. If I do ever replace it it's going to be to another flip phone, I love how small it gets when folded up.
I would agree on the first 2-3 generations, but after 6-7, the tech is mature enough that it doesn't get destroyed just like that. Didn't we hade the same discussions when phones started using glass instead of plastic screens?`You do remember, screens used to be made of transparent plastic, not glass?
You do remember, screens used to be made of transparent plastic, not glass
I'm not sure if bendable glass is scientifically possible. Glass is supposed to be rigid...
Samsung makes it, no it's not solid but it is glass
I've owned a Galaxy fold 2, 3, and currently on a five. I don't think I can ever go back to a regular phone they're just fantastic
My sweat is too aggressive. I’ve owned the Galaxy Fold 1 and within 7 months I’ve had smears from the dissolved non removable plastic screen protector.
If it wasn’t for that and the Apple Watch, I’d still be using it though.
I have the same fears about them and would personally never buy them, but the people I spoke who have one all said that they had no issues and loved the screen size. Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable using it knowing that a single grain of sand in the wrong place can fuck it all up. But apparently it's not too bad, at least anecdotally.
My teamlead had a Galaxy fold (the big one, not the flip-style) second-hand so it was cheap-ish. She liked it, unfortunately she broke it (though not in a fold-specific way iirc). She now uses a regular slab phone due to the price difference.
I've seen her phone and a display model in the store, the crease really doesn't look that bothersome to me. I'd buy one if I could (somewhat) easily install another OS on it, if my current phone breaks or loses support for my apps. Assuming that they stick around and the price won't be as exorbitant in a year or two, that is...
My last support worker had a samsung z flip or whatever it is. the one that is a normal phone size, but it folds in half. She reported no issues with it.
a friend has one of the massive samsung(?) phones that folds out to a huge screen
he loves having that much screen to use and not reported any particular problems
My coworkers do. A woman uses a flipable, because it could fit in her pants' pocket.
Another use a foldable as a tablet, but he mostly use it folded, unless he need to read a book or taking a note.
I have a Motorola razr 2023. It's absolutely great.
The use case is that it fits in your pocket.
i have actually never seen one in the wild.
I was thinking about getting one like the Nokia flip but they cost a bit and the hinge seems like a weak point. Got a CatB40 instead which wasn't much more and far more durable. Though showing signs of age at this point with multiple chips to the back of it from around the screws holding on the back.
I've owned a Z Fold 5 for a little over a year. I'm a developer and often read dev articles, todos, code on a git repo and so on while traveling by buss/train. I find a regular screen size isn't wide enough for reading code, but the z fold 5 unfolded is perfect. I don't want to have to carry a tablet, and I definitely don't want to pull my laptop out just for reading. I definitely won't be going back to a non-foldable.
The inner screen definitely isn't as fragile as you make it out to be. Can't see any scratches on mine. It's way more of a fingerprint magnet than my outer screen, but I can't see that when the screens on, and the rest of the time it's closed and hidden anyway, so why would I care?
I have a Galaxy Z Fold 2 and it's my favorite phone I've ever owned by a mile. I bought it secondhand (refurbished) in 2022, two years after it came out, and have been using it for three years myself.
There's sort of a crease down the center of the folding screen that you can see if you're looking for it specifically, but if you're looking at the phone head-on like you usually would be and aren't trying to pay attention to the crease, it fades right out of awareness.
I bought this phone with the intention of reading books on it, and playing some games that are otherwise more tablet-friendly (Slay The Spire for instance) and it's by far the best mobile reading and gaming experience I've ever had with a phone.
If I wanted to I could have the screen replaced to remove the crease but it doesn't bother me enough to pay for that. I've folded this phone open and closed probably a minimum of two dozen times per day every single day for the past 3 years and I've never had to replace a part yet. When I bought the thing I expected it to be usable for about 1-2 years and then need repair or replacement, but we're now cooking on the third year of daily use and it still looks as good as it did in year 1.
This very post was made on that phone and was folded and reopened twice in the process as I did other things.
I've got one. Moto Razr.
It fits in my pocket much better than a slab phone.
I don't use the outer screen much. Generally when I need to fumble around and change media or unlock my car or something with stuff in my other hand. But Moto's implementation of the second screen is pretty good.
I like a very large screen and I like portability. If this phone breaks, I'll probably get either another one like it or a larger one like a Pixel Fold or something.
The solution to the fragile inner screen is - and I know this is a complex idea so bear with me - you close the phone when you're not actively using it. Seriously, it's a complete non-issue.
My biggest complaint is the Moto software. I've had other Moto phones before and had similar issues - they're WAY too aggressive with battery optimizations killing background apps. Like holy shit. I have to go in every few days and reset settings that the phone changed on its own so that my VPN stays connected for more than 10 minutes at a time because it wants to kill the app to save battery. But that has nothing to do with the screen.
I have a flip phone for a while now. A black line did form on the crease after ~6 months, but was replaced under warranty. No further problems since. I don't use a case either and am rather clumsy.
The biggest upside to the design is reclaimed pocket space.
Everyone has accepted carrying a giant slab that takes up one pocket at all times. Manufacturers that attempt to make reasonable sized phones quickly abandon the idea because people don't purchase them. Everyone says they'd love having a small phone, then buy something else when it's time to spend money. Flip phones are the closest thing to a compromise we'll get anymore.
Given that phones are cameras that just so happen to make phone calls and the industry continuously innovate backwards (headphone jack, micro sd expandable storage, removable batteries, physical sim trays, and potentially USB-C if Apple has their way), foldable screens are the first genuine innovation/progression.
Not sure how this reclaims pocket space. You’re just trading width/height for thickness.
Around 10 years ago I worked in an electronics store. You know, when actual small smartphones were still a thing (think S4 Mini and stuff like that).
Every day people came looking for a small phone. Always were very interested in the smaller devices. And yet most never bought one, they eventually decided for a larger one. For each new Samsung series during that time, I'd guess it was about ~50% of people interested in the Mini series, but only ~5% of our actual sales were the Minis.
It's crazy and I learned a lot about people and their purchasing behavior back then. People often think they want something and never buy it and vice versa. It's interesting, from a psychological view. In my current business it's the same - people keep asking for stuff, and once you offer it, nobody cares about it.
That's probably why Samsung kept on making these Minis until the S5 despite them not seeling. Customers kept just giving them feedback that didn't reflect their behavior.
I have a Galaxy Z Flip 3, which I bought late 2021. The screen is fine, the durability is fine. I don't have it in a case (I don't use cases, because phones have gotten enormous enough, thank you). I've dropped it two or three times on asphalt, both open and closed. The metal is a little banged up on two corners, but it's purely cosmetic.
When I replace this, it'll be with another foldable, because folded, they fit in any pocket and are more durable than non-flip phones. I never worry than I'm doing to sit on it and break it in half, or something. When closed, the main screen is better protected than even with a case.
This phone has a tiny, almost useless external screen: it's touch sensitive, but only runs special apps, and I mostly use it just to check the time. When I upgrade, new phones have larger, more useful screens which can run arbitrary apps; at that point, I'll worry more about the external screen, but with a protector it won't be worse than what I used before folding phones.
My younger brother's family all have Samsung Fold phones - him, his wife, his eldest son. They don't have any tablets in the house, because there Fold opens into a small tablet. It's too big for my tastes, but I see the appeal of reducing the number of devices.
Folding phones are superior in all ways to non-folding phones, IMO.
Everyone I've talked to who owned one has complained that the screen either gets a line in it where the fold is or delaminates.
I think it's a fad that will probably die off soon
Hopefully the materials will improve before then. I think foldable screens are a great idea.
I had one for about a year and went back to a normal phone. The crease didn't bother me at all, had no problem with delamination... Really no problems with the phone at all. It was great for watching YT and multitasking, but in the end, it was just a really thick/bulky phone and it was annoying to deal with.
I think I'd really prefer a 5.5" screen, if I need something bigger, I'll use a different device.
Yes - I do.
Pixel Fold 9 Pro (or some combo of those words)
I do mainly use the front screen. The narrower screen there is easier for navigating/typing. It's also my preferred screen for taking pictures.
I was expecting the large unfolded display to be good for videos, but it's just a little bit bigger than the main screen, but with a slightly visible crease down the middle. I still use it for video because it "stands up" easier on a table in tablet mode, and the video is a bit higher, which is easier on my neck. What I did not expect was how good it is for every day webpage usage. It's much easier to read article and view photos on the larger screen.
As far as durability goes, my phone came with a pre-applied self healing screen protector. After 7 months of regular pocket carry/daily driver, the inner display looks brand new, except for where the edges of the screen cross the hinge, there is some noticable "pocket dander" that has infiltrated that area, but it is easily removed with some of that electronics cleaner goop. I put my phone in a case, which is a PITA, because it has to be held on with adhesive, but I'm not worried about drops or condensation on the phone. It's head up fine to freezing temps and hot n humid yard work.
Would I get one again? Hard to say. At this time, the lack of apps properly supporting wider screens, and the trouble typing on the inner display are obvious downsides. Cost wise, with the black Friday trade in I got on my old phone, this foldable costs less per month, which was surprising. I do envy my wife's slimmer and lighter iPhone when we are doing long walks or mobile activities. If I got a good deal on a new foldable in 4 years, I'd probably go for it, otherwise I'd switch back to a standard phone.
I am open to questions about my experience (with the phone) so far, so feel free to ask.
Jeeze, it's a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, get it right! (/s)
I have one of these, and I really love it honestly. I mostly love that it folds so it actually fits in my pocket. I have tiny hands, and tiny emo girl skinny jean pockets, so the super long flat phone is terrible for me and it fits nicely. The folding screen itself is cool too, since I can prop it up or scroll with it at an angle if I want to. I can set it like a little old school makeup compact and have the top part of the screen be YouTube or something. My model has a screen on the cover as well, and that I can use Spotify directly on and skip songs in a Playlist, pause music etc. Which is nice when I'm on my walk outside, as I don't even need to unlock my phone or open it to navigate.
I put a screen protector on it, the screen protector does wear out eventually but I'm going on two years of use with no issues on the underlying screen, just replaced the peel and stick screen protector once.
That said, I am rethinking my device use and consumption in general. I'll get another screen protector when I need it, would love to get several more years of use out of it if I can.
I have a Samsung Flip3. I love how it fits neatly into my pocket and how I can easily place it at a good angle to read something while I'm at a table eating.
If you are clumsy with phones it's probably not a good idea, but if you are and the crease doesn't bother you, it's a fun phone.
Do beware that you pay a premium and you'll have worse battery life and camera for it.
I feel like its a bad idea for people to buy these. I mean… the screen are weak plastics that can get damaged by a fingernail.
I've never had a screen scratch on my flipable from a fingernail. Also, how many people do you see walking around with a blown out cracked glass screen on non-foldables? People are hard on all phones.
Seems like an expensive buy for such a terrible durability. A terrible deal in my opinion.
They're just not that expensive secondhand which is how I buy them. You can see you can get last year's flagship model for $200 to $400. If you get the 2023 model its even cheaper at $100-$200.
At this cost who cares if it breaks in two to three years?
What even is the use-case for these, anyways?
They are VERY small compared to normal mobile phones and you can put it in your pocket. I really like that.
Another Pixel 9 Pro Fold here. I love it.
Inner screen is great for reading, which I do a lot of on my phone. Videos are nice, especially older videos with more square aspect ratios; I can even zoom in on widescreen videos where all the action is in the center for roughly the same effect.
If I didn't use my phone for documents so much it probably wouldn't be worth it, but I don't think I could go back now.
Yeah, and they are actually a lot more resistant than you think. The technology came a long way.
I'm dying for a pixel flip so that I can finally have the ultimate phone:
My, not so tech savy uncle, who also works in Building Maintenance (so not the most clean and safe place for a flip phone) had one for the last couple of years and he had no problems. Always amazed me.
The wow factor of a screen that bends still hasn't worn off for me. That's so cool. No way I could justify the extra cost though. (Since you've gotten actual answers I won't feel too bad about chiming in with that)
A lot of people I work with have them and love them, especially the newer Google Folds and Samsung ones. Multitasking is great on it and the quality doesn't seem bad. These newer flip or fold options have gone a long way in quality over the past few years. If I could afford I would love one but I really don't value phones that much.
A YouTuber I follow used a Galaxy fold for years, after the second year he said you could see the fold in the screen, considering people switch phones every 3 years on average, I don't think it's that big of a deal.
I would like to get one as soon as they get cheaper, since I don't buy flagships.
I have a OnePlus Open and I love it. Folded, it's thin enough to use as a normal phone, and unfolded, it has a big screen to use for showing pictures to other people, watching videos, or playing games. I love it.
Yeah a buddy of mine (not rich) has one and seems to like it. It's the big style not the Moto Razr style. It's like two normal sized smartphones folded together, so when you open it you get a big roughly square screen about 6 inches on a side. About 2x the area of a normal phone screen. It's a Samsung, idk what model or what it cost. It looks nice. No idea about fragility. If you have a question I can relay it to him.
My tech-normie co worker has it and loves it, it's over a year old and the screen is in great shape to even my annoyingly issue-finding-prone eyes
If she can manage that with a slightly older one I can only assume the tech is improving quite rapidly
I've been using a Flip 4 for the past 2 years now. It's great having a phone that can easily fit in my pants' pockets. The fragility thing is overblown IMO. I take it with me on hikes and mountainbike tours. The screen is still pristine. Only the factory-installed screen protector started showing some hairline cracks along the crease a few months ago, so I just replaced it. Not getting a slab phone again if I can help it.
I got a fold6 from my work. Its nice having the big screen to load desktop sites/play games/do anything that needs seeing. The front screen is handy for doom scrolling, texting, and taking phone calls. It sucks ass being Samsung tho. grapheneOS apparently supports google folds. That might be cool but I haven't seen it.
