A foldable phone has the benefits of a tablet (screen size) and a phone (more compact), allowing you to alternate between the two at will. I can see the appeal.
Yes that is a good point I noticed all the time when using a foldable. Most uses are just optimized for the standard format. Also phone holders and such.
To me it just seems like you get a tablet that is too small with the cost of having a chonky and heavy phone and a screen that has a added failure point.
But I’m one of those weirdos who doesnt know where my phone is 95% of the time. I check KDE Connect for notifications once or twice a day and if it shows that the battery is low, I find the phone and plug it in. So I guess I’m not the person these new phonetablets are marketed to
Why not make something like the 3DS? Like, it flips open and you have 2x screen size. It doesn’t actually have to be one continuous screen, with all the failure points that entails; you’re allowed to have two separate screens that join into one. Every dual monitor home PC setup works this way.
Heck, take it one step further and have a little keyboard that can slide out from the bottom if you’re feeling brave.
For real. Just last weekend I was at a conference and realized that I left my tablet at home and the agenda/workbook for the event was PDF. I was pinching and scrolling with my iPhone while my colleague next to me opened up his Galaxy Fold and was reading everything fine. I mean, yeah, it’s not a common need for me, but there’s definitely use-cases for this–especially for people who have to read digital documents on the go a lot and don’t want to have to carry extra devices just to do so.
You’re saying there’s been zero times you’re looking at something on your phone and would like a bigger screen for it? Not once have you had something on your phone and wished it was full size? Or gone to open it on a tablet or computer instead?
I can say as a Pixel 9 Pro Fold owner, I have used it. And never once have I really needed a full keyboard and mouse for what I’d even think of using my phone for.
I only use it for some mobile gaming, and websites that do very poorly on mobile despite that being the only online device for so many people nowadays.
Having actually use one as a daily driver for over a year,… it’s not worth it. It’s not worth the additional weight and bulk, carrying it around all the time for the handful of times I do use it. And without a significant battery increase to justify despite being literally twice as thick as a normal phone.
You’re the problem when it comes to big tech, you realize this, yes? Why shouldn’t I buy this unnecessary tech? Why shouldn’t I use AI as much as I want? Sure, put on the ring, what harm could come of it? Of course I want a camera on my glasses!
Having never owned a tablet, it’s either a phone or my pc monitor. I even have an iPhone 12 MINI, and I’m a bigger dude so it looks like a business card in my hand.
And you always have a laptop when out and about during the day? While on transit? Waiting for an appointment?
There are a lot of people that don’t own a computer anymore. Their entire digital life is through their phone. It’s the only portal to the web that have.
Nope I cannot. But I’m just fine leaving the house without any kind of device on my person at all. I’ve had to be “connected” by pager(s) and phone 24/7/365 for years when I worked in public safety. And now that I’m retired, I’m so over it.
I want to follow in on your footsteps, for sure. I can’t right now because of work and kids, but I’ve been slowly going out to walk with nothing but an MP3 player, and have my phone off during commute as well.
The first few times I was honestly anxious. Now, shit, I was part of that army of drones out there, what a fucking eye opener, honestly.
I do. Consolidating my phone and tablet into a single device would be very convenient. Adding support for an external monitor, keyboard and mouse to replace my laptop would be even better. I didn’t buy a Duo not because I don’t want the product, but because I know they won’t work well for another few iterations (at least).
I’ll join the chorus. If the price-point were right and the tech were reliable, I’d happily trade a good amount of thickness in order to have the option of an iPad Mini or an iPhone, but in the footprint of the latter when not in use. I really prefer to carry my phone in my front pocket and not to EDC a bag.
It’s just that the price-point is wrong and the tech is not reliable.
I can’t understand why a user would even want this. How many users do want this?
I dunno what to tell you, I love the thing. I’ve liked the idea of foldables for a while. My buddy got the Z Fold 7 and loves it, I picked up the Duo and it’s great for me.
Foldables certainly aren’t the right fit for everyone, there are inherent trade offs. But I love the concept. I love having a small tablet with me everywhere. I love how compact the device is when folded. I’m enjoying a phone that is substantially different from every smartphone I’ve ever used. It reminds me of when smartphones were new and each one had things that made them unique.
I can certainly understand why people wouldn’t want one. But I find it surprising that you can’t understand why someone would.
I wanted one. I tried to buy one. It sold out faster than I could click add to cart.
I currently have an iPhone 16 pro max and it isn’t big enough. I liked the idea of having a bigger screen on-demand, in a portable cellular form factor.
China phone manufacturers like Xiaomi, OPPO, Huawei already have 5th or 6th Gen folds and they are awesome. Many people here use folds. The build quality is outstanding.
Plus the software is actually designed to use either the full screen or split screen. What Apple have done is a joke. The few people that bought the Apple fold, are returning it because the software is useless.
I have been using the same phone for 9 years and only had to replace the battery. There is literally no way these folding phones are lasting that long, even with “outstanding build quality”.
I want one but then I go to T-Mobile and see that dammed crease in the middle and I know my OCD ass won’t be able to handle it.
And I work in the repair industry so it wouldn’t last very long. And it has no practical use. At all. It’s just a keeping up with the Jones gimmick and it’s made by apple. All their tech sucks they survive on nothing but name.
The concept is kinda cool. Take the Galaxy Fold 8 for example; a nice and compact phone that actually fits in your pocket and can be a tablet if you wanna watch a movie or something in bed or public transport.
I still wouldn’t buy one; spending over a grand on a phone that even if it holds up fine can be damaged by accidentally tapping on the screen wrong seems dumb. Nevermind that I personally wouldn’t buy a Samsung for multiple reasons.
For the same price with no tradeoffs? I’d like one. For a lot more with downsides? Nah, I’m good. I have very little need or desire for this. A normal phone shape handles 99.99% of my phone use cases perfectly. It’d be nice to have, but it’s not worth much.
Investors want repeats of the iPhone and social media revolution. They won’t get it by making tweaks to the smartphone or social media platforms. Nothing will stop them from trying, but all of this is just spinning the wheels.
I really miss my LG Wing. The USB port went out first and I used to charge it only with wireless charging for a few months but that’s just not viable for longevity. No shop around here wants to take a crack at repairing it for me.
Genuinely the second small screen is so useful. I can have my navigation and music player on screens and not muck about as much. I can list more but now I’m ashamed as most of what I use both for are for media consumption lol
I get the appeal, especially as I get older and my vision isn’t as good. Having a screen that can be bigger as needed helps in a number of ways. That said, no way I’d buy one because I don’t see how they survive in the long term.
me, i have a Motorola flip, excellent pockeabikity, tried the Samsung Fold 8 (not ultra) looks excellent for my use but I’m poor, so it stays on the display.
I for one can’t wait to see what Motorola brings out next year on the RAZR lineup that is fully compatible with GrapheneOS. If they manage that, with an inner screen that is 6.7" then I’m selling my Pixel. Otherwise, I guess I’m keeping the Pixel until it dies.
I thought the first Motorola with grapheneOS have been confirmed and it’s not a flip form factor. And it’s flagship. This caused a lot of jimmies rustled. I understand why, because Motorola is more known for their budget offering, but I also have seen why it has to be flagship because there are hardware stuff that’s needed by grapheneOS.
The Pixels having the proper security hardware on their poor performing on benchmarks SoC seems more like a happy coincidence to me. I’m happy to be politely corrected.
Yeah, I’ve had pretty much every pixel XL (for when they made smaller Pros because I need large screes) ever, except for the 5. My last one was the 10 Pro XL. Right now I use the 10 with GOS for personal and an 8 Pro in stock for a work phone.
I really would love a RAZR ultra with GOS, but we need to see if the hardware will meet the GOS requirements.
My understanding is that no Motorola hardware has been approved by GOS yet, and that the partnership actually means getting GOS involved in the choice of hardware and its implementation and architecture, but I could be wrong.
Well, I’ve tried it (fold6) and after 23 months the inner foil started having bubbles, then it grew to a huge bubble along the crease and shortly after the display below the bubble was black.
So while it worked well and was useful, mostly with watching movies, photos or maps I switched back to a standard phone and would never use a foldable display again since my assumptions were proven.
I have no desire for this. Id rather have an old school folding style type phone that folds flush so when you open it the display is across two sections with a miniscule gap. Like a phone sized Nintendo ds. Instead we get DS sized phones that are awkward as hell with so many typea of clothing.
These things would sell like hotcakes if they didn’t cost so much and were reliable. People want them, the tech just isn’t perfected yet, and who knows if the price will ever be reasonable.
I would’ve loved it if it had the flagship processor and cameras. Having an iPad mini in your pocket is great for things, plus being able to have dual applications running is great. But I can live without it for now. It wasn’t an upgrade like a pro max iPhone was.
I’m on my 3rd or 4th foldable now, not because they’ve been failing, but because I want it and honestly don’t see myself going back to a non-foldable now.
Every phone maker seems convinced that if they can be the one to make this work, they’ll be the champion of world forever, or something.
I can’t understand why a user would even want this. How many users do want this?
I like the idea of it, but I can live without it.
A foldable phone has the benefits of a tablet (screen size) and a phone (more compact), allowing you to alternate between the two at will. I can see the appeal.
Things are already generally optimized for a phone screen though.
Yes that is a good point I noticed all the time when using a foldable. Most uses are just optimized for the standard format. Also phone holders and such.
To me it just seems like you get a tablet that is too small with the cost of having a chonky and heavy phone and a screen that has a added failure point.
But I’m one of those weirdos who doesnt know where my phone is 95% of the time. I check KDE Connect for notifications once or twice a day and if it shows that the battery is low, I find the phone and plug it in. So I guess I’m not the person these new phonetablets are marketed to
Why not make something like the 3DS? Like, it flips open and you have 2x screen size. It doesn’t actually have to be one continuous screen, with all the failure points that entails; you’re allowed to have two separate screens that join into one. Every dual monitor home PC setup works this way.
Heck, take it one step further and have a little keyboard that can slide out from the bottom if you’re feeling brave.
That’s what I think. I miss physical keyboards on phones, and generally don’t mind a phone on the heavier side.
People absolutely hate bezels though, so it’d never fly with the flagship phones.
You can’t understand why someone would want phone that becomes a tablet? Really?
For real. Just last weekend I was at a conference and realized that I left my tablet at home and the agenda/workbook for the event was PDF. I was pinching and scrolling with my iPhone while my colleague next to me opened up his Galaxy Fold and was reading everything fine. I mean, yeah, it’s not a common need for me, but there’s definitely use-cases for this–especially for people who have to read digital documents on the go a lot and don’t want to have to carry extra devices just to do so.
You’re saying there’s been zero times you’re looking at something on your phone and would like a bigger screen for it? Not once have you had something on your phone and wished it was full size? Or gone to open it on a tablet or computer instead?
All those times i also wanted a mouse and keyboard.
I can say as a Pixel 9 Pro Fold owner, I have used it. And never once have I really needed a full keyboard and mouse for what I’d even think of using my phone for.
I only use it for some mobile gaming, and websites that do very poorly on mobile despite that being the only online device for so many people nowadays.
Having actually use one as a daily driver for over a year,… it’s not worth it. It’s not worth the additional weight and bulk, carrying it around all the time for the handful of times I do use it. And without a significant battery increase to justify despite being literally twice as thick as a normal phone.
You’re the problem when it comes to big tech, you realize this, yes? Why shouldn’t I buy this unnecessary tech? Why shouldn’t I use AI as much as I want? Sure, put on the ring, what harm could come of it? Of course I want a camera on my glasses!
fucking love your username (con mucho chicharrón).
Ok, well I’m not sure why I’d need a keyboard to read an ebook. Why would you?
Having never owned a tablet, it’s either a phone or my pc monitor. I even have an iPhone 12 MINI, and I’m a bigger dude so it looks like a business card in my hand.
Well yes, but I’m very good at saving things for later and watching it when I’m in front of the big screen at home 2 months later.
Thats what laptops are for.
And you always have a laptop when out and about during the day? While on transit? Waiting for an appointment?
There are a lot of people that don’t own a computer anymore. Their entire digital life is through their phone. It’s the only portal to the web that have.
No, certain things can wait.
A LOT of things can wait.
Nope I cannot. But I’m just fine leaving the house without any kind of device on my person at all. I’ve had to be “connected” by pager(s) and phone 24/7/365 for years when I worked in public safety. And now that I’m retired, I’m so over it.
It’s taken a few years, but I’m finally free.
I want to follow in on your footsteps, for sure. I can’t right now because of work and kids, but I’ve been slowly going out to walk with nothing but an MP3 player, and have my phone off during commute as well.
The first few times I was honestly anxious. Now, shit, I was part of that army of drones out there, what a fucking eye opener, honestly.
You have made the first step. Good for you!
I do. Consolidating my phone and tablet into a single device would be very convenient. Adding support for an external monitor, keyboard and mouse to replace my laptop would be even better. I didn’t buy a Duo not because I don’t want the product, but because I know they won’t work well for another few iterations (at least).
I’ll join the chorus. If the price-point were right and the tech were reliable, I’d happily trade a good amount of thickness in order to have the option of an iPad Mini or an iPhone, but in the footprint of the latter when not in use. I really prefer to carry my phone in my front pocket and not to EDC a bag.
It’s just that the price-point is wrong and the tech is not reliable.
I dunno what to tell you, I love the thing. I’ve liked the idea of foldables for a while. My buddy got the Z Fold 7 and loves it, I picked up the Duo and it’s great for me.
Foldables certainly aren’t the right fit for everyone, there are inherent trade offs. But I love the concept. I love having a small tablet with me everywhere. I love how compact the device is when folded. I’m enjoying a phone that is substantially different from every smartphone I’ve ever used. It reminds me of when smartphones were new and each one had things that made them unique.
I can certainly understand why people wouldn’t want one. But I find it surprising that you can’t understand why someone would.
I wanted one. I tried to buy one. It sold out faster than I could click add to cart.
I currently have an iPhone 16 pro max and it isn’t big enough. I liked the idea of having a bigger screen on-demand, in a portable cellular form factor.
China phone manufacturers like Xiaomi, OPPO, Huawei already have 5th or 6th Gen folds and they are awesome. Many people here use folds. The build quality is outstanding.
Plus the software is actually designed to use either the full screen or split screen. What Apple have done is a joke. The few people that bought the Apple fold, are returning it because the software is useless.
I have been using the same phone for 9 years and only had to replace the battery. There is literally no way these folding phones are lasting that long, even with “outstanding build quality”.
I want one but then I go to T-Mobile and see that dammed crease in the middle and I know my OCD ass won’t be able to handle it.
And I work in the repair industry so it wouldn’t last very long. And it has no practical use. At all. It’s just a keeping up with the Jones gimmick and it’s made by apple. All their tech sucks they survive on nothing but name.
The concept is kinda cool. Take the Galaxy Fold 8 for example; a nice and compact phone that actually fits in your pocket and can be a tablet if you wanna watch a movie or something in bed or public transport.
I still wouldn’t buy one; spending over a grand on a phone that even if it holds up fine can be damaged by accidentally tapping on the screen wrong seems dumb. Nevermind that I personally wouldn’t buy a Samsung for multiple reasons.
For the same price with no tradeoffs? I’d like one. For a lot more with downsides? Nah, I’m good. I have very little need or desire for this. A normal phone shape handles 99.99% of my phone use cases perfectly. It’d be nice to have, but it’s not worth much.
Investors want repeats of the iPhone and social media revolution. They won’t get it by making tweaks to the smartphone or social media platforms. Nothing will stop them from trying, but all of this is just spinning the wheels.
Guys, we had the optimal form factor, the LG Wing, years ago! No folding displayed required!
I’m not even joking. I used mine for years and loved it.
I genuinely thought this would be some old ass phone from when before smartphones were a thing.
It came out in 2020. The phone I’m typing this on came out 1,5 years after that.
Also what is this monstrosity??
It’s awesome multi-tasking bliss, and it’s durable, and it’s easy to repair if you do break it!
I really miss my LG Wing. The USB port went out first and I used to charge it only with wireless charging for a few months but that’s just not viable for longevity. No shop around here wants to take a crack at repairing it for me.
Genuinely the second small screen is so useful. I can have my navigation and music player on screens and not muck about as much. I can list more but now I’m ashamed as most of what I use both for are for media consumption lol
They’re so easy to repair! You should have a crack at it yourself!
I get the appeal, especially as I get older and my vision isn’t as good. Having a screen that can be bigger as needed helps in a number of ways. That said, no way I’d buy one because I don’t see how they survive in the long term.
me, i have a Motorola flip, excellent pockeabikity, tried the Samsung Fold 8 (not ultra) looks excellent for my use but I’m poor, so it stays on the display.
I for one can’t wait to see what Motorola brings out next year on the RAZR lineup that is fully compatible with GrapheneOS. If they manage that, with an inner screen that is 6.7" then I’m selling my Pixel. Otherwise, I guess I’m keeping the Pixel until it dies.
I thought the first Motorola with grapheneOS have been confirmed and it’s not a flip form factor. And it’s flagship. This caused a lot of jimmies rustled. I understand why, because Motorola is more known for their budget offering, but I also have seen why it has to be flagship because there are hardware stuff that’s needed by grapheneOS.
The Pixels having the proper security hardware on their poor performing on benchmarks SoC seems more like a happy coincidence to me. I’m happy to be politely corrected.
Yeah, I’ve had pretty much every pixel XL (for when they made smaller Pros because I need large screes) ever, except for the 5. My last one was the 10 Pro XL. Right now I use the 10 with GOS for personal and an 8 Pro in stock for a work phone.
I really would love a RAZR ultra with GOS, but we need to see if the hardware will meet the GOS requirements.
My understanding is that no Motorola hardware has been approved by GOS yet, and that the partnership actually means getting GOS involved in the choice of hardware and its implementation and architecture, but I could be wrong.
Well, I’ve tried it (fold6) and after 23 months the inner foil started having bubbles, then it grew to a huge bubble along the crease and shortly after the display below the bubble was black.
So while it worked well and was useful, mostly with watching movies, photos or maps I switched back to a standard phone and would never use a foldable display again since my assumptions were proven.
The only reason I’d want this is to have a smaller phone which I can open to a currently normal sized phone.
I don’t know why they keep pushing tablets on us.
I have no desire for this. Id rather have an old school folding style type phone that folds flush so when you open it the display is across two sections with a miniscule gap. Like a phone sized Nintendo ds. Instead we get DS sized phones that are awkward as hell with so many typea of clothing.
These things would sell like hotcakes if they didn’t cost so much and were reliable. People want them, the tech just isn’t perfected yet, and who knows if the price will ever be reasonable.
Meh I like no tech and making attempts. I would never spend that money on a phone. I have never spent half that on a phone.
I like products not designed for absolutely everyone though, niche is nice
I would’ve loved it if it had the flagship processor and cameras. Having an iPad mini in your pocket is great for things, plus being able to have dual applications running is great. But I can live without it for now. It wasn’t an upgrade like a pro max iPhone was.
I’m on my 3rd or 4th foldable now, not because they’ve been failing, but because I want it and honestly don’t see myself going back to a non-foldable now.
this is a solution for a problem they made. they took away the small devices, so they could force these idiotic foldables.
Phone new oogga booga phone go squish oogga booga