Unfortunately I purchased this device on impulse with a carrier deal over the summer. The idea that my phone could be a tablet as well being essentially an all in wonder device was incredibly appealing.
In practice however the experience leaves a lot to be desired. Very few apps are developed with foldables in mind and either stretch to accommodate the extra real estate or take up a fraction of the display. Sure you can multitask side by side apps, but I have very little reason to ever do that.
That leaves watching media on the larger screen. Unfortunately even that is hampered by the aspect ratio with black bars accommodating such a large portion of the display the actual viewing area is barely larger than a slab device if at all.
The hardware is also lackluster. Google decided to put a last generation processor in this years most expensive phone for some reason. Also the camera is worse than last year’s Pixel release (7 Pro). The phone is very very heavy and even when closed I often need it to rest on something to be able to use it for any amount of time.
Such a bummer. I’m stuck with a phone I hate until next year when I can ditch it for an early upgrade. I received $800 off on a carrier deal but it’s given in monthly bill credits which locks me in paying MSRP of I want to cut my losses.
Fortunately next year I can do an early upgrade, but for now I’m stuck with this damn thing. I should have waited for the Pixel 8.
It’s too bad but it’s probably because most media is adapted for your typical phone sizes.
Why don’t more manufacturers make more devices that are half the size like the Samsung Galaxy Flip that are compact but become a normal phone unfolded? Phones have just gotten too big imo.
Honestly, off all foldables I find the Z Flip like devices the least desirable. You don’t get a bigger screen, you just trade height for depth, so they fit in pockets even worse (especially if you wear tight-ish clothes) and if you’re not carrying your phone on your body it makes literally no difference - all of my bags fit my regular form factor phone easily anyway.
they look like modern nintendo ds sp’s
I have a couple of friends who swear by them. I’m not even remotely convinced, though.
Still better than twice depth, same length with limited additional utility…
I still have an S7 and it fits snguly in my jacket pocket. Longer phones today would stick out. I’m so sad about how so many good features were removed from most brand-name phones. I’m ready to move on from some (like no physical home button) but not others yet (like no SD card slot).
If I go foldable again I’d do the Flip. It makes more sense with today’s mobile landscape and media.