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.

  • dingus@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    3 days ago

    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.

    • masterofn001@lemmy.ca
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      3 days ago

      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.

  • 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.

  • Wahots@pawb.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    edit-2
    4 days ago

    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.

  • lobut@lemmy.ca
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 days ago

    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 like it. 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?

  • Beryl@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 days ago

    I had a 2020 RAZR and the screen popped off after 3 years. Those 3 years ruled, though.

  • Jack@slrpnk.net
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 days ago

    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.

  • lukaro@lemmy.zip
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 days ago

    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.

  • nullroot@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 days ago

    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

  • lurch (he/him)@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    4 days ago

    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.