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I can kinda understand folders that utilize this design to optionally give you a bigger screen, but this looks like folding for the sake of folding
Foldable owners: will your next one still be a foldable?
In contrast to the rest of the commenters, I don't think so. I've got the Z Flip 5, and the battery life isn't great, after a year of use, the hinge is a little looser than I'd like, and the phone is just slightly narrower than the last couple phones I've owned, which means I've somehow not managed to adjust to the keyboard size after a year, and my typing accuracy is awful.
I'm still using my Z Flip 4. No screen issues, hinges are fine. Battery lasts the whole day, which is just fine for me (it only dies when I'm playing Microsoft Solitaire Collection, which is a notorious battery killer). I'll probably have it for maybe another 2 years.
Mine 100% will be. I own the Z Fold 4 and it's my favorite phone I've ever owned. Never had a use for a tablet due to the size, but having a phone that opens to a tablet has been amazing for streaming and reading.
I went with the Razr (2023), and it's great. It was cheap, it gets small, and the screen is on the inside, meaning I don't need to worry about things scratching it, and the battery lasts a long time.
If there is another similar phone when I go to replace mine, I will grab it.
If all the market offers me is an expensive phone with a giant outer screen, I won't.
For me, I think it will. Love my moto.
Had mixed results on Samsung Z Flip 4. One had the inner screen die right after the warranty was up. Other is still going strong, though the permanent screen protector has separated at the hinge.
I miss my Flip. I went with a S23 Ultra because I had a kid and wanted a better camera. Will likely go back to a foldable with my next one. Loved the physicality of opening and shutting it. (Wait... My kid will probably like that part too and will wreck my next one.) The loved the weight and the dimensions of it folded as well.
I just replaced my ZFlip4 with a Motorola Razor+ because after going flip I can't ever go back. It's just too comfortable and convenient. I don't think I'll ever be going back to Samsung, though. Loving the Razor+.
I'm happy with the flip 3. Don't like the full screen of the newer flips.
Honestly 50 50
Love the form factor
Flip 5, love the form factor and haven't had any screen or hinge problems. The crease doesn't bother me, but I do wish the battery life were better (though it's not much different than my phone before it).
There's no way I will ever buy a phone with a folding screen. They are too fragile.
I shared your opinion but the clumsiest friend I know has a current model z flip, and the only issue he's had is with the included screen protector. Dropped it dozens if not hundreds of times.
I'm actually considering a folding phone for my next upgrade in a year or two, but I'll probably wait until more of the trifold phones come out at a lower price
Yes, these trifold phones look amazing. I am upgrading my phone every 4-5 years, and usually try not to overspend on it, so most likely I will skip buying trifold the next upgrade cycle so I guess 2030 the technology would be mature enough and more affordable.
I've got a galaxy fold 4 that I pre-ordered, so over 2 years old. I've rocked it this whole time with no case and dropped it plenty of times. It's got a couple of scratches on the hinge but has been the most solid phone I've ever owned. From my experience, your claims are simply not true.
I had the original 2019 Motorola razr. I treated it like a precious heirloom. The screen started to have pixels die and the touch digitizer went out after 6 months. Kept it in a case and never dropped it.
I think there are a wide range of outcomes based on the manufacturing process but my experience has soured me on foldables. I’d rather use a mini phone instead. But it seems like the mini phone niche is just as small as the clamshell foldable one so I may have no choice at some point
It's only been two years though.
I just want a smaller phone with a headphone jack. The Jelly Star Max was almost perfect.
Have You seen Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro?
This looks awesome. A bit thicker than my liking but who can argue with that battery size.
A phone which can fit snuggly into even the tiniest of my jeans' pockets sounds really appealing. I've kept a loose eye on these things for a while now, but I've been constantly put off by the price, durability, and sacrifices made to other features. My carrier also rarely (if ever) seems to extend any sales or promos to folding/flipping phones like they do for others. They are extremely expensive - exceeding even top shelf iPhone Pro's and Pro Max's for price.
I legitimately hate those massive bricks we have nowadays. I dread the day my Pixel 4a breaks because I specifically bought that for its comfortable size. I'd absolutely love to see viable and affordable flip smartphones - especially in the non doubled size compartment (I really don't need to carry a freaking tablet around with me). I'm really dubious about the durability of those screens though. I keep my phones usually for many many years.
I picked up a flip4 just before the 5 was announced. They had a same whew you could trade in an older phone. I think I paid $500CAD + iPhone 12 mini for mine.
I'm 100% a flip convert. My only real complaint is the height, I would love a slightly smaller phone. The fact that it fits in all my pockets, I can put it anywhere without worrying about the screen, I can do things like small payments/ camera/ flashlight without opening it up. I love this thing and I can't imagine doing back.
I had to replace the screen protector last winter, turns out -40C causes it to lift up from the crease, but$20 later this protector held up all year.
A phone which can fit snuggly into even the tiniest of my jeans' pockets sounds really appealing.
Galaxy S3 had that 2013
I don't think I'll ever get a flip phone until they improve the clamshell design. I've got a friend who just had one die because their kid (denies, but likely did) closed something between the two halves and the top of the screen shattered and rendered the phone unusable.
She still has hers and has had it for a couple years, but that kind of fragility is a no go for my clumsy and forgetful ass.
