Alright, before you come at me with the proverbial pitchforks, let me say this from the start: I understand that everyone uses their phone in their own way, and what might be good for one user may not be so for someone else.
No two people are alike. Even twin siblings grow up with wildly different personalities even if you can't tell them apart when you look at them. A smartphone user's preferences are often based on how they live their lives, what they do for a living, and various other factors.
How I use my phone changed back in 2019 when Samsung released its first foldable device. The original Galaxy Fold had issues, and it took some time for the Fold series to mature to a point where things like durability weren't as big of a concern as they initially were.
For the last five years, I have used Galaxy Z Fold phones as my daily drivers. At some point, I realized that I'm a fan of the approach Samsung has taken when it comes to the size and shape of the foldable form factor. In particular, I prefer the narrow cover screen.
Foldable devices are designed to give you the option to carry a large screen in your pocket without taking up too much space. So, being pocket-friendly is an important parameter for foldable phones, both those that fold horizontally and those that fold vertically.
It's one of the reasons why I love the Galaxy Z Fold lineup. And I'm willing to bet I'm not the only one. It may also be the reason why I and other diehard Galaxy Fold fans may not like the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold (6) Ultra/Galaxy Z Fold (6) Slim.
Foldables phones should be about unfolding more often, not less
According to rumors, the Fold Ultra/Slim is like two Galaxy S24 Ultras joined together in a body thinner than existing Folds, including this year's Galaxy Z Fold 6. That, along with superior cameras and possibly a bigger battery, will make the Ultra/Slim model a dream come true for many.
I can totally see why that would be the case. However, I think the Ultra/Slim will go against Samsung's philosophy for foldable phones. Yes, Samsung isn't exactly known to stick to its guns, but in the last five years, the company seems to have learned how to keep the design of its smartphones, foldables and otherwise, consistent and not make major changes for the sake of change.
It's likely because of that consistency that every Galaxy Z Fold smartphone has been pocket-friendly, which, as mentioned earlier, is what I prefer. I don't want a foldable device that is just two regular phones stuck together.
If your phone foldable phone has the same outer display as a regular candybar phone, are you really going to unfold it that often to make use of the bigger screen? What's the point of a foldable phone if you can do most things on the cover screen? Why spend so much on a foldable if you are going to leave its main attraction unused?
Again, I understand the point of the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra/Slim. I'm glad that Samsung is making a foldable for those who have been unwilling to get a Fold because they don't like the idea of having to use a TV remote-like narrow cover screen and want better cameras.
I, however, prefer Galaxy Z Fold smartphones in the size they are right now. I just hope Samsung will eventually offer better cameras on all Galaxy Z Fold models so users only have to decide how big they want the displays to be.
What's your opinion? Drop a comment on our Twitter/X account and let us know!
