Title: Why I Rejected Book-Style Foldables After Months with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6
Foldable smartphones have been celebrated as the next big thing in mobile technology for quite some time. Their innovative designs and the potential to merge phone and tablet features into a single device have certainly piqued the interest of tech fans. I counted myself among them. I immersed myself in the foldable realm, beginning with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and eventually transitioning to more advanced book-style foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Pixel Fold, and most recently, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6.
After utilizing the latest foldables for months, I’ve reached an unexpected realization: the form factor simply doesn’t suit me. Here’s why.
The Enticement of Foldables — and the Truth
Upon first experiencing a book-style foldable, I was taken with excitement. The concept of having a tablet-sized display that could fold into a phone-sized gadget appeared to be the pinnacle of convenience and productivity. I envisioned watching videos on a more expansive screen, handling multiple tasks through split-screen apps, and immersing myself in gaming on a larger display. However, as time passed, the initial excitement faded, and the limitations became increasingly clear.
The Front Screen Paradox
One of the most significant revelations was the minimal use of the main foldable display. Despite having a substantial, tablet-like screen available, I discovered that I was relying on the cover screen 90% of the time. Why? Because it’s quicker, simpler, and feels more natural. Unfolding the device for every little task, like checking notifications or browsing social media, became a hassle. The straightforward convenience of a conventional smartphone design outshone the foldable experience.
Media Consumption Is Not as Impressive as Anticipated
I had high expectations for media viewing on foldables. A larger screen should equate to an enhanced experience, correct? Unfortunately, that was not the reality. Much of the video content is presented in widescreen format, which means it doesn’t fully leverage the square-like aspect ratio of foldables such as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Galaxy Z Fold 6. Watching YouTube or Netflix frequently resulted in large black bars at the top and bottom of the screen, rendering the enjoyment only slightly improved over that of a regular phone.
Productivity and Gaming: Unfulfilled Potential
I also anticipated that foldables would excel in productivity and gaming tasks. While functionalities like split-screen multitasking perform adequately, they are not exclusive to foldables and are found in various Android devices. Furthermore, many applications fail to utilize the expanded screen effectively. For example, Chrome still hesitates to display numerous websites in desktop mode, even with the main screen activated.
Gaming turned out to be another disappointment. The Tensor G4 chip in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold struggled with graphically intense games like Fortnite, providing substandard visuals and frame rates. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 fared better but still necessitated a separate controller for a truly satisfying experience. In both scenarios, the foldable design did not enhance gaming enough to warrant the drawbacks.
Comfort and Portability
Book-style foldables are cumbersome, and there’s no denying it. Even when closed, they are thicker and heavier than standard smartphones. This makes pocket-carrying less comfortable and one-handed usage more challenging. Typing on the wide cover screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was particularly frustrating, and its overall ergonomics fell short compared to a conventional flagship phone.
A Jack of All Trades, Expert at None
Ultimately, book-style foldables aim to fulfill multiple roles — serving as a phone, tablet, productivity tool, and gaming console — but they don’t particularly excel in any area. After trying to integrate them into my everyday life for years, I realized that I’d prefer separate devices that excel in their designated functions.
For the cost of a single foldable like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Pixel 9 Pro Fold, you could acquire a Pixel 9, a Pixel Tablet, and a Steam Deck. This combination provides a superior phone, an improved tablet experience, and a great gaming device — all without the sacrifices tied to a foldable.
What Lies Ahead?
While I’m moving away from book-style foldables, I’m not writing off foldables altogether. Clamshell models like the Galaxy Z Flip or Motorola Razr provide a more compact and user-friendly experience, and I may consider them down the line. For now, I’m returning to a traditional smartphone — and I have no intention of looking back.
Conclusion
Foldables represent an exhilarating innovation and still possess a niche in the market. However, after months of practical experience, I’ve concluded that the book-style form factor isn’t a fit for me. The trade-offs in usability, ergonomics, and performance far outweigh the advantages of a larger screen. Sometimes
