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The original was posted on /r/android by /u/Royale_w_Cheeeze on 2023-08-09 23:40:44+00:00.

Okay I just have to get this off my chest and see if anyone else feels this way.

Opinion: the Z-Fold form factor (not to be confused with the Z-Flip) is the most efficient of the android running foldables for one reason: one handed use, primarily texting and vertical oriented list apps. I’m writing this post on a Z-Fold 5 as well.

All the reviewers; MKBHD, Tech Chap, etc, all say the form factor of the Z-Fold series, mainly the front exterior screen candy bar style, is awkward and inferior to other foldables such as the One Plus or Pixel Fold. They say it makes the front screen unpleasant to use, not great for content viewing, and difficult to text or communicate using. The most head tilting part of the reviews came during the recent episode of the Waveform podcast, where it was stated that the pixel fold front screen is so great, they the interior is hardly used…and somehow that makes the phone better as a foldable.

I find this baffling. If I’m going to spend money on a foldable, its probably because I want to utilize the giant mini tablet sized interior screen, at least as often as the front screen. In addition, it seems like nobody talks about how the candy-bar form factor makes one handed communication and scrolling a breeze. I’m old enough to remember how the first smart phones were small and easy to use with one hand. The z-fold form factor gives the user the best of both worlds. Other foldables are, IMO, overkill on the exterior and make the interior less impressive or needed.

Are these feelings shared by anyone else? I hope that Samsung never changes this form factor, and it massively benefits Android the way it is.