I’ve had an iPhone for a long time. In reality, I’ve never used an Android phone for personal use. Although I had previously been intrigued by Android phones, I was content with Apple’s environment. Foldable cell phones have lately become popular, and I’d be lying if I claimed I didn’t want one. For the last month, I’ve finally got the opportunity to check out the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. Continue reading to learn how this iPhone user felt about the encounter.
Phones That Fold
For quite some time, Android phone makers have been releasing foldable phones. The early models of this type of smartphone were not exactly user-friendly. They resembled prototypes rather than final items.
Samsung released the first Galaxy Fold in 2019, which was a tablet that could be folded to become a phone or vice versa. The concept was intriguing, but Samsung released the phone before it was ready. It wasn’t long before complaints surfaced that the Galaxy Fold’s display was highly flimsy and easily broken.
And to be honest, I wasn’t surprised in the least. Manufacturers have to replace glass with flexible composite material to build a phone that folds. At the same time, Samsung failed to inform consumers that the screen protector that came installed by default could not be removed. It was a complete nightmare.
But, since the initial Galaxy Fold, Samsung has learned a lot. In 2020, Samsung unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, a foldable phone that does not convert into a tablet. This one piqued my curiosity more than the Galaxy Fold. I finally gave Samsung’s foldable phone a shot now that it’s in its second iteration (there was never a Galaxy Z Flip 2).
The Galaxy Z Flip 3’s First Impressions
Because the Galaxy Z Flip 3 comes “unfolded,” it felt like any other smartphone when I got it out of the package. However, the first thing I did when I got my hands on it was fold it. It’s hard to believe that there’s a smartphone with an OLED display that folds on purpose. The actual folding experience was an odd blend of nostalgia and high-tech.
The phone’s central hinge is safeguarded by a “strong Armor Aluminum Frame,” according to Samsung. I’m not sure how strong it is, but it seems like a sturdy hinge. (I lacked the courage to put that to the test.) In addition, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is waterproof.
The hinge has the advantage of holding the display at the angle you choose, so it’s highly adaptable in this sense. At the same time, the hinge is supple enough that you won’t worry about breaking the phone. Remember that unfolding the phone with only one hand is a complex process.
The weight of the iPhone is something that irritates me. The back of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is constructed of glass with an aluminum frame. Although the design is not as luxurious as that of the Galaxy S22 or even an iPhone 13 Pro, I must admit that it is rather stunning. And, while we’re on the subject of design, the Z Flip 3 is relatively light. It weighs 183 grams vs 240 grams for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, yet they’re nearly the same size.
It’s Foldable! So, What’s The Point?
Yes, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a foldable phone. But what does this entail for the user, particularly in the case of a device that does not convert into a tablet?
After the initial excitement has worn off, you may ask, “What will I do with a foldable phone? After a month of use, I discovered many valuable features that made me fall in love with this phone. For example, I may place it on a table to continue reading a recipe, an article, or even the lyrics to a song.
Samsung’s applications are tailored for foldable phones in some cases. When I fold the phone while browsing through my photographs, half of the screen transforms into a touchpad, allowing me to swipe between photos and even zoom in or out while the image is shown at the top.
This is also great for capturing group selfies from a distance without having someone hold the phone or for stabilizing the phone to take a better night shot.
Because some of my clothes have small pockets, putting the smasung Galaxy Z Flip 3 in my pocket is also easy. This should be ideal for folks who just have a little purse and can’t put a smartphone the size of the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
When the phone is closed, you may snap photographs using the back cameras, which produce higher-quality images than the front camera. A tiny display embedded into the rear of the Galaxy Z Flip enables this, and widgets like the time, weather, and calendar.
I can even use this external display to access Samsung Pay and pay in stores without having to unlock the phone by simply placing my finger on the fingerprint reader.
Android powers it.
As I already stated, this was my first touch with Android in years, and things have changed significantly since then. While using the Galaxy Z Flip 3, I haven’t observed any speed difficulties or programme crashes, thanks to Samsung’s One UI, which is pretty refined and snappy.
I’ve recently been having a lot of fun using Android. Thanks to Android, I can quickly move icons and widgets around on the home screen and even modify the appearance of notifications. I’ve never been interested in customizing my home screen or altering my phone’s layout features, but that might be because the iPhone didn’t provide me with these options.
When you pick a new wallpaper, you may change the colors of the entire system interface to match the image you’ve chosen. It’s a small thing, but it adds to the enjoyment of the user experience.
It’s also appealing to have the option of sideloading and changing default applications. I can select my default keyboard, music player, camera app, and other options. Samsung’s One UI also includes several valuable features, such as rapid clipboard access from the keyboard. I also noted that, in comparison to iOS, the UI is simpler to operate with one hand.
I particularly like the phone’s always-on display, which allows me to see the battery level without turning it on.
The multitasking capabilities of Android are also far superior to those of iOS.
On the other hand, I can see the features that make iOS appealing to me. On the Apple side, there is a lot more uniformity between programmes. Overall, iOS apps follow the same design rules as Android apps, and their usability is comparable.
Developers devote more attention to iOS applications than Android apps in apps like Twitter and Instagram, which lack some of the actions and refinements have seen on the iPhone. It’s also worth noting that there aren’t many third-party apps that use foldable screens.
The Environment of Samsung
Samsung, like Apple, has been attempting to develop its ecosystem of products and services. Although Samsung does not create the software that runs on its phones and laptops, they may readily communicate. Galaxy customers may use their Windows PCs to view alerts, text messages, calls, and even clipboards.
When it came to accessories, pairing the Galaxy Buds 2 with the Z Flip 3 was simple and identical to pairing AirPods with iOS. It’s as simple as opening the earphones case and placing it near your phone.
But, more importantly, I thought the interplay between Galaxy phones and other Samsung devices, such as washing machines and smart TVs, was fascinating. I can reflect what’s on my TV to my phone, and I can even set my Z Flip 3 to silence the TV when I take a call automatically.
Although Apple still has a more robust ecosystem, Samsung has gained ground in this area.
The apple orchard is surrounded by a walled garden.
My major issue with Android was not with the operating system itself but with Apple’s “walled garden” policy. Some data from iCloud, such as contacts and emails, may be retrieved, but it’s not simple.
Good luck with your images, data, and other items stored on iCloud. The iCloud online app is the sole method to access them on Android. But it was iMessage that I truly missed when using Android.
There’s a lot of talk about this, and now I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating it is to be unable to use iMessage on other devices. With WhatsApp and Telegram, I can effortlessly contact my friends and family from any platform. However, I could not receive or send messages on my Galaxy phone.
Apple has been gradually introducing some of its services, such as Apple Music, to other platforms (which work better on Android than iOS). Unfortunately, the corporation continues to do all it can to discourage people from migrating to Android. You can make the change, but you will undoubtedly lose some crucial information.
Other Information About The Galaxy Z Flip 3
I use the most camera on my phone, and while the Galaxy Z Flip 3 has a decent camera, it’s not as excellent as the iPhone 13 Pro or other flagship phones. The 12-megapixel wide and super-wide cameras perform admirably in the daylight, but images shot at night are washed out.
Although the quality isn’t excellent, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 can also take 4K video at 60 frames per second. It does, however, include a “Super Slo-mo” option, which shoots short films at 960 frames per second for a dramatic effect.
The built-in speakers are of average quality, but the 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is fantastic. And, like the iPhone’s notch, you can see and feel the crease in the center of the display, but it’s something you ultimately forget about.
Having a phone with a USB-C port, by the way, is incredible. I can use the same cable to charge my MacBook, iPad, Galaxy phone, and other Samsung products. In the meanwhile, iPhone users may still use Lightning. I’ve also attempted reverse charging, which can come in handy in an emergency, although not a big deal.
However, the battery life is poor. If you’re not a heavy user, it should last a day. However, I generally have to recharge it twice a day.
The Final Decision
I had a lot of fun with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. I’d become accustomed to the iPhone and had forgotten how thrilling it is to get my hands on cutting-edge technology. More than that, I enjoyed learning how to use the capabilities of Android.
I don’t believe foldable phones are ready for everyone yet. But the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the foldable phone that gets the closest to becoming one for the public. And it’s the foldable phone that has persuaded me that a foldable iPhone is something I’d like to see in the future.
Foldable phones aren’t quite revolutionary, but you’ll come to like them after using one. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for foldable phones.
And, of course, I had more fun with Android than I had anticipated. For many reasons, I don’t think I’ll ever replace my iPhone, but I do enjoy the notion of having a backup Android phone.
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