I’ve used iPhones for a very long time. In actuality, I’ve never used an Android phone for personal use. Even though I had previously had an interest in Android smartphones, I was content with the Apple environment. Foldable smartphones have recently gained popularity, and I’d be lying if I claimed I didn’t want one. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 has now been available for me to test out for the past month. Continue reading for this iPhone user’s reflections on the situation.
As a form of tablet that could be folded into a phone or vice versa, Samsung unveiled the first Galaxy Fold in 2019. The concept was good, but Samsung released that phone before it was ready. It didn’t take long for tales of the Galaxy Fold display’s extreme fragility and ease of breakage to flood the internet.
In all honesty, I wasn’t at that surprised. Manufacturers had to use a flexible composite material in place of glass in order to create phones that fold. Samsung hadn’t informed users that they couldn’t remove the screen protector that was pre-installed at the same time. It was a nightmare .
But since the initial Galaxy Fold, Samsung has made a lot of progress. The business unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip, a foldable phone that doesn’t convert into a tablet, in 2020. I thought this one was significantly more intriguing than the Galaxy Fold. I finally gave Samsung’s foldable phone a try now that it is in its second iteration (there was never a Galaxy Z Flip 2).
Update: The Galaxy Z Flip 3’s display is still not entirely reliable, as 9to5Google’s Ben Schoon discovered. However, I haven’t experienced any display issues while I’ve been using the phone.
Initial thoughts on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Since the Galaxy Z Flip 3 arrives unfolded, it felt like any other smartphone when I took it out of the packaging. But the first thing I did when I got my hands on it was fold it. It’s simply incomprehensible that a real smartphone exists with an OLED display that consciously folds. When you folded it, a strange blend of technology and nostalgia came over you.
According to Samsung, the phone’s center hinge is shielded by a sturdy Armor Aluminum Frame. Although I am unable to estimate its strength, the hinge feels solid to the touch. Additionally, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is waterproof. (I lacked the courage to try that out.)
The hinge has the advantage of holding the display at the desired angle, making it highly adaptable in this aspect. The hinge is supple enough that you don’t worry that you’ll damage the phone while at the same time. Just remember that it’s not exactly simple to unfold the phone with one hand.
The back of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is constructed of glass, while the frame is aluminum. Although the design is not as high-end as that of the Galaxy S22 or even an iPhone 13 Pro, I must admit that it is beautiful. While we’re on the subject of design, the Z Flip 3 is incredibly light. They weigh almost the same at 183g compared to the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s 240g. I am definitely bothered by the iPhone’s weight.
IT FRAPS! WHAT THEN? Therefore, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a foldable phone. But what does this actually mean for the user, particularly in the case of a device that doesn’t transform into a tablet?
You may be wondering what you’ll do with a foldable phone after the first excitement wears off. I like this phone after using it for a month and finding some cool features. For instance, I could set it down on a table and continue reading a recipe, an article, or even song lyrics.
Some Samsung applications have been tailored for foldable phones. I can swipe between photos and even zoom in and out when the image is displayed at the top of the screen if I fold the phone while looking through my photos.
This is also helpful for stabilizing the phone to capture better nighttime photos or taking group selfies from a distance without someone holding the phone.
I can also fit the Galaxy Z Flip 3 more easily because some of my trousers have small pockets. This should be useful for those who only carry a small handbag, which typically wouldn’t accommodate a smartphone the size of the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The rear cameras can be used to take pictures when the phone is closed, producing images that are superior to those taken by the front camera. This is made possible via a tiny display that is integrated into the rear of the Galaxy Z Flip and displays additional widgets in addition to the time, weather, and calendar.
Even without opening the phone, I can use Samsung Pay from this external display to pay at stores by placing my finger on the fingerprint reader.
IT USE ANDROID. This was my first interaction with Android in a long time, as I already mentioned, and things have changed significantly. Overall, I haven’t experienced any performance difficulties or app crashes while using the Galaxy Z Flip 3 because Samsung’s One UI is pretty polished and snappy.
To be really honest, I’ve been enjoying myself immensely using Android lately. I never gave much thought to personalizing my phone’s interface or home screen, but perhaps that’s because the iPhone didn’t provide me these options. Icons, widgets, and even the notification design may all be moved around freely on Android’s home screen.
You have the option to change the colors of the entire system interface to match the image you have selected when you select a new wallpaper. Although it is a small change, it improves the user experience.
Another allure is the independence of sideloading and changing default programs. I have a choice of my default music player, camera app, keyboard, and anything else. Furthermore, Samsung’s One UI boasts a number of incredibly clever features, such easy access to the clipboard from the keyboard. The interface is also simpler to use with one hand than iOS, I’ve discovered.
The fact that the phone’s display is constantly on and allows me to see the battery level without turning it on was another feature I enjoyed.
The multitasking skills of Android are also undoubtedly superior than those of iOS. I never considered how beneficial it would be on a phone to be able to split the screen between two programs or even open a floating window, but trust me, it is.
I can plainly see the features of iOS, in comparison, that appeal to me. On the Apple side, there is far better consistency between apps. The majority of iOS apps adhere to the same design principles, and their usability is comparable.
It is evident from apps like Twitter and Instagram that developers give iOS apps more consideration than Android apps, which lack some of the movements and refinements found on iPhones. Additionally, bear in mind that hardly any third-party apps make use of flexible displays.
THE ECOSYSTEM OF SAMSUNG Samsung has been attempting to develop its own ecosystem of goods and services, much like Apple. Samsung does not create the software that runs on its smartphones or laptops, but they may nevertheless readily communicate with one another. From their Windows computers, Galaxy users may easily access notifications, texts, calls, and even clipboards.
When it comes to accessories, pairing the Galaxy Buds 2 with the Z Flip 3 was incredibly simple and resembled that of using AirPods with iOS. Simple as opening the earphone case next to your phone.
But even more so, I thought the way Galaxy phones interact with other Samsung goods, like washing machines and smart TVs, is really cool. On my Z Flip 3, I can mirror what’s on my TV to my phone and even enable a feature that would mute the TV when I get a call.
Samsung has been gaining ground in this area, but Apple still has a stronger ecosystem.
WALLED GARDEN OF APPLES My major issue with Android was not really with Android itself, but rather with Apple’s walled-off environment. Getting data from iCloud, like as contacts and emails, is possible but not very simple.
Good luck with your iCloud files, images, and other belongings. The iCloud online app is the sole way to access them on Android. But iMessage was something I really missed when using Android.
Theres a whole discussion about this , and I could now see how frustrating it is to be unable to use iMessage on other systems. With the use of apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, I can effortlessly communicate with my friends and family from any platform. On the other hand, I was unable to send and receive iMessages when I was using my Galaxy phone.
Apple has gradually expanded the availability of some of its services on other platforms, including Apple Music ( Foldable phones 0 ). But regrettably, the business continues to take every possible measures to discourage people from making a transfer to Android. You can change, but you will undoubtedly lose some crucial information.
OTHER GALAXY Z FLIP 3 INFORMATION The camera on my phone is one of the functions I use the most, and while the Galaxy Z Flip 3 has a respectable camera, it is not as good as the cameras on the iPhone 13 Pro or other flagship devices. The 12-megapixel wide and super wide cameras capture images well in bright light, but images captured at night appear washed out.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 can also record 4K video at 60 frames per second, although the output isn’t particularly good. The Super Slo-mo setting at least captures quick footage at 960 frames per second for an extremely dramatic look.
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is excellent, but the built-in speakers are only passably good. Like the iPhone’s notch, the crease in the middle of the display is something you can feel and notice at first but gradually forget about.
Having a phone with a USB-C port is, incidentally, truly great. Using the same wire, I can simply recharge my MacBook, iPad, Galaxy phone, and other Samsung products. iPhone still has Lightning in the interim. Reverse charging is something else I’ve tried, and while it’s not a big deal, it can be helpful in an emergency.
But the battery life is poor. If you’re not a heavy user, it should last all day, however I generally need to recharge it twice a day.
THE CONCLUSION
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Using the Galaxy Z Flip 3 was a blast. I forgot how thrilling it is to get my hands on cutting-edge technology because I was so accustomed to using the iPhone. More than that, I enjoyed learning how to use the capabilities of Android.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is undoubtedly the foldable that is the closest to being a foldable phone for the majority of people, though I don’t think foldable phones are now ready for everyone. And the foldable phone has definitely persuaded me to want a foldable iPhone in the future.
Although they are not precisely a revolution, foldable phones are becoming more and more popular. I’m eager to see what comes next with foldable phones.
Naturally, I liked using Android more than I had anticipated. For many reasons, I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of my iPhone, but I do like the concept of carrying a backup Android phone these days.
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