New Galaxy Fold Hands-on: 5 Things I Like and 3 Things I Hate

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Is it repaired? And is it finally worth $ 2,000?

So far, I have spent several hours with the new and improved Galaxy Fold, and it seems definitely fixed. On the one hand, Samsung has brought a ton of improvements to the sustainability of this smartphone. The company also goes beyond expectations with dedicated customer service for this luxury product.

On the other hand, Samsung has compromised the premium user experience in a boring way (thanks to the help of a partner), and some of my complaints remain from the Galaxy Fold d & # 39; # 39; origin.

Here are 5 things that I like and 3 that I hate about this foldable phone because of my limited time with mega phablet.

GALAXY FOLD: WHAT I LIKE

The Galaxy Fold feels more robust

Samsung has made four key improvements to the design of the Galaxy Fold to prevent the collapse of this foldable phone, like some original exam samples. First, it has enlarged the top display so that users do not accidentally remove it. Samsung has also placed plugs on Fold's hinges to prevent debris from entering the design and has reduced the gap between the two parts of the screen when the phone is closed. Finally, there is a metal layer under the display for increased rigidity.

The opening and closing of the Galaxy Fold is smoother this time thanks to the improved design, and the clasp is still satisfactory. But only time will tell if these improvements go far enough.

The Galaxy Fold display is still magical (even with the fold)

Although I have not played with a Galaxy Fold for months, there is still something impressive about being able to easily switch from phone mode to a 7.3-inch mini-tablet. Whether I frame photos in Times Square or watch the Star Wars trailer: The Awakening of Skywalker on YouTube, this Super AMOLED panel is very immersive. In addition, Samsung's application continuity feature makes it easy, for example, to watch a video or browse a map on a small screen and instantly transition to a larger area. The fold is still visible, but it does not bother me so much so far.

Improved Galaxy Fold customer service

Each Galaxy Fold is now bundled with the Galaxy Fold Premier service, designed to provide customers with a concierge experience. It comes with dedicated support 24/7 and access to Fold experts. (I asked and you get help from the United States during office hours in the United States.

You can also have video chats with Premier representatives or even schedule individual sessions where an expert can meet you. I look forward to trying this over the next few days.

All you need is in the box, including Galaxy Buds and a case

For almost $ 2,000, you should expect surprises in the box with the Galaxy Fold, which Samsung offers exactly with a pair of Galaxy buttons powered by AKG. And since the Galaxy Fold offers a reverse wireless charge, you can charge the buttons by simply placing them on the back of the phone.

Samsung also offers a soft case with the Galaxy Fold, available in two parts and offering a pleasant feeling to the touch. However, I found that the front had slipped too easily from left to right.

GALAXY FOLD: WHAT I DO NOT LIKE

The Galaxy Fold has far too much AT & T bloatware

I could not believe my eyes after installing the Galaxy Fold and slid to the right to see the second home screen. I've counted no less than 19 AT & T pre-downloaded apps. These range from games like GOT: Conquest and the CNN app to DirecTV Now and Visual Voicemail. For a device with $ 2,000, you deserve a white board for software, but that may be the price you pay for doing business with AT & T. (T-Mobile was going to wear the Galaxy Fold until Until it retires after the initial delay.)

It's still quite bulky

As a carrier of an iPhone XS Max quite imposing, it is clear that the Galaxy Fold is a bulky device. It weighs 9.5 ounces heavy, versus 7.97 ounces for the iPhone 11 Pro Max. It is therefore much heavier than the biggest phone of Apple.

The Galaxy Fold is also pretty thick once folded, so I really noticed it by pressing my legs when I climbed the stairs. It is a phone that is better placed in a breast pocket or purse.

Galaxy Fold lacks 5G

The Galaxy Fold is one of the most modern phones, but its network technology is not in the future. While the iPhone 11 series suffers from the same flaw, the difference is that Samsung already offers 5G versions of its other flagship products Galaxy S10 5G and Galaxy Note 10 Plus 5G. It does not make much sense to leave its flagship high-level product outside the 5G mix.

Galaxy Fold Outlook

I will spend much more time in the coming days with the new and improved Galaxy Fold, but for now, I would say that my enthusiasm has not weakened for the idea of owning a foldable phone. I like the possibility of having a big screen when I want a single screen and a smaller display when I need it to be able to view the notifications. I'm just not sure to make Galaxy Fold 1.5 my first choice.

Stay tuned for our comprehensive test results, benchmarks, camera comparisons and more.

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