yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Google Pixel Fold] sawdoctor:
Not every one charges faster and you should really only be comparing this to other foldables. Unless you are willing to import and deal with Chinese software and warranty you can only compare this to galaxy fold. The galaxy wins on speed but honestly how fast do you want? Spen support and multitasking. Pixel wins on pretty much every thing else especially form factor.

As to the AI and machine learning pixel camera and features are better on the pixel ,ported cameras just don't work the same. Gmail,google assistant, clear call and many more AI features work better on pixels.

You are missing the most important point about android and that's choice, you can pick from so many manufacturers with different flavours that suits you best. I absolutely love Samsung software and always have but I miss root and prefer the form factor of the pixel. I choose a foldable and choose the pixel as it's the best one for me. It's not the best phone for you so you choose a different one
[Google Pixel Fold] force70:
In the case of the Fold i would agree however the pixel 7 pro was a steal. Way cheaper then my S23 ultra and the 7 pro is a great device.

The pixel fold is absolutely overpriced for an unproven 1st gen device with last years chip in it.
[Google Pixel Fold] TheMystic:
Yes. That's what happened when Pixels were Nexus. People just fell for the branding. Quality and brand image are two different things.

I'm talking of another company making the exact same phone without declaring association in any form with Google. That phone wouldn't sell if it were to be priced like the Pixels, even if everything is identical.

We are only talking of devices available in your market. If you like pixel because there are no other brands available in your region, then it is simply a lack of choice. I too wouldn't recommend importing a device meant for another region, because in case of a problem, it becomes a real headache with no local support.

They may not work on other devices in the exact same way as they do on Pixel, but are often good enough. But the compromises one has to make with the Pixels are just too many.

Absolutely. You should always choose what works best for you.

The issue here is only whether the phone is worth the money it is selling for. If you picked one at a good discount, then it is a good deal. Today, this tech has advanced to a point where even budget phones around the $300 mark perform daily tasks really well. The only real difference provided by expensive phones is the camera performance. My OP8T and iQOO Neo 6 do everything my S22U does just as efficiently, and the only thing that seprates the S22U is the camera performance.

So, no phone is bad. The question is just whether the price it is selling for is justified, given what the competition offers.

It is only meant for people who just want a Pixel fold. I wouldn't buy it even if it sells for $800.
[Google Pixel Fold] sawdoctor:
The thread is literally about the pixel fold you can only compare it to other foldables. If you compare the s23 to the fold 4 it destroys it. People buying the pixel fold want a foldable phone so most only have the choice pixel or Samsung. If you don't want a foldable of course there are much better value phones
[Google Pixel Fold] TheMystic:
Everything I said about Pixels in general hold true for the Fold too, and more. It is way overpriced for what it has to offer.

The Pixel Fold does look 4 generations behind the Galaxy Fold 4.

For me, foldables are still not good enough. I would consider buying one when they provide true tablet like experience in the unfolded state. I guess that would be atleast 3 years from now.

There are people who prefer iPhones over Android. I'm not surprised if people prefer the current foldables over the bars. Just get the one that makes you happiest. It is okay if one cannot explain the choice made.
[Google Pixel Fold] krabman:
Damn, there go those opinions stated as facts again.

It's an observation but I can think of many phones I wouldn't buy for a number of reasons and I'm on none of those forums. I mean, don't you have something better to do?
[Google Pixel Fold] TheMystic:
OP asked for opinions, and I have given mine with all honesty. My opinions are indeed based on facts and first hand experiences.

OP wasn't seeking validation. If you're butthurt, you need to grow up. And of course you're free to call facts as opinions. It won't change anything.
[Google Pixel Fold] sawdoctor:
Opinions are great but everyones are different. Plenty of people must disagree with yours for the simple fact the Pixel fold is out of stock atm. You are not alone in thinking the fold is overpriced and under powered a lot do but plenty of people must think it's worth the money as they have bought it or are going to buy it
[Google Pixel Fold] TheMystic:
Hope you're aware that this is also a strategy to create a positive image about a product.

Around the time Apple launches the new Apple watch, I see a lot of articles on how an Apple watch saved someone's life. Makes me laugh. But there are many people who get sold on these paid articles.

Every big brand has its own fanbase. And big brands often manage to sell an inferior product at an inflated price. That's the power of marketing and hype.
[Google Pixel Fold] sawdoctor:
I also hope you your aware opinions aren't facts and your opinions are just that yours and no one else's
[Google Pixel Fold] krabman:
I said nothing against your opinion nor that of anyone else; I've no grief with anyone expressing them, including you. You however often express your opinions as fact and continue to do just that. The sense I get is that you don't even realize it.

That would bring me to your second paragraph. I have grandchildren but I manage to learn every day so I suppose you could say I am still growing up. No butthurt going on; I've already gotten to where I just skim through your posts because you're not adding anything of value; and there is nowwhere to go with "It sucks, anyone who disagrees is stupid." Unfortunately, that would be a succinct way to paraphrase your entire time on this subsection. The phone sucks. You've spoken. The end. Everyone should agree because of course you're right and everyone else is wrong. That how it works?

In any event my question was one of curiosity;. not concern for what you are or aren't doing. I don't have enough time in the day to go to random forums and post about something I don't own and never will. Even if I did, I wouldn't because it serves no purpose I can discern and that time could be invested in something I actually am interested in and/or care about. I was just wondering what drives the behavior.
[Google Pixel Fold] krabman:
So I had said I was going to wait on getting a case until something nice came out but I changed my mind. A Spigen Thin Fit showed up today. Nothing much to say about the case itself, it's typical Spigen and exactly what you'd expect.

The form factor however... That gets your attention. It's one thing to see it in videos, another to hold an empty case in your hand. It really brings home the width and it's squatter than I expected. I don't see this as a bad thing, it's what I wanted. But wow, it's different after so many taller phones.
[Google Pixel Fold] TheMystic:
You have the option to ignore a member whose posts don't add value to you:

This will save you a lot of time.

I'm answering this only as a respect for your age. I'm not on any social media because those are mostly fake. Fake people posting fake stuff. I like being on knowledge based forums where I get to learn things I don't know and share things which I do know (and I'm fully aware it may not add value to everyone). So it really doesn't matter if I'm interacting in a sub-forum about a device that I don't own. It is not the device, but the category that interests me. Pixels are like the undeserving candidates who get promoted over more deserving ones. I have given my reasons why I think so. And it is perfectly fine if you or anyone disagrees with it.
[Google Pixel Fold] jmelvin:
I saw this case as well. But the Pitaka aramid case with magsafe won me over.
[Google Pixel Fold] krabman:
I saw that one; love the look of CF. Mine will be replaced whenever a nice leather wallet comes out. I like the feel of leather in hand so just a personal choice rather than a knock against other car types.

Have you received it? I'm curious if you had the same reaction I did.
[Google Pixel Fold] notnoelchannel:
Hmm. I guess I can make an off-topic (Google Pixel Fold discussion/etc) thread if that's okay

mod reply: that is not necessary. You/Anyone can direct this/their thread how you/they see fit. --simplepinoi177
[Google Pixel Fold] rodken:
+1
[Google Pixel Fold] jmelvin:
I have not received it yet. I currently have the Oppo Find N2, so I am familiar with the size. I know it will be ever so slightly larger but thinner!
[Google Pixel Fold] krabman:
Ah, how has that one been as far as the form factor goes?
[Google Pixel Fold] notnoelchannel:
I've edited the thread's name. Also please view post #1
[Google Pixel Fold] simplepinoi177:
MOD ANNOUNCEMENT​

Alright everyone, after speaking with the OP (@notnoelchannel) "off-topic is acceptable at a point in the opinions". It should be outlined in the OP. But I will still leave part of my original PSA regarding decorum, bickering, and insults.

Criticism (which any/all criticisms are to only be in regards and restricted to mobile phone related matters) is to be constructive, objective, reasonable, and to keep personal opinion (mobile phone related matters notwithstanding) & attacks out of it. Although you might have your own personal reasons to be against certain things, criticisms about it should still have a modicum of respect and courtesy, and that nothing positive comes from posting in a "demanding, argumentative, disrespectful, and/or self-righteous manner" (as stated in Forum Rule 2.3). Personal insults and mockery is

NOT

necessary either!

Please refrain from any antagonistic or mocking remarks whose only purpose is to incite defensiveness, confrontation, and/or further bickering; as seen in post #78 ("something better"), post #79 ("butthurt"), post #83 ("everybody should agree"). Refraining from addressing them will keep from leading to more arguments and insults. It is better to ignore and refrain from even responding than to reply and fuel the fire more.

Thank you everyone. Your cooperation is appreciated,

simplepinoi177 FSM
[Google Pixel Fold] Sh0X31:
I'm really interested but for 1800€ i rather buy a PC. I'll wait for a good price drop.
[Google Pixel Fold] ncr100:
Amazon has $40 (-coupon) USD Spigen.

I cancelled my $60 Google Case, yesterday. I pre-ordered the fold on, like, the 12th, incidentally.

At announcement the case selection was mediocre, broadly.

It's more complex than that. And I feel this is partially accurate for a focused analysis. Though I believe I may think differently about the subject: I think of a phone in terms of how it impacts my life. It's a broader consideration I think than that characterization zeros in on.

- "Phones as hardware"

Each Pixel model has been a compromise, hardware wise, relative to One Plus, and Samsung's home-grown CPU devices. Also one-off hardware issues appear sporadically in Pixel models.

I'm anxious about owning the Fold over its useful lifetime, as it could really turn into a crap storm. The screen implementation seems modest, so that's a plus, but I speculate there will be issues with internal components that impacts me, within 6 months, based on my prior Pixel experience. I am $pending for the extra coverage, to mitigate my worry.

Google's middling hardware is admirable for average users, more recently vs early generations. ["Q" comes to mind...hardly usable TV STB/gaming.]

- "Phones as a messaging and information utility ecosystem component"

The software updates (security) + Fi wireless service (no spams, simplicity) + photo app (novel) + discounts / trade-ins / rebates / freebies are beneficial. The rebates can negate the flagship prices, in my view mainly for those who invest in the ecosystem.

TL;DR: Case too expensive, superior 3rd party available. Phone excels due to ecosystem, hardware is designed for average users. Pay $ for ecosystem.
[Google Pixel Fold] TheMystic:
That is true. They are plagued with modem issues, heating issues, battery drain, and other problems. From what I read on the internet, users living in colder environments are the ones who are mostly happy.

While I understand hardware problems are due to mediocre internals, what I don't understand is why there are plenty of software problems. There is way too little happening on the Pixels (which is a good thing) compared to phones from other brands, yet the software has many of the same problems seen on other brands, and more.

People are happy paying for being Beta testers.

Yes, Pixels are not meant for heavy use. So if you aren't a heavy user, you'll probably not complain as much.

Not sure if these count as 'eco-system'.

When Google launched the first Pixel, it was a very average device, but with a unique benefit: unlimited Google Photos storage in original quality for life. Google offered that not just from a marketing perspective, but also because they knew their hardware was mediocre. Now that benefit too has been taken away.

Somehow, the iPhones' success that catapulted Apple to becoming a trillion dollar company is playing into the minds of other brands.

The iPhones are way too overpriced for what they offer (which is what made Apple a trillion dollar company), but the branding and marketing has ensured that consumers continue to view it as a premium product.

Yes they have something unique to offer and perform some things better than any other phone in the market, but the premium people are paying is NOT necessarily for a better experience, but for several other reasons such as being locked into an ecosystem (past purchases, subscriptions, other devices from Apple, etc.), unaware of how much better Android has become (they still think Android devices lag , stutter, freeze, etc.), owning something less common (iPhones sell more only in the USA and Japan; everywhere else it is Android that has a larger market share), etc.

There are some seriously annoying things about iPhones that people simply live with. Yet iPhones post positive growth most years. This is the same path that Google is unfortunately trying to chart for itself. Looking at the design choices being made for Google apps, there is more reason to believe this is true.

Fortunately, unlike iOS, Android is open source and available for adaptation by other brands. So far, most of them are doing a better job than Google.

If people choose Pixel because of a lack of choice in the market (or misconceptions about products from other brands), it is another story though.
[Google Pixel Fold] krabman:
According to a Goog exec (Head of Design for Hardware Products, Ivy Ross) there was a second foldable deemed not good enough; a copy past from his comments in a podcast...

I’m really proud of the team because there was another foldable model that we had created, that we had the discipline to hold back and say ‘nope, it’s not good enough yet,’ and really wait until we felt like we could do something that was good enough or better than what was out there already.
[Google Pixel Fold] rodken:
I was also concerned about durability, but a Google rep released a demo reporting that the hinge has been torture tested for up to 200,000 folds, matching Samsung’s Z Fold’s durability claims. Plus, it’s made from a multi-alloy steel and the displays are made from Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

-- Only real field testing among the masses will tell.
[Google Pixel Fold] jairusz:
From what the Z Fold 2 through 4 owners post on Reddit it's a bit alarming seeing pictures of the same crack down the center of the fold on the regular. Sure, they represent a small set of Fold owners but the fact that the screen breaking from the regular action of unfolding not even a year of ownership for each generation is worrying. Also some Galaxy Folds stop folding all the way after some time.

Hopefully Google actually produces a durable foldable and Samsung finally solves the spontaneous cracking of their inner screens with the Fold 5.
[Google Pixel Fold] TheMystic:
When I said Pixels aren't meant for heavy use, it wasn't really about the hinge or the glass, but the processor and battery. The phones heat up badly and start throttling, besides battery drain.

For Pixels in general, if you are an average user (no heavy tasks, no prolonged use), then you may not complain, especially if you live in a cold place. But for that kind of use, you might as well buy a budget device which are just as good (often better), and also available for much less. Pixels are like the base variant of any car, but selling at the price of fully loaded top-end variants.

It will be interesting to see how well the display holds up, even if the hinge lasts long enough. I don't have high hopes about this device.
[Google Pixel Fold] TheMystic:
That just proves that real life usage is very different from factory testing in controlled environments.

While I wish good for all the buyers of this device, I would also suggest that they think well before buying it.
[Google Pixel Fold] sawdoctor:
I've had the zfold 3 for nearly 2 years now and durability wise it's been fine. I've dropped it so many times and only thing on it is a small scratch on the hinge.

The one issue there is and pixel fold will be the same is the inner screen protector. It will fail overtime at the hinge and either lift away or crack. I've changed mine twice in 2 years because of that but I've changed the outer screen protector a lot more due to scratches , bubbles etc
[Google Pixel Fold] rodken:
Your findings also hold true for the Z Flip 3 5G.
[Google Pixel Fold] ncr100:
I'm excited about the form factor being pleasantly thin, when collapsed.

[ Based upon handling my currently empty Pixel Fold phone case: ]

I received the Spigen case, clear TPU, and conclude the fold will feel like a "small, chunky phone" relative to what I'm used to with my pixel 7 Pro. I have a medium to large hand for a guy, thin fingers. Holding the collapsed case, I notice mainly the height being "stubby." Impressions that come to mind for thickness are "justified" and "really not that bad."
[Google Pixel Fold] krabman:
Yep, my zf2 is still fine, had it from the day it released. Same with XFold. Can't say that about the first fold; the hinge was getting creaky and the screen cover was giving up. But, I think we all know how it went with that one.

In any event, I'm not too worried about it; I've broken plenty of rectangles and I'm sure I'll break a folding device sooner or later: It happens.

Frankly I hear a lot more complaints about the durability of folding phones from people who've never owned one then I ever read on the forums with owners.
[Google Pixel Fold] jairusz:
The foldable phone, at least from Samsung as both the Folds and Flips are the only ones I've owned and followed, have a durability problem and it's too fragile to own such an expensive device. In my experience in owning the Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4 and Z Flip 3, you have to really take care of this phone to prevent it from breaking under normal use whether it's keeping the phone covered when taking it to the beach to constantly keeping the hinge clean so the phone will continue to completely unfold. Maybe I'm just neurotic when it comes to keeping expensive phones functioning. Regardless, it's still too much maintenance to get accustomed to for an expensive, fragile device when people can just keep buying their regular slab phone and not have to deal it.

As of not even 24 hours of this post being written there is a recent post of the same damaged inner screen on Reddit and just within this single post below there are comments from other owners who experienced the same damaged screen. Cracked without external damage and just from unfolding. I'm surprised no one has made the seemingly obligatory "congrats, your Fold is now a Duo!" joke yet. If iPhones had a chance suddenly not working from turning the screen on at the same rate of Galaxy Folds breaking from its intended purpose of unfolding way before reaching 200k folds, it would actually make headlines and there would be a recall.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyFold/comments/13w7cgj

I really hope this doesn't happen with the Pixel Fold and for all the Galaxy Z Fold owners who mocked the bezel, if that's what it takes to not have the middle of the inner screen spontaneously crack, I'll switch to purchasing Pixel Folds permanently even with it's undercooked tablet features compared to One UI.
[Google Pixel Fold] TheMystic:
No. What you said is 100% true.

That's not likely though. Apple is an arrogant company that doesn't respect it's users' feedback. If they did, they wouldn't have continued using the flawed 'butterfly' keyboard for 5 years, despite so many complaints, and more importantly, Apple knowing about the design flaw for long. And this is just one example. There are many others.

Apple’s Butterfly Keyboard Fiasco Leads to a $50M Settlement

The class action lawsuit alleged that the company knew about the problems with its MacBook keyboards.

www.wired.com
[Google Pixel Fold] ncr100:
I worry about the Fold and About OS: have recent versions of Android have kept up with the concept of multiple simultaneous screens?

In more detail :

I have a concern, deriving from the fact Google had to update 50 plus applications so that they would work correctly in This foldable's environment. Google touts that mass update as a pro, in marketing around the fold. However the fact that the operating system doesn't already support multiple screens at different densities, as the article below mentions, is an enormous concern for me. I really don't want to see inches and inches of empty white space and a concentration of content on the left of my screen.

It would suck if third party applications have to be recompiled so that they are aware of the folded screen. In fact, if that's the case, then my mind will be blown. Android forever has seemed to have smart screen density and other presentation technology, speaking as an Android developer myself.

Oppo Find N2 review: Beautiful hardware that Android just can’t deal with

Square-screened Android devices don't play well with the app ecosystem.

arstechnica.com

Maybe this is just an issue with the Oppo Find N2 distribution of Android. Fingers are crossed.
[Google Pixel Fold] krabman:
That's not a Pixel specific problem. Unfortunately Android is woefully behind Apple in terms of Android applications addressing tablet formats. You never really know what you're going to get and it doesnt matter which device you're talking about. You can get an actual working tablet UI, bars, regular phone app unchanged and blown up oversized. You just don't know until you try and it applies to all Android devices with the tablet formats.

Another thing which relates to the folders is that sometimes an app will decide to go to it's tablet UI and also flip it to landscape; so then you have to rotate the phone. You don't know what you're going to get there either, you find out when you open the app.

Google is looking to fix the lack of tablet support in Android so it makes sense to clean up their own house. To give it some perspective; on the first Z Fold some of Samsung's own apps didn't work right. They've since fixed all of their apps that I use but they didn't start out that way.

The pixel should have fewer oddities with apps and how they open because you'll already be in landscape when you unfold. That's my guess but it is based on observations made by people attending the hands-on as well as my own experience with 3 folders.