Smartphones

What we want to see on the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2

It can only get better

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By now you’ve all probably heard or read everything that people have to say about the Samsung Galaxy Fold. It certainly made several headlines in 2019 for various reasons.

While we do think it is a step in the right direction, we also believe it needed a bit more time in the oven. After spending roughly two weeks with the Galaxy Fold, here are a few things I wish would happen with the inevitable Galaxy Fold 2.

A form factor that makes more sense 

As it is now, when folded, the Galaxy Fold’s screen feels like it’s half a phone, and when unfolded it feels like it’s three-fourths of a tablet. This current form factor just isn’t it.

That’s really bad screen-to-body ratio

We’ve already seen reports of a Galaxy Fold that’s more of a phone and then folds into something smaller. Something reminiscent of the Motorola razr.

I don’t think that’s the only thing Samsung is doing. Best believe the direction is still to have something that’s a fully functioning smartphone when folded, and a full-sized tablet when unfolded.

Better app support

If they can figure out how to do this properly, that might solve many of the Fold’s shortcomings. For instance, as of writing, the Galaxy Fold doesn’t support the latest version of Netflix.

No Netlfix and chillin’ on this one :(

I was so excited to binge on this thing only to find out that, unfortunately, I can’t.

Because of the form-factor, some games also just do not look right. The controls on NBA 2K20 take up nearly half the screen. It’s nearly impossible to see what’s going on, making the whole experience just unenjoyable.

Controls completely blocking off a huge part of the screen

I guess it doesn’t make sense to have regular app updates for a device that only a handful of people own. That’s one of the major hurdles of foldables.

Take away that ugly notch

Whatever you’re watching, whatever you’re playing, it’s impossible to not notice the eyesore that is the front-facing camera. I also dread the punch-hole solution but that would have been way better than what we got.

Not a pretty sight

Make it thinner and lighter

The Galaxy Fold is just unwieldy. Sure, you can grip it with one hand when it’s folded but it’s a little too thick than what I’d like.

Hard to tell here because I have fat hands 😂

The tablet form is pretty much what you’d expect from other tablets when it comes to weight and thickness. Which might be an indication that the Galaxy Fold was first a tablet before a phone.

Here’s the folded Galaxy Fold next to a PS4 game’s Blu-ray case

Whatever the case is, a thinner and lighter version will be more than welcome.

Race to be the best

Everything I mentioned here are pretty much expected growing pains from a first-generation device. We don’t always get it right the first time and that’s okay.

Samsung can now claim they are the first to market this new device category. But will they also be the first one to perfect it? If they are the innovators they claim to be, then I wouldn’t be surprised if they completely re-imagine their approach to foldable devices.

For more thoughts on the Galaxy Fold read our hands-on. For some laughs, check this one out.

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Samsung might launch the Galaxy S26 FE next week

A new event is hinting at the smartphone’s debut.

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It wasn’t too long ago when Samsung launched the new Galaxy Fold and Flip series. Historically, the brand is done for the year after two major Galaxy Unpacked events. However, if you’re still hankering for a few more morsels of Galaxy devices, Samsung is hosting another event next week, which might mean the debut of the Galaxy S26 FE.

This week, Samsung has just released an official invite for a Galaxy Event on August 27. The invite itself looks like a tray with two glasses of matcha and a coaster in between them. It’s visually similar to a modest camera setup, hinting at a new smartphone coming during the event.

Because Samsung has already filled its usual quota of flagships and foldables, it’s highly likely that the event is meant for the Galaxy S26 FE. The Galaxy FE series is Samsung’s way of extending the life cycle of the current generation of Galaxy phones, while also catering to another segment of the market.

As for what the Galaxy S26 FE might hold, it looks like AI might be a prime focus. Samsung confirms that the invite graphic has AI-generated images. The text accompanying the graphic also indicates that AI will be a part of the event.

It’s only a week left before the August 27 event, so we’ll get to know more about everything soon.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review

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Samsung might be working on an even wider foldable

The success of the Galaxy Z Fold8 is pushing Samsung to its next steps.

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The passport-sized Galaxy Z Fold8 might be one of the best ideas for a foldable ever. Hardly anyone thinks that Samsung’s latest foldable type was a misstep for the brand. Other companies are even rumored to bring out their own passport-sized foldable soon. Now, Samsung is reportedly going further in the same direction by working on an even wider foldable.

Compared to traditional book-style foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold8 has a more squarish shape when folded. Naturally, the phone’s unfolded state is more rectangular, allowing for more screen real estate for full-screen content. It feels much more immersive to watch movies and shows on the foldable.

Now, according to ETNews, Samsung is working on an even wider foldable, potentially for next year. Though sparse on more technical details, the report hints that the next iteration will focus on better video playback, which does indicate a better aspect ratio.

Though foldables have been under the spotlight for a while now, this year might be the moment that the segment reaches its maturity. A lot of brands today have worthy alternatives for foldables. Some are also working on passport-style ones. Apple, the last holdout among the big names of the industry, is rumored to launch its first foldable later this year. There is no better time to try a foldable than this year.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review

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realme 16T to come with 8,000mAh battery, 7-year battery health guarantee

Power and endurance designed to last for years

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The upcoming realme 16T will have an 8,000mAh Titan Battery and a 7-Year Battery Health Guarantee for power and endurance designed to last for years.

The brand credits this to its Titan AI Deep Power and Extended Use Care, which work to slow down battery wear over time.

Moreover, the device is also backed by a 6-year Guaranteed Smooth Performance with AI Boost to help keep thing running steadily even after years of daily use.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The realme 16T’s battery supports 45W SUPERVOOC Charge, along with Bypass Charge and Reverse Charge.

These features come handy for keeping the phone cool while plugged in, and for topping up other devices when needed.

Furthermore, the device comes with All-Around Water & Drop Protection, carrying an IP69 Pro rating and Military-Grade Shock Resistance. This way, it can withstand daily bumps, spills, and dust exposure.

Alongside long-term durability, realme is offering added value to early buyers.

Customers who blind pre-order the realme 16T from August 17 to 27 and claim their reserved unit on the First Selling Day on September 4 can enjoy freebies and discounts worth PhP 8,097.

The exclusive offer includes a free TechLife Bluetooth Speaker 3, free Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer, a Privilege Card with six-mnth extended warranty and six-month screen damage protection. To top it all off, there will be a PhP 2,000 off discount.

More details about the realme 16T like its price, full specs, and launch date will be revealed soon.

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