This isn’t the first time we’ve written about the latest iteration of foldables from Samsung. In fact, we’ve written quite extensively about our experiences with these new Samsung devices and how they relate to the entire ecosystem. In the video below I gave my fresh perspective on the new devices — it’s less of a review of the new phones but more of a commentary on the state of Android: that there are really two types of Android users — those that are concerned about specs (mostly the China brands) and, well, Samsung. The latter doesn’t seem to care too much about hardware and instead focuses on software innovations. From Samsung’s perspective, their premium “S” and “Z” Fold devices get 7 years worth of software updates. That would mean if I bought a Z5 or an S23 in 2024, I would be able to download the latest OneUI software, in this case with the new AI features.
It may seem like Samsung is cannibalizing its premium tier products. It knows this well, but as someone not privy to internal boardroom discussions, there must be a logical reason for this. Actions speak louder than words and Samsung is telling a world of China-brand phones that “our devices are not disposable.” In a world where these brands are pushing fast charging, camera partnerships, and thinner devices, Samsung goes the opposite way and focuses on pragmatic software. If Apple can hype features that have been on Android for years, Samsung can do the same in relation to the rest of the Android ecosystem. No SUPERVOOC? No problem. No Leica, Studio Harcourt or Hasselbad partnership? No problem. I’m not defending Samsung — they do have their own list of problems such as a history of exploding batteries and green line screens — but when it comes to recent history of premium phones, especially the S23 and S24, it’s smooth sailing, so far.
Related:
Our hands on (first impressions!) with the new foldables from the Paris content capture day.
Lia reviews the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6. “The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 isn’t just another smartphone – it’s a statement piece.”
I’ve been using the Z Fold line for two iterations — I started with the Z Fold5 and now have been using the Fold6 for several weeks. Some thoughts:
- If you’re coming from the previous iteration and are thinking of upgrading, know that you aren’t getting a huge bump in specs. The Z Fold6 is essentially the same device with better cooling and a bumped up processor to Snapdragon 8 Gen3. The edges are also squared. What you do get out of the box is the latest in generative AI features with the Notepad (video below)
- What you’re really getting is the latest firmware update, which gives you the fun-to-use AI Portaits and Generative AI features with Samsung Notes.
- The Fold6 didn’t really “replace” the previous model as this device is also more expensive, breaching P100,000 even for the entry level model.
- If you’ve been wanting to ride the foldable bandwagon for Samsung now, I would even recommend getting the Fold5 as it is most probably going to go through price drops. Trusting Samsung to honor their 7 years of software updates, the older models should be getting their generative AI features soon. If this isn’t a deal breaker, then there you have it.
I was able to let Samsung’s GenAI features complete my drawing of Garfield as well.
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro as a nifty companion
I’ve owned a number of wireless in-ears from other brands and it’s come to that point where most of the technology is generally of the same or similar quality. Setting up the Buds3 Pro within the Samsung ecosystem was easy as pie. The Z Fold6 automatically detected the device when pairing was turned on and it was seamless from there on. I also was able to pair the device with my non-Samsung phone with ease.
In terms of design, the Buds3 Pro takes inspiration from the blade form factor of other familiar brands. It’s also a small thing, but having color coded indicators for left and right buds are a big deal for … I guess … older people like me. Audio quality on the Buds3 Pro is as expected. On full noise cancelling, I can really focus on just the music. Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing’ is peak 90’s, balancing lows, mids, and highs, transporting you to a concert hall. ‘Step by Step’ also by Whitney showcases the Buds3’s clarity in showcasing distinct bass thumps with her powerful vocals.
There are two best use cases for the Buds3 Pro that we do not find in most other affordable in-ears (the Buds3 Pro is definitely not a budget device, nor should it be compared to other Chi-Fi audio hardware). At P8,990 you get an audio device with adaptive ANC. I absolutely hate it when I’m in public, listening to music with full noise cancelling and I need to keep removing the plugs (that’s how you lose it!). Turning adaptive ANC on recognizes my speaking voice. Once I start speaking, Noise Cancelling ends and Ambient Sound mode kicks in where I can converse with someone. Once the buds detects that the conversation is over, my music returns to noise cancelling mode.
The second use case is a pairing with Samsung’s built in AI Translator feature. I’ve written about this feature before in my travel to Japan where I can have a nuanced conversation with locals using the AI Translator app. The Buds3 Pro allows me to use this feature paired with the phone on ambient mode. This use case is exclusive to the Buds3 + Fold/Flip/S series that carry the AI Translator app.
If money was no object …
… it would be Samsung all the way. Their ecosystem has been mature enough to present the best of class in Android, save perhaps for the Pixel. Remember that features such as Circle to Search were also made available to Samsung premium devices apart from the Pixel series at launch. Samsung has been sitting comfortably at the top, with the “smaller giants” flinging their alternatives based mostly on price. I’m just hoping Samsung doesn’t remain complacent in this spot, given the elaborate advances that the China brands bring every year.
