So I have received my DUO today morning, and I own many foldables from Samsung Fold 8 to Z Tri Fold to Huawei Mate XT or Google options and more honestly. I was always a fan of a wide aspect phones since I owned Huawei Pura X that phone was absolute perfection, I just wish it was bigger so we got Huawei Pura X Max which I didnt get because I was planning to get the Samsung and iPhone foldables anyway and I cant ignore google support anymore.

What stood out for me in iPhone usually Apple are best when it comes to OS optimisations, but in DUO they just seem lazy, even their own intial setup felt like keyboard not aligned properly, the apps all of non native ones have blackbars I open Plex app and I get like 3 crazy black bars. And even Youtube which is native (edit: non native but I thought its native because now no more black bars when unfolded), I was expecting more to be honest, the other apps so bad that makes youtube seem very well optimised lol.

I see alot just saying: Nothing to do with apple its just app developers need to do it, or saying its first foldable......

All other foldables I used all have the OS itself scale with the app and thats an area I found Huawei best at honestly. The first gen excuse is not really relevant when foldables been out for nearly a decade and Apple could have benchmarked all of those anyway. Lack of faceID also felt frustrating honestly. I own Apple Vision Pro and honestly Apple was exact opposite with it than it did with DUO, Apple Vision Pro main advantage is how well optimised the OS for its hardware, how well it scales for non native apps, its absolutely best in business and that was first gen product, and no device came close to it even 3rd gen headset from Meta couldnt come close to it in these areas, so I expected the same with DUO instead its a nightmare if the app is not natively supported and honestly 80% of my apps arent.

Is it all bad? No still I find good things on it honestly:

1. One of best speakers in foldables and proper stereo like Huawei does it unlike Samsung when unfolded feels like mono one sided speakers.
2. Cameras one of best in foldables.
3. Overall the device shape is one of nicest and for some reason when folded it feels kinda bigger than what it looks like compared to others.
4. Bezels are least visible in business indeed, still new so not sure how it holds up.

But Apple kinda focused on intial impression than long term impression in usability, they put some weird mate film on display which is nice in hiding bezels or reflections but with OLED you get grey blacks thanks to it in bright enviroment, honestly not big complains here but if you value true colors and blacks this is not it and I prefer Samsung handling of reflections and bright room minus bezels visibility.

The fancy opening animation tells you this is an OS that will blow your mind, honestly its not.... they literally changed buttons position to make it seem different which gave us most stupid black bars I have seen, why you need to have black bars for these buttons anyway, you could have removed those black bars and kept buttons floating above the content...... Its kinda stupid. And the fingerprint I was trying many times to get it once its unlocked by fingerprint it will swipe by itself but NO they had to put a restriction of holding that fingerprint for that to happen and didnt find an option around it.

The intail setup you start moving then suddenly update pops up and I was like no way apple will get this wrong so let me press update and took 25 mins for update to finish (on same day my samsung took 4 minutes lol) then I see phone transfer got cancelled, I was like how hard for it to hold asking for update until transfer done or ask for update on intial setup before the transfer starts, also in menu if you click try other options sometimes you cant go back for original option and you have to restart whole thing. The volume button at the top the only scenario felt better placed is when phone on its kickstand cover thats it and that kickstand cover is a nightmare of its own.

Its not sturdy enough to hold it at certain angles, it moves all over the place and doesnt stick that well, its not designed to do vertical kickstand. What its good at is to look cool and good which is typical apple but usually they dont compromise in functionalities like they doing here.

Sorry for being too negative, but honestly I expected Vision Pro level of software refinement than a half baked OS in a year 2026 almost 2027 for a first gen product.

I wonder what others think? Maybe Im too harsh not sure.

Moral of the story:

Hardware: 8.5/10

Software: 6/10

Kickstand cover: 4/10

This is a phone you wait for 2nd gen when app store full of native apps not now. Apple decided to pick this route so we have to wait.

Note: This is just 6 hours of usage, so dont take this as a review, just intial impression that might make me seem lazy than apple being lazy, so over time as i test more things might change my mind who knows.

After getting extremely tired by the lack of innovation from Apple and how they are always behind Google I want to switch from iOS to android.

I’m deeply embedded in the iOS ecosystem and would really appreciate advice on the best way to switch.

I wanted to post my story here and kindly ask for your thoughts on the matter. I'm really worried that I made a big mistake.

Overall the whole thing started because I wanted to get a phone that's really premium and offers you a premium user experience. Here I mean hardware too, but most importantly the software: the looks, the animations, the haptics. I wanted to get that iOS level of experience with the device, but on Android. And I didn't want an iOS clone, but I like the design trend of translucencies and blurs. Not necessarily liquid glass that apple does, but the frosted glass which is way more readable

I've had my Pixel 8 for about 3 years. I was really stoked when I first found out about the Material 3 Expressive and was actively waiting for its release. After over a year or two with it (I can't remember the release date, I think it's great that it is unique and I like the big elements on a touch screen. But the colors started to be tiring for my eyes. Like, I would change the pallettes etc, but overall I think there was too much going on with the colors. And the design was a flat design, and not the glass direction that's the most trendy now.

Also, I'm based in Europe, so most of the features advertised for pixels are not available here, like call screening and such.

I also really care about longevity, and currently only Google and Samsung offer 7 years of OS updates.

My wife uses a Samsung S24 and she's always used only the Samsung S-series phones. So I did test drive the phone a bit, did some research (mostly for prices) and decided to get a S25 Ultra. And trust me, it took me over 1.5 months of overthinking this and actively researching and comparing. When I got the phone, I was super stoked. It just feels great, the performance is way better than on the Pixel and I was sure that it would be something I wouldn't notice. I really digged the phone. I think I still do

But then, 2.5 months with the Samsung passed. And in all the social media like YouTube and reddit I get stuff about phones. It's the aftermath after my research. I joined the OneUI subreddit and it seems like it's more of a hate club than a subreddit where people shit all over Samsung and One UI. And this has sent me into a spiral.

Overall, what I wanted to get was: long software updates, the best looks and feel of the UI and the system. This consists of the modem designs preferably with the glad aesthetic, fluid animations in UI (I liked the morphing shaped of pixel), animations and haptics for interactions with the system, everywhere. And the animations to be smooth, organic, fluid and not power point linear. And right now I don't know anymore of the Samsung was the right choice and I keep second guessing it. My phone is important to me as I'm a father of a toddler and soon two toddlers so the phone is the device I must use to get anything done after work. It for any entertainment.

I really, really want to find my home in terms of a brand that I know I will get and maybe build an ecosystem in. I just really needed it to meet my requirements

Which brand do you think it would be? iOS is not an option, though, don't want that. I had an iphone and didn't like it.

I used to keep my Samsung S8 Galaxy in a wallet style case and it was always linty and dirty. I've chosen a Google Pixel 8 Pro over a Samsung foldable, mainly because I didn't like the aspect ratio of the outer screen and I HIGHLY regret that choice, but something came to mind: Doesn't dirt / lint accumulate in the fold? If I had chosen a foldable, would I now be permanently upset about a dirty screen? One of the upsides of "normal" phone (with a non-wallet style case) is that the inside of my pocket constantly cleans it. What's your experience?

Budget -35k can be 40k-43k if it's a very good deal

looking for a good camera

Don't like the curve display much

I am currently using iphone 13 pro max, and i got the yellow screen of death that is common in this series. The repair costs as much as a brand new phone and tbh i'm kinda sick of using iphone and want to go back to android. I haven't been following the scene for a while so i have no idea whats good or bad. i heard that motorola signature is a pretty good phone at it's price but I wanted to confirm it in forums before going for it. what do you guys think or is there a better option?

we all say we aren't loyal to any brand, but most of us stick with the same ecosystem for years.

whether it's the S-Pen on a Galaxy, the camera processing on a Pixel, or just iMessage/FaceTime on an iPhone, there's always that one dealbreaker.

what is the single feature keeping you locked into your current brand right now?

when you setup a new device you are hit with a wall of pre-installed stock apps that you probably hide in a folder immediately. but then there is that one specific app you rush to the play store or app store to download before you do anything else.

im not talking about standard stuff like whatsapp or instagram. what is the one utility app, custom launcher, specialized keyboard, or niche tool that you literally cannot live without for even an hour on a new setup?

what app is the ultimate dealbreaker for you if it isn't on your home screen right away?

Good Camera

And Decent performance for gaming

8-256gb

So ik its hard to geta phone under this range but if possible then pls recommend a 8/126 gb varient phone for my sister. Camera centric mostly.

I gaime and use Socal media

I have an iphone XS right now. But it is old and looses about 5% battery an hour at standby. And if i use it the phone gets very hot and the battery gets drained real quick. What would you recommend? An Samsung (like S24, S25 or maybe even some fold) or an iphone (like the 16 oder 17 pro). Or perhaps even some others like google pixel, oppo or xiaomi. I know its a very usual question in this subreddit but i still decided to ask you.

Currently I have a Samsung S23 (128 GB) phone, but I would like to replace it. I am considering the Samsung S26 base model (256 GB) and the Xiaomi 17T Pro (512 GB) because they are the same price.

What I would use it for: browsing social media, taking photos and videos on vacations and special occasions, playing games (Clash Royale, chess), and watching movies. It is important that the battery lasts a long time, because my current phone drains quickly.

Obviously, looking at it this way, the Xiaomi 17T Pro would be the better choice, but I have a Galaxy Watch 8 smartwatch and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbuds that would lose some features if I don’t have a Samsung phone.

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If you ain't aware, Honor 600 Pro Molly Edition is special edition for Asia market (with Molly wallpapers & photo frames)

To me, Oppo has got a more "adorable" specs while Honor has got an adorable packaging. Which to you is the ideal choice??? I'm more camera centric.

Or, do you suggest to wait for Honor X10 Ultra, Vivo X500 Ultra

Oppo Find X10 Pro Max https://youtu.be/iALaYSvwvv0?is=GmqlldsKQ3d5af3v

Honor 600 Pro Molly Edition https://youtu.be/XF32uoNTK2Y?is=R2T2eBD2THBDScXO

I want to buy a phone, which has clean UI and better battery pack, plus good network band, I was using Pixel 6a, the UI was clean but there was lot of network and battery issue with the phone.

My friends suggestinge any Moto phone, I just saw Redmi Turbo which was quite intersting, but my major work will be Video making, So in my POV iPhone takes better video, but prove me if I'm wrong. I've trust issue with any samsung phone under 50k!

So please help me out!

Which out of these would you choose and why? I am stuck on these 3 phones.

I am thinking of iPhone 17, Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10... but I don't know much about phones, and I don't have any preferences. I just want something that I can use for like 5 years.

Hi, my iphone 13 battery started blowing up so im in need of a new phone, im a heavy phone user, since my battery capacity went down to 52% in under 3 years. I went to verizon and they said i obviously cant trade in with my phones condition and the only available offer without trade in is with the google pixel pro 11 which would be free and add nothing to the bill. my only problem is the front camera, they said the google pixel has higher megapixels then apple but i looked at both of them and the google pixel had awful camera quality and taking selfies with good quality is one of the most important things to me. i always carry a mirror with me so i know how i actually look and the iphone is almost the same as looking in a mirrror, i can literally see my dry skin on it its so good. if there is any way i can turn off the google pixel smoothing effect to actually look like me that would convince me but at apple they told me its not possible since the google pixel uses ai to auto smooth it. im just not sure if its worth it to save the $1000 but be stuck with a worse front camera and the phone for 3 years or if i should just get the iphone 18 pro straight from apple with no strings attached.

I am thinking to buy a flagship phone. However these brands available in my country and I need you guys suggest one for me. Even new model that's need to wait to buy also fine too because I can wait.

For my ZFold8 most have adhesive. Should I be wary to cases without? Even Spigen uses it .

Hi everyone!

I currently own a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but I’ve never really used the S Pen. I’m also not particularly interested in photography or using all the advanced camera features.

My main issue with my current phone is that it’s too heavy and bulky for my needs. I’d like to switch to something more compact, lightweight, and smart, with excellent battery life.

I’ve done some research and found a few options, such as the Xiaomi 17 and Vivo X300, although I can’t seem to find them anywhere in Finland. I’ve also considered the Samsung Galaxy S26, but I didn’t really like it. Two other options I’m aware of are the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 10a.

Which phone would you genuinely recommend? Budget isn’t an issue. I’m looking for a reliable daily driver with excellent battery life, minimal heating issues, and a lightweight, compact design that makes one-handed use comfortable and easy.

If there are any other phones I should consider, I’d really appreciate your suggestions!

I hate from the bottom of my heart not having notifications that stays on the lock screen, hyperos as regular behavior deletes all notifications from the lock screen once unlocked, it is a huge giant deal breaker, I tried getting used to it but can't

I take lot of pictures and I care a lot about my phone's camera (that's why I bought a Xiaomi, Leica optimization) so no Samsung cause I don't like their processing

I was considering a pixel but would feel like a big downgrade hardware wise going from a Xiaomi 15 to a pixel 11 pro, worst screen, worst chipset, average camera

No iPhone, I've been an iphone user all my life and it turned out extremely boring for me, since I switched to android I'm way happier

Also, I won't root my Xiaomi to fix that notifications behavior cause I have multiple bank accounts and different apps that are vital to use for me

So, any suggestions for a phone with AOSP notifications behavior, flagship hardware and camera?

Hi, I am looking for some phone advice for upgrading from a really old iphone 7 Plus. The thing is, I am happy with the phone, I am just forced to upgrade due to the IOS being outdated (15.8.8). So I can't use most apps including banking.

I do not want a new phone and always buy refurbished, I really don't want recent AI/Gen AI features, just something that has an OS recent enough that allows me to use basic apps.

I am used to using Apple but I don't care what brand it is if it works for my needs.

I have a fairly low budget (I'm not sure yet but £300 - £400?)

I am considering keeping my old phone for music and photo storage, esp as storage costs so much now, so the ability to easily transfer over would be nice, if possible?

Data privacy and protection is important

The idea of a Fairphone interests me but I've never had one and I'm not sure how they work or how difficult they are to use, tbh the more I hear about Google and Apple as companies the more I would like to try something like a Fairphone..any thoughts? They might be out of my price range, unless you can still get older models

I'd love a decent camera but I realise this is limited with a lower budget

I am not very tech savvy, I have a severe chronic illness so I can't do a massive amount of research, so I really appreciate advice and recommendations.

Hello everyone. Just wanted to share my phone journey ;) Comment down yours'

1. microsoft lumia 430 (fun)
2. galaxy j2
3. redmi 4A (most used)
4. note 8 pro (legend)
5. se2 (mistake)
6. s20fe (disappointing)
7. poco m3 (not bad)
8. galaxy a52 (reliable)
9. galaxy a 55
10. s23 ultra (first flagship)
11. s25 base (small)
12. s24 ultra (second ultra)
13. vivo x300 (could not get used to os)
14. iphone 17 pro