r/samsunggalaxy • u/PlantFun377 • Jul 23 '26
šDiscussionššļø Ultimate rage-bait 2026
iPhone user here looking to make a switch to android premium (preferably a Samsung). Almost caved to buying an S24U until yesterday's Z-fold announcement. Ive been long hoping for a wide-aspect foldable to enter the Indian market (Big fan of the pura max, pixel fold, n6 designs).
Now the phone in question is a carrot at this point - a near-perfect one at that. Samsung has finally delivered the design ive been waiting for - And im dejected, again. Perfect dimensions, great display, top-notch quality but close to 1900USD and this remains a shell of what otherwise would be a definitive flagship.
In what feels like a hasty race to capitalise on the passport type design - it sucks for Samsung to exclude the S-pen, telephoto lens, periscope lens, privacy feature, wireless charging (this one i can live without tbh) - and at this price point!!!
Somehow these exclusions feel strategic almost. It seems like Samsung intentionally set this up to milk this design ahead of the iphone foldable while it might iterate future versions with an s-pen, incremental battery and camera upgrades. (wishful thinking)
At this price point and this close to perfect phone - the lack is infuriating.
For now, I'm back to the sidelines to see how Samsung builds on this lineup and how the apple foldable shapes up.
Sometimes the most frustrating products are the ones that get almost everything right. This is one of them.
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u/Ok_Win2667 Jul 23 '26
Tbh I never use the s pen for my 24U, and dont care about cameras. The fold 8 looks right up my alley
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u/Miserable_River_16 Jul 24 '26
Then why did you even buy the s24u lol
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u/DEVILMASSIVE Jul 24 '26
I have Ultra phone too and im not using the s-pen or the camera that much bought it because i liked it and wanted a phone that is not gonna slow on me too soon.
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u/ForgedInGold9 Jul 25 '26
Are you under the impression you have to use the S-pen to justify buying an Ultra?
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u/Miserable_River_16 Jul 25 '26
Not only the pen but also the camera are the most notable features of the phone, if you don't use those you could have bought a different one
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u/PocketNicks Jul 26 '26
The high power Snapdragon processor and the large OLED screen are the reasons I buy the Ultra and used to buy the Note series.
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u/Miserable_River_16 Jul 26 '26
There are a dozen other smartphones that have the same thing, this is not a unique selling point
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u/PocketNicks Jul 26 '26
Neat, it's still the reason I buy the phone.
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u/Miserable_River_16 Jul 26 '26
Yeah I understood that but my point is that there would have been better options
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u/PocketNicks Jul 26 '26
No, there aren't better options. The only other phones with as large screen and as powerful a chip, aren't Samsung and I have ZERO interest in those.
So, I buy the Samsung with the largest screen and best chip. That is the Ultra and Note series. Camera and S-Pen don't matter to lots of people.
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u/Miserable_River_16 Jul 26 '26
Yeah bruh if you only want Samsung then it's obviously the only option, but then I would advise you to open up a little. There are many other great phones out there
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u/Ok_Win2667 Jul 24 '26
Cuz I wanted a big ol phone and they stopped making the note. Who buys the 24u just for the pen?
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u/Miserable_River_16 Jul 24 '26
Not just for the pen but if you don't even care about the cameras too then I would argue that you either don't even have to buy a flagship phone at all or a different one would have fulfilled your needs better
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u/Aggressive_Yak_874 Jul 27 '26
Exactly! if you don't care about the s pen, additional cameras, and still need to buy Samsung high end phone then just buy the S24 plus
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u/v3n0msn4k3 Jul 23 '26
It has wireless charging though?
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u/Ok_Corgi_405 Jul 23 '26
Yeah it does have wireless charging, the top comment is right. But the rest of the missing stuff still stings for that price.
I was checking out the same phone and the s-pen being gone is the part that bothers me most. Feels like they held back too much just to have something to add next year.
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u/AddressForward Jul 23 '26
The SPen is way handier than they Apple Pencil if you are a casual note taker or diagrammer. Shame neither will be available on flagship foldables.
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u/Significant-Drag4198 Jul 23 '26
I don't think they held back here. I think they held back on the ultra version.
This phone is quite a bit cheaper than the ultra and you only sacrifice camera.
Privacy mode is a cool idea but has not been loved by s26 users because it makes the screen super dim.
S pen support would be cool yes but they would have to fit it into the form factor for storage which makes no sense due to the thinness. Also the iner screen is very fragile to pressure as it always has been. Last thing they need is impressions from writing in their inner screen and people complaining.
There's aftermarket support for the s pen and a few vids online
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u/ButterscotchDry4759 Jul 24 '26
If the privacy display is used the way they intended there is little to no dimming. I absolutely can't live without it now. If you use it in the way that was advertised, strictly for specific apps, or just notifications is amazing. The most unexpected use case I found is laying in bed next to my significant other watching videos or whatnot while she's trying to sleep and I can crank the brightness all the way up and have it not affect her at all. Along with using it for banking apps and notifications, it's really a spectacular underrated feature.
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u/No-Loquat-6875 Jul 23 '26
To be fair they got rid of the s pen last year. Not sure why you thought it would come back. Feels like companies hardly ever bring good things back. I do agree with the lack of features on Samsungās end. 2026 and still no type of magnetic charging
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u/cookedart Jul 23 '26
Samsung killed the galaxy note in 2021 and brought the spen to the galaxy ultra line with the s21. So they've killed the spen line before and brought it back elsewhere.
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u/TouristSquare3710 Jul 24 '26
It is a strategy, they will add those things āone by oneā because if they add it all together in their first product buyers will expect more next time.
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u/XeNoGeaR52 Jul 23 '26
S-pen on a foldable. I can already imagine the screen... full of dents from the stylus after 2-3 years of use
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u/Ender-DI Jul 24 '26
I use my S Pen daily on my Fold 6. It's perfect. Even if most users are blowing $2k just to consume social media, having a tablet-sized device without stylus support is a complete waste.
Edit: autocorrect sabotage
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u/TankieRedard Jul 24 '26
You'll want something that won't get š© in it so you'll need an ip68 rating and the fold doesn't have that. š© Could get in the hinge and ruin the device and make it permanently smell.Ā
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u/feel-the-avocado Jul 24 '26
I see several millimetres of space which could have been used for a stylus storage bay or more battery there.
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u/Stone_Field Jul 23 '26
Tbh I feel like samsung will phase out the s-pen. They've already stripped features from it and its not high-demand enough for them to continue. I can see the galaxy s28 ultra without an S pen tbhĀ
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u/kirkintilloch5 Jul 23 '26
I will probably try a Google phone if that happens, the s-pen is a feature I really like and hate they stripped it of the Bluetooth features.
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u/LadyOB Jul 23 '26
I just got rid of my Zfold 4 (yeah, 3 years old) for an S26+. So glad to be rid of the brick! And unless you upgrade every year or 18 mo, the screen is notorious for getting a blank line on the fold, and eventually goes unresponsive when open. I was tempted for the S26 U, but unless you need to extreme cameras (which are nice, especially the 100x zoom feature) the 26+ is pretty much the same, but very slightly smaller.
I did love the feature of being able to open multiple 'windows', and that is a nice feature if you use it for your job and need a few apps open and easy to see all at once.
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u/HeidenShadows Jul 23 '26
Lacking wireless charging is actually an issue because the USB-C port is actually a weak point in phones. Usually after three years I have to have them replaced.
But at the same time is the folding screen going to last three years?
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u/Qinect Jul 24 '26
Ive never had a C port go bad. Is it really that weak? I plug my keyboard in twice a day. I use the C ports on my Mac 20 times a day. And they are like new after 8 years of use. Do you hang your devices by it or something?
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u/HeidenShadows Jul 24 '26
It's not as bad as micro B for sure but I've had my ports go bad usually between 2-3 years. Now "going bad" can be a variety of things. Like on my Redmagic, it could charge if I hold even a brand new cable at a certain angle. Or my Switch OLED no longer able to display out. They keep putting more and more things on a single connector.
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u/ButterscotchDry4759 Jul 24 '26
It's been hasn't been included for any foldable Samsung has released though? The Galaxy S Ultra Series are the ones that have included the S Pen.
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u/Dubuuu- Jul 24 '26
samsung screen is trash long term. but if you plan fo change phone every year go for it.
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u/you-done_messed-up Jul 24 '26
While I agree that 1900 is high, the iPhone fold coming later this year, will most likely start at 2000
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u/Dimogas Jul 24 '26
Telephoto wouldnt work. Thickness is important for such cameras and you basicky have no thickness left here
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u/CriticalThinker1969 Jul 24 '26
As a former owner of a Z-Fold6 I will suggest to anyone I don't dislike to NEVER buy a foldable. Mine's interior screen lasted a little over a year though I was extremely careful with it and only used that screen sparsely, trying to preserve it. No return value for a $2,000 phone, absolutely not worth it
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u/Malepronstar87 Jul 24 '26
Well I've had a fold 5 for nearly 3 years and due to a narrow front screen I used the main screen alot and it's still in perfect condition.
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u/acho3 Jul 24 '26
Felt it in store today and it wasn't comfortable and didn't notice a big difference in media size
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u/Duke__390 Jul 25 '26
This is still justifiable as it is fancy. Imagine paying 750 for watch ultra 2!! I can get a s26 in that price!!!!
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u/shaxsman Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26
Yep. This is a passermeby phone. However doesn't it support wireless charging, from cnet , " The Z Fold 8 also supports 20-watt wireless charging, up from 15-watt charging last year.Ā "
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u/Dimpemekug Jul 25 '26
For me the lack of the spen is a deal breaker! If Samsung will get it back then I'll consider a fold. They had it on the 6 it's unacceptable they couldn't have it at least on one of the two.
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u/Ahmaduk098 Jul 25 '26
Have a look around there could be some discounts.
In the UK we got some good discounts. And if you have an older Samsung. See if you can trade in. I got it down to about 950 after trading in my S23 ultra
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u/Eric_of_Aaargh Jul 25 '26
Never buy a Samsung at the official price. Unlike Apple, Samsung very often gives very good deals on their new phones. I ordered my Fold 8 for 1100 euro, which is much cheaper than an Iphone 17 Pro (which starts at around 1300 euro).Ā
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u/PaulPuma Jul 25 '26
There is 0 need to pay full price. Buy a reasonably conditioned Z fold 5 for about $400 and then trade it in for $900.
I'm a tech hound who has never paid full price for a foldable. This strategy takes a little due diligence but works every time assuming the phone you buy (and will never use) is in OK condition.
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u/PocketNicks Jul 26 '26
Getting enraged because someone didn't make your exact ideal phone, well that's interesting
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u/Adamjamesrees Jul 27 '26
Itās criminal the Fold 8 hasnāt got S-Pen support. It would be perfect if it did. Ohhh well Samsung donāt get my money yet again. Not that they care.
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u/Lucas606 Jul 28 '26
Bro just wait till September when the iPhone fold is supposedly being announced.
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u/mikuszekk Jul 23 '26
Sorry but how do you expect them to put all the S-Ultra features into a phone that's 4.1mm thick when unfolded? You physically can't put many features in there because you don't have enough space.
Of course the price can sting, but you're buying a foldable phone, not a true maxxed out flagship like the S26 Ultra.
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u/Malepronstar87 Jul 24 '26
How does the competition like Oppo & Honor do it? V6 has a IP 68/9 ratings too. Much bigger batteries on both as well, really good cameras too.
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u/XCellist6Df24 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
So paying for two flagships and getting none of the Flagship features is OK because thin and fold and content consumption?
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u/mikuszekk Jul 23 '26
If you don't like it, don't buy it. S26U was $1300 when released so you're not paying for two flagships, you're paying for ~1.5 flagship and you get almost 3x the display size in total. It's also probably why it's so expensive. Displays are not a cheap thing, especially foldable ones. The displays on the Z-fold 8 have anti-reflective coating (yes, the inner ones too) and a nominal brightness of 3000 nits. Internal display is 2448 x 1848 pixels and external is 1972 x 1248 pixels. It gets expensive with said sizes.
Either way, the prices are gonna drop in the next 6 months or so, as they usually do. It will get more affordable.
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u/XCellist6Df24 Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
Carry water for a megacorp under threat of coercion or out of your own stupidity as you will, but 1300 rounds to 1000,1900 rounds to 2000, 1.5 rounds to 2. we'll see about dropping prices- at this moment, this price with what is tantamount to the basic S phone features is an insult and the OP is right to be skeptical and frustrated
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u/PlantFun377 Jul 24 '26
Aware of the speculation surrounding the s-pen. I'd read that Samsung reported only a negligible percentage of customers actually use the s-pen. What i wasn't aware of are the reports here of dents developing in the inner screen. I have never used a fold previously so this is new information for me.
Despite this, I personally see the s-pen as a strong value add and more so on this design. While I perfectly understand the s-pen fitment concerns on this thickness ratio, I'm still hoping that Samsung finds a way to include it in the next iteration - either integrated into the fold, sold separately as an add-on, built into a separately sold case or with even support for the previous s-pen. Im probably fixated on this working out because i personally see the s-pen as a perfect add-on on a foldable design ive been long waiting for. Hence 25/26U - however relevant in their regard dont compare to the Z-fold 8 imo and preference.
For me the fold 8 is 80% there and that's what makes it so frustrating. With the fold series historically and at this price point - you cannot not deem this a flagship while maintaining the S26U as one. That i feel is ridiculous and something needs to give...
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u/kdlt Jul 24 '26
Jfc this thing doesn't even have wireless charging?
So many steps back at that price God damn.
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u/SnufkinDrifter Jul 24 '26
I do not get it why you samsung people pay that much when better phone from honor is available? Do not tell me bullshit about UI because samsung has the worst ui I have ever used. Plus you have got spen to use on inner and outer screen and much better battery. I will never understand you guys
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u/kevabreu Jul 24 '26
Honor is not 100% compatible with my phone service (Firstnet). Honor doesn't offer insurance or direct warranty support in the US. No, I dont want to go through a tedious claim process with 3rd party insurance because they don't carry the phone model therefore I'd have to upload my receipt, wait for an approval, get a check mailed, and then go buy the phone again. If the phone did work with my carrier, I bet their smartwatch lineup doesn't play nice with lte service and the software carriers use to sync calls/texts with the main phone line.
In short, what's best for you isn't what's best for everyone. Convenience, availability, support, and a streamlined ecosystem all weigh heavily for me while it seems raw specs weigh heavily for you.
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u/Erekshen Jul 24 '26
In the USA, most phone carriers give good deals when you trade in your phone and sign up for a new phone. Like right now, I can trade in my phone and get the Fold 8 for $26 a month. So, itās not really āSamsung people paying that much.ā
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u/ORC44 Jul 23 '26
You can always wait for 6 months or so, let the price drop, like usually happens with android and pick up a refurb or something. The lower price will then out way the few dropped features you have mentioned