Foldable phones are said to be the future of smartphones. I got my hands on one such device to understand the technology better.

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G is Samsung's brand-new foldable phone. I spent a day with it and in the little time that I did, here’s what I think about it.

I will start with the design. You carry it around - either folded or unfolded, and it won’t go unnoticed. It's that attractive. When it’s unfolded, it becomes a tablet. And when folded, it takes the form of a phone - pretty much the same as the first iteration, but the Galaxy Z Fold 2 comes with major improvements.

Next comes the hinge mechanism -- a major component that sets its foundation and enables it to fold and unfold. When unfolded, the crease - on which the phone actually bends - remains noticeable, but it’s much better than the original Galaxy Fold. The gap between the hinge and the display has been reduced now. As a result, it’s smooth to use.

When closed, the hinge appears covered with a catchy metal piece, and it actually adds to the premium look of the phone. Some may not like the camera bump, but I find it cool. After all, the language of design is subjective. Also, I do like the matte finish at the back.

Interestingly, both the displays come with a punch-hole camera, another improvement over the first-generation Galaxy Fold. As a result, it leaves one with a neater display and a better viewing experience.

What really concerns me on the design front is the weight. It’s a little on the heavier side. It's felt more, when the phone is closed. As one would expect, the phone appears to be thick when it’s folded.

What I would have really liked is a foldable phone that is also much slimmer. Let's hope such a device is invented soon.

On the whole, the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 manages to impress.

That’s about the look and feel, but how are the displays? And most importantly, do the two displays with a flexible screen actually add value to the user experience?

One can easily notice that the cover display in the Galaxy Z Fold 2 has a better viewing area than the first model -- which is good.

The two displays are pretty much in sync. So, anything opened on the cover screen seamlessly shifts to the bigger screen once you unfold it.

The split screen feature is quite interesting. It takes multitasking to a whole new level.

You can work on multiple apps on a screen - just drag the apps that you want to launch and drop. Interestingly, you can decide which app would consume how much space on the screen.

When it comes to typing on the big screen, the keyboard spreads across in such a way that it becomes easy to type.

The Flex mode is another highlight of the phone. It allows you to fold and keep the phone at any angle, which means you can enjoy watching videos easily. It also makes video conferencing easier.

I am not sure about how many apps have been optimised for the Flex mode right now.

The display is bright and produces vibrant colours, but it easily catches fingerprint marks. It would be too early to say anything about the display’s durability.

Both the front and rear cameras appear to be promising. They capture detailed photos with lifelike colours. I will be able to comment more on the cameras once I get to use the phone for a longer period.

The speaker delivers a big loud sound. I can’t say much about the battery performance as of now because I've only used it for a day, but what I do realise is that it takes around 1 hour to charge from 13 per cent to 50 per cent.

I didn't face any lag or heating issues in the time I used the phone, but a detailed review of the phone will help me come out with a clear verdict.

The new foldable phone comes with major improvements over its predecessor, but does it justify the price tag of INR 1.5 lakh? I will comment on that when I get to use the phone for an extensive period.

But, for now, all I can say is that foldable phones are getting better and I can’t wait for them to go mainstream.

Foldable phones are said to be the future of smartphones. I got my hands on one such device to understand the technology better. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G is Samsung's brand-new foldable phone.

Foldable phones are said to be the future of smartphones. I got my hands on one such device to understand the technology better. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G is Samsung's brand-new foldable phone. I spent a day with it and in the little time that I did, here’s what I think about it. I will start with the design. You carry it around - either folded or unfolded, and it won’t go unnoticed. It's that attractive. When it’s unfolded, it becomes a tablet. And when folded, it takes the form of a phone - pretty much the same as the first iteration, but the Galaxy Z Fold 2 comes with major improvements. Next comes the hinge mechanism -- a major component that sets its foundation and enables it to fold and unfold. When unfolded, the crease - on which the phone actually bends - remains noticeable, but it’s much better than the original Galaxy Fold. The gap between the hinge and the display has been reduced now. As a result, it’s smooth to use. When closed, the hinge appears covered with a catchy metal piece, and it actually adds to the premium look of the phone. Some may not like the camera bump, but I find it cool. After all, the language of design is subjective. Also, I do like the matte finish at the back. Interestingly, both the displays come with a punch-hole camera, another improvement over the first-generation Galaxy Fold. As a result, it leaves one with a neater display and a better viewing experience. What really concerns me on the design front is the weight. It’s a little on the heavier side. It's felt more, when the phone is closed. As one would expect, the phone appears to be thick when it’s folded. What I would have really liked is a foldable phone that is also much slimmer. Let's hope such a device is invented soon. On the whole, the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 manages to impress. That’s about the look and feel, but how are the displays? And most importantly, do the two displays with a flexible screen actually add value to the user experience? One can easily notice that the cover display in the Galaxy Z Fold 2 has a better viewing area than the first model -- which is good. The two displays are pretty much in sync. So, anything opened on the cover screen seamlessly shifts to the bigger screen once you unfold it. The split screen feature is quite interesting. It takes multitasking to a whole new level. You can work on multiple apps on a screen - just drag the apps that you want to launch and drop. Interestingly, you can decide which app would consume how much space on the screen. When it comes to typing on the big screen, the keyboard spreads across in such a way that it becomes easy to type. The Flex mode is another highlight of the phone. It allows you to fold and keep the phone at any angle, which means you can enjoy watching videos easily. It also makes video conferencing easier. I am not sure about how many apps have been optimised for the Flex mode right now. The display is bright and produces vibrant colours, but it easily catches fingerprint marks. It would be too early to say anything about the display’s durability. Both the front and rear cameras appear to be promising. They capture detailed photos with lifelike colours. I will be able to comment more on the cameras once I get to use the phone for a longer period. The speaker delivers a big loud sound. I can’t say much about the battery performance as of now because I've only used it for a day, but what I do realise is that it takes around 1 hour to charge from 13 per cent to 50 per cent. I didn't face any lag or heating issues in the time I used the phone, but a detailed review of the phone will help me come out with a clear verdict. The new foldable phone comes with major improvements over its predecessor, but does it justify the price tag of INR 1.5 lakh? I will comment on that when I get to use the phone for an extensive period. But, for now, all I can say is that foldable phones are getting better and I can’t wait for them to go mainstream.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2: First impressions of the foldable phone

When it comes to budget phones, options are plenty; and now, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 is here to make the competition tougher. But just how good is the phone?

Starting with Note 8's design. The gradient finish with reflective backs might be trendy, but we personally don’t find it attractive. The Redmi Note 8 has the same design language, and this could be a put off for many,&nbsp;especially, the blue colour. But if you like the dual-tone glossy finish, this wouldn't be a deterrent.&nbsp;

The phone doesn’t feel too heavy, but we wish it was a tad thinner. Otherwise, the phone is comfortable to hold and operate. The rounded corners also add to the ergonomics.

The display is pretty good at this price point. It’s vibrant and comes with a small chin and bezels. The 6.3-inch full high-definition+ display is a feast for the eyes as it offers good viewing angles. It is also easily viewable in direct sunlight.

The phone has not one or two, but four rear cameras, a 48-megapixel with an ultra-high-resolution sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens to capture landscapes with a wider view, a 2-megapixel macro lens to capture minutest subjects with clarity; and a 2-megapixel depth sensor that allows the camera to create portraits with bokeh background.

<img alt="Redmi Note 8" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9faafc41-17e8-4bc2-a3da-94600b17f463" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_6.jpg" />

<img alt="Redmi Note 8" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3460a66a-1f20-4f1a-a9a2-20cde098b4c9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_12.jpg" />

<img alt="Redmi Note 8" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="388c4f0a-a90b-43ae-80b7-3b7d8c279744" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_5.jpg" />

In terms of photo quality, the results look bright and fairly detailed. Its, 13-megapixel front camera also does a decent job.

Now the question is, how well does it perform?

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 which helps it to not lag or slowdown.

It also comes with 6 GB of ram and up to 512GB of expandable storage.

Note 8's other features include corning gorilla glass protection on both the sides, a 4000mah high-capacity battery. The phone lasted for over a day on a single charge. It also has dual sim support.

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 comes in three colours, space black, neptune blue, and moonlight white. It is priced at 9,999 rupees.

Overall, the Redmi Note 8 is a strong contender and passes the 'Tech it out Test' with flying colours.

When it comes to budget phones, options are plenty; and now, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 is here to make the competition tougher. But just how good is the phone? Starting with Note 8's design.

When it comes to budget phones, options are plenty; and now, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 is here to make the competition tougher. But just how good is the phone? Starting with Note 8's design. The gradient finish with reflective backs might be trendy, but we personally don’t find it attractive. The Redmi Note 8 has the same design language, and this could be a put off for many, especially, the blue colour. But if you like the dual-tone glossy finish, this wouldn't be a deterrent. The phone doesn’t feel too heavy, but we wish it was a tad thinner. Otherwise, the phone is comfortable to hold and operate. The rounded corners also add to the ergonomics. The display is pretty good at this price point. It’s vibrant and comes with a small chin and bezels. The 6.3-inch full high-definition+ display is a feast for the eyes as it offers good viewing angles. It is also easily viewable in direct sunlight. The phone has not one or two, but four rear cameras, a 48-megapixel with an ultra-high-resolution sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens to capture landscapes with a wider view, a 2-megapixel macro lens to capture minutest subjects with clarity; and a 2-megapixel depth sensor that allows the camera to create portraits with bokeh background. In terms of photo quality, the results look bright and fairly detailed. Its, 13-megapixel front camera also does a decent job. Now the question is, how well does it perform? Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 which helps it to not lag or slowdown. It also comes with 6 GB of ram and up to 512GB of expandable storage. Note 8's other features include corning gorilla glass protection on both the sides, a 4000mah high-capacity battery. The phone lasted for over a day on a single charge. It also has dual sim support. Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8 comes in three colours, space black, neptune blue, and moonlight white. It is priced at 9,999 rupees. Overall, the Redmi Note 8 is a strong contender and passes the 'Tech it out Test' with flying colours.

Phone review: How good is the new Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8

Tech It Out: Top 5 Phones Under Rs 15,000

phone-review

Phone Review, News on Phone Review, stories on Phone Review, articles on Phone Review, Phone Review stories at Wion, Phone Review news, Phone Review latest news

phone review

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2: First impressions of the foldable phone

Phone review: How good is the new Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8

Tech It Out: Top 5 Phones Under Rs 15,000