Four major brands, including Samsung, Google, Honor, and OnePlus, have released large foldable smartphones in France, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold among them. Design comparisons show the Honor Magic V3 as the thinnest option, while display quality varies, with Honor leading in brightness. Each device has unique features, such as camera placements and screen ratios, influencing user experience. Ultimately, the Honor Magic V3 stands out in design, while all models boast vibrant OLED displays.
Exploring the Latest Foldable Smartphones in France
In the competitive landscape of the French market, four prominent brands have unveiled their large foldable smartphones: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Honor Magic V3, and OnePlus Open. It’s worth noting that the OnePlus Open, which debuted last year, has yet to see a successor announced, but speculation suggests a OnePlus Open 2 may be on the horizon for next year, potentially in France. Among the newly released models, the question remains: which foldable smartphone stands out in the book format?
Design Showdown: Can Samsung Keep Up?
When it comes to smartphones, design plays a crucial role; owning an aesthetically pleasing device enhances the overall experience. The three models in today’s comparison each possess a unique elegance. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 features a minimalist camera block, showcasing three vertically aligned lenses. In contrast, both Google and Honor have opted for more pronounced camera designs: Google with a rectangular shape in the top left corner, while Honor has created a circular and hexagonal configuration positioned centrally on the back.
Honor has carved a niche for itself by introducing the slimmest foldable smartphone on the market, measuring just 4.35 mm when unfolded and 9.2 mm when folded—slightly thicker than the average traditional smartphone. Samsung’s dimensions stand at 5.6 mm unfolded and 12.1 mm folded, whereas Google measures 5.1 mm unfolded and 10.5 mm folded. All models feature easy-to-open hinges, although a two-handed approach is recommended for optimal use. The Magic V3 distinguishes itself with a spring mechanism that simplifies full device opening. Each smartphone also includes magnets to assist with closure, but the Magic V3 excels by starting its closure at a broader angle.
Another key aspect to consider is the visibility of the screen crease. All three models exhibit creases that can be felt when touched, but the degree of visibility varies. Notably, the crease on the Magic V3 is less pronounced compared to its competitors, making it a standout feature.
Screen border thickness is an important factor as well. All models perform well on the external screen front, but when it comes to the internal screen, Samsung takes the lead with a more refined integration. Google, on the other hand, disappoints with an awkward external screen integration that results in a noticeably thick left border.
In terms of handling, all devices offer a comfortable experience both folded and unfolded. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 features sharp angles, which may not appeal to everyone. When laid flat, the camera block can be cumbersome and off-center, causing instability. In contrast, the other two competitors provide a more stable experience in both configurations. Interestingly, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold incorporates a lock button positioned above the volume button, a rarity in the smartphone world.
When considering the placement of internal cameras, Google’s punch-hole design in the top right corner is the most unobtrusive, maximizing screen real estate. Honor’s positioning is less conventional, placing the camera in the center of the right side of the screen. Samsung utilizes an under-screen camera, which, while allowing for a larger display, is still visible, especially against contrasting backgrounds.
In conclusion, for the “design” category, the Honor Magic V3 emerges as the clear winner due to its impressive thinness and optimal screen ratios.
Stunning Displays Across the Board
It’s essential to highlight that all three foldable smartphones feature vibrant OLED displays with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The external screens differ based on technical choices; a wider external screen typically means a wider internal one as well, but this also leads to increased power consumption.
Samsung’s design remains unchanged, offering an elongated and somewhat cramped external screen that can be challenging for tasks like typing or watching content. This narrow 23.5:9 aspect ratio limits usability for activities like short-form videos, where significant screen space goes unused. Conversely, Samsung could be seen as encouraging users to engage with the larger internal screen, which is where the Galaxy Z Fold 6 truly shines.
In contrast, both Honor and Google adopt a more traditional approach with their external screens, featuring a classic 20:9 aspect ratio that aligns with standard smartphones. This design lends itself to more natural use of everyday applications, making it a practical choice for most users.
Now, turning to the internal displays, all models showcase a nearly square format, particularly the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which offers a nearly equal width and height.
When it comes to brightness, Honor leads the way for the external display, while both Honor and Google excel with their internal displays. Samsung falls slightly behind in this aspect, which is disappointing. Each brand maintains good color consistency between the internal and external displays, although the Honor Magic V3 tends to lean toward cooler blue tones, while the Galaxy Z Fold 6 leans warmer. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers the most accurate color representation across both screens.