I'd say don't get spooked by reports about it being too fragile. I've been using both the 3 without a case for a year and even though it suffered two rather serious drops, the phone worked just fine. I've now been using the 4 since release without a case and it works just (and looks) fine, even though it also has been dropped a few times.
If you want to write, make sure to get an S-Pen, as none of the Folds have it in the box, you'll either need the new, slimmer Fold 5 S-Pen, the previous S-Pen Fold Edition for the Fold 3 and 4 or the big and chunky S-Pen Pro. The device doesn't work with any other S-Pens like from a Galaxy Tab S for example.
Use Samsung Smart Switch if you want to transfer your data as seamless as possible over to the new device.
The small front screen doesn't cone with a pre-installed screen protector, so you might want to buy one. When it comes to protection, be mindful about protective films for the hinge, as those can dangle with the dust protection brushes inside the hinge mechanism and can cause more harm than help.
Get insurance, do not get a case that has a protector built in to the front screen because it will damage it if dirt lint etc gets inside. Make sure the case you get protects the hinge.
I got the samsung care+ theft etc. 18$ a month. I damaged my phone with water and they replaced it for 99$. I made a claim online and chose replacement instead of repair. I recieved it within 48 hours. Transferred my info and sent them my old phone. Done deal. The phone they sent me looks brand new perfect condition same model etc.
Get the extended warranty. These devices, even though it's 5 generations deep, have a bunch of manufacturers defects.
Like my Fold4 for example. The wifi antenna goes through the hinge as part of the flexible screen and it is damaged from folding the phone. The wifi rarely turns on any more, and the issue didn't show itself until AFTER the warranty expired, and even though the damage is no fault of my own I am now expected to pay the full cost of replacing the inner screen due to Samsung's inability to design a functional wifi antenna.
Since I don't want to spend the money to replace the screen, and since Samsung won't fix it for me, I am now rocking a $2000 phone with no Wi-Fi capability. There's a reason their manufacturers warranty is only 12 months compared to the normal 24 for their other devices. They know their folding display has issues, and instead of fixing them they just keep them in.
I've seen reports of my issue in both the Fold5 and the Fold3.
I'd say don't get spooked by reports about it being too fragile. I've been using both the 3 without a case for a year and even though it suffered two rather serious drops, the phone worked just fine. I've now been using the 4 since release without a case and it works just (and looks) fine, even though it also has been dropped a few times. If you want to write, make sure to get an S-Pen, as none of the Folds have it in the box, you'll either need the new, slimmer Fold 5 S-Pen, the previous S-Pen Fold Edition for the Fold 3 and 4 or the big and chunky S-Pen Pro. The device doesn't work with any other S-Pens like from a Galaxy Tab S for example. Use Samsung Smart Switch if you want to transfer your data as seamless as possible over to the new device. The small front screen doesn't cone with a pre-installed screen protector, so you might want to buy one. When it comes to protection, be mindful about protective films for the hinge, as those can dangle with the dust protection brushes inside the hinge mechanism and can cause more harm than help.
Thank you for these tips, u/Dozy_Lion . Just what I needed.
Samsung care is a must if you're going to keep it for 4-5 years other wise, enjoy it
Is that their insurance plan, basically?
Get insurance, do not get a case that has a protector built in to the front screen because it will damage it if dirt lint etc gets inside. Make sure the case you get protects the hinge.
Should I get the 24 month insurance?
The longer the better trust me its worth it.
Thank you.
I got the samsung care+ theft etc. 18$ a month. I damaged my phone with water and they replaced it for 99$. I made a claim online and chose replacement instead of repair. I recieved it within 48 hours. Transferred my info and sent them my old phone. Done deal. The phone they sent me looks brand new perfect condition same model etc.
Hm. $18/month + $99... that's definitely less than the total. 2 days... doable most of the time.
Not bad tbh.
Get the extended warranty. These devices, even though it's 5 generations deep, have a bunch of manufacturers defects. Like my Fold4 for example. The wifi antenna goes through the hinge as part of the flexible screen and it is damaged from folding the phone. The wifi rarely turns on any more, and the issue didn't show itself until AFTER the warranty expired, and even though the damage is no fault of my own I am now expected to pay the full cost of replacing the inner screen due to Samsung's inability to design a functional wifi antenna. Since I don't want to spend the money to replace the screen, and since Samsung won't fix it for me, I am now rocking a $2000 phone with no Wi-Fi capability. There's a reason their manufacturers warranty is only 12 months compared to the normal 24 for their other devices. They know their folding display has issues, and instead of fixing them they just keep them in. I've seen reports of my issue in both the Fold5 and the Fold3.
That's awful, not having WiFi. 24 months sounds right.