Let's talk about the elephant in the room when it comes to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: its multitasking capabilities, or rather, the lack thereof. Despite its impressive hardware and unique design, the software experience leaves something to be desired, especially for those seeking a true workhorse device.
The Work Laptop's Resilience
The work laptop has proven its resilience against the onslaught of phones and tablets, and now foldables, for a reason. They offer a more affordable option with longer-lasting batteries and precise input methods like trackpads and keyboards. Some even provide the flexibility of touchscreens or 360-degree hinges.
Multitasking: The Missing Link
However, it's the multitasking capabilities that truly set laptops apart from touchscreen devices. Arranging apps across a screen is a given on traditional computers, but smartphones and tablets, and now foldables, are still primarily designed for single-app use. This limitation becomes a hindrance when you need to switch between multiple tasks.
Galaxy Z Fold 8's Multitasking Woes
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, despite improvements, still falls short in this regard. While it offers a three-app split-screen mode, the layout is limited and not well-signposted. The pop-up windows, though allowing for more apps, result in a cluttered and hectic experience.
A Better Alternative: OPPO Find N6
In contrast, the OPPO Find N6 provides a superior multitasking experience. It offers a more flexible and intuitive app windowing system, allowing for easier movement and resizing of apps. The Boundless View feature creates a grid-based arrangement, keeping all apps accessible yet hidden when not needed. This system, first introduced by OnePlus, remains the gold standard for foldable multitasking.
Multitasking Beyond the Phone
Furthermore, the Find N6 allows for remote viewing of your laptop, enabling you to work on tasks not directly on the phone. This feature, combined with its excellent multitasking capabilities, makes it a more versatile work device.
Samsung's Missed Opportunity
Samsung, with its years of experience, has the potential to excel in this area. Most apps work seamlessly with Galaxy Z phones, and those that don't can be resized. Yet, the company seems content with a subpar multitasking experience, especially for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which is marketed as a productivity powerhouse.
A Stepping Stone
While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series is a step forward, it's clear that Samsung has some catching up to do. The competition has already demonstrated more innovative and user-friendly multitasking solutions. Let's hope Samsung takes note and delivers a more comprehensive multitasking experience in future iterations.
