My Foldable Leap: A Productivity Powerhouse in My Pocket
"Could a foldable phone be the ultimate productivity tool? I spent 5 years in the Apple ecosystem...now I'm folding."

After five solid years entrenched in the iOS ecosystem, I've taken a leap—a foldable leap, to be exact. I'm diving headfirst into the world of Samsung, specifically with the Z Fold 6, and this is my early take on it as a daily driver. Full disclosure: I'm no tech reviewer, just a productivity nut sharing my raw experience.

Why I Left the Cult... of iOS (for Now!)

For years, the seamless experience and exclusive apps kept me tethered to my iPhone. As a self-proclaimed "productivity enthusiast," I was drawn to the polished to-do lists, note-taking apps, and overall ecosystem that iOS offered. I even became a bit of an app advocate, reviewing and writing about my favorite tools.

But things change. After writing 160+ blog posts and reviewing 50+ applications, I've shifted my focus from the sheer quantity of apps to the system they create. I realized I needed a streamlined framework built around a handful of core tools.

Key Takeaway: The app ecosystem is less important than the system and framework that you create. The right device should support that framework.

Taming the "Shiny New Toy Syndrome"

I wanted to distill my digital life down to the essentials while also acknowledging the reality that I didn't want to be constantly chasing the 'shiny new toy.' So, I looked toward Android, a world of broader options. This move was about intentional friction – limiting endless options to cultivate focus.

My goal? Run my entire productive day with just five key apps. As luck would have it, four of them are available on Android.

My Basic Setup with Fold 6

My Productivity Pillars

These are the apps I rely on to stay on track:

  1. Fabric: my digital library
  2. Sunsama: my planner
  3. Todoist: my to-do list
  4. Tana: my project manager
  5. Kortex: my writing space

These apps are the backbone of my workflow. While Kortex is still under development for Android & iOS, the other four transitioned seamlessly.

Key Takeaway: Identify your core set of apps and then choose a device to support those apps.

Widgets - Fold 6
Tana & Sunsama - a pleasant experience on Fold 6

Foldable First Impressions: Screen Real Estate is a Game-Changer

Forget endless comparison videos. The Fold 6's defining feature is its screen real estate. The ability to have a "normal" phone that unfolds into a mini-tablet is a revelation. This isn't just a bigger screen; it's about how that size impacts your workflow.

And yes, I might sound like a Samsung convert, but the form factor is genuinely incredible.

Here are a few features that stand out:

  1. Smart Select: Capture and extract elements from the screen with ease.
  2. Functional AI Assistant: A genuinely helpful digital companion.
  3. Side Menu Bar: Quick access to my most-used apps.
  4. Widgets: glanceable information that keeps me on track.
  5. That Screen: Did I mention the screen? It's a productivity dream.

Key Takeaway: The foldable form factor offers a great level of flexibility. It is both a phone and a tablet, offering a lot of utility.

App-Specific Awesomeness

The magic happens when your favorite apps get the big-screen treatment. Tana's day view becomes a fully functional dashboard. Todoist and Sunsama widgets are equally pleasant as the apps themselves.

Reviewing documents (PDFs, spreadsheets, etc.) is now a joy. The multi-pane view and multitasking make it easy to take notes while watching YouTube or referencing research.

The "Mem 2.0" & Secondary (Pleasing Apps) Question Mark

Let's address the "elephant in the room, the apps I am going to miss." I've been a long-time fan of Mem, even with its imperfections. I'm particularly excited about Mem 2.0, and that creates a real tension: the best experience is currently being crafted for iOS first, and its native build with offline access is a huge draw.

Will I miss the iOS-native, offline-capable, AI-enhanced experience of Mem 2.0? Possibly. Not only Mem, I am a fan of Things 3, Amie & Craft and might miss them. It's a bet I'm consciously making. The larger screen and Android's flexibility may outweigh that loss. Only time will tell.

The Road Ahead: DeX and Long-Term Thoughts

I'm eager to explore Samsung DeX, which can provide a desktop-like experience when connecting this phone to a monitor. Expect a more detailed, long-term review down the road, including my thoughts on DeX.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Phone

I'm not the guy to ask for smartphone recommendations. I'm here to share my experience. My move to a foldable is about unlocking new levels of productivity. This early impression is overwhelmingly positive.

It's not just about the phone itself, but about how this device enhances my core productivity apps. The larger, more functional screen is a positive change, and I'm excited to see how it transforms my workflow. This phone has more power and feels more productive.

Thanks for reading!

Stay productive,

Astu.

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