The Foldable That Wasn't: TCL's Canceled "Chicago" Flip [Into The Fold Episode 9]

[@Danominator]

The song references, the wordplay, the puns like "two-fold". Love this man's writing.

[@JimmyConway1990]

Indeed mate.

[@rodger3352]

I know right ?! Dude's a genius ! :)

[@panathatube]

Brilliant director as well

[@GP1138]

My knowing groan increased in volume with each one.

[@TN_AU]

Mr Mobile is a bloody good poet, his reviews just flows.

[@nikkytheawesome7556]

So how many Chicago puns do you want in your next video? MrMobile: yes

[@BrianHartman]

LOL. :)

[@madmann6723]

We need more OEMs in the foldable space. Competition drives innovation and typically product prices drop making it a win for consumers. 👍

[@PepperButt]

*cough* huawei *cough* US sanctions

[@alexl0890]

It's already dropping? Samsung dropped it by $200

[@NigelMelanisticSmith]

@@alexl0890 that's true, but Xaomi dropped it by $300, more companies would make more savings over time

[@kornkernel2232]

Yeah, the more on the market the better. It will help to improve the foldable screen technology and we can explore more form-factor as well, at least on flagships if they would do a bit of risk taking.

[@TheMrMobile]

Yeah, and price is only a part of it. Other OEMs bringing fresh ideas leads to more diverse and more capable foldables as well.

[@rohithramesh9204]

I was laughing at the Chicago song sections.

[@obidean3964]

Same lol

[@rohithramesh9204]

@@obidean3964 It is also kinda baffling the amount of control cell carriers hold on the market. If you don't have mmWave 5G , the cell carriers are not interested in marketing your phone, however innovative it might be.

[@dinkarfowkar999]

Me tooo

[@tergish1]

That would’ve been a really interesting competitor to the z flip, especially if they ironed everything out. But hopefully that just means they’ll release something even more impressive a year or 2 from now

[@CerealforProtein]

Foldables are all well and good but an even better and more innovative portable device would be TCL Nxtwear G (wearable display glasses thay connect via 1 usb c cable). That's what I'm gunning for when it releases.

[@JamesLawner]

By the time that happens, maybe there’ll be even more, perhaps better, foldables out there and it’ll be too little too late for the company 😕

[@NexaTrade]

competitor? looks more like a replica.

[@crizmagno]

Now we got oppo find n. Whewww

[@Simoneister]

"Its response was two-fold" Hah, funny

[@TheMrMobile]

True fact: unintentional pun! Didn't realize I'd done it until people started calling it out in the comments.

[@Thefirespirit1]

@@TheMrMobile the dad jokes can't be contained 💖😂

[@Danominator]

He's so punny that he's begun punning without even realizing it. Mr. Mobile is ascending.

[@MistaZipps]

@@TheMrMobile and this is why, my good sir, you are a natural.

[@Ratnamrecommend]

Mr. Mobile goes to a card game. *Folds* End of story. On a serious note, I love how he covers foldable devices. He's genuinely appreciative of these products and I love that.

[@SpaceWithSam]

Michael’s perspectives are so informative and honest!

[@8atualp06]

1:36 I like how he puts the phones on top of the "chonk" graffiti while taking about Chicago's chonkness

[@vickie_g]

Can't wait for more competition to the flip. I bought the Flip 3 on your recommendation and I love it. An improved battery in this form factor would make it the ultimate mobile device.

[@AuthenTech]

I'm eager to see what they put out!

[@kornkernel2232]

Me too! I hope they deliver it well with an affordable foldable but still better quality that what the pre-production had, and if they manage to do it sooner than the others, at least they might be able to capitalize it and have better chance. Tbh SD7XX series SoCs should be good enough for most people and having a foldable would be more than enough selling point just for cool factor alone. They just have to tune the camera better, not like Pixel, iPhone or Samsung level, but good enough for social media use. Then we may have a winner. Plastic is also perfectly fine, and better if they can do it with soft-touch feel plastic, like what Nokia used to do. Sometimes, having non-slippery phone is a change of pace.

[@EEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIII]

Probably Chicago the name speaks for itself.

[@andrive]

@@kornkernel2232 I sorta disagree on the plastic part because 99% of those soft plastics get greasy and sticky over time. I’d say a simple matte bezel is nice because it offers grip while still being comfortable to hold, and doesn’t decay as easily

[@darrenmorin]

I always love the little Star Trek bits that make it into the show. I hope the conversation with the Sheliak Ambassador went smoothly. They're like the Vogons of the Federation - all bureaucracy, all the time.

[@mohammedshamil65677]

The audio samples in between was brilliant idea

[@CYV_COV]

Looks like the era of the flip phone model will start to triumph again

[@BernicePanders]

I recently was forced to sell my TCL 10 PRO, and after using it as a vlogging camera & media consumption device for 4 months, I still was able to get my money back! I can safely say that it was the most premium feeling phone I've had, and I hate myself for having to sell it. I hope to be able to get a newer model TCL before my unboxing/review days are over...

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

The more competitors there are against Samsung, the more innovation and demand there will be for foldables in the future. TCL needs to make a device available to the public and, even if it isn't *better* than the Flip 3, it'll give Samsung reason to continue to push the boundaries of what their phones can do.

[@Lahiss]

Even if it doesn't beat out Flip X on spec sheet, shaving off several hundred dollars on the price tag will be competition enough.

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

@@Lahiss Exactly. Competition will always drive innovation. This is good for the market.

[@jenkenj]

I am really hoping Unihertz puts out a flip phone next! Even if it's not a "foldable" with the screen but I'll even take a regular clamshell style with keys as long as it has all the smart features! :)

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

@@jenkenj Why do you want a phone by Unihertz?

[@jenkenj]

@@ThreeTwentyTech I'm not loyal to unihertz or anything, but it seems they are actually trying to come up with multiple form factors beyond the phablet/slab phones. Between the jelly2 and the Titan pocket, you got phones on either end of the spectrum ha (tiny smartphone vs qwerty keyboard "blackberry-ish" phone)

[@TransparentlyDuplicitous]

I know TCL mostly from the TV division, but they've done an outstanding job at providing good and affordable TVs for the average consumer. If they can do the same for foldables, we'll all be better off for it.

[@cobaltblue2756]

there is misinformation in this because I have TCL phone from 2016 and TCL previously name Alcatel so it's not new player , they're just not popular..

[@kevincampbell6490]

This isn't competition for the ZF3. I think it would've been a great cheaper alternative for the first gen Flip. I'm very interested in the ZF3 and following it's evolution.

[@EltasCitizen]

I recently got a Galaxy Tab S7+ and I have to say, your videos look GORGEOUS in 4K60fps!! And I appreciate you for going all that way! Not many KZbinrs do! Lol

[@HarvOrSomething]

It also looks stunning on the z flip 3

[@TheSupercrazyman11]

This is the exact sort of neat obscure tech I love to see you review, Michael! Thanks for creating yet another great review!

[@ganiwaseem9210]

I never miss your videos Mr. Mobile. There's something about your voice, the phones that you talk about that's nostalgic and almost magical. Thanks for being awesome as always. Cheers from a subscriber from India.

[@Wecrypt]

The attention to the background music! Man this guys efforts in each video 👏👏

[@nocturnalpursuits1706]

I don’t know about foldables or if they’re the future or anything like that, but this one thing I do know, Chicago was a really really good band.

[@fellowninja]

"Hmmm, which Chicago song should I use..." Your choice is... excellent.

[@GeneralLegoshi]

It's great how you compare the old with the new, and even look into the cancelled and theoretical tech. Not a lot of content creators do that, that. It's awesome.

[@JanusCycle]

I really like seeing these sort of engineering samples and pre-production phones, thank you.

[@ELJefeReviews]

I'm looking forward to seeing what a TCL foldable device brings to the table.

[@anasabdullah90]

You are just fantastic....i love the elegance in all your videos and how clean and satisfying the transitions are.

[@jaybuffie9624]

I just want to say that, though the focus product is less than desirable, (yet still intriguing) the video itself; the script, the perfectly-timed topical music references, and, as always, the informative and entertaining delivery is masterful. There's an element in these videos lacking in many other tech review videos, and I want to make a comment that strikes at the foundation of this effort. Anyone can review a tech piece. These videos are evidence of the depth of thought behind said delivery. It is, in my opinion, a motion picture masterpiece. If a still can be a masterpiece, why not motion? I'm sure I'm far from alone in my appreciation of the work that goes into producing this level of quality review video. Even if I was alone, the quality stands on its own, apart from my opinion. Definitely among the greats. Been following since before the solo channel. Keep up the good work. Looks like that's not about to end about time soon.

[@phaze1844]

All of the musical puns were awesome and probably the best part of the video. Keep up the great work Mr.Mobile.

[@americanparser]

Michael, I laughed out loud at "I will make it up to you," if for no other reason than that you just wouldn't give up on the Chicago references. I'm a little leary, still, on TCL. It made the first gen Revvl, which was garbage. But I know that was under contract to T-Mobile, so... I'm listening. Good work. You and I have our differences in the phone market, but your writing and editing are just so artful and unsurpassed. I've been subbed since the beginning, and I'm so happy for your success. Keep 'em coming!

[@kkm969]

Eagerly waiting for the next "When phones were fun" episode. Wanted to know when it may comes out & a minute glimpse of which phone it will be.

[@Format090]

Man, 4k60 video. Absolutely wonderful. Great addition to the great content! I cant take other videos with crappy quality anymore.

[@PSYCHOV3N0M]

Don't talk about crappy quality when KZbin videos don't have high bit rates like 4K Blu-ray discs do. 😂

[@Format090]

@@PSYCHOV3N0M True, but i am applauding his investment in a good camera. Many others dont do so.

[@Unan1mouz]

Someday, when foldables will be around the $700+ mark, I WILL BUY ONE :B

[@zhgalaxy8179]

I like to see a world with these kind phones like folds flips..... Not just rectangular bricks.......

[@sjm4306]

Hopefully their next foldable will set the bar for unique design and predict the design curve rather than follow another company's. I think the whole point of foldables is to bring some fresh ideas to the stagnant/crowded smartphone market, and I for one welcome that. It's been far too long that phones have devolved into boring rectangular slabs that all more or less look identical. Give me those crazy roll up, multi-folding phones that are currently only prototypes/renders!

[@joaomendes3907]

Now that's a refreshing surprise. Of all companies, TCL was honestly the last company i expected to come up with a foldable. Specially because i didn't know that they owned companies such as palm or Blackberry. I'm now eager to see what they come up with

[@B9M3]

Interesting how just about everyone has forgotten about the only actual competitor to the Flip: Moto.

[@TheMrMobile]

That's what happens when Motorola misses a release cycle. Buzz is, by definition, temporary. A shame because I still love my RAZR.

[@tyw877]

TCL Flex V looks like this, excited for the future!

[@d.carter3850]

Nice job sir! This is the type of content KZbin needs, but doesn't deserve.

[@james8606]

Great to see TCL looking into new markets. I have not owned a TCL phone but they definitely have my attention.

[@ericokompatzki7110]

What a great video and a great what if... And the Chicago clips was just icing on the cake 😂

[@turle8645]

My craziest takeaway from the z flip 3 is that it has shown that people now consider $1000 dollars for a phone affordable. Just a few years ago with the iPhone 10 that was completely unheard of

[@abunk8691]

The switch to 60fps on the video was really noticeable from the beginning of the video, and I welcome it.

[@shikhsyafiq2841]

Nice to see 60fps smoothness back

[@harshitsingla]

i think its 30 million $ not 30 Billion $ cause tcl net asset value is 20.3 Billion $

[@PedroAlbertoCruzBonilla]

The Chicago references were everything in this video, now I want TCL to build a Chicago version of this phone with Chicago all over it! Maaaan

[@henrymiller4964]

Mr Mobile you have THE BEST videos on KZbin period.

[@fifileng]

Whao! Thank you for giving us this review. Looking forward to hold one in my hand if they ever make it into production.

[@bexstace]

TCL canceled Chicago Chicago : I will make it up to you.

[@TheMrMobile]

I p-r-o-o-o-o-o-m-m-m-i-s-e you!

[@damiengrief]

This video was great. Loved the cheeky Chicago song samples placed throughout. Can't wait to see what TCL eventually releases in the foldable space.

[@chrislee5069]

Any company can talk a big game about undercutting the Flip3. Until they actually launch at their target price, I wouldn't hold my breath

[@TheMrMobile]

tbf, TCL was clearly trying to undercut Flips 1 and 2 with this one, as I said in the VO. I feel like Flip 3 might have caught them a little by surprise.

[@chrislee5069]

@@TheMrMobile The Flip3's agressive pricing and increased durability claims probably did catch them out. Also, if Samsung can price the Flip3 at $999, I don't why they can't make a Flip3 Lite w/ a mid-range chip at $799

[@teomai]

I'm truly eager for the flip phone goes fully mainstream. Because to be honest, I don't like nowadays BRICK phone (big that can't even let you sit comfortably when the phone in your pocket). Thanks for the video

[@Kluneberg]

Anyone knows what's the wireless charger shown at 3:05? It's absolutely beautiful.

[@ibunkatraining]

Watching it on a flip 3. Love it.

[@moranmono]

Looks solid for it's time. Nice to see more companies are innovative in the folding phones arena

[@jdneilso]

Just picked up the Surface Duo, brand new, for $415. At that price, I'm enjoying it.

[@rohitsouvik]

The script and dialogues are always the best part of your videos and so does the production value. #StayMobile

[@baderalnoaimi7491]

I love the star trek references you insert into your videos

[@quarterarcade8825]

Another great video; love this channel so much

[@DApple-ef5vf]

Love the props to the band- Chicago. Well done Mister Mobile!

[@zarakkhan9405]

Love your content VERY MUCH. U deserve a lot of subscribers.

[@trtech7496]

Been following you since before you left and made your own channel. Your videos are so good

[@TenNoMichiyoIki]

You had me running to look for a Chicago playlist to listen to

[@obsidianmind8606]

For me it looks too similar to the z flip currently to get me interested in it or excited. Atleast huawei foldables for all their lack of android support still had a different design to samsung even when they went with similar method of folding inward with x2, atleast it was some what different approach and tried to fix the problem (atleast for me) of the gap between the two screens when folded and trying to make it slimer.

[@literallyno]

does anyone know what wallpaper Michael used at 1:53

[@sisir360]

4:08 “It’s response was twofold “ Nice.

[@xlmfao9369]

Exact copy of the Samsung flip phone. What else did you expect??

[@nathanmerritt1581]

Does music puns are on point my man. 👍😂

[@mrbonzzai]

"may have been inspired by Samsung z flip". That's quite the understatement.

[@christopherrodier866]

Awesome video Michael! Can't help but think that the foldable phone explosion is just on the horizon.

[@AmarBowls]

Here we go!!!

[@RanggaWiratno]

I think next year second semester will be the start of foldables era. There's gonna be lot of new foldables made cuz of the popularity of Z Flip 3 (hopefully). Then finally, in 2027, I can finally buy one cuz I'm too broke to get it now.

[@akramm.8543]

That sounds about right 😂

[@NoStopN]

As much as I'm not on board with folding screen phones due to the screen's longevity, I do admire companies who challenge the established players. The old adage that "competition improves the breed" is paramount in the current electronics stage. TCL has made some inroads in the TV landscape, even though they aren't trying to hawk a TV with a 5-digit price tag like the Samsungs or Sonys of the world. And major respect for the leaders of TCL to say they wanted to bring a better product to market. Not knowing how long the Chicago had been in the development pipeline, competitors may have upped their game so much that TCL could see bad press on the horizon & wanted to avoid that.

[@andrewnorton8691]

Digging that Starfleet logo bowl. Very nice.

[@finfan83]

Stuff's cute ! Nice to hear there are such wild attempts, not just going for one more black non-foldable.

[@rinzualla]

Loved the song references! Great video as always

[@misfortunearchitect7261]

very weird to see a company send out review units of a device they will not sell 🤣 guess it is so tcl occupies some headspace in the meantime and people are aware of their plans for the future

[@TheMrMobile]

It's unusual for sure, but I get it. This way, TCL can prove that it wasn't blowing smoke all this time. This isn't an engineering sample or a one-off; it's a late preproduction sample for a product they were legit intending to make. Helps them preserve credibility (even in the face of a missed deadline).

[@parthoomphy7214]

For Foldables, I prefer Samsung: Despite knowing battery isn't upto my usage needs, I still went for the Flip 3 (from iPhone 12) as iPhones doesn't excite me anymore, same old improvements which Apple is doing, a bit better camera here, slightly faster chip there. I'm honesty interested in the innovation which samsung is doing and R&D to fold the freakin glass! Lets see how it goes, it'll arrive next sunday as they are out of stock everywhere as demand have far exceeded samsung's expectations (atleast here in India). Edit: I'll still keep my iPhone 12 as a backup phone though!

[@TruthHurts2025]

Interesting ! Enjoyed very much. Keep up the great videos that you always do! Thumbs Up!

[@BradTech.]

Always great to see you're doing good 🙏

[@frakatribe731]

the musics and footages of this video are really nice

[@jayjayvega4268]

This is a good tech channel besides whosetheboss very informative straight to the point

[@Primus1412]

mrmobile just wanna know where you get the amazing background music for your videos?? BTW love your videos

[@THExDUDEx8624]

Great video. Absolutely love the soundtrack. 😂

[@vincentirving]

So from now on you will upload in 60fps?

[@abdulm2609]

Cool to see this. So many people would have worked on this and it otherwise might have gone unrecognised and forgotten.

[@Charlesfernandez0]

Dude! Liked this. Also wondering; what happened to the “when phones were phone” series? Thanks 🙏 for the content.

[@JohnMedved]

Nice job with integrating the band into the video... :)

[@survivalnewbie]

Love the Chicago music clips along the way as segways/bumbers

[@mr.j4696]

Brilliant integration of the Chicago hit song into your narrating.

[@MrBeanTroll]

Every single Chicago music drop caused me to chuckle.

[@kaz3d]

I'm so glad that there's growing competition to Samsung's foldables. Truly makes the smartphone landscape exciting again!!

[@Chemy.]

Maybe because they are too early bin this market can't risk, but the fact to see many companies are working on foldables tells me that eventually will be mainstream, sooner than expected even with the chip shortages. As always great video, liked.

[@Mistablue22]

Michael Fisher -- "Chicago's about 10 percent heavier and slightly larger along most axes". Me as a Chicagoan eating Al's Beef right now -- "Yeah. Yeah, that sounds about right."

[@epicmusic9029]

I think the plastic back of tcl would give it a durability advantage over Samsung's glass back due to the historical slippery glass of the Z flip. This would be a more compelling foldable if it would be better than the Samsung in battery life. Also plastic textured in the right way will always be better than glass because you will never worry about a case. This phone would have sold like hot cakes without a glaring flaw if the price was right.

[@kaitlynk2145]

Great video! Out of curiosity were you ever in a work place violence video playing a guy named Ben?

[@charlessaints]

wow i'm a tcl phone user, and i hope they come out with something to compete with samsung competition amongst companies is always a good thing for consumers

[@Halb_Wert_Zeit]

This would've turned some heads. Looking forward to their next try.

[@STICKOMEDIA]

My favorite tech boi is back! Lets go!