Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast – "Samsung’s Tri-Fold Phone is Coming!"
Date: July 18, 2025
Hosts: Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), Andrew Manganelli, David Imel, Adam Molina
Produced by: Vox Media Podcast Network
Episode Overview
In this lively episode, the Waveform crew dives into the latest rumors and leaks about Samsung’s upcoming tri-fold phone, speculates on Google’s merging of Chrome OS and Android, discusses the next steps in wireless charging with Qi2.2, and shares first impressions of new gadgets including the Sony RX1R III camera, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and Oakley x Meta smart glasses. The episode features engaging banter, in-depth analysis, live reactions to breaking news, and a classic round of tech trivia.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Google Merging Chrome OS and Android (03:05–09:38)
- Rumor Confirmed: Google is working to combine Chrome OS and Android into a unified platform.
- Samir Samat (Google) confirmed the merge to TechRadar, explaining that creating a seamless Apple-like ecosystem is the goal.
- The Pixelbook team is reportedly developing hardware to showcase this.
- Benefits & Skepticism:
- Hosts discuss how this move could enhance file syncing, unlock “desktop mode” for phones, and help Google challenge Apple’s ecosystem advantages.
- Debate on who will use these features: “I'm just like wondering who has a display that is just sitting around where they're like, perfect time to plug in my phone to a display.”
— David (07:43) - Adam supports the dream of “one computer for everything,” seeing more value in bringing Chrome OS desktop features to Android.
2. Qi2.2 Wireless Charging & MagSafe Standardization (09:38–13:40)
- Qi2.2 Announced:
- Fast wireless charging up to 25W now part of the cross-brand standard.
- Apple has worked with the Wireless Power Consortium to integrate MagSafe-like magnets.
- Support and Terminology Confusion:
- “Is it QI2 or QI2 ready?”: Devices with "Qi2" require magnets; "Qi2-ready" means accessories could add magnets.
- It’s uncertain how many upcoming Android phones (e.g., Pixel 10) will support the full standard or only some features.
- Upcoming products from Belkin, Anker, and Ugreen are now Qi2.2 certified.
3. Camera Chat: Sony RX1R III Unveiled (20:12–31:57)
- High-End Compact Camera Ecosystem:
- The RX1R III returns after a decade, entering a niche with the Fuji X100VI, Leica Q3, and Ricoh GR III.
- Details: Fixed-lens, full-frame, 61MP, priced at $5100.
- Critique: No IBIS, lackluster color modes, and specs don’t justify the price—especially with tough competition from Fuji and Leica.
- “This camera makes the RF seem like a steal at $4,900, and it makes the Q3 seem reasonable, which is wild.”
— David (28:58)
- Who Is This For?:
- Discussion on collector culture versus using “pocketable” cameras with astronomical budgets.
- “At that point ... buying it less about the capability of the camera and more just about the feeling...”
— Marques (26:53)
4. Samsung Tri-Fold Phone Rumors Confirmed (40:02–51:47)
- Rumors Become Real:
- TM Roh (Samsung) confirms plans to launch the tri-fold phone this year.
- Detailed discussion of leaked One UI 8 animations shows how the phone folds “middle out,” like a science fair trifold board.
- Design Analysis:
- Left and right panels fold over the center; camera bump always faces outward, preventing screen scratches. Visual metaphors help the audio visualization.
- “...this is just imagine opening like a menu, right? ...If you ever did the science fair as a kid, ...you had the trifold...”
— Marques (43:16)
- Practical Challenges:
- Worries about accidental incorrect folding—a likely support/repair headache for Samsung.
- Speculation about a hardware lock to prevent mis-folds.
- Market Position and Pricing:
- Expected price range: $2,500–$3,000.
- “...they're going to have to show examples of things that you want the tri fold for that they wouldn't have already shown us for the dual fold.”
— Marques (51:52) - Potential use cases: portable laptops, extended Dex modes, tablet-replacement.
5. Gadget Unboxings & First Impressions
a. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (53:50–59:14)
- Design:
- Bi-directional rotating bezel is “loose,” less premium feeling.
- “The bezel is a bi directional bezel ... very easy to move, I’m assuming because it controls aspects of the UI.”
— Adam (55:28) - 46mm size is large on most wrists, but retains classic dive watch visuals.
- Features:
- Minimal difference versus Watch 7, except for brighter screen and rotating bezel.
- Value proposition challenged, with Watch 7 sharply discounted.
b. Meta x Oakley Smart Glasses (67:03–74:09)
- Design & Features:
- Beige (“bone”) over-the-top Oakley frame, camera in center, similar to Snap Spectacles styling.
- “They look like if... you tried to make the 2012 equivalent of John Lennon sunglasses, but with thick white frames.”
— Ellis (69:49) - Battery and camera upgrades over past Meta Ray Bans, but looks are divisive.
- Functionality:
- POV camera, AI assistant voice interface, video quality praised but only captures vertical format.
- “As a product, what they offer... a camera on your face. And the POV video aspect ... most gravitating towards.”
— Marques (72:20)
6. EV & In-Car Tech Updates
- Rivian:
- Navigation update: deeper integration with Google Maps; now supports real-time traffic, satellite view, tap-to-explore POIs.
- Tesla:
- Model Y L: a new, longer, three-row SUV for China, positioning to replace the Model X’s utility at a lower price.
- Model X’s future questioned; Model Y L could cannibalize its own flagship sibling.
7. Fun Moments & Live Reactions
- Google Event News Drop (46:14–47:23):
- Live on air, they receive the Made by Google event invite for August 20th in Brooklyn, teasing Pixel 10, new Pixel Bud Pros, and possibly Chrome OS/Android news.
- Marques’s World Games Team Announcement (47:34–48:39):
- Marquez will represent Team USA at the World Games in China, discussing potential time zone/broadcasting logistics.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On the Google/Chrome OS merge:
- “Phones and laptops just need to be one thing. ...Google never wanted to make a Mac competitor OS, even though I wish they would.”
— David (03:14)
On Samsung's tri-fold excitement:
- “The intuitiveness of people who buy the fold... not able to use her S pen anymore... it’s gonna be nicer for her...”
— David (44:23)
On the RX1R III camera price:
- “The problem is many fold. Except that it doesn’t fold. That’s one of the problems.”
— David (24:53)
On the Oakley Meta smart glasses:
- “I hate that I kind of like them.”
— Ellis (70:27)
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Topic | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:05 | Google confirms Chrome OS & Android merge, Pixelbook rumors | | 09:38 | Qi2.2 wireless charging standard and accessory ecosystem | | 20:12 | Sony RX1R III & compact camera market analysis | | 40:02 | Samsung Tri-Fold phone leak walkthrough, folding design discussion | | 46:14 | Breaking: Google event (Pixel 10) invite arrives live on air | | 53:50 | Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic unboxing & first impressions | | 67:03 | Oakley x Meta smart glasses hands-on, design, and market fit | | 75:47 | Rivian Google Maps update; Tesla Model Y L and X future |
Trivia and Audience Engagement
Tech Trivia (Throughout, especially 33:07, 63:48):
- Fun, often intentionally obscure questions covering Qi charging, Pixel hardware, Samsung’s watch history, and '90s hip hop apparel (the answer: FUBU).
- “The point of trivia is ... everybody here learned something.” —Marques (84:27)
Tone, Style & Flow
The episode is energetic, unscripted, and full of classic Waveform banter: from slick segues and running jokes about battery life, to hot takes on obscure tech history and genuine live surprise at breaking news. Technical analysis is balanced with personal anecdotes and speculative fun, providing an engaging experience for casual listeners and hardcore tech fans alike.
For full details and all the in-jokes, check out the episode, but this summary covers all the big themes and memorable moments!