- Bill Gates uses a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, a foldable book-like Android device.
- He prefers Android over iOS for its customization and compatibility with Microsoft software.
- He primarily uses Outlook, Edge, and Microsoft productivity apps.
- Choose a functional phone over a luxury one, breaking with the technological standards of many magnates.
What smartphone does one of the most influential men in technology, Bill Gates, carry in his pocket? Although some might think that the Microsoft co-founder would opt for proprietary solutions or even the iPhone, the truth is that his technological choice is going in a very different direction.
The tycoon's decision not only reveals his personal preferences, but also how he balances productivity with mobility. Over the past few years, he has revealed in various forums and interviews what smartphone he uses daily and what tools are essential for his routine.
Bill Gates prefers Android with a touch of foldable innovation
Far from clinging to his own company's products, Gates opts for AndroidThis choice was confirmed by the philanthropist himself in several question-and-answer sessions—known as AMAs (Ask Me Anything)—on Reddit over the past few years, where he also clarified that he's not averse to trying out other systems, but that his usual device is Android.
Specifically, the smartphone you are currently carrying is a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. This model stands out for its folding design in book form, which allows for a large screen area without sacrificing portability. Gates explained that this type of format is very useful for him because he can do without a tablet, using only his phone and his Windows laptop.
This choice was not fortuitous. The previous model, Galaxy Z Fold3, was already among their favorites., but was replaced by the Fold4 after being gifted by Lee Jay-Yong, one of Samsung's top executives, during a visit to South Korea. This anecdote was shared by Gates himself in a new edition of AMA in 2023.
The foldable device, apart from offering versatile use, also reflects his way of understanding technology: Functional tools without unnecessary fanfare or luxuriesUnlike other tech icons who opt for the latest cell phones as a status symbol, Gates takes a more practical and austere approach to his choices.
Why Android and not iPhone
Gates prefers the Android operating system for several reasons which he has explained publicly on more than one occasion. In a 2021 Clubhouse chat, he mentioned that he finds it easier to have control over the Android environment, as it's a more open and flexible system for customizing and connecting with specific tools.
Another reason he gave is that Some Android devices come with Microsoft software pre-installed, saving you time and making it easy to integrate with the rest of your ecosystem—from email and files to web browsing and productivity. Plus, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 It also has features that might interest Gates, given its focus on functionality.
Although he's not averse to the iPhone and has occasionally used it to test out certain features or compatibility, his go-to phone remains an Android, and Samsung's foldable model, in particular, remains his primary choice.
Furthermore, these types of devices better integrate the functional vision that Gates defends, where Technology must be at the service of the user without being intrusive nor force the consumption of products from the same manufacturer, as often occurs in Apple's closed ecosystem.
The apps that are part of Bill Gates' daily life
Bill Gates' use of his smartphone also reflects his personality: more pragmatic than spectacular. In another of his Reddit posts, he explained in detail which apps he regularly uses, particularly those from the Microsoft community.
Outlook is your indispensable tool for managing emailsAs expected, it also uses Microsoft Teams and other productivity apps like OneNote and Word. These apps are often included or easily installed on Samsung devices due to the close collaboration between the two companies.
Gates also frequently browses the web to stay informed. He likely uses Microsoft Edge, his home browser, both for familiarity and for efficiency and synchronization with other devices.
As far as messaging or social media goes, he hasn't made his most recent preferences or habits public. What is known is that He is not very active on platforms like Twitter (now X), as he prefers to stay away from the media noise and share only content related to his foundation or personal reflections.
A vision of technology far from luxury
Gates has stated on several occasions that his father was an example of simplicity, something he tries to apply to various aspects of his life, including his relationship with technology. He is not known to have a fondness for luxury or limited edition devices., and he is also not interested in gadgets as a symbol of social status.
Instead of wearing a high-end Swiss watch, a Bill Gates was seen sporting functional and affordable models like the CasioThis view of technology as a tool to improve everyday life without ostentation is also clearly reflected in their choice of smartphone.
This attitude contrasts with other similar profiles, such as Elon Musk, who has been more open to using the latest generation of iPhones. He has even flirted with the idea of launching his own smartphone under the Tesla brand, as has been speculated on several occasions.
Gates' philosophy
Gates doesn't seem to have any intention of constantly changing phones.If your device meets your needs, you'd rather keep it as long as possible without getting caught up in the annual market innovations.
A combination of functionality, Microsoft integrations and simplicity defines his current technological choices. For Gates, what's truly important isn't showing off his mobile phone, but rather getting the most out of each tool in his work and personal environment.
Bill Gates' technological decisions convey a very clear idea: Technology should be at the service of practical utility, not spectacle. Staying loyal to Android and a model that allows him to combine mobility, screen size, and productivity, the Microsoft co-founder seems to have found the perfect balance between innovation and usability in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. His commitment to his company's own apps, such as Outlook or its Edge browser, reinforces his loyalty to an ecosystem he knows well and that continues to play a prominent role in his daily life.
