Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 represents a bold departure from the company’s previous foldable designs. Rather than iterating on the tall, narrow shape that defined the Z Fold series for years, Samsung has completely reimagined the device around a wider, squatter form factor. The result is a phone that feels surprisingly natural in the hand and, when opened, offers a display aspect ratio that is far better suited to both reading and video consumption.
The outer screen measures 5.5 inches with a 10:16 aspect ratio — almost exactly the dimensions of a standard passport. When closed, the phone is short and wide, a look that initially seems odd but quickly becomes comfortable. The inner display jumps to 7.6 inches at a 4:3 aspect ratio, the same ratio used by most iPads. This design choice is no accident; Samsung believes that foldables should mimic the experience of a tablet when opened, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 delivers on that promise better than any previous model.
Design and Build Quality
At just 201 grams, the Z Fold 8 is the lightest Z Fold Samsung has ever produced. It is also remarkably thin for a foldable, measuring 9.7 mm when closed. For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro weighs 206 grams and is 8.8 mm thick. The reduced size and weight make the phone easy to handle one-handed, and the extra width actually makes two-handed typing more comfortable. The phone is available in several muted colors, including a lavender and a pistachio shade that is more of a grayish green.
Samsung has used titanium-infused layers under the inner display to reduce the visibility of the crease, which is now barely noticeable. The hinge mechanism feels sturdy, and the phone can be opened smoothly with one hand. However, like previous Z Folds, the Z Fold 8 lacks an IP68 rating. It offers only IP48 protection, meaning it is resistant to objects larger than 1 mm but not to dust ingress. This is a disadvantage compared to rivals from Google, Oppo, and Honor, which offer full dust and water resistance.
Display and Multimedia Experience
The 4:3 inner display is the star of the show. It provides a near-square canvas that is ideal for reading books, magazines, and web pages in portrait mode. Watching movies and TV shows is also a treat, as the wider aspect ratio reduces letterboxing compared to the taller displays of previous Z Folds. When held in landscape, the selfie camera cutout on the inner screen is less obtrusive than on the Z Fold Ultra, which has its cutout in an awkward position.
The outer screen, though short, is perfectly usable. Most apps adapt well to its dimensions, though occasional errors occur. For instance, Instagram might leave a white bar on the right side, and Samsung’s own Quick Settings panel requires scrolling to reach the bottom because it is too long for the display. These issues are rare but highlight that Android was not originally designed for such a short and wide screen.
Battery and Charging
One of the biggest upgrades in the Z Fold 8 is the battery. Samsung has finally adopted silicon-carbon battery technology, which offers higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The capacity has increased to 4,800 mAh, giving the phone excellent endurance. In testing, the device consistently ended the day with around 40 percent battery remaining. Samsung claims it has managed to avoid the degradation issues associated with silicon-carbon batteries by using a specially engineered anode.
Charging speeds are adequate but not class-leading. The Z Fold 8 supports 45W wired charging and 20W wireless charging. While these are competitive in the US market, they lag behind many Chinese flagships that offer 100W or faster wired charging. The phone does not have built-in magnets for Qi2 wireless charging, though it can work with Qi2 cases. Samsung likely omitted the magnets to keep the device thin and light, betting that most users will use a case anyway.
Camera System
The camera system is the most controversial aspect of the Z Fold 8. Samsung has removed the telephoto lens, leaving only a main camera and a new 50-megapixel ultrawide. The main camera uses a smaller sensor and narrower aperture than the one in the Z Fold 7, resulting in lower overall image quality. Photos are decent — comparable to a base Galaxy S26 or iPhone 17 — but not spectacular. The main camera struggles with fast-moving subjects, often producing blurry shots of pets or children.
The ultrawide camera is a highlight, matching the main lens in color reproduction and detail in most conditions. However, the absence of a telephoto lens is a significant downgrade for a $1,899 phone. Users who frequently zoom in for portraits or distant subjects will be disappointed. The main camera’s low-light performance is acceptable for static scenes but loses detail when there is motion. Overall, the camera system is a compromise that may not satisfy photography enthusiasts.
Software and AI Features
The Z Fold 8 runs One UI based on Android, with a few new AI-powered features. Google’s Gemini Intelligence Task Automation is available but not yet enabled in all regions. Another feature, My FanCam, uses AI to crop video around a specific person. Now Nudge, similar to Google’s Magic Cue, suggests contextual actions when using split-screen mode — such as adding an event to the calendar from a message. However, it only works with Samsung Keyboard and specific messaging apps, limiting its usefulness.
These additions are relatively minor, and Samsung has not overhauled the software experience dramatically. The multitasking capabilities that foldables are known for remain excellent, with the ability to run up to three apps simultaneously on the inner display. The phone also supports the S Pen, though it is sold separately.
Comparisons and Market Context
The Z Fold 8 enters a rapidly evolving foldable market. Huawei was the first to launch a wide foldable with the Pura X Max, and Apple is rumored to be preparing a similar squat design for its first foldable iPhone, expected later this year. Samsung’s other foldable this year, the Z Fold Ultra, retains the traditional tall shape and is aimed at productivity users who prioritize multitasking over media consumption. The Z Fold 8, by contrast, is designed for everyday users who want a device that excels at reading and watching content.
At $1,899, the Z Fold 8 is expensive but not out of line with other premium foldables. Its main competitors include the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Oppo Find N6, and the Honor Magic V4. The Pixel Fold offers a similar wide design with better cameras, while Oppo and Honor provide faster charging and dust resistance. The Z Fold 8’s lighter weight and longer battery life are its strongest selling points.
Performance and Durability
Powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and 12 GB of RAM, the Z Fold 8 delivers flagship performance. Games and demanding apps run smoothly, and the phone handles multitasking without lag. The inner display’s 120 Hz refresh rate ensures fluid scrolling and animations. Samsung promises seven years of software updates, which is above average for Android devices.
Durability is a mixed bag. The titanium-infused display layers and improved hinge make the phone feel solid, but the lack of IP68 means users must be cautious around sand, dust, and water. The crease is minimal but still present, and the inner screen’s protective layer can be scratched by fingernails if pressed too hard.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a compelling reimagining of the foldable form factor. Its wider design feels more natural and practical for everyday use, especially for reading and watching video. The lighter weight and excellent battery life are significant improvements. However, the camera downgrade and lack of full water resistance are clear compromises. If Samsung can refine the software experience and bring back a telephoto lens in a future iteration, this shape could indeed become the new standard for foldables.
With Apple expected to enter the foldable market with a similar wide design later this year, the Z Fold 8 serves as a preview of what mainstream foldables might look like. It is not perfect, but it makes a strong case that the future of the category is wider than we thought.
Source:The Verge News