I’ve had the weekend to think about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, since spending a few hours with it at the end of last week, and the truth is, I can’t stop thinking about it.
Samsung has taken a risk with its 2026 Z Fold series, and I think it’s going to pay off, because more variety is always a good thing.
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What’s different about the Z Fold 8?
Not the Ultra, something new
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra (left), Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8
Samsung has two big-screen foldables in its 2026 line-up. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the familiar style we’re used to, with its large open screen and thin, tall cover screen when it’s folded up.
SoC
: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
Display type
: Dynamic AMOLED 2x 120Hz
Display dimensions
: 7.6-inch open / 5.5-inch closed
RAM
: 12GB / 16GB
Storage
: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Battery
: 4,800mAh
Charge speed
: 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 wired / wireless
Operating System
: Android 17 / One UI 9
Front camera
: 10MP main / 10MP cover
Rear camera
: 50MP main / 50MP wide
Wi-Fi connectivity
: Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions
: 124 x 161 x 4.5mm open / 124 x 82 x 9.7mm closed
Weight
: 201 grams
Colors
: Lavender / Graphite / Cream / Pistachio (online exclusive)
Material
: Armor Aluminum
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is different. It has a 7.6-inch screen when opened, giving it a crucial 4:3 aspect ratio. Each half of the open phone is shorter and wider than the Z Fold 8 Ultra, and when folded it’s reminiscent of the original Google Pixel Fold and phones like the Microsoft Surface Duo and Huawei Pura.
Samsung says the size and design has been optimized for activities like watching videos and reading eBooks in portrait orientation, while the 10:16 aspect ratio, 5.5-inch cover screen is optimized for apps.
The company has even engineered the hinge in a certain way to reflect this, as it has less weight and resistance than the Z Fold 8 Ultra, which actually encourages you to open the phone. It’s a small point, but it makes the Z Fold 8 very friendly to use.
New screen tech is impressive
Less crease, more durability
Samsung’s big engineering breakthrough comes with the screen. It’s called Flex Titanium, where a titanium alloy film supports the OLED panel, and a separate alloy plate under it to support the entire display structure.
It is thinner, just a third of the width of a human hair, and stronger than previous Z Fold screens, reduces the crease, and provides a uniform viewing surface. It’s also really bright at 3,000 nits maximum, something we noted when taking photos as it was almost always too bright.
What’s more, it allows 10% more space for internal components. The Z Fold 8 has a 4,800mAh silicon-carbon battery inside, which has 45W wired and 20W wireless charging, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor.
How does it feel to use?
New, yet still familiar
The Galaxy Z Fold 8’s hinge and screen make folding and unfolding the screen a delightful experience. It’s effortless, but expensive-feeling. The size makes it far more book-like, and when you switch to the Z Fold 8 Ultra, the thinner phone immediately feels more constricted.
It’s also really light at just 201 grams. Combined with the aspect ratio and screen size, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 should be convenient to carry, and it’s unlikely to cause fatigue, even when using it in portrait for reading.
Even in the short time using it, I could see myself using the Z Fold 8’s open screen a lot, due to its sensible size, easy-open hinge, and anti-reflective surface.
Perhaps the only off-putting thing is the width of the closed screen means it’s a stretch to use with one hand. However, if you’re really keen on a folding phone to use closed with one hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the one for you.
Software enhancements
Refining Galaxy AI
The Galaxy Z Fold 8’s Android 17 and One UI 9 software is the same as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra’s, and there are a few new features in the Galaxy AI suite that should prove helpful.
Now Nudge, introduced with Galaxy S26 series, cleverly opens apps in split windows when used with the phone open. For example, if in a text message a location is discussed, Now Nudge shows a small notification icon which, when tapped, opens Google Maps in a new window next to messages.
Advanced Automation is also a way to lessen app switching, as it understands what’s on-screen, and helps you complete tasks. Finally, there’s Gemini Notebooks, where photos, recordings and documents can be added to a dedicated notebook, where they are turned into summaries and infographics.
Maximum joy
Or maximum power?
I really like what Samsung has done with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It’s new and different, has its own unique feel, and shifts away from the productivity focus most think big foldables are all about.
How did Samsung illustrate this? By tapping into a very 2026 trend of putting ‘Maxx’ after a word. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is apparently for ‘joy-maxxing’ and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is for ‘power-maxxing.’
Put the cringe aside, and it’s a decent way of illustrating which device will suit you. Want to have fun with videos, apps, and books? The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the one to look at. Want power and productivity? The Z Fold 8 may be the better choice.
In reality, I’m not entirely sure if this will apply. Put the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra next to each other and play a video, and you’re not seeing a larger video, just smaller black bars around it. After years of using ‘regular’ big-screen foldables, I've learned they all excel at productivity and video duties.
So why has the Galaxy Z Fold 8 stayed on my mind? It has been going back to using the Motorola Razr Fold. The hinge, screen, and engineering feel like a step back in time compared to the Z Fold 8. I can’t wait to spend more time with Samsung’s latest.
Just like all folding phones, you’ll have to try it for yourself to truly appreciate it, and I highly recommend you do so.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 price and availability
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is available to pre-order on July 22 ready for release on August 7. It starts at $1,900 or £1,699.