UAG fixed my biggest Galaxy phone complaint with the Z Fold 8

Since Samsung insists on a camera design that stacks instead of spans, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, like many Galaxy phones, is naturally incompatible with magnetic accessories. UAG fixed that with one simple design change.

Forget the fact that Galaxy device lines like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 or Galaxy S26 series don’t have internal magnets like Pixel phones. The fact is that even after case makers pick up the slack and add magnets for magnetic accessories like chargers, Samsung’s Galaxy phone design is inherently unfriendly to most cases.

The issue arises in square accessories, specifically. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy S26’s camera bump design spans 1/3 of the way down the phone, easily. While that normally wouldn’t be an issue, it doesn’t play nicely with where Samsung sets the wireless charging coil inside the device.

An optimal charging experience for a Galaxy phone, or any device, requires good placement, and that’s exactly what Qi2 magnets are for. They ensure the wireless charger and your phone are perfectly aligned so you receive the most power in the least amount of time. And with the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s 20W wireless charging, that’s the difference between a reasonably fast charge and a trickle that makes you late.

But you can’t get that if the camera bump is in the way, and it sits on the edge of being entirely incompatible.

Now, Samsung’s design can work if there’s no case. There’s just enough clearance to get the device to sit on a small wireless charger. But if you add a case, that added protection around the cameras closes that space off. What you’re left with is a Galaxy phone case with a magnetic Qi2 and fitment issues on all accessories that aren’t circular.

But UAG fixed it.

At the bottom of the camera cutout, the UAG Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra cases have a small material relief cutout. It’s not enough to put your device at risk, but it’s enough to leave the perfect amount of space for square Qi2 accessories.

That includes square chargers, wallets, stands – you name it. Because of that tiny change to the case, I can finally use my magnetic accessories as intended on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. I don’t have to turn my wireless car charger 90 degrees to get it to clear, and I can stick my wallet on the phone without fear it will sheer clean off – even if it does make the phone a little too heavy.

To be fair, your mileage may vary on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with wallets, specifically. The phone is literally too short, and case makers can’t do anything about that. But any accessory that has a wider profile will probably work just fine.

Good on you, UAG. Now, if only Samsung would design a device around full Qi2 compatibility.

Newspaper

UAG fixed my biggest Galaxy phone complaint with the Z Fold 8

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