Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 review

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is an epic foldable, neatly fitting in between the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and the Galaxy Z Flip8 as a 'just right' device.

Unlike early Galaxy Z Fold devices, the Galaxy Fold8 takes on a passport-sized profile when folded, looking quite neat with a boxier cover display. When unfolded, the Galaxy Fold8 looks more akin to an ereader or a traditional rectangular tablet, whereas the Galaxy Fold8 Ultra takes on the large squarish unfolded shape that earlier Fold models employed.

And after using the device for a couple weeks, I'm really impressed with the new form factor that Samsung has employed here. The screens feel just right, with the cover display perfect for quick actions, casual scrolling and other tasks when you're on the go. Unfolding the device gives you more space when you need it – perfect for diving into ebooks, streaming shows and more.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 specs

• Displays
  • Main: 7.6" Display, QXGA+ (1848 x 2448), Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Adaptive 1 ~ 120Hz Refresh
  • Cover: 5.5” Display, 1972 x 1248, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Adaptive 1 ~ 120Hz Refresh
• Memory and storage
  • 16 GB Memory with 1TB internal storage
  • 12 GB Memory with 512 GB internal storage
  • 12 GB Memory with 256 GB internal storage
• Processor Snapdragon Elite 8 Gen 5
• Cameras
  • 50MP (Wide)
  • 50MP (Ultra Wide)
  • 10MP (Main)
  • 10MP (Cover)
• Size
  • 123.9 x 161.4 x 4.5mm (Unfolded)
  • 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7mm (Folded)
• Weight 201g
• Battery 4,800mAh(Typical) ⁽¹⁾
• Colours Lavender, Graphite, Cream

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 features and design

• Epic passport shape when folded, ereader shape when unfolded
• Powerful Snapdragon Elite 8 Gen 5 processor
• Fits in perfect between the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8

Let's not beat around the bush, the most striking feature of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is its completely new form factor. This is something Samsung hasn't done before, and it appears that the phonemaker has pulled it off without a hitch.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 performs perfectly in both folded and unfolded configurations, with the smaller screen ideal for quick text message responses, casual social media scrolling or anything that you don't really need a big screen for.

The larger, unfolded display really shines when you're doing something that really benefits from having a large screen. I really enjoyed having the ability to quickly unfold this uniquely shaped phone into a larger device akin to a small tablet, perfect for streaming content on the go. That's exactly what I would do on the train in to work.

For when I’d want multiple apps open, the Galaxy Z Fold8 was awesome, supporting up to 3 apps open and viewable on the unfolded screen at once.

The phone has also been made stronger with Samsung's Flex Titanium technology, involving a layer of thin titanium under the display to improve structural integrity while ensuring a light weight. The phone also comes with a smooth unfolding mechanism with Armour FlexHinge, including a widened gap on the inner bezel, allowing you to more easily unfold.

I've really fallen in love with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and its unique shape. You may be craving a larger device with a folded shape more akin to a standard smartphone though – and if that's you, you may be more interested in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 review: cameras

• 50MP Wide
• 50MP Ultrawide
• 10MP Main
• 10MP Cover

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 has epic camera performance with its two lenses on the back and two selfie cameras (for folded and unfolded configurations). The 50MP wide and 50MP ultrawide cameras are perfect for capturing light, colour and detail, with the wide camera serving as your on-the-fly lens for quick snaps at a reasonable distance, and the ultrawide lens perfect for capturing both up-close macro detail and wide angle vistas alike.

Selfies are also super convenient with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, with the slim profile of the phone, when folded, perfected for wrapping your hand around and capturing quick photos by pressing the volume buttons. When unfolded, it's just as reliable and dependable with the larger screen giving you a good idea of what your photo may look like in a photo frame.

Just keep in mind that, when unfolded the hole punch selfie camera is located in a spot that you may be obscuring with your hands depending on where you're holding – covering the camera is not ideal for taking snaps.

On the software side, Samsung has introduced a Dual Recording feature that allows users to record from both outside cameras and selfie cameras at once, allowing the user's reaction to be captured in the moment. There's also a new feature called My FanCam, which tracks selected subjects and reframes footage in preferred aspect ratios, saving you time when editing videos.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 review: displays

• 7.6" main display, QXGA+, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Adaptive 1 ~ 120Hz Refresh. 5.5" cover display, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Adaptive 1 ~ 120Hz Refresh
• 1848 x 2448 resolution main display, 1972 x 1248 resolution cover display
• 3,000 nits peak brightness

The displays on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 are extremely impressive. Offering satisfying resolutions that present colour richly and visuals sharp and accurate, Samsung has ensured that this phone doesn't skip a beat when it comes to quality and performance.

The 1 ~ 120Hz refresh rate of both displays allow animations and games to operate smoothly, with the cover display ideal for quick actions where you wouldn't mind having a smaller phone, and the unfolded display perfect for when you'd prefer a tablet-like size, such as for reading ebooks or streaming.

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is game-changing. I absolutely fell in love with the unique passport-sized shape of this phone, and when unfolding the phone to watch shows or read, I really enjoyed the larger inner display. When I’d be watching something while the phone would be folded, and I’d unfold it while the content was playing, it’d transfer to the unfolded display uninterrupted.

We'd recommend the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 to a lot of people, but it's particularly worth keeping in mind if you want a smaller smartphone that can unfold into a tablet-like size when you need it to.

All of that said, it's worth keeping Samsung's other foldables in mind, such as the Galaxy Z Flip8 and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, particularly if you're sold on the foldable concept but want a larger, tablet-like screen.

1. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4,854mAh for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, 4,660mAh for the Z Fold8 and 4,660mAh for the Z Flip8.