Galaxy Z Fold8: Samsung’s new folding smartphone in detail

Samsung is expanding its foldable range with three models and is positioning the new Galaxy Z Fold8 as an alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra. The biggest difference is in the format: Instead of the narrow, tall design, the Fold8 uses a wider outer display and a 4:3 inner display, which should be able to be used more like a compact tablet when opened. The starting price is 1999 euros. Our colleague John Knapp from NewGadgets took a look at the device. In comparison to the Ultra, the Fold8 is primarily aimed at users who work more often on the large screen, read, use maps or use several apps in parallel when multitasking.

Samsung thus separates the product family not only by the features, but also by two different housing concepts. The external display measures 5.5 inches and uses a 16:10 format with QHD+ resolution. When opened, a 7.6-inch AMOLED panel in 4:3 format is available. This offers more usable space for documents, websites and applications than a long display. Although the display crease remains visible, it is particularly noticeable in everyday life in unfavorable lighting conditions.

Despite the wider format, the Fold8 remains slim. It measures 9.7 millimeters when folded and just 4.5 millimeters when opened. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy works inside, combined with 12 or 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB of storage. The device is therefore aimed at demanding users who value high performance and large storage capacities. Samsung saves on the camera system compared to the Fold Ultra. The Galaxy Z Fold8 only offers a 50-megapixel wide-angle and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera as well as two 10-megapixel front cameras. The manufacturer deliberately foregoes a telephoto camera and thus differentiates the model from the Fold Ultra, which is 200 euros more expensive.

Loads faster

The battery has a capacity of 4,800 mAh. Charging is possible with up to 45 watts via cable and 20 watts wirelessly – both faster than its predecessor. Samsung promises up to 26 hours of video playback and around 63 percent battery charge after 30 minutes. The Galaxy Z Fold8 comes in Lavender, Cream, Graphite and Pistachio, with Pistachio being available exclusively online. Overall, the new foldable is aimed primarily at users who prefer a more productive display format. However, if you value telephoto zoom and maximum camera equipment, you might be better off with the Galaxy Z Fold Ultra.