Samsung has once again pushed the boundaries of foldable phone design with the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The device, which the company positions as the new normal for foldables, features a radically different aspect ratio that prioritizes usability over traditional tall-and-narrow form factors. After a week of testing, the Z Fold 8 feels surprisingly natural, despite being one of the shortest and widest phones on the market.
The Z Fold 8’s outer screen measures 5.5 inches with a 10:16 aspect ratio, nearly identical to a standard passport. While it looks unusual when closed, the design makes sense once you open the device to reveal a 7.6-inch inner display with a 4:3 aspect ratio — the same as most iPads. This shape is better suited for reading, watching movies, and even two-handed typing. The extra width means less letterboxing for video content, and the portrait orientation mimics the dimensions of a physical book.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Z Fold 8 is its comfort in daily use. Despite the short design, reaching the top of the screen is easier than on conventional smartphones. The phone’s 201g weight and 9.7mm thickness when folded make it comparable to many flagship slabs, such as the iPhone 17 Pro. Samsung has achieved this by adopting silicon-carbon battery technology, which packs more capacity into a smaller space — the Z Fold 8 houses a 4,800mAh battery, the largest in any standard Z Fold model. In testing, the phone easily lasted a full day with 40% battery remaining at bedtime.
Charging speeds are adequate but not class-leading: 45W wired and 20W wireless charging are typical for US flagship phones, though slower than many Chinese competitors. The Z Fold 8 lacks the built-in magnets for Qi2 wireless charging, relying instead on Qi2-compatible cases. Samsung claims this decision helps keep the device thin and light.
The camera system is a notable downgrade from the previous generation. The Z Fold 8 features only two rear lenses: a main camera and an ultrawide, with no telephoto. The main camera uses a smaller sensor and narrower aperture than the Z Fold 7, producing decent but unremarkable photos. The 50-megapixel ultrawide is improved, matching the main camera’s quality in most conditions. However, the lack of a telephoto is a significant compromise for a $1,899 device.
Software updates include Google’s Gemini Intelligence Task Automation, available initially in select markets, and My FanCam for AI video editing. The phone runs One UI 6.1 based on Android 16, with Samsung promising four major OS updates and five years of security patches. The inner screen crease is less noticeable than on previous models due to titanium-infused layers, though it remains more visible than on competitors like the Oppo Find N6.
The Z Fold 8’s wider design has already drawn comparisons to Apple’s anticipated foldable iPhone, which is rumored to adopt a similar form factor. Huawei’s Pura X Max also preceded Samsung in this direction, but the Z Fold 8 marks the first mainstream attempt from a major US brand. The device represents a philosophical shift: instead of maximizing screen real estate through elongated displays, Samsung has prioritized usability and content consumption.
Historically, foldables have followed three main designs: clamshells (like the Galaxy Z Flip), book-style foldables (like the Z Fold series), and rare trifold devices. The Z Fold 8 introduces a fourth category: wide foldables. This change addresses one of the biggest criticisms of previous Z Folds: their tall, narrow outer screens made one-handed use awkward and video viewing cramped. By moving to a squatter profile, Samsung has made the device more versatile for everyday tasks.
Battery life benefits further from the new silicon-carbon cells. Traditional lithium-ion batteries are limited in energy density, but silicon-carbon anodes can store more ions, allowing for higher capacity without increasing size. Samsung has been cautious with this technology, focusing on long-term stability. Early tests suggest the Z Fold 8 retains 90% of its original capacity after 500 charge cycles, impressive for a foldable.
Durability remains a concern. The Z Fold 8 carries an IP48 rating, meaning it is protected against objects larger than 1mm but not against dust ingress. This is a step down from the IP68 rating found on many rivals like the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Oppo Find N6. Samsung has reinforced the display with a new layer of titanium, which also reduces the visible crease. The hinge mechanism has been upgraded to withstand 200,000 folds, consistent with earlier Z Fold models.
In terms of performance, the Z Fold 8 is powered by the Snapdragon 9 Gen 2 chipset with 12GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage options. Real-world usage shows smooth multitasking, with apps launching quickly and split-screen mode handling two active windows without lag. The 120Hz refresh rate on both screens ensures fluid scrolling.
One area where the Z Fold 8 struggles is app compatibility. The unusual aspect ratio means some apps fail to scale properly, leaving white bars or overlapping content. Instagram occasionally fails to load fully, and the Withings app has shown layout errors. Samsung’s One UI settings panel itself requires extra scrolling to reach bottom options. These issues are relatively minor but highlight that Android was not designed with such a wide screen in mind.
Comparing the Z Fold 8 to the Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Ultra is taller and better for multitasking with its 6.5-inch outer screen, but the standard Z Fold 8 excels at content consumption. The Ultra sacrifices video viewing because its vertical orientation leads to excessive letterboxing, while the Z Fold 8’s wider display minimizes black bars.
Pricing remains a barrier. At $1,899, the Z Fold 8 is significantly more expensive than most flagship phones, even after trade-in deals. This high cost limits its appeal to early adopters and tech enthusiasts. For the foldable market to go mainstream, prices need to drop below $1,000, which may take several more generations.
Looking ahead, Apple’s expected entry into the foldable space later this year could validate the wide form factor or expose its flaws. Leaks suggest the first foldable iPhone will feature a similar 4:3 inner display and compact outer screen, aligning with Samsung’s vision. If Apple adopts this design, it could accelerate software optimizations from developers, benefiting the entire category.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a bold redesign that prioritizes usability over gimmicks. It is lightweight, comfortable to hold, and offers a genuinely improved experience for reading and watching video. While the camera downgrade and lack of telephoto lens are disappointing, the overall package is compelling for those willing to pay the premium. The future of foldables may well be wide, and the Z Fold 8 makes a strong argument for that direction.
Source:The Verge News