Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
Why switching smartphones is harder than ever? Tech Week
Pros
- Cooler shape of the device
Cons
- Poor camera zoom
- Visible crease on the screen
- Very high price of the device
- Insufficient memory in the basic version
The Samsung Z Fold8 receives mixed feelings, primarily due to its high price and certain shortcomings. The reviewer expresses disappointment with the camera's capabilities, particularly the zoom function, which performs worse than competitors.
Additionally, the crease on the foldable screen remains visible, which is a persistent issue in daily use. The biggest drawback, however, is the price; the basic version is already expensive, and the lack of sufficient memory necessitates purchasing an even costlier configuration.
Despite the reviewer personally purchasing it for testing purposes, it is not a recommended device, and its high cost makes it inaccessible to most users, highlighting the general trend of increasing smartphone prices.
“I would buy it, that there is simply less in a cooler shape, if it cost 5000, but in the basic version it costs 8500. This basic version, in my opinion, has too little memory for this type of smartphone, so you would have to buy the non-basic one, which costs 9500.”
“we are excluded from new technological products due to high prices”
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra hands-on
Pros
- Inner screen's 4x3 aspect ratio is better suited for typical content viewing.
- Cover screen's 10x16 aspect ratio allows for longer lines of text and comfortable typing.
- Equipped with the top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset.
- Screen aspect ratio is much better for gaming, allowing content to fill the whole screen.
Cons
- Lacks a telephoto zoom camera.
- Has a smaller 4,800 mAh battery compared to the Ultra model.
- The screen crease where it folds is equally noticeable.
“The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is Samsung's wide foldable. It has a similar shape to a passport.”
“The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 brings a fresh new form factor to the Z Fold series, while the Ultra stays tall and thin with a bigger battery and the higher-powered cameras.”
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 / Z Fold 8 Ultra - Unboxing and First Impressions
Pros
- Lightweight and pocket-friendly design
- Flawless biometric performance
- Significantly reduced screen crease
- Versatile and bright outer display with full-screen video playback
- One UI 8 offers an excellent user interface experience
Cons
- The starting price is considered astronomical and overpriced
- Battery capacity is not the largest
- Display brightness can decrease when the phone gets hot
- Disliked placement of the Google search bar in One UI
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, initially met with skepticism, won over the reviewer with its super lightweight and pocket-friendly design.
It boasts flawless biometrics, a significantly reduced screen crease, and a highly versatile outer display that offers a full-screen, black-bar-free video experience. The One UI 8 is praised as the best among foldables, and the camera quality is good.
While the phone faces criticism for its "astronomical" starting price and a non-optimally sized battery, the overall user experience and form factor were highly appreciated, leading to a very positive impression.
“I thought I was going to hate this. Okay, I thought I was going to hate this phone, but after playing around with it for a few minutes, I'm starting to like it.”
“This is what made me fall in love with this though. Look at this. Now, why do I keep getting Look at this. Now, this is full screen. This is how I want to watch my videos in the palm of my hand. The full screen play. [...] No black bars. We're down to zero. Full display.”
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 / Z Fold 8 Ultra / Z Flip 8 - First Impressions, Mobzilla Flesz Ep. 130
Pros
- Features the same processor as the Ultra version.
- Offers identical screen types as the Ultra version.
- Promises seven years of system and security updates.
- Supports fast 45W wired and 25W wireless charging.
- Includes advanced software features, including AI for photo editing.
Cons
- Has only two cameras.
- Features a slightly smaller battery (4800 mAh).
- The small and wide external screen may limit app functionality.
- Black bars are visible on the screen in various scenarios.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 stands out with new screen proportions intended to be less square, but the reviewer has doubts about their practicality, noting black bars and potential app compatibility issues on the external screen.
The device is equipped with only two cameras and has a slightly smaller battery than the Ultra. Despite these compromises, the Fold 8 offers the same processor as the Ultra version, similar charging options, and advanced AI software features, with a promise of seven years of updates.
This positions it as an interesting, though not flawless, alternative in the foldable smartphone market.
“the proportions are the key factor in its case.”
“And I'll tell you, I don't know if I'm buying it. So far, I've spent too little time with the device, but I can already see that in various scenarios, the black bars are visible anyway, just in different places, and the small, wide external screen might limit the functionality of apps not adapted to this format.”
“The device is thicker, 4.5 mm when unfolded and 9.7 mm when folded. It has only two cameras. [...] The processor, screen types, memory versions, and connectivity are also identical to its sibling.”
Samsung Z Fold 8 (Wide) Impressions: Better Than I Thought!
Pros
- The screen features an improved titanium flex hinge with very little crease and a new anti-reflective coating.
- Its lightweight and unique form factor makes it legitimately better for media consumption and an excellent e-reader.
- The inner screen boasts a 4:3 aspect ratio and a bright 3,000 nits max brightness.
- The camera viewfinder experience is improved, with images filling the screen more.
- It shares the same powerful core specifications as the Ultra model.
Cons
- The smaller displays and form factor make it less ideal for heavy multitasking.
- The camera setup features one less camera and a 50-megapixel primary sensor, unlike the Ultra's 200-megapixel.
- Despite being cheaper than the Ultra, the $1,900 starting price reflects a general increase in phone costs, lessening its perceived value.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a surprisingly impressive and likable foldable, with the reviewer considering it a potential daily driver due to its comfortable form factor and lightweight design.
It boasts premium screen features like a titanium flex hinge, minimal crease, new anti-reflective coating, and a very bright 7.6-inch inner display, making it excellent for media and e-reading. While its smaller form factor makes it less ideal for heavy multitasking and its camera setup is slightly scaled back compared to the Ultra, it maintains powerful core specifications.
Starting at $1,900, its relative affordability is noted, though general market price increases temper its impact on value.
“this smaller phone is actually really interesting.”
“the more I use it and hold it and just mess around with it, I'm not going to lie, the more I'm liking it.”
“I'm really impressed by how much I like the smaller Fold, and I can really see myself... dailying it.”
I Tried the Galaxy Z-Fold8!
Pros
- Performance: Powered by the most powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip.
- Screen: The 7.6-inch anti-reflective internal display offers excellent media viewing with high brightness.
- Battery: Features a sizable 4,800 mAh battery with 45W wired and 20W wireless fast charging support.
- Camera: Includes a useful new "My Fan Cam" feature for in-video subject tracking and unique foldable functionalities.
- Value: Priced $100 cheaper than its predecessor, the Fold 7.
Cons
- Camera: Lacks a telephoto lens on the back.
- Screen: The outer display is only Full HD+ (1080p).
- Value: The overall $1899 MSRP is still a steep price.
The Samsung Galaxy Z-Fold8 is highlighted as an exciting and robust foldable, praised for its compact yet powerful design and improved, thinner, stronger hinge. It offers an excellent media viewing experience on its large, bright 7.6-inch anti-reflective internal display, complemented by top-tier performance from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip.
The device also features a sizable 4,800 mAh battery with fast wired and wireless charging, and introduces a useful "My Fan Cam" feature for its 50-megapixel dual rear cameras. While it omits a telephoto lens and carries a steep $1899 price tag, it is a solid foldable, being $100 cheaper than its predecessor.
“This phone is absolutely awesome. I think it's going to be great for both men and women. It's going to be pocketable, but also very powerful. And the biggest benefit of this is that the aspect ratio actually makes sense for watching videos.”
“So, in many ways, this phone is like a way for people who liked the Flip because of the size to experience the benefits of the Fold in the past where you have a much bigger display and you get multitasking and two apps and things like that, but, you know, not compromising. It's kind of a really nice middle ground where you get the best of both worlds.”
“But my thoughts on it overall, I'm very excited, very bullish on this this form factor. I think a lot of people are going to like it.”
Samsung Z Fold/Flip 8 Hands on - Fold ULTRA??
Pros
- Increased battery capacity to 4,800 mAh.
- Faster wired (45W) and wireless (20W) charging speeds.
- Latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset for improved performance.
- Bright, high-resolution 7.6-inch inner display with reduced crease.
- Improved software processing enhances camera output.
Cons
- No telephoto camera and main camera downgraded to 50MP.
- Cover display is squished and not practical for daily use.
- The 'Now Nudge' software feature is inconsistent and barely works.
- The device feels more like a sidegrade than a clear upgrade.
- The $1,900 price is hard to justify compared to alternatives.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is positioned as a curious sidegrade rather than a direct upgrade from its predecessor, despite a slightly lower price point. While it boasts a brighter, higher-resolution inner display with reduced crease visibility and a larger battery, it comes with a downgraded main camera and a less practical cover screen. Performance benefits from the latest Snapdragon chip, but some new software features are inconsistent.
The reviewer ultimately finds the $1,900 price difficult to justify, suggesting that alternative device combinations might offer a superior experience for the same investment. Overall, the conservative changes and trade-offs make it a questionable value proposition.
“But the Fold 8 is a very weirdly positioned phone. By the way, you'd expect this to just be the direct successor to the Fold 7. But actually, if you make that comparison, you'll find it's more of a sidegrade than an upgrade.”
“I would say there's definitely merit to this new wider form factor. But I was expecting this phone to either do more or cost less. Considering that for this price, you could buy a top-end ultra phone and an iPad, which would give you a higherend smartphone experience and a better big screen movie experience. It just feels really hard to justify.”
“You see what I mean, though? It's a little bit all over the place, right? It's good that you get the usual 20%ish improvement to performance with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a bigger battery. Basically, the first battery upgrade ever for the Fold from 4,400 to 4,800 mAh, and faster charging, too, from 25 W to 45 W with wireless charging also getting a bump from 15 to 20. But these are very conservative changes.”
Foldable iPhone from Samsung?
Pros
- Ideal 4:3 screen aspect ratio for photos when unfolded
- Increased battery capacity due to silicon-carbon technology
- Useful multitasking feature thanks to the wide screen
- Comfortable handling and thumb reach in folded form
- Wide unfolded screen resembles a TV
Cons
- Very high and hard-to-accept price
- The device is not essential for most users
- Fewer camera lenses compared to the Ultra version
The reviewer is smitten with the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, appreciating its innovative format which is comfortable to hold when folded and allows easy thumb access to the screen.
When unfolded, the smartphone offers a wide display, perfect for multitasking, media consumption, and viewing photos in the natural 4:3 aspect ratio. Additionally, new silicon-carbon batteries increase capacity, and the device can serve as a productive workstation with extra accessories.
Despite a very high price and the statement that it's not essential for most users, the reviewer expresses an overall positive impression of its use and sees it as a breath of fresh air.
“At this stage, I'm a bit smitten.”
“That's probably why this phone, first of all, why I like the new Fold, the one that looks like a passport, is because when you take it in your hand, you have the impression, at least in my hand, switch your hand to the screens and see if you have the same hand as me. To be fooled by such things. In my hand, this smartphone fits well. I can reach every corner of this smartphone with my thumb.”
![MrMobile [Michael Fisher]](https://yt3.ggpht.com/RpqJy1uS9sbNkT9zExMcvg0_wiGr-84xC-D0k5gLyOtDw1NMSzySlMz-ldmBtWCKqgUzjHMu=s88-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj){kind=small}
Samsung Galaxy Fold8 Hands-On: First Look From A Real Fold7 User
Pros
- Impressive main display with 3,000 nits peak brightness
- Improved display durability with titanium alloy film
- New anti-reflective coating on the screen
- More comfortable cover display aspect ratio for one-handed use and typing
- Increased battery capacity and faster charging speeds
Cons
- Anemic optical array
- Lacks a dedicated telephoto camera for its price
- High price point for the camera capabilities
“201 g gives it the perfect amount of heft. As soon as I picked it up, I suspected this would become my new go-to foldable. There's just something so right about the way this feels.”
“For nearly $1,900, I need a good telephoto camera.”
Samsung Just Fixed Foldables - Z Fold 8 Hands-on!
Pros
- Shares the same flagship chip as the Z Fold 8 Ultra, ensuring high performance.
- Features innovative and confident hinge technology for a premium feel.
- Front screen is ideal for scrolling through various applications.
- Internal screen aspect ratios are optimized for diverse content consumption and reading.
- It is £200 cheaper than the Z Fold 8 Ultra.
Cons
- Comes with fewer rear cameras compared to the Z Fold 8 Ultra.
- The screen is not as bright as the Z Fold 8 Ultra's display.
- Still carries a high upfront cost without favorable carrier deals.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is presented as a remarkably impressive and potentially game-changing foldable device, instantly appealing to users with its confident feel and advanced hinge technology. Designed for optimal content consumption and app usage, it features a front screen ideal for scrolling and an adaptable internal display with aspect ratios tailored for various media and reading.
Priced lower than the Z Fold 8 Ultra, its more book-like form factor and compelling design could make it a highly desirable option, potentially swaying consumers previously hesitant about foldables due to cost. The reviewer suggests Samsung may have successfully perfected the foldable experience with this model.
“This is the first time since the iPhone Air, I think, that I've picked up a device, a phone in recent years, and immediately and without any prompting, I've I've just kind of gone, wow, it's really really impressive. It's you you want it immediately. As soon as you pick it up, you think the I need this. This is this is the phone I've been waiting for.”
“I think I think Samsung has possibly nailed the foldable form factor. And I think people who have been holding off because these a bit too expensive and just hard to justify, this could change their mind.”
Every Color of The New Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Fold 8 & Flip 8
Pros
- Screen offers an improved native aspect ratio for video.
- Display crease is minimized, and the phone folds completely flat.
- New form factor feels comfortable and well-balanced in hand.
- Features a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
- Offers good battery capacity with fast charging capabilities.
Cons
- Lacks a telephoto lens and zoom capabilities for its camera.
- Remains an expensive device in the marketplace.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 impresses with its new shorter and wider form factor, which the reviewer finds exceptionally comfortable to hold and well-balanced, making it less prone to accidental drops. This design offers a significantly improved native aspect ratio for watching videos, reducing black bars, and features a display with a barely visible crease that folds completely flat.
It is powered by the same high-performance Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor as the Ultra model and provides comparable battery life, though it does sacrifice the telephoto lens found in the Ultra. Despite its premium price point, the reviewer expresses a strong preference for the Z Fold 8's overall design and user experience.
“Holy cow. I'm going with the short one. Crazy. I'm going to go with the short one. I'm going to try that out. I'm going to live that life. I am really I am properly into that thing. I'm going to lose the telephoto lens if I go this direction. I'm going to save a couple of dollars. Battery is probably going to be the same because you're powering a slightly smaller display anyway.”
“It just feels very confidence inspiring in the hand, not topheavy. I feel a lot less like I'm going to drop it and you get a better native aspect ratio for watching video without losing so much to black bars or cropping. Very interesting.”