The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the most interesting foldable Samsung has made in years and also one of the most interesting phones in the market. After a few hours with it, I’m convinced this wide 4:3 book form factor is going to define a whole new class of foldables.
In terms of market positioning, the Z Fold 8 is priced at Rs. 1,79,999 between the Galaxy Z Flip 8 at Rs 1,24,999 at the low end and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra at Rs 1,99,999 at the high end.
Still, in terms of specs, you get:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy with 12GB/16GB RAM and 256GB/512GB/1TB storage
- Advanced display with up to 3,000 nits peak brightness
- Flex Titanium advanced hinge mechanism
- Fantastic 5.5-inch 10:16 cover screen
- Immersive 7.6 inch 4:3 inner display
- Dual 50MP rear cameras (main + ultrawide), dual 10MP selfie cameras. No telephoto
- 4.5mm thin unfolded, 201 grams, IP48 rating
Surprisingly, Samsung has managed to cram in almost 4,800 mAh of battery into this form factor and also included support for 45W charging. It would be one of the first devices from Samsung to feature Silicon-Carbon battery tech.
In terms of cameras, the front facing cameras are decent even when indoors The rear cameras are impressive too but the missing telephoto will bother anyone coming from a Fold 7.
The moment you pick up this device in your hand, it instantly feels like it’s designed for the palm. It’s only 201 g in weight and sits so snug in your palm. You can use it with just the outer screen, like a typical regular candy bar phone, or you can open it up and use it like a foldable tablet. The beauty is that when you actually tilt the device, it becomes like a typical book form factor, like a Kindle or a small tablet. Samsung has even integrated this in the home screen, so even from unlocking the device, you can see the icons in the portrait or landscape fashion.
This form factor isn’t new, and Samsung isn’t first. Oppo went squarer with the original Find N, and Huawei has been pushing the wide fold with the Pura X series. But nobody got the timing right. Foldable panel and hinge technology has only now matured enough to make a wide fold thin, light, and durable at the same time — and that’s what changes the equation.
Pre-orders are open now, with sales starting August 8 in Graphite, Cream, and Lavender, plus a Pistachio shade exclusive to Samsung’s online store.