Samsung Unpacked Event Reveals Galaxy Z Fold 8 Lineup

During Samsung’s recent Unpacked event, the company introduced three foldable devices, surpassing its usual count at this annual gathering. The expected announcements included the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the renaming of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, with its compact and broad design reminiscent of a passport, took many by surprise and has since generated significant discussion.

Tech reviewer MKBHD had early hands-on experience with all three devices and found the standard Fold 8 unexpectedly appealing. In his initial video review, he noted, “The more I use it and hold it, the more I’m liking it.” This positive impression from a reviewer familiar with every major foldable in recent years is noteworthy.

Understanding the Unique Appeal of the Fold 8

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra maintains the vertical candy-bar style and flagship identity of the Z Fold 7, featuring incremental improvements rather than a redesign. It has an 8-inch internal display, a 200MP main camera with a 10MP 3x telephoto lens, a 5,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, and 45W wired charging. Starting at $2,099, it’s priced $100 higher than its predecessor. According to CCS Insight’s Ben Wood, this price will “be a talking point.”

The standard Z Fold 8 offers a distinct experience. When folded, it’s approximately 4.8 by 3.2 inches, shaped more like a passport than any previous Samsung phone. The internal 7.6-inch screen has a 4:3 aspect ratio, allowing for full-format photo playback. The outer display is 5.5 inches with slim bezels, and MKBHD observed better camera viewfinder coverage compared to the Ultra’s taller display. Weighing 201 grams, the device matches the Galaxy S26 Plus in weight, impressive given its two screens and 4,500mAh battery.

The Fold 8 devices use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and feature Samsung’s Flex Titanium hinge design, reducing the visibility of the center crease, and an anti-reflective display reaching up to 3,000 nits. MKBHD rated the crease reduction as significantly improved compared to last year’s model. However, the Fold 8 lacks a telephoto lens, offering only a 50MP primary and a 50MP ultrawide, and does not have Flex mode. Priced at $1,899 and available for pre-order before its August 7 launch, buyers must weigh these trade-offs.

Samsung’s Response to a Potential Foldable iPhone

Apple is expected to announce a foldable iPhone around 2026, rumored to have compact proportions similar to the Fold 8. Early foldables from Oppo and Google briefly utilized this shape before shifting to the taller format now dominated by Samsung. Samsung now offers both formats, with the Ultra catering to multitaskers and the Fold 8 aimed at those interested in Apple’s rumored design.

MKBHD remarked, “It’s reminding me of the good parts of the Surface Duo – the really nice hardware parts.” He also suggested the form factor could enhance an e-reader experience due to its lightness. If the execution succeeds in a full review, Samsung’s positioning is clever.

The Z Flip 8, completing the lineup at $1,199, includes the same Snapdragon chip and a slightly streamlined design, aligning with expectations for an incremental update. Reports from GSMArena indicate Samsung plans to produce more Fold 8 units than the Ultra or the Flip 8. This suggests confidence in the new design’s broad appeal. Considering MKBHD’s surprise at wanting to keep using it, this bet might be less risky than the $1,899 price implies.