Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 reviewed: premium foldable with notable drawbacks
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a versatile foldable design and high-end specs, but its high price is challenged by missing features, heating issues and limited speaker quality.
Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold8, priced at $1,899 and available in Lavender, Graphite, Cream and a store-only Pistachio finish. The device folds to a 16:10 display and unfolds to a 4:3 screen, providing a media-friendly aspect ratio that reviewers say takes some adjustment.
The handset feels premium in the hand and is robust when closed, though early signs of creaking appear under twisting stress while unfolded. Panel gaps are tight, but the device wobbles on smooth surfaces due to protruding rear cameras. It carries an IP84 rating, offering water resistance but not dust protection, and the fold crease is described as shallow and barely perceptible.
Running Android 17 with One UI 9.0, the Fold8 is slated for seven years of software updates, potentially reaching Android 24. The interface includes AI features that can operate locally, and while pre-installed Microsoft apps are absent, third-party apps are present and removable.
Camera hardware comprises a 10 MP front sensor without autofocus and a dual-lens rear system sharing sensors with Samsung's S26 series. The setup lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, relying on in-sensor zoom that reviewers consider insufficient for true telephoto performance. Video recording supports up to 8K at 30 fps on the main camera and 4K at 60 fps on the front unit, with Pro mode offering higher frame rates.
Performance testing revealed significant heating and throttling under sustained load, and the speakers were judged disappointing. The device does not support the S Pen stylus, and a software regression affects viewfinder alignment when the phone is partially folded. The fingerprint sensor in the power button works quickly, and the linear vibration motor provides quiet, crisp feedback.
The foldable display offers a 1–120 Hz refresh rate and high brightness levels when automatic brightness is enabled, though manual brightness caps at 419 cd/m² (708 cd/m² with an additional setting). Low-frequency PWM between 240 Hz and 480 Hz may cause discomfort for users sensitive to flicker.
Overall, reviewers note that the Fold8 is among the most versatile smartphones for users who can exploit its form factor, but its premium price is hard to justify for those who do not need a foldable device.