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Review: The Galaxy Z Fold 8’s new shape isn’t for you

Xiaomi revealed the Xiaomi 18 Fold, which utilizes a wide design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. The device launches next week. This move follows Samsung's shift toward a bolder shape for the standard Fold 8, which sacrificed its telephoto camera to reduce weight. While the Fold 8 Ultra maintains a higher price point of $1,999 and refined features, competitors like Motorola are positioning their foldables as alternatives to the Samsung lineup. Other Android foldables, including the Pixel 12 Pro Fold, plan to adopt display technology from the foldable iPhone.

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What changed

Xiaomi officially revealed the Xiaomi 18 Fold with a wide design mirroring the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Live updates

  1. Xiaomi 18 Fold adopts Galaxy Z Fold 8 wide design

    Xiaomi revealed the Xiaomi 18 Fold, which utilizes a wide design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. The device launches next week. This move follows Samsung's shift toward a bolder shape for the standard Fold 8, which sacrificed its telephoto camera to reduce weight. While the Fold 8 Ultra maintains a higher price point of $1,999 and refined features, competitors like Motorola are positioning their foldables as alternatives to the Samsung lineup. Other Android foldables, including the Pixel 12 Pro Fold, plan to adopt display technology from the foldable iPhone.

    Why it matters

    Samsung's decision to prioritize form factor over camera hardware in the standard Fold 8 has set a design trend for other manufacturers. The industry is currently shifting toward wider foldable shapes and borrowing display technologies from Apple. This competition coincides with a September Android update introducing motion sickness tools and Gemini Live visual assistance.

    What is confirmed

    • The Xiaomi 18 Fold features a wide design similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $1,999.
    • The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 removed the telephoto camera to achieve a lighter weight.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Pixel 12 Pro Fold and other Android foldables plan to use display technology from the foldable iPhone.
    • Motorola foldables are a better alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 than the Fold 8 Ultra version.

    What to watch next

    • The official launch of the Xiaomi 18 Fold next week
    • Release of the Pixel 12 Pro Fold display specifications
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. www.phonearena.com — Pixel 12 Pro Fold and other Android foldables are already planning to copy one iPhone Ultra feature
    2. 9to5google.com — Xiaomi 18 Fold officially revealed with wide design like Galaxy Z Fold 8, launches next week
    3. www.cnet.com — Here’s Why I Gave the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 Earbuds a CNET Editors’ Choice
    4. sammyguru.com — Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: The Perfect Shape?
    5. www.androidpolice.com — I downgraded from a Galaxy Z Fold 8 to a normal phone; I'm surprised by what I miss most
    6. www.androidauthority.com — I tested 2 of the best Android foldables of 2026. Here's how to avoid buying the wrong one
    7. www.androidpolice.com — The Tecno x Tonino Lamborghini phone is so pretty, I can't stop looking at it
    confidence 90%

  2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Debuts with New Shape and Hardware Trade-offs

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 introduces a bold new shape but removes the telephoto camera in its standard model to achieve a lighter weight. Positioned as a flagship device below the Ultra model, the standard Fold 8 prioritizes design changes over certain camera capabilities. The Ultra version retains refined existing features and starts at $1,999. These releases coincide with a September Android update adding five new features to both Pixel and Galaxy devices, including visual assistance in Gemini Live and a tool to combat motion sickness.

    Why it matters

    Samsung is diversifying its foldable lineup to compete with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The company is balancing hardware weight against professional-grade camera specs. This strategy tests whether consumers value a more ergonomic form factor over telephoto zoom.

    What is confirmed

    • The standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 removes the telephoto camera in exchange for a new shape and reduced weight.
    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $1,999.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a flagship phone with fewer features than the Ultra model.

    What to watch next

    • Comparative performance benchmarks between the Z Fold 8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold
    • User feedback on the ergonomics of the new standard Fold 8 shape
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.cnet.com — Android’s New Features Have Me Excited, Especially This One for Motion Sickness
    2. www.republicworld.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: This Is the Foldable Phone I Didn't Know I Wanted
    3. tech.yahoo.com — Is the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Worth the Upgrade?
    4. www.phonearena.com — September Android Drop brings 5 new features to Pixel and Galaxy phones
    confidence 90%

  3. Galaxy Z Fold 8 faces scrutiny over hardware trade-offs

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is under review for its new shape and hardware trade-offs, with some critics questioning its design choices. The standard Z Fold 8 may have sacrificed its telephoto camera for a lighter weight, while the Z Flip 8 is praised for its 120Hz FlexWindow and flagship performance. The Google Pixel 11 competes with its own foldable offering, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

    Why it matters

    The foldable smartphone market is heating up with new releases from Samsung and Google. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 are facing scrutiny over their design and hardware choices. The Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold is also in the running, offering a book-style foldable smartphone experience.

    What is confirmed

    • The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8's cover screen feels more like a phone than ever, but the limitations are still what makes it.
    • The book-style foldable smartphone market is heating up, but Google still holds its own with the Pixel 11 Pro Fold.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The iPhone Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra comparison is being considered to determine the better foldable device.
    • Apple's foldable iPhone may take lessons from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.

    What to watch next

    • The release of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
    • The comparison of iPhone Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra
    • The launch of Apple's foldable iPhone
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.theverge.com — The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is at its best when there’s friction
    2. www.androidpolice.com — 5 Good Lock customizations to try before One UI 9
    3. tech.yahoo.com — iPhone Ultra vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra — here's the flagship foldable I'd recommend
    4. www.pocket-lint.com — The Pixel 11 Pro Fold shows how good a foldable can be
    5. tech.yahoo.com — 4 lessons I hope Apple's foldable iPhone takes from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
    confidence 80%

  4. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 Market Positioning

    Samsung expanded its foldable lineup with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, though the Z Fold 8 faces scrutiny over hardware trade-offs. The Z Flip 8 is positioned as a polished update featuring a 120Hz FlexWindow and flagship performance. While the Z Fold 8 Ultra targets high-end multitasking, the standard Z Fold 8 may have sacrificed its telephoto camera to achieve a lighter weight. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 11 competes by offering battery life and speed that matches its Pro versions at a lower price point.

    Why it matters

    Samsung is competing against Google's AI-focused Pixel 11 Pro Fold in the book-style foldable segment. The company is balancing device weight and thickness against camera capabilities and price. This tension defines the split between the standard and Ultra Fold models.

    What is confirmed

    • The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 features a 120Hz FlexWindow and flagship performance.
    • The Google Pixel 11 matches the speed of its Pro siblings and provides longer battery life.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 may lack a telephoto camera to reduce weight.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of the hardware specifications for the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 camera system.
    • Comparative battery benchmarks between the Z Fold 8 Ultra and Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. uk.pcmag.com — Google Pixel 11 Review: The Smarter Buy Over the Pro
    2. www.idiva.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review: The Flip Formula, Nearly Perfected
    3. www.glamour.co.za — From London Bridge to OR Tambo Airport: The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is Your Ultimate Companion
    4. www.androidpolice.com — I thought I wanted the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The cheaper Fold 8 changed my mind
    5. pokde.net — Samsung’s Camera Gambit — Did the Z Fold8 Lose Too Much to Get Lighter?
    confidence 80%

  5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Faces Competition From Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra enters the book-style foldable market with a thinner body and a large inner display for multitasking and gaming. Despite strong performance, the device carries a Rs 1.99 lakh price tag and lacks S Pen support. It competes directly with the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which focuses on AI and camera quality over multitasking capabilities. Samsung also released the Z Flip8, providing flagship power and improved battery life in a modest update.

    Why it matters

    Book-style foldables aim to combine smartphone and tablet functionality in one device. This competition highlights a strategic split between Samsung's focus on productivity and Google's emphasis on photography and AI.

    What is confirmed

    • The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has a thinner body and a large inner display optimized for gaming, media, and multitasking.
    • The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra costs Rs 1.99 lakh and does not support the S Pen.
    • The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 features flagship power and improved battery life.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 was the main star of the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event.

    What to watch next

    • Comparative sales data between the Z Fold 8 Ultra and Pixel 11 Pro Fold
    • Updates on S Pen compatibility for future Samsung foldable iterations
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.yugatech.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Review
    2. 9to5google.com — Android brands struggle in Europe amidst RAMageddon, with Apple catching up
    3. www.smh.com.au — Like an iPad in your pocket: The best big folding phones of 2026
    4. au.pcmag.com — Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold Review: Exceptional Cameras, Average Performance
    confidence 90%

  6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra earns praise for slim design despite high cost

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra features a thinner body and large inner display optimized for gaming, media, and multitasking. While the device is praised for its overall performance, its appeal is limited by a Rs 1.99 lakh price tag and a lack of S Pen support. The phone competes directly with Google's new Pixel 11 Pro Fold in the book-style foldable market. Other recent Samsung releases include the Z Flip8, which offers flagship power and improved battery life in a modest update.

    Why it matters

    Samsung is shifting the Z Fold series toward a passport-style shape to improve utility for reading and video. This design change aims to capture a larger share of the foldable market against Google's expanding hardware lineup.

    What is confirmed

    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has a slimmer body and a large inner display.
    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is priced at Rs 1.99 lakh.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra lacks S Pen support.
    • The Galaxy Z Flip8 features faster performance and strong battery life.

    What to watch next

    • Comparative performance benchmarks between the Z Fold 8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold
    • Official confirmation of S Pen compatibility for the Ultra model
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. au.pcmag.com — Google's Pixel 11 120x Zoom Is Wild. Its New Caller ID Feature Is Even More Unexpected
    2. www.indiatoday.in — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review: Bigger, thinner and more practical than ever
    3. www.zdnet.com — Pixel 11 Pro Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: I'm a fan of both foldables, but this one wins
    4. www.popularmechanics.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Smartphone Review: A Flip Phone With Flagship Power
    confidence 90%

  7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 earns positive reviews for passport-style design

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a $1,900 foldable featuring a squat, passport-style shape that opens to an iPad-like screen for multitasking and video. Reviewers highlight its utility for reading, scrolling, and entertainment, noting its power and battery life. While some critics previously flagged thermal issues and high costs, current reports describe the device as a hit. Samsung is reportedly increasing production to meet demand, signaling strong market reception for the new form factor.

    Why it matters

    The Z Fold 8 replaces the Z Fold 7, moving toward a wider footprint to improve pocketability. This shift aims to make foldables more intuitive for daily use compared to previous narrower iterations.

    What is confirmed

    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 costs $1,900.
    • The device features a passport-style, squat shape.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Samsung will produce an additional one million Galaxy Z Fold 8 units.

    What to watch next

    • Official confirmation of production increases from Samsung
    • Long-term battery degradation tests
    • Comparison benchmarks between Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. mashable.com — Galaxy Z Fold 8 review: Why this is my favorite new foldable
    2. pokde.net — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Review — The Passport-Shaped Phone That Made Me Rethink Foldables
    3. 9to5google.com — Samsung will reportedly make an extra one million Galaxy Z Fold 8 units
    4. www.theguardian.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review: your passport to a folding phone future
    confidence 90%

  8. Reviews split on Galaxy Z Fold 8 design and Ultra value

    The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 introduces a wider, passport-style footprint that reviewers describe as more intuitive and pocketable. While some praise the 7.6-inch inner screen for content consumption and gaming, others maintain the device suffers from thermal issues and a high price. The Z Fold 8 Ultra remains a top foldable option, though critics argue its performance and battery gains are incremental upgrades over the Z Fold 7 rather than a significant leap.

    Why it matters

    Samsung shifted the Fold series to a shorter and wider shape to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach. This change affects how the device handles in a pocket and how the screen ratios feel during use. The Ultra branding aims to distinguish high-end performance from the standard model.

    What is confirmed

    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a wider, passport-style design when closed.
    • The Z Fold 8 Ultra is closely similar to the Z Fold 7.
    • The device includes a 7.6-inch inner screen.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Z Fold 8 provides all-day battery life and polished software.

    What to watch next

    • Long-term durability tests of the new wider chassis
    • Comparative benchmarks between Z Fold 7 and Z Fold 8 Ultra
    • Consumer sales data regarding the passport-style form factor
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. mashable.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is still the best foldable, but it's not a big upgrade
    2. gizmodo.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: The Most Fun Phone in Ages
    3. www.idiva.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: A Whole New Smartphone Experience
    4. www.irishexaminer.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review: A bold new approach to design and form factor
    5. www.mensxp.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Samsung Finally Got It Right
    6. www.telegraph.co.uk — Samsung’s new folding phone doubles as a mini tablet and Kindle – is this the future?
    confidence 85%

  9. Samsung defends Galaxy Z Fold 8 passport design amid mixed reviews

    Samsung is justifying the Galaxy Z Fold 8's new passport-style shape by stating "one size does not fit all." While some reviewers praise the compact design and versatile screen, others criticize the device for thermal issues, middling cameras, and a high flagship price. The Ultra model earns an 8.8/10 rating from Engadget for its performance and battery life, though the reviewer notes that chassis tweaks and screen brightness are not enough to fully justify the Ultra branding.

    Why it matters

    The Z Fold 8 introduces a design shift intended to broaden the foldable phone's appeal. This departure from previous iterations marks a strategic attempt by Samsung to offer more variety in foldable form factors.

    What is confirmed

    • Samsung stated the Galaxy Z Fold 8's new shape exists because "one size does not fit all".
    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a passport-style design.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 suffers from thermal issues and middling cameras.
    • The Z Fold 8 Ultra has a new processor, brighter screens, and longer battery life.
    • The Z Fold 8 Ultra lacks a built-in magnetic ring for Qi2 accessories.

    What to watch next

    • Consumer sales data to determine if the passport shape increases market adoption
    • Official pricing updates following reported Amazon discounts
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. www.nbcnews.com — New York House District 8 Primary Results 2026
    2. 9to5google.com — Samsung says Galaxy Z Fold 8’s new shape exists because ‘one size does not fit all’
    3. www.engadget.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review: Nice upgrades, but not quite ultra
    4. www.cnet.com — Galaxy Z Flip 8 Review: I Adore the Thin Look, but Not the Price
    5. www.digitalcameraworld.com — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review: A taste of what's to come
    6. www.hindustantimes.com — Flagship FOMO? Amazon just dropped prices on Galaxy Fold 8, OnePlus 15 and this iPhone
    confidence 90%

  10. Galaxy Z Fold 8's new shape sparks debate

    Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a new design, dubbed 'Passport', which may appeal to a wider audience. The foldable phone's shape and features have drawn comparisons to Microsoft's Surface Duo. Reviewers are divided on whether the changes are a welcome upgrade or not.

    Why it matters

    The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is part of Samsung's ongoing efforts to popularize foldable smartphones. The device's design and functionality have significant implications for the future of mobile technology. The reaction to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 may influence Samsung's future product development and the broader smartphone market.

    What is confirmed

    • Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a new design called 'Passport'.
    • The device has drawn comparisons to Microsoft's Surface Duo.
    • Reviewers have mixed opinions on the Galaxy Z Fold 8's changes.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Galaxy Z Fold 8 may influence future iPhone designs.

    What to watch next

    • Samsung's future product announcements
    • Reviews of the Galaxy Z Fold 8's performance and durability
    • Microsoft's response to the Galaxy Z Fold 8
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. Bloomberg.com — Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 ‘Passport’ Design Is the Next Big Smartphone Trend
    2. Windows Central — Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the Surface Duo that Microsoft should have made
    3. Samsung Global Newsroom — [Interview] [Galaxy Unpacked July 2026] Inside the Engineering Behind the Latest Galaxy Z Series
    4. MacRumors — Galaxy Z Fold8 Review: What Samsung's New Foldable Tells Us About the iPhone Ultra
    5. CNET — Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: The Best Update Isn’t What I Expected
    6. 9to5Google — Review: The Galaxy Z Fold 8’s new shape isn’t for you – it’s for everyone
    confidence 80%