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

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   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%
2. 1d ago

   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%
3. 5d ago

   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%