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The recent foldable summer time is right here, and Samsung has lastly joined the fray with its newest Galaxy Z Fold 8 Extremely, Z Fold 8, and Z Flip 8. Whereas there are notable causes to contemplate the latter two for those who’re queuing up for an improve, it is the Z Fold 8 Extremely mannequin that ought to have any energy consumer’s utmost consideration.
Placing the flamboyant branding apart, the Z Fold 8 Extremely is the direct successor to final yr’s Z Fold 7, with the same design, display facet ratio, and normal options. However Samsung’s additionally addressed some key considerations this yr, from the battery life and charging of its most premium cellphone to software program options that really leverage the shape-shifting kind issue.
Forward of Unpacked, I spent an intimate morning with the Z Fold 8 Extremely, evaluating it to the Z Fold 7, which has been in my pocket since final July. This is what the important thing variations are, and why anybody ought to take into account an improve in the event that they’re already utilizing probably the greatest foldables out at the moment. I actually am.
Specs
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Extremely | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | |
| Cowl show | 6.5-inch AMOLED 120Hz / 8-inch AMOLED 120Hz with 3,000 nits brightness | 6.5-inch AMOLED 120Hz / 8-inch AMOLED 120Hz with 2,600 nits brightness |
| Weight | 215g | 215g |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB / 256GB, 12GB / 512GB, 16GB / 1TB | 12GB / 256GB, 12GB / 512GB, 16GB / 1TB |
| Battery | 5,000mAh with 45W charging | 4,400mAh with 25W charging |
| Rear cameras | 200MP predominant, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (2x optical) | 200MP vast, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (2x optical) |
| Entrance cameras | 10MP (cowl and predominant) | 10MP (cowl and predominant) |
| Connectivity | 5G | 5G |
| Worth | Beginning at $2,099 | Beginning at $1,999 |
You can purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Extremely if…
1. You need probably the most sturdy, longest-lasting Z Fold
With every passing yr, the Galaxy Z Fold has develop into more and more sturdy, a lot in order that I now use mine and not using a case. It is fairly a formidable feat. However what modifications will matter to you for those who’re already on a Z Fold 7? The primary is a brand new “flex titanium” panel that replaces the prevailing polymer movie.
In response to Samsung, this thinner but extra sturdy materials makes the Z Fold 8 Extremely extra vulnerable to each day put on and tear, swipes, and scratches. That can hopefully give customers a bit extra peace of thoughts after they tuck their telephones into lint-filled pockets.
Samsung’s additionally improved the battery and charging with the Z Fold 8 Extremely, lastly upping the capability to five,000mAh from the 4,400mAh score that is plagued the Z Fold collection for years now. The system additionally helps as much as 45W wired charging (from 25W), which makes the occasional top-up a lot faster. From 0 to 67% in half-hour, a Samsung rep informed me.
2. You want extra (and higher) causes to make use of the primary show
At Unpacked, you will possible hear loads of of us speaking in regards to the non-Extremely Z Fold 8 mannequin, because of its wider facet ratio, which is best optimized for content material consumption. Nevertheless, that does not imply the Extremely has misplaced a lot of its unique attraction.
In reality, Samsung has made a number of modifications to the display and software program that make the big 8-inch predominant show extra useful this yr. First, it could possibly increase as much as 3,000 nits of brightness, making the display much more seen when used outdoor. A brand new anti-reflective therapy, just like what we have seen on different Galaxy Extremely fashions, has additionally been utilized, and I noticed the advantages of it firsthand once I held the Z Fold 8 Extremely subsequent to my Z Fold 7 below direct studio lighting.
Past the numerous methods you may activate split-screen mode on the Z Fold collection, Samsung can be introducing a brand new Now Nudge gesture that makes use of in-app context, like textual content messages and emails, to counsel an app pairing. For instance, if somebody texts you a couple of brunch reservation, Now Nudge will present a split-screen shortcut on your calendar.
This delicate reminder of what the bigger show is able to is one thing I am wanting ahead to utilizing extra, as long as it is dependable and feels pure each time.
3. The seamless 8K video recording speaks to you
The Z Fold 8 Extremely has one notable digital camera improve this yr: a bigger 50MP ultrawide sensor. That ought to be able to capturing extra element and correct colours, whether or not it is a landscape-spanning shot or a macro one, whereas additionally benefiting videographers who need to seamlessly mix their footage throughout completely different lenses.
Samsung’s providing you with the choice to use LUTs to your movies now, too, hopefully making it simpler to set your supreme colour science and tones, and match content material shot by different sources.
You can purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if…
1. You need to unfold your pockets rather less
On paper, the Z Fold 8 Extremely is just $100 greater than the Z Fold 7. However that is provided that you are evaluating the retail costs of the 2 gadgets. In actuality, you may simply discover final yr’s mannequin for round $1,000 to $1,300 at varied on-line retailers, together with Amazon, Greatest Purchase, and Goal. (You can even take into account third-party sellers, like Swappa and eBay, so long as you perceive the dangers of shopping for from a person vendor.)
Contemplating the worth distinction, you might be higher off saving a number of a whole bunch of {dollars} by choosing (or sticking with) the Z Fold 7, which nonetheless holds up nicely in 2026. As I discussed earlier than, the design and kind issue are almost equivalent to the Z Fold 8 Extremely. And you’ve got the identical 200MP predominant digital camera, which you will possible use most.
2. You could be affected person with the software program updates
The truth of at the moment’s tech is that many of the latest software program options will possible and ultimately trickle all the way down to older fashions. Such is the case with iOS 27 and older iPhones, in addition to the brand new multitasking characteristic that I discussed earlier. When Samsung first launched the Z Fold 8 Extremely to me, my preliminary response was, “Will my Z Fold 7 get these software program capabilities?”
What I used to be informed was that almost all, if not all, of them will likely be obtainable on older Z Fold fashions with the Android 17 replace. The query that is left is when Samsung will roll that out to the general public. My guess is as quickly as subsequent month.
Author’s selection
After each day driving the Z Fold 7 over the previous yr and going hands-on with the Z Fold 8 Extremely, I actually just like the modifications Samsung has made to the system’s design and consumer interface, a lot in order that I am severely contemplating the change. However like most tech upgrades these days, you possible need not pay up for extra if what you presently have is enough.
In some ways, I might be completely comfy with utilizing the Z Fold 7 for one more yr. I’ve simply discovered myself counting on a conveyable charger extra typically in latest months, and the primary show will not be vivid sufficient to beat the out of doors solar once I’m transferring round city. The truth that the Z Fold 8 Extremely fixes these two shortcomings, whereas strengthening its current benefits, makes it a worthwhile improve for me.
