Samsung positions its Galaxy Z Fold 8 as the first mainstream foldable smartphone in a 'passport' format, preempting the arrival of the iPhone foldable. With 1.44 million pre-orders in Korea, the brand proves this compact and versatile format appeals, despite lingering technical limitations.
A format that changes the game
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 adopts a square format inspired by passports, already tested by Huawei earlier this year. When unfolded, it offers a 7.6-inch screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, ideal for vertical use akin to a mini-tablet. Conversely, the outer screen (10:16) targets short content and navigation. Samsung bets on this versatility to cater to diverse use cases, as Hubert Lee, vice president of mobile design, explains: "One size does not fit all" — a way to justify abandoning the classic format of previous Fold models.
Yet, Samsung’s marketing exaggerates. The manufacturer presents its screens as "perfect for full screen," but the 4:3 aspect ratio of the main screen creates black bars on most videos, as noted by 9to5Google. Even the outer screen, better suited to vertical formats, leaves margins on short content.
Record pre-orders before launch
In South Korea, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 set a record with 1.44 million pre-orders, surpassing the Galaxy Note 10 (1.38 million in 2019). This success is explained by concrete improvements: Flex Titanium screen to reduce the crease, silicon-carbon battery (4,800 mAh), and 45 W charging. The passport format, more compact, also wins users over with its practicality, as confirmed by Numerama, which highlights its easy use in closed mode (GPS, navigation) and its near-perfect vertical screen for social media.
Samsung anticipates the foldable iPhone
The Z Fold 8 seems designed to outpace Apple, whose foldable iPhone is expected in September. Samsung opted for a basic dual-camera module (main sensor + ultra-wide-angle), similar to rumors about the iPhone foldable, rather than a high-end triple module. Another advantage: the silicon-carbon battery, a technology Apple may not adopt this year, giving the Z Fold 8 an edge in battery life.
- Flex Titanium screen: titanium plate under the screen to limit deformation after folding, but the crease remains visible from certain angles.
- End of Flex Mode: the addition of titanium prevents the phone from staying half-folded, a regression for some uses.
- Price: from €1,999, with promotions around €1,300 in August 2026.
"The passport format of the Z Fold 8 is perfect. […] Vertically, the Z Fold 8 offers a 7.6-inch screen, almost the surface of a iPad mini." — NumeramaTranslated from French
What this means for the market
The success of pre-orders and the enthusiasm for the passport format show that foldables are maturing. Samsung also launched limited editions with Caviar (from €11,270), proving the appeal of the high end. But the real test will be the showdown with the foldable iPhone: if Apple adopts a similar format, the foldable war will come down to details — battery life, screen finish, and price.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 marks a turning point: Samsung has found a format that appeals, with notable technical improvements. But the limitations (visible crease, imperfect screen ratios) remind us that foldables remain a compromise. The arrival of the foldable iPhone in September will show if this compromise is the right one.
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