Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 First Look - Shorter + wider = better?
Samsung introduced its redesigned Galaxy Z Fold8 with a new passport-style form factor globally, including the Philippines.
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| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 in Lavender |
At the Unpacked event, Samsung also revealed the Galaxy Z Flip8 and the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
In the Philippines, the Galaxy Z Fold8 starts at PHP 109,990 for the 12GB/256GB model.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 First Look - Is wider, better?
The new Galaxy Z Fold8 is an architectural redesign where it adopts a wider, shorter passport-style form factor with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It measures 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.5mm unfolded and 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7 mm folded. It is ridiculously lightweight at 201 grams.
When unfolded, it is thinner and lighter than other candy bar-shaped phones. This was made possible with the new Flex Titanium Technology, where a titanium alloy film combined with an enhanced titanium plate under the inner display absorbs the pressure and impact, and improves overall structural integrity.
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| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 top and bottom sides |
On top are antenna lines, microphones, the SIM tray, and the first speaker grill, while at the bottom are more antenna lines, microphones, the USB-C port, and the second speaker grill.
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| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8's hinge and outer sides |
On the left is the hinge with the Samsung logo, while on the outer side are the antenna lines, volume rocker, and power button (that doubles as the fingerprint scanner).
It comes in either Graphite, Cream, Lavender, or Pistachio. It has earned an IP48 dust and water resistance rating.
Samsung is boasting that it features bleeding-edge wireless tech, including Bluetooth 6.0, WiFi 7, and dual NanoSIM + eSIM support.
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| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8's outer and inner folding screens |
In front is the 5.5-inch Gorilla Glass Victus 2-protected Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 1,920 x 1,248 resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The inner screen, on the other hand, is a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 2,448 x 1,848 resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Both panels support Samsung's Vision Booster.
"Intuitive and Practical aspect ratio"
Around both panels are super slim bezels, and on the upper part of each display is the punch hole that houses the selfie cameras.
Inside is the 3nm 4.6GHz Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy octa-core processor, Adreno GPU, 12GB/16GB RAM, 256GB/512GB/1TB storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging via USB-C, 20W fast wireless charging, and wireless power share.
Samsung advertises 0 to 63 percent of charge in 30 minutes with the included 3A USB-C cable and Samsung 45W wall adapter.
We were not allowed to benchmark the phone, but it should perform similarly to other smartphones with the same chipset.
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| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 in Graphite, Cream, and Lavender |
At the back of the Z Fold8 are the 50MP f/1.8 main camera with Dual Pixel AF and OIS, and a 50MP f/2.2 120-degree ultra-wide-angle camera with Quad Pixel AF and an LED flash.
On each screen is a 10MP f/2.2 selfie camera. The cover screen-mounted one has an 85-degree field of view, while the inner screen-mounted camera has a 100-degree field of view.
Other features include 5G, 4G LTE, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Running the show is Android 17-based OneUI 9 with Samsung Knox, Knox Vault, and Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Specs
Inner Screen: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen w/ 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, FHD+ 2448 x 1848 at 403 ppi
Cover Screen: 5.5-inch Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protected Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen w/ 1972 x 1248 resolution at 424 ppi
CPU: 4.6GHz 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy octa-core processor
GPU: Adreno
RAM: 12GB/16GB
ROM: 256GB/512GB/1TB
Back Camera: 50MP f/1.8 w/ Dual Pixel AF, OIS + 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle + LED flash Selfie Camera: 10MP f/2.2 + 10MP f/2.2 under-display camera
Battery: 4,800mAh w/ 45W fast charging, 20W wireless charging
OS: Android 17 w/ One UI 9
Connectivity: WiFi 7 (2.4GHz/5GHz), 5G, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 6.0, GPS, dual SIM (2 nano + eSIM)
Sensors: Accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope, sound, magnetic, pressure
Others: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock, IP48 dust and water resistance, stereo speakers, USB-C, Colors: Graphite, Cream, Lavender, Pistachio
Dimensions: 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.5 mm (unfolded), 123.9 x 81.9 x 9.7 mm (folded)
Weight: 201 g
Price: PHP 109,990 (256GB), PHP 123,990 (512GB), PHP 151,990 (1TB)
Quick thoughts
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| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8's multitasking |
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 looks to be more than just a redesign, as Samsung has improved it, including quality of life, such as the crease and the weight. In fact, it is thinner and lighter than similarly spec'd candy-bar phones.
The 4:3 passport aspect ratio is also surprisingly intuitive and practical, as it is better for consuming vertical and landscape content.
On paper, the upgrades are substantial enough for previous-generation Fold users to upgrade, and the new dimensions and weight may finally sway the curious to dive into foldables.
What do you guys think?
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