Samsung has released its latest folding phone, the Galaxy Z Fold8, available for pre-order now and on sale from Friday 7 August. The device features a new shape that is shorter and wider than previous models, with a 4:3 screen aspect ratio when opened, similar to a tablet. Tech critic David Phelan, who tested the phone for over a week, called it 'a strong contender for the best Android smartphone, full stop' and noted that 'Samsung has been making foldables far longer than almost everyone – this one feels solid, durable and highly usable'.
Design and display
The Galaxy Z Fold8 measures 4.5mm thick when unfolded and weighs 201g, making it the lightest Fold phone Samsung has made. The new shape resembles a passport, and the phone comes in four colours: lavender, cream, graphite, and pistachio (the latter exclusive to Samsung.com). The hinge has been redesigned to be easier to open, and the display features a new Flex Titanium layer that reduces the visibility of the crease. The cover display is a 5.5-inch OLED with 120Hz refresh rate, while the internal display is a 7.7-inch OLED also at 120Hz. Peak brightness reaches 3,000 nits, and an anti-reflective coating improves outdoor visibility.
Performance and cameras
The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 5 for Galaxy processor, delivering fast and stutter-free performance across apps, games, and video playback. It has two rear cameras: a 50MP main and a 50MP ultra-wide, but no telephoto lens. The main camera performs well in low light, and the camera app offers zoom levels of 0.6, 1, and 2 times. The phone also includes a 10MP camera on both the cover and internal displays.
Battery and verdict
The Galaxy Z Fold8 uses a silicon-carbon battery, a first for Samsung, allowing all-day battery life. In testing, the phone retained 20% charge at the end of an average day. Priced at £1,699, the phone is not cheap, but Phelan argues the technology makes it strong value. He concludes that it is the best foldable on the market and a top contender for the best Android phone overall. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is available from 7 August 2026.
