Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Is for Everyone Who Can’t Stop Scrolling - CNET

What the report says

CNET reports that Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at its Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday, positioning the $1,900 book-style foldable as a more entertainment-focused option in its lineup. The device sits above the $1,200 Z Flip 8 and below the $2,100 Z Fold 8 Ultra, with preorders open ahead of an Aug. 7 retail launch, according to the report.

The key change is a wider, passport-like design with a 4:3 aspect ratio, which CNET says makes the phone feel better suited to video watching, social media scrolling, reading and multitasking than earlier productivity-oriented Fold models. The Z Fold 8 has a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner screen, both with anti-reflective coating, a claimed peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a new Flex Titanium display structure intended to make the foldable panel thinner and more durable while reducing the visible crease.

Samsung also made the device lighter and more compact, at 201 grams, with a thickness of 4.5mm opened and 9.7mm closed, CNET reported. The hinge has been adjusted to make opening easier, though the phone no longer supports partially unfolded use in the same way as the Z Fold 7. The IP48 rating remains, offering water resistance and protection from larger particles but not full dust resistance.

Other upgrades include a 4,800-mAh silicon-carbon battery, 45-watt wired charging and 20-watt wireless charging. The camera setup includes 50-megapixel wide and ultrawide rear cameras but no telephoto lens. CNET frames the launch as strategically important as Apple is reportedly preparing its first foldable iPhone, potentially increasing competition in a category Samsung has led for years.