Galaxy Z Fold 8: 5 Things to Love, 5 to Improve. Do I Agree?

Quick summary: Android Headlines published five things it loves about the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and five things Samsung should improve. I went through the list to see whether I agree, and basically I do, with a few caveats.

5 things they love

1. Form factor. The 16:10 cover screen and 4:3 inner screen are great for video and multitasking. I agree, though some apps still need a workaround, like switching to 16:9 to reach a button. I live on the cover screen a lot, and it’s a really fun phone.
2. Weight. It’s about 201 grams (I’ve seen people weigh theirs at 205g), lighter than any foldable I know. A big case and grip add weight, but it’s still light. I’d like it thinner, and I think it will be next year.
3. One-handed use. The short design is easy to use folded, and an OhSnap grip makes any phone better. I even used one on my tri-fold.
4. Battery life. The 4,800mAh battery easily lasts a full day. I unplug at 7 AM and charge somewhere between 4 and 7 PM. It has held up after weeks of use, and I think battery life is the biggest reason to upgrade from a Fold 7 or older.
5. Crease. It’s minimal and practically invisible straight on with the screen on. It has broken in a little over two weeks, but it’s improved over last year.

5 things Samsung should improve

1. Camera wobble on a table. A grip like the OhSnap levels the back with the camera bump, so the wobble is nearly gone. I expect horizontal cameras, and room for magnets, next year.
2. Cameras. There’s no telephoto, so zoom maxes out at 10x, versus 30x on the Fold 8 Ultra and 100x on the S26 Ultra. It’s probably too short for a third camera in a vertical layout. On low light, the S26 Ultra and Fold 8 Ultra are better cameras, but I haven’t noticed my night photos struggling.
3. Wireless charging. It went from 15W to 20W, and many Chinese phones do 50W or more. I barely charge wirelessly, and when I do it’s over a long stretch, so 20W gets the job done.
4. S Pen support. I don’t care about the S Pen, and on a phone this compact the pen would have to be tiny. I think it should stay with the Ultra line.
5. IP68. It’s IP48, so it has a little dust protection and good water resistance. Rivals like the Pixel Pro Fold offer IP68. I’ve predicted it for two years, and it would be great, but water resistance matters more to me.

Do I agree?

On all five positives, yes. On the improvements, mostly yes: the wobble is fixable with a grip, I agree on cameras, faster wireless charging and IP68 would be nice, and an S Pen would be cool to have even if I wouldn’t use it.

• Buy the Galaxy Z Fold 8 from Samsung
• OhSnap SnapGrip Stand
• Benks case for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, code GREGGLESTV
• dbrand Grip case