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After reviewing Samsung’s new foldable phones this year, my attention was almost entirely drawn to the Fold8 series. Samsung has clearly put a lot of thought into the large folding design this time. Whether or not I ultimately buy it, at least it gives the impression that it’s not just a simple processor swap to call it a new generation.

But when it came to the Galaxy Z Flip8, I was a little at a loss for words.

It’s not entirely unchanged; the weight has dropped to 180 grams, and the unfolded thickness has shrunk from 6.5 mm to 6.1 mm, making it noticeably lighter and more portable. However, the truly noticeable features—the 4.1-inch external screen, 6.9-inch internal screen, 4300mAh battery, and the 50MP main camera paired with a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens—are almost entirely inherited from the Z Flip7.

The processor has been updated, and the system and external screen features have been expanded, but these changes aren’t enough to make me feel like I “must buy the new model.” For my first attempt at a small foldable phone, the Z Flip8 is still undoubtedly the thinner and lighter option; however, if the price of the Z Flip7 has already dropped, I’d find it hard to find a convincing reason to persuade someone to spend more money to upgrade to the Z Flip8.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8: New Features and Initial Impressions

When I first got my hands on the Galaxy Z Flip 8, it was indeed lighter and more compact than its predecessor. Weighing only 180 grams and with a thickness of 6.1 millimeters when unfolded, it didn’t feel as heavy in my pocket, and it was more comfortable to hold and browse messages with one hand. However, this change felt more like simply making the body even thinner than it actually provided a completely different user experience.

What really puzzles me is that after looking at the specifications, it’s hard to find many reasons why I absolutely have to buy the new model.

The external screen remains 4.1 inches, while the internal screen is still 6.9 inches. The 4300mAh battery is the same as the previous generation, and the camera continues to use a 50-megapixel main camera paired with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. The new processor and system features will certainly make daily operation smoother, but these changes are more subtle and not as immediately noticeable as upgrades to the screen, battery life, or camera.

The charging speed hasn’t been improved either. 25W wired and 15W wireless charging are only adequate by today’s standards; a quick charge before heading out is fine, but a full charge requires more time. Especially considering the limited battery space in this compact foldable phone, charging speed should be an area where improvements are easier to make, yet Samsung hasn’t addressed it this time.

So my first impression of the Z Flip8 was somewhat contradictory. It’s still beautiful and definitely lighter, so first-time users of small flip phones won’t find it difficult to use; but standing next to the Z Flip7, aside from the lighter body and updated processor, there aren’t many immediately noticeable changes. If the previous generation had already dropped in price, it would actually seem like a better deal.

The first change I noticed after getting my hands on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 was its lightness. At 180 grams, it’s 8 grams lighter than its predecessor. While that might not sound like much, the weight of a small folding phone is concentrated in one area, so you can still feel the difference after holding it with one hand for a while. The folded thickness is 13.1 mm, and when unfolded it’s only 6.1 mm, making it less bulky in a pocket than before.

This time, the hinge is tighter, and the two sides fit together more naturally when the phone is closed. The body still retains IP48 protection, so you don’t need to worry too much about rain or accidental splashes of water. However, it doesn’t mean it’s completely dustproof. I still wouldn’t use it carelessly on the beach or in places with a lot of dust.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 features an upgraded fifth-generation Snapdragon 8 Ultra processor, paired with 12GB of RAM, and offers 256GB and 512GB storage options. Daily smoothness is generally not a concern; however, the limited internal space due to the small fold design raises questions about its performance and temperature control during extended gaming sessions, which warrants further observation.

One UI 9 has been redesigned for external screens, allowing users to view schedules, weather, and instant briefings without unfolding the phone. Samsung has also added more proactive reminders and operation suggestions, but I won’t draw conclusions about these AI features too early. Everything seemed very intelligent at the launch event, but whether it can minimize disruption and provide useful information in the familiar domestic software environment will ultimately determine its survival.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8: Initial Review

After using it for a while, my opinion of the Galaxy Z Flip8 hasn’t changed much. It is indeed lighter, thinner when folded, and more comfortable to hold with one hand than the Z Flip7—something you can immediately notice after getting the phone.

But we’ve almost reached this point.

The screens are still the same two screens, the camera hasn’t changed significantly, and the battery and charging capabilities haven’t been improved. The new processor and system features are certainly an upgrade, but in daily use, it’s hard to feel like you’ve got a brand new phone. Putting the two side-by-side, aside from weight and thickness, you often need to carefully examine the specifications to find the differences.

I don’t think the Z Flip8 is a bad phone. Samsung’s small folding phones are quite mature, and there are no obvious problems with the appearance, hinge, or external screen. It’s just that the Z Flip7 itself was already good, and the new model doesn’t offer much of a difference, which makes the Z Flip8 seem a bit awkward.

We’ll need to continue monitoring battery life, heat dissipation, and any hidden changes to the camera. However, based on my current experience, I wouldn’t rush to advise Z Flip7 users to upgrade. For first-time foldable phone buyers, it’s advisable to choose based on the actual prices of the two models; if the price difference is significant, the previous generation might not have been a bad deal.

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