Galaxy Z Fold 8 : Samsung bets on lightness to make foldables mainstream

The new Galaxy Z Fold 8 has just arrived on the shelves, and Samsung is no longer playing only the power or camera card: this year, lightness and the fold's discretion are the main selling points. Officially announced on July 22 and on sale since August 7, the foldable smartphone takes aim directly at the original flaw of the category, the one that long held back its adoption by the general public: the thickness and weight of a device folded in two.

A foldable finally lighter and thinner

Weighing in at 201 grams, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 becomes the lightest Fold model ever produced by the Korean brand. Closed, it does not exceed 9.7 mm in thickness; open, it drops to 4.5 mm, a thinness that brings it closer to a high-end conventional smartphone. This effort is not trivial: since the launch of the first foldables, the main complaint about this format remained everyday comfort of use, in a pocket or a bag. By narrowing the gap with traditional smartphones, Samsung is clearly trying to convince those undecided about making the leap.

Flex Titanium display: the end of the visible crease?

A second historical sore point for foldables is the famous crease mark in the center of the inner screen. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 introduces a hinge called Flex Titanium, presented as making the crease virtually invisible to the naked eye. The inner screen measures 7.6 inches diagonally, while a 5.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel now dresses the outer face for quick use without having to unfold the device. This double promise—less crease and better exterior visual autonomy—aims to erase the last doubts about the durability of flexible screens.

A technical sheet tailored for the high end

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 houses a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, accompanied by a camera module composed of a 50-megapixel main sensor and an ultra wide-angle also at 50 megapixels. On the battery side, the 4,800 mAh battery benefits from wired charging at 45 W and wireless charging at 20 W. The pricing position remains clearly premium: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at €2,099 for the 512 GB version and climbs to €2,399 for 1 TB of storage. The Ultra variant, even more generous, is listed at €2,299 and €2,599 depending on the chosen capacity. Prices that confirm the foldable remains, for now, a deliberately niche segment rather than a mass-market product.

Towards the democratization of the foldable smartphone?

By betting on a lighter, thinner device with a reduced fold, Samsung is not only trying to woo the brand's loyalists: the move looks like an attempt to remove the last psychological barriers holding back the general public. A foldable smartphone that feels in the hand closer to a conventional model, with a hinge reputed to be more discreet and therefore potentially more durable over time, is also an argument for repairability and perceived longevity that increasingly matters in purchasing decisions. Price, however, continues to play spoilsport for mass adoption in the short term.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Galaxy Z Fold 8 launched?

Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8, as well as the Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Z Flip 8, on July 22. The models have been available for sale since August 7.

What is the weight of the Galaxy Z Fold 8?

It weighs 201 grams, making it the lightest Fold model ever commercialized by Samsung to date.

How much does the Galaxy Z Fold 8 cost?

The price starts at €2,099 for the 512 GB version and reaches €2,399 for the 1 TB version. The Ultra variant is offered at €2,299 and €2,599 depending on storage.

To follow news about connected devices and the latest high-tech releases, find all the articles in the Geek & Multimedia section. Fans of everyday appliances can also consult our Home Appliances & Equipment section, while those interested in device durability and repair will find useful leads in DIY & Repairs.

Sources

• CNEWS: Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, specifications, price, release date
• Journal du Geek: everything to know about the new Galaxy Z Fold8
• Samsung France: official specifications sheet of the Galaxy Z Fold8

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy