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When it comes to experiments with smartphone designs, Samsung sits at the forefront for its willingness to push the boundaries. Its latest device, the Galaxy Z Fold8, is a testament to that philosophy.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is passport-shaped.
Image via Sukhbir CheemaUnveiled at 2026 Samsung Unpacked in London, the foldable immediately drew attention from the media and smartphone enthusiasts due to its passport-like shape and booklet-style design.
The device comes in three storage options: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, with four colour options: Lavender, Graphite, Cream, and Pistachio (online exclusive).
I had the opportunity to test the foldable myself, using the 256GB Cream-coloured variant, and here's my honest review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8.
Design is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8's strongest suit, as I found people turning their heads and even approaching me to ask about it
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is Samsung's thinnest foldable to date.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSThe foldable has undergone a major redesign, with content consumption clearly being one of Samsung's priorities.
If your main goal is scrolling through social media, watching videos, reading articles or enjoying ebooks, the device's wide 7.6-inch display and 4:3 aspect ratio main screen significantly enhance the viewing experience.
Samsung is pushing the envelope for foldable smartphones with the Galaxy Z Fold8.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSI found myself enjoying YouTube videos, Netflix shows, web comics, and mobile games the most on the Fold8.
Weighing just 201g (making it the lightest foldable to date), and thanks to its passport-like form factor, the device was surprisingly comfortable to hold for extended periods. It also fitted easily into tight denim pockets.
Despite its thin design (it's almost as thick as my passport when folded), the Fold8 feels sturdy and durable. Similar to the Ultra series, it features Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic3 on the front cover and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the rear.
I was able to convert the device into a mini laptop.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSThat said, typing was a challenge. I found it difficult to type on the folded display due to my larger hands. When unfolded, the keyboard layout is split across the wider screen, which takes some getting used to.
However, users with smaller hands may appreciate the device's compactness. My 10-year-old was able to type on it comfortably without any issues.
I enjoyed playing mobile games like Genshin Impact and eFootball Mobile on the Fold8
Playing mobile games on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 was an enjoyable experience.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSPowered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, the device handled demanding mobile games with ease.
Due to its larger display, I often forgot that I was holding a smartphone. Instead, it felt more like using a dedicated handheld gaming device.
The 3,000-nit screen brightness also meant I could continue gaming under Malaysia's bright afternoon sun.
I was also able to fold the device into a tent shape when watching movies and TV shows.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSI did not encounter any major overheating issues after prolonged gaming and video playback. The device became warm, but never uncomfortable enough that I had to put it down. I was still able to reply to emails, respond to WhatsApp messages, and write my articles.
When it comes to productivity, the Fold8 can run up to three vertical apps simultaneously alongside an additional app that appears as a floating window.
You can open up to four app windows simultaneously.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSUsers can also customise the size of each app window based on their preferences. This was particularly useful when copying text between apps, referencing documents, and multitasking without constantly switching between apps.
Thanks to its 4,800 mAh battery, I was able to use it for up to two full days before reaching for the charger
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is made for content consumption in mind.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSSamsung claims the device can achieve up to 26 hours of battery life with prolonged use, and I can attest to this. It also supports 45W wired and 20W wireless charging.
However, I wish the phone came with a charging adapter in the box. Samsung does include a USB-C cable, so I was still able to charge the device via my laptop and desktop.
The Fold8's camera is capable enough for everyday photography
It features a dual 50MP camera setup comprising a wide and ultra-wide lens, which produces solid results for casual users.
I was able to capture decent selfies and social media-ready images with the 10MP selfie camera. The ability to use the rear display as a preview screen greatly helped.
A portrait shot of my cat taken with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYS
A close-up shot of a leaf taken with the device.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSHowever, if you're a photography enthusiast, I would recommend Samsung's flagship devices for higher-end, professional-looking photos.
The Samsung Z Fold8 starts at RM7,299 for the 256GB variant and goes up to RM9,699 for the 1TB model
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is certainly a game-changer when it comes to foldable smartphones.
Image via Sukhbir Cheema / SAYSThe 512GB version, on the other hand, is priced at RM8,099. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (256GB) starts at RM5,599, with the 1TB option at RM7,199 — making it a much better value since it's a flagship device.
Ultimately, the Fold8 is a device made for a niche audience
However, if you're a multitasker with smaller hands, an appreciation for premium design, or someone who consumes content on the go, the Fold8 — with its ability to function like multiple screens in one device — could be a worthwhile investment.
