Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Z Flip 8: How Samsung’s two new foldables compare

Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

At Samsung Unpacked 2026, Samsung launched its latest Galaxy foldable telephones: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. They’re each foldable smartphones, however they’re extra totally different than you’d suppose. The Z Flip 8 is a flip cellphone (like from 20 years in the past, however with a canopy display), whereas the Z Fold 8 is a book-style foldable cellphone with a quite distinctive passport-sized kind issue. 

Additionally: Samsung Galaxy vs. Google Pixel: I’ve used both brands extensively, and this one’s better

When totally unfold out, the Z Fold 8 appears to be like like a 7.6-inch pill with a 4:3 side ratio, whereas the unfolded Flip 8 appears to be like like a 6.9-inch smartphone with a 16:9 side ratio. In case you’re contemplating shopping for a foldable cellphone, you are most likely questioning how the Z Fold 8 and the Z Flip 8 examine. Let’s break down the important thing variations. 

Specs

Each foldables, however bodily totally different

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a book-style foldable designed for content material consumption, particularly because it unfolds to nearly the dimensions of an iPad mini. It opens horizontally right into a 4:3 show, which is best than a cellphone’s 16:9 ratio for watching motion pictures, studying books, and side-by-side multitasking.

When closed, the Z Fold 8 has a 5.5-inch cowl show that has a extra standard 16:10 ratio. This makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 appear to be a typical smartphone when closed, albeit barely thicker than one. 

Additionally: Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold 8 deal for up to $1,230 off ahead of July Unpacked – how to qualify

Do not get discouraged, nevertheless — even when it is folded, the Z Fold 8 is just 9.7mm thick, 1.75mm thicker than the usual iPhone 17, and 0.95mm thinner than the iPhone 17 Professional and 17 Professional Max. 

Z Flip 8: Going retro

As compared, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a clamshell foldable cellphone that folds vertically to a compact, sq. form measuring solely 3 inches by 3.4 inches. The quilt has a display that reveals glanceable widgets, fast messages, and shortcuts, supplying you with a glimpse of your notifications or the time and date with out unfolding your cellphone.

Additionally: Light’s new $299 flip phone has no apps and T9 texting, but aims to connect people

Although the Z Flip 8 has a retro really feel in its design (in case you contemplate the early 2000s retro), there’s nothing old school concerning the cellphone. The newest Z Flip mannequin options an upgraded rear digicam that provides the dearer Fold 8 a run for its cash. 

Higher digicam: higher worth

With a 50MP vast and 12MP ultra-wide digicam, the Z Flip 8 rivals the array on the Z Fold 8: each cameras at 50MP. A number of the options on the Z Fold 8 embody twin recording, which captures the back and front views from each rear and selfie cameras concurrently, however the Flip 8 would not lag too far behind.

Additionally: I’ve been a Google phone diehard for 10 years – here’s my 5-part wishlist for Pixel 11

Samsung makes the a lot of the Galaxy Z Flip 8’s kind issue, with digicam modes tailor-made to its form. You should use FlexCam hands-free capturing, FlipShot mirror selfies, and Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker on the Flip 8, making it a compelling choice over the Fold 8 within the digicam division.

Author’s selection

The enhancements to the Flip 8’s digicam convey it nearer to the Fold’s degree, although not fairly. Beginning at $1,900, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is priced as a premium cellphone constructed for media consuption and productiveness. It is one of many few telephones that transitions from a smartphone to a pill, with multitasking options for work and a big show for leisure.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8, nevertheless, has a comparable, albeit inferior, digicam array and battery dimension, however a way more accessible value level for a foldable, beginning at $1,200.

In flip, the Z Fold 8 is designed for energy customers, tech lovers who take pleasure in premium gadgets, and people on the lookout for a pill that performs effectively for work and leisure. The Z Flip 8 is finest for on a regular basis customers on the lookout for a extra enjoyable and versatile cellphone expertise than conventional brick-shaped telephones.