Samsung · Reviewed by Hayls World · Published 2026-07-22
Based on a review by Hayls World (accessed 2026-07-22).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about new, lighter, and more comfortable square shape — just accept screen crease is still noticeable.
The reviewer is "honestly, for the first time in a long time," considering upgrading to the Z Fold 8 because its new size and form factor are "just that good." However, they plan to wait for Apple's rumored foldable phone later in the year before making a final decision.
The video offers a hands-on review of the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, examining their updated design, display technology, battery performance, camera capabilities, and new smart software features. It also touches on pricing and compares specific aspects to the previous Fold model and Samsung's S26 Ultra.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a compelling new foldable, particularly due to its innovative compact design, making it the most comfortable foldable from Samsung yet. Its new square shape and lighter weight significantly improve in-hand feel, while the upgraded display effectively reduces the screen crease, although it remains somewhat noticeable. The inclusion of silicon carbon batteries also boosts its endurance to around 26 hours of use. If you prioritize a lighter, more pocketable foldable ideal for everyday tasks like typing, reading, and scrolling, this device is a strong contender. However, if you require a privacy display, S Pen functionality, or the advanced camera and charging features found in the S26 Ultra, you might find it lacking.
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reviewer_claimpositivet=01:00–01:13
The new Z Fold 8 is the lightest foldable phone that Samsung has ever released, and the reviewer found it surprisingly feels way better in your hands.
reviewer_claimmixedt=01:13–01:25
The hinges have been upgraded to use magnets, which apparently should make them easier to open and close, but the reviewer honestly felt no real improvements compared to before.
hands_on_demomixedt=02:03–02:26
Samsung added a new titanium alloy film and plate layer to both Fold 8 displays to decrease the crease. While it is still noticeable, the reviewer observed it has improved compared to before and shouldn't get worse over time.
measurement_testpositivet=02:44–02:59
Both the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra screens achieve up to 3,000 nits of brightness, making them 400 nits brighter than the S26 Ultra.
reviewer_claimnegativet=03:30–03:39
Neither of the new Fold 8 models, including the Fold 8 Ultra, come with a privacy display, which the reviewer finds disappointing.
specification_claimpositivet=03:49–04:07
Samsung has started using silicon carbon batteries, increasing the Z Fold 8 Ultra's capacity from 4,400mAh to 5,000mAh, and giving the smaller Z Fold 8 a 4,800mAh battery.
reviewer_claimpositivet=04:07–04:18
The Z Fold 8 Ultra is estimated to provide around 27 hours of use, and the regular Z Fold 8 is expected to last around 26 hours.
measurement_testpositivet=04:20–04:36
Both Fold 8 models charge using 45 watts, allowing them to charge from 0 to 60% in under 30 minutes.
specification_claimneutralt=04:54–05:01
Both Z Fold 8 models support 20-watt wireless charging, but neither of them features magnetic charging like MagSafe.
hands_on_demopositivet=05:27–05:45
Both Fold 8 models include Horizontal Lock, a stabilizer that keeps the video horizon level no matter how the phone is turned.
hands_on_demopositivet=05:58–06:33
The phones come with upgraded Gemini and on-screen awareness, allowing users to show Gemini what's on their screen and then provide commands like 'book a hotel around here' to perform tasks.
hands_on_demopositivet=07:07–07:29
A new video option called 'Fan Cam' allows users to select a subject and aspect ratio, and the phone will reframe the entire video to follow that specific person.
hands_on_demopositivet=07:29–07:49
The AI photo editing feature enables users to type in desired changes, such as 'add sheep,' and the phone performs a 'freaky good job' of generating realistic modifications.
hands_on_demopositivet=07:54–08:14
The document scanner works seamlessly to scan documents, removing fingers, corners, bends, and stains to produce a real-looking, clean scan.
reviewer_claimnegativet=08:14–08:29
The S Pen still does not work on either the Z Fold 8 or Z Fold 8 Ultra, which the reviewer notes as a missed opportunity considering the price increase.
The Z Fold 8 Ultra maintains the standard foldable size while the new Z Fold 8 introduces a smaller, squarer, 'passport size' form factor. The Z Fold 8 is Samsung's lightest foldable ever, and the reviewer prefers its feel in hand. Both models offer different color palettes, with the Fold 8 having brighter options.
Both Fold 8 models feature upgraded displays with titanium alloy film and plate layers designed to reduce the crease. While the crease is still visible, the reviewer noted an improvement compared to previous models and expects it not to degrade further.
The Z Fold 8 Ultra now boasts a 5,000mAh battery, an upgrade from 4,400mAh, while the Z Fold 8 features a 4,800mAh battery. Both utilize new silicon carbon technology. The reviewer estimates approximately 27 hours of use for the Ultra and 26 hours for the Z Fold 8.
The reviewer notes that neither the Z Fold 8 nor the Z Fold 8 Ultra support the S Pen, despite being premium devices with a price increase. Additionally, while they both feature 20W wireless charging, they lack magnetic charging capabilities similar to MagSafe.
The phones feature One UI 9 with upgraded Gemini, allowing intelligent on-screen content interaction for tasks like booking hotels. Other new features include 'Fan Cam' for reframing videos to follow a specific subject, advanced AI photo editing capable of adding elements to images with impressive results, and a seamless document scanner that cleans up scans automatically.
The screens on both the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra get exceptionally bright, reaching up to 3,000 nits. This makes them 400 nits brighter than the S26 Ultra, providing excellent visibility.
The Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra both support 45W wired charging, which allows them to charge from empty to 60% capacity in less than 30 minutes. They also feature 20W wireless charging.
75/100 source quality
This review introduces the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, highlighting the new lighter, smaller Z Fold 8 and its appealing "passport size" cover screen. The reviewer praises the upgraded displays with reduced crease visibility, increased brightness up to 3,000 nits, and improved battery capacities (5,000mAh for Ultra, 4,800mAh for Fold 8) with faster charging speeds. New camera features like Horizontal Lock and smart software additions such as Gemini with on-screen awareness and Fan Cam for video reframing are showcased. While noting some disappointments like the lack of a privacy display, S Pen support, or S26 Ultra-level charging/cameras on the Ultra model, the Z Fold 8's new form factor is found to be particularly compelling.
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This page converts Hayls World's review of the Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
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