Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: A Squat
Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a shorter, squatter design and two 50MP cameras, positioning it as a mid-range folding option for photographers.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a folding smartphone with a new, squat design and two high-resolution cameras. According to a review by Amateur Photographer, the phone starts at $1899 in the US and £1699 in the UK.
The Z Fold 8 sits between the more affordable Z Flip 8 and the flagship Z Fold 8 Ultra in Samsung's new folding lineup. The reviewer notes the device is designed to be impressive for photographers and for viewing pictures while on the move.
Key Specifications and Price
The phone's core photographic specifications and pricing are detailed below.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1899 / £1699 |
| Main Lens | 50MP, f/1.8, 23mm equivalent |
| Ultrawide Lens | 50MP, f/1.9, 13mm equivalent |
| Selfie Cameras | Two 10MP, f/2.2 (18mm & 24mm) |
| Video Recording | 8K at 30fps, 4K at 120fps |
| Inner Display | 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Cover Display | 5.5-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Battery | 4800mAh |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Dust/Water Resistance | IP48 rated |
| Weight | 201g |
Design and Handling for Photography
The Z Fold 8 introduces a significant design shift. It is described as short and squat, a departure from the longer, thinner form of previous models like the Z Fold 7. The reviewer initially questioned the shape but found it grew more sensible with use.
This design means a compact device for everyday tasks hides a much larger 7.6-inch screen inside for reviewing photos. The interior screen more closely resembles a computer monitor, which the reviewer found better for viewing webpages and media. When folded, the phone is 9.7mm thick and is the lightest Z Fold series phone ever at 201g. The exterior 5.5-inch cover screen is bright and detailed, feeling spacious due to its wider aspect.
A potential drawback is the IP48 dust and water resistance rating. Samsung claims the first number (4) relates to dust resistance, while the second (8) relates to water. The reviewer notes that while the Z Fold 8 has the same water resistance as many IP68 phones, its folding design may allow more dust ingress. Competitors like the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and Honor Magic V6 are noted as having higher IP68/69 ratings.
Camera App and Shooting Flexibility
The native camera app can be used with the phone folded or unfolded. The default 'Photo' mode provides access to the 0.6x ultrawide and standard 1x lenses, along with 2x and 10x digital zoom. Other functions include aspect ratio adjustment, resolution changes, flash control, and digital filters.
Advanced 'Pro' and 'EXPERT RAW' modes allow manual control over settings like white balance and shutter speed, plus RAW format capture. The folding design enables unique shooting techniques. For higher-quality selfies, users can employ the main 50MP camera by opening the phone and using the front screen as a viewfinder.
You can also create a stand by folding the phone halfway. One side acts as the base while the other holds the camera. The interior screen can be used for composition, which is useful for group shots or low-angle photography. The app can be configured to show the live view on one half of the screen and recently taken photos on the other.
Image Quality and Performance
The review states that while there are only two cameras, omitting a telephoto lens, both are great performers. The two sensors are both 50MP. The reviewer concludes that the Z Fold 8's new shape makes a lot of sense, calling it a great choice for a folding phone. They note the cameras are decent performers and highlight the device's utility for editing and viewing media on the go.
