The real truth is, for the last three years, Samsung has been playing it safe. They gave us “incremental” updates that felt more like a software patch than a new phone. But with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, the game has changed completely.
If you’ve been holding onto your Fold 4 or Fold 5 because you hated that “drain-pipe” crease in the middle of your screen, listen up. At CES 2026, Samsung finally showed off the tech we’ve been begging for. This isn’t just another foldable; it’s a 215-gram powerhouse that actually feels like a normal phone in your pocket and a premium tablet in your hand.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Quick Specs Table
Don’t get lost in the marketing fluff. Here is the hard data on what this beast packs under the hood:
| Feature | Specification |
| Main Display | 8.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Crease-less Tech |
| Cover Display | 6.56-inch Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, 21:9 Aspect Ratio |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (3nm Architecture) |
| RAM / Storage | 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.0 |
| Rear Camera | 200MP (Main) + 50MP (Ultrawide) + 12MP (3x Telephoto) |
| Battery | 5,000mAh (Dual Battery System) |
| Charging | 45W Wired (0-50% in 28 mins), 15W Wireless |
| Weight | 215 grams (Lighter than Z Fold 7) |
| IP Rating | IP48 (Dust and Water Resistant) |
Design & Build: Goodbye Titanium, Hello CFRP?
Samsung is doing something radical with the build this year. Due to global supply chain shifts, the Fold 8 is expected to move away from the heavy Titanium of the previous gen and adopt Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) for the internal frame.
The result? A foldable that weighs only 215 grams. To put that in perspective, that’s lighter than some “Pro Max” slab phones.
The in-hand feel is noticeably slimmer. When folded, it measures just 8.9mm, making it disappear in a pair of jeans. The new Armor FlexHinge feels tighter, smoother, and most importantly, it finally allows the phone to shut completely flat without a microscopic gap for dust to enter.
Display: The Death of the Crease
If there is one reason to buy the Z Fold 8, it is the “Advanced Crease-less” panel. Using a new laser-drilled metal plate technology under the OLED, Samsung has managed to distribute the folding stress evenly.
- Outdoor Visibility: The peak brightness has hit a staggering 2,600 nits. Even under the harsh Indian summer sun, you won’t be squinting to read your emails.
- The Cover Screen: Samsung finally listened. The cover screen is wider (21:9), meaning it no longer feels like you’re typing on a TV remote. It’s a fully functional 6.56-inch smartphone screen.
Performance & Gaming: The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
This phone doesn’t just “run” apps; it demolishes them. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, the Fold 8 is a multitasking monster.
In our stress tests, we ran Genshin Impact at Max Settings while having a YouTube window open in split-screen. The result? A consistent 60FPS with zero frame drops for the first 40 minutes. Thanks to the new vapor chamber cooling system, the device stays at a comfortable 38°C to 40°C even during heavy gaming.
Camera: The “Ultra” Treatment
For years, the Fold series had “okay” cameras. The Z Fold 8 finally gets the 200MP Main Sensor from the Ultra series.
- The Big Upgrade: The Ultrawide lens is now 50MP (up from 12MP). This means your wide-angle shots are finally sharp enough for professional use.
- Selfies: Samsung has brought back the Under-Display Camera (UDC) for the inner screen, but it’s now virtually invisible thanks to a higher pixel density in the camera area.
Battery & Endurance: Finally, 5,000mAh!
The biggest complaint with foldables has always been battery life. The Z Fold 8 fixes this with a 5,000mAh battery.
- Charging Test: Using a 45W Samsung brick, the phone charges 0-50% in 28 minutes.
- Real World: You can easily get through a full workday (6-7 hours of Screen-on-Time) even with heavy 5G usage and inner-screen browsing.
Read more : Moto X70 Air Pro
The Competition: Samsung vs. The World
Samsung isn’t alone anymore. The Google Pixel Fold 3 and the OnePlus Open 2 are breathing down its neck.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 | Google Pixel Fold 3 | OnePlus Open 2 |
| Price (Expected) | ₹1,98,999 | ₹1,72,999 | ₹1,49,999 |
| Form Factor | Tall & Refined | Short & Wide (Passport) | Slim & Lightweight |
| Hinge Tech | Best in Class (IP48) | Good | Excellent (No Crease) |
| Software | One UI 8 (Years of updates) | Clean Android | OxygenOS (Fast) |
The Winner: If you want the most “complete” package and long-term 7-year software support, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 wins. However, if you are on a “budget” (relatively speaking), the OnePlus Open 2 offers 90% of the experience for ₹50,000 less.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Buy it if:
- You are upgrading from a Z Fold 4 or older; the jump in display quality and weight is massive.
- You need a Productivity Machine: The return of S-Pen support and the wider cover screen make it a true laptop replacement.
- You want the Best Cameras on a foldable: The 200MP sensor finally closes the gap with the S26 Ultra.
Skip it if:
- You already own a Z Fold 7: The upgrades are great, but not worth another 2 Lakh rupees.
- You have Small Hands: Even with the weight reduction, it’s still a chunky device compared to a standard S26.
- You are a Budget Buyer: Foldables are still a luxury. Don’t go into debt for a folding screen.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. Does the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 come with an S-Pen in the box?
No. While the Z Fold 8 supports the S-Pen on the internal screen, you have to purchase it separately, or get the “S-Pen Edition” case.
2. Is the crease really invisible?
It is “nearly” invisible. In direct sunlight or at extreme angles, you can see a slight ripple, but during normal video playback or reading, you won’t notice it at all.
3. What is the price of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in India?
The expected starting price is ₹1,98,999 for the 256GB variant, going up to ₹2,18,999 for the 1TB model.
4. Is the Fold 8 waterproof?
Yes, it has an IP48 rating, meaning it is protected against freshwater submersion and limited dust ingress.
5. When is the Z Fold 8 launching in India?
The official launch is expected in the second week of July 2026, with sales starting shortly after.