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At Samsung Unpacked 2026, Samsung introduced its newest Galaxy foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. They’re both foldable smartphones, but they’re more different than you’d think. The Z Flip 8 is a flip phone (like from 20 years ago, but with a cover screen), whereas the Z Fold 8 is a book-style foldable phone with a rather unique passport-sized form factor.
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When fully spread out, the Z Fold 8 looks like a 7.6-inch tablet with a 4:3 aspect ratio, while the unfolded Flip 8 looks like a 6.9-inch smartphone with a 16:9 aspect ratio. If you’re considering buying a foldable phone, you’re probably wondering how the Z Fold 8 and the Z Flip 8 compare. Let’s break down the key differences.
Specifications
Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 |
Starting price | ||
Storage | 12GB of RAM: 256GB, 512GB | 16GB of RAM: 1TB | 12GB of RAM: 256GB, 512GB |
Display | 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 403ppi, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.9-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 400ppi, 120Hz refresh rate |
Resolution | 1,848 by 2,448 | 1,080 by 2,520 |
Cover | 5.5-inch FHD Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1,248 by 1,972 | 4.1-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 948 by 1,048 |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy |
Battery | 4,800mAh | 4,300mAh |
Main camera | 50MP Wide, 50MP Ultrawide, 10x digital zoom, 8K 30fps video | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10x digital zoom, 4K 60fps video |
Selfie camera | 10MP, 10MP Cover | 10MP |
Finishes | Graphite and Cream. Lavender and Pistachio (online options) | Graphite and Cream. Pink and Mint (online options) |
Both foldables, but physically different
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a book-style foldable designed for content consumption, especially since it unfolds to almost the size of an iPad mini. It opens horizontally into a 4:3 display, which is better than a phone’s 16:9 ratio for watching movies, reading books, and side-by-side multitasking.
When closed, the Z Fold 8 has a 5.5-inch cover display that has a more conventional 16:10 ratio. This makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 look like a typical smartphone when closed, albeit slightly thicker than one.
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Don’t get discouraged, however — even when it’s folded, the Z Fold 8 is only 9.7mm thick, 1.75mm thicker than the standard iPhone 17, and 0.95mm thinner than the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
Z Flip 8: Going retro
In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a clamshell foldable phone that folds vertically to a compact, square shape measuring only 3 inches by 3.4 inches. The cover has a screen that shows glanceable widgets, quick messages, and shortcuts, giving you a glimpse of your notifications or the time and date without unfolding your phone.
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Though the Z Flip 8 has a retro feel in its design (if you consider the early 2000s retro), there’s nothing old-fashioned about the phone. The latest Z Flip model features an upgraded rear camera that gives the more expensive Fold 8 a run for its money.
Better camera: better value
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Ultra, and Flip
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
With a 50MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide camera, the Z Flip 8 rivals the array on the Z Fold 8: both cameras at 50MP. Some of the features on the Z Fold 8 include dual recording, which captures the front and back perspectives from both rear and selfie cameras simultaneously, but the Flip 8 doesn’t lag too far behind.
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Samsung makes the most of the Galaxy Z Flip 8’s form factor, with camera modes tailored to its shape. You can use FlexCam hands-free shooting, FlipShot mirror selfies, and Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker on the Flip 8, making it a compelling option over the Fold 8 in the camera department.
Writer’s choice
The improvements to the Flip 8’s camera bring it closer to the Fold’s level, though not quite. Starting at $1,900, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is priced as a premium phone built for media consuption and productivity. It’s one of the few phones that transitions from a smartphone to a tablet, with multitasking features for work and a large display for entertainment.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8, however, has a comparable, albeit inferior, camera array and battery size, but a much more accessible price point for a foldable, starting at $1,200.
In turn, the Z Fold 8 is designed for power users, tech enthusiasts who enjoy premium devices, and those looking for a tablet that performs well for work and entertainment. The Z Flip 8 is best for everyday users looking for a more fun and versatile phone experience than traditional brick-shaped phones.
