Let me ask you this: What if the future of smartphones isn’t about bigger screens, but about reimagining how we hold them? Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a bold experiment in that direction, but it feels like the company is trying to convince us that a passport-sized phone is the answer to a question we didn’t know we had. The Fold 8’s design is a curious contradiction—a device that wants to be both a phone and a tablet, yet struggles to be either convincingly. It’s as if Samsung peeked into a parallel universe where the iPhone never existed and decided, ‘Why not make a gadget that looks like a notepad but folds into your pocket?’
What makes this particularly fascinating is the deliberate choice to abandon the ‘candy bar’ form factor that most foldables have adopted. The Fold 8’s short, wide shape is a throwback to the Blackberry era, but in 2026, this feels less like progress and more like nostalgia marketing. I’ve held this device in my hands, and let me tell you—it’s a two-handed monster. Trying to type with one hand is like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle. The keyboard takes up half the screen, leaving you with a postage stamp of space to see what you’re typing. It’s not just impractical; it’s a psychological barrier. You’re constantly reminded that this isn’t a phone, but a tablet masquerading as one.
Now, let’s talk about the price. At £1,699, the Fold 8 isn’t just expensive—it’s a statement. Samsung isn’t selling a phone; it’s selling a lifestyle. But here’s the thing: The Fold 8 Ultra costs even more, yet it’s essentially a squarer version of the same idea. In my opinion, this pricing strategy is a gamble. It assumes that consumers are willing to pay a premium for a device that’s still figuring out its identity. The Fold 8’s internal screen, while technically impressive, doesn’t offer significantly more usable space than last year’s model. It’s like buying a bigger TV only to find out the room hasn’t changed size. The 4:3 aspect ratio is a nod to Apple and Microsoft, but it’s a compromise that feels forced. Why not embrace a more dynamic shape that adapts to how we use it? That’s the real innovation we’re missing here.
The software, however, is where Samsung shines. One UI 9 is a masterclass in making the most of limited real estate, allowing for split-screen multitasking that feels intuitive. But even this brilliance can’t mask the device’s flaws. The camera setup is a glaring omission—two 50MP sensors on the back and no telephoto lens. For a device this expensive, it’s baffling. It’s as if Samsung thought, ‘We’ll just let the main camera do all the work.’ Spoiler: It doesn’t. The selfie cameras are decent, but using the main sensor for selfies feels like cheating. And let’s not forget the fragility. This isn’t a phone; it’s a delicate piece of art. The internal screen is as fragile as a spider’s web, and repairs cost more than a month’s rent for most people. That’s not sustainability—it’s a luxury tax.
What this really suggests is that foldables are still in their infancy. The technology is advancing, but the form factor hasn’t caught up with the promise. The Fold 8 is a step forward, but it’s also a reminder of how far we have to go. Are we ready to pay thousands for a device that’s still learning to be a phone? Or are we just clinging to the idea that folding screens will solve all our problems? The answer might lie in how we choose to use these devices. Will the Fold 8 become a tool for productivity, or will it remain a novelty? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Samsung isn’t done experimenting. And neither are we.
