A foldable smartphone has a tough job. It needs to be slim enough to slip into a pocket, strong enough to handle everyday knocks and sophisticated enough to deliver a premium experience. And it has to do all of this while folding open and shut, day after day.

Getting that balance right takes more than an ambitious design. It takes engineering experience.

Since introducing the first Galaxy Fold in 2019, Samsung has spent eight generations refining what a foldable can be. The Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra and Z Flip8 reflect that accumulated learning, combining a thinner, lighter design with a focus on structural integrity, display stability and long-term reliability.

Eight generations of getting the details right

Making a foldable thinner and lighter sounds straightforward. In reality, every millimeter matters.

A slimmer display affects its supporting structure. Changes to the hinge influence how components fit inside. And space saved in one area can open up new possibilities elsewhere. The challenge is to make every part work harder without creating compromises in the overall experience.

For the Galaxy Z Fold8, Samsung re-examined approximately 270 components and more than 180 types of auxiliary parts, optimizing everything from the display and hinge to materials, internal architecture and component placement.

The result is a device weighing just 201g, with a profile measuring 4.5mm when unfolded and 9.7mm when folded. It is a more portable take on the premium foldable, made possible by rethinking the device as a complete system rather than simply shrinking individual parts.

That is where eight generations of engineering experience make a difference: knowing which details to change, how those changes affect one another and where to focus efforts for the greatest impact.

Durability is a whole-device responsibility

A foldable has moving parts, a flexible display and a compact structure that must work together through repeated use. Its durability cannot be judged by any single component alone.

The hinge must continue to operate reliably. The display needs protection as it folds and unfolds. And the frame and internal structure must help the device withstand everyday handling, pressure, impacts and exposure to particles.

“For us, durability isn’t just about design — it must be proven through testing. We validated the complete foldable system under conditions that reflect how people use their devices.” – Sunghoon Moon, Executive Vice President and Senior Executive of Mobile R&D Office – Hardware, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics.¹

The Galaxy Z Fold8 undergoes more than 100 reliability validation tests designed to assess how the complete device performs under different stresses. This whole-device approach matters because the forces affecting one component can influence others.

Eight generations of development have helped Samsung refine how these elements work together, identifying potential stress points and improving the way the device manages them. The same principle guides its lightweight design: reduce unnecessary mass, but preserve the structural support needed for repeated folding and everyday use.

For consumers, that means portability is considered alongside the structural support and display protection needed for everyday use, rather than treated as a goal in isolation.

The right material in the right place

Material selection is central to this approach. Rather than using the strongest or most premium material everywhere, Samsung considers the mechanical demands of each component and selects materials accordingly.

Flex Titanium combines an ultra-thin titanium-alloy film with an enhanced titanium support plate around the folding display. Together, these innovations enable a display module that is 10% thinner, while improving flatness and helping maintain display stability over time.

The frame follows the same principle. Advanced Armor Aluminum² provides the rigidity and resistance to permanent deformation needed for everyday handling without adding unnecessary weight.

These are not isolated material upgrades. They form part of a broader effort to reduce thickness and weight where possible while retaining structural support where mechanical stresses are greatest. The result is a device designed to feel lighter in the hand without compromising the structures that protect it.

Durability is also in all-day performance

A thinner foldable is only an improvement if the rest of the experience keeps pace.

Space inside a foldable is hard-won, and a more efficient internal architecture can create opportunities elsewhere. In the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, this helps accommodate a larger 5,000 mAh battery and stronger thermal management, supported by a silicon-carbon anode, higher-performance graphite and Independent Charging Architecture.

The result: up to 27 hours of video playback for the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.³

The objective is to avoid turning portability into a trade-off against battery life, sustained performance or thermal stability. These qualities matter when users switch between work, video calls, entertainment and other demanding tasks throughout the day.

This is where experience across generations becomes valuable. The challenge is not simply to make a foldable thinner or lighter on paper, but to understand how each design decision affects the complete device and where improvements can be made without introducing new compromises.

Confidence in the design, backed by care

Engineering a foldable for everyday reliability is one part of the equation. Having the right support when the unexpected happens is another.

For added peace of mind, Galaxy Z series owners in Malaysia can opt for Samsung Care+⁴, which offers protection against covered accidental and liquid damage, including incidents such as drops and spills. Depending on the plan selected, eligible customers may also benefit from extended warranty coverage and access to Samsung-authorized repair services.

Samsung Care+ complements the engineering that goes into the device. While eight generations of foldable development have helped Samsung refine the balance of portability, structural integrity and everyday usability, the additional coverage offers reassurance when unforeseen incidents occur.

The bar is set high for foldable innovation

Ultimately, confidence in a foldable comes from both the product and the support behind it. With the Galaxy Z series, Samsung brings years of engineering experience to the device itself, with Samsung Care+ providing an additional layer of protection for everyday life.

The measure of foldable progress is not simply whether a phone can fold, but how confidently it fits into the way people live and work. That is the standard Samsung continues to pursue: a foldable designed not just to make an impression on day one, but to inspire confidence through everyday use.

Learn more about the Galaxy Z series:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

1. Further reading: https://news.samsung.com/my/interview-inside-the-engineering-behind-the-latest-galaxy-z-series ︎
2. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is built with an Advanced Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3 on the cover screen for solid drop and scratch resistance, plus an IP48 rating for dust and water resistance. The new Flex Titanium display adds internal rigidity. ︎
3. Based on Samsung internal lab test conditions with pre-release version of given model connected to earphone via Bluetooth under default settings over LTE. Estimated against battery capacity and measured current over battery power consumption during video playback (video file resolution 720 p, saved on device) on the main screen. Actual video playback time may vary by network connection, settings, video file format, screen brightness, battery condition and many other factors. ︎
4. Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefits, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/my/offer/samsung-care-plus. Care at home & abroad: When in need of Samsung Care+ services during your travel, contact the visiting country/region’s local customer services center in advance for Samsung Care+ availability. ︎

Since introducing the first Galaxy Fold in 2019, Samsung has continued to refine the foldable experience through eight generations of innovation, shaped by how people use their devices every day. This continued evolution has resonated with consumers worldwide, including those in across Southeast Asia and Oceania, where sales of the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra have grown 40% compared to the Galaxy Z Fold7.

Beyond advances in design and durability, the latest Galaxy Z Fold8 Series has expanded the possibilities of the foldable form factor – enabling users to multitask, create and edit content, and capture and enjoy their favorite moments, with each foldable designed around different needs.

Here is a closer look at what sets the Galaxy Z Fold8 Series apart:

Engineered With Excellence

Making a foldable thinner and lighter requires redesigning how its interconnected components work together – from the display and hinge to the battery, thermal system and internal architecture.

Through advances in materials and structural engineering, the latest Galaxy Z Fold8 Series achieves a thinner, lighter design while maintaining durability and key performance features, including battery life.

• At 201g¹, Galaxy Z Fold8 is Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet².
• New Flex Titanium technology combines a titanium-alloy film with an enhanced titanium plate to enable a slimmer display structure, while maintaining the strength and flexibility needed for repeated folding. It also helps absorb pressure and impact while minimizing crease visibility.
• The Galaxy Z Fold8 Series underwent more than 100 reliability validation tests covering real-world conditions, including drops, repeated folding, pressure, moisture and debris, helping identify potential issues before the product reaches consumers.

Large Screens for Every Lifestyle

A larger screen creates more possibilities when it adapts naturally to how people use their phones – from everyday browsing and immersive viewing to multitasking and content creation.

Galaxy Z Fold8: Designed for Immersive Discovery

• When folded: The 10:16 cover screen³ feels familiar for everyday tasks such as messaging, browsing and social updates.
• When unfolded: The 4:3 main screen⁴ gives users more room to enjoy films and games, while rotating the device creates a more natural format for reading articles, e-books and other long-form content.
• All-day immersive viewing: Powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy⁵, Galaxy Z Fold8 delivers responsive performance and lasting power. The main screen also features up to 3,000 nits of brightness, Vision Booster and a low-reflection display finish, ensuring that content stays clear and vivid even in direct sunlight.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: Built for Maximum Productivity

• More room to work: The expansive 8-inch main display⁶ makes multitasking and creating content easier, in Galaxy’s slimmest Z Fold design yet at just 4.1mm unfolded and 215g⁷.
• A smarter Galaxy AI experience: Now Nudge⁸ surfaces relevant next steps during conversations, from checking schedules to finding places and saving locations. Gemini Notebook enables users to bring notes, images, recordings and documents into one workspace. With drag-and-drop support and resizable windows in Split view, users can move content between apps and keep key information visible side by side, making it easier to work across tasks.

Switch to Galaxy with Ease

With the Galaxy Z Fold8 Series, Samsung offers distinct foldable experiences to suit different priorities – from the Galaxy Z Fold8’s immersive content discovery to Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s expansive workspace for productivity and content creation.

Making the move to Galaxy is also easier with the updated Smart Switch⁹. Users switching from iOS or another Android device can transfer data wirelessly by scanning a QR code, without downloading an additional app. With One UI 9, the data supported for transfer from iOS expands to include passwords, passkeys, call history, accessibility settings and eSIM information, making it easier for users to bring more of what matters to their new Galaxy device.

1. Weight may vary by country or region. ︎
2. Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models. ︎
3. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8’s cover screen size is 5.5” in the full rectangle and 5.4” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 7.6” in the full rectangle and 7.6” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. Aspect ratios shown are approximate, based on representative model values. ︎
4. Aspect ratios shown are approximate, based on representative model values. ︎
5. Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. ︎
6. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s cover screen size is 6.5” in the full rectangle and 6.5” accounting for the rounded corners. The main screen size is 8.0” in the full rectangle and 8.0” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. ︎
7. Weight may vary by country or region. ︎
8. Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts available with Samsung Messages and certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages, Google Chat. Split view supported apps may vary. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analyzing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
9. Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version, and connection method. Data transfer from an iOS device to a Galaxy device using the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later and iOS 26.6 or later, in regions outside mainland China. ︎

Foldable smartphones were often thought of as not much more than a niche category. That was years ago. This year, we are seeing a drastic change.

As more major technology brands enter the foldables scene, the sentiment should not be apprehension. In fact, for Samsung, which introduced its first Galaxy Fold in 2019, I see it is a sign that an idea we had early on is becoming increasingly relevant to the wider mobile industry.

This is good news, because as more brands enter a category, awareness grows. More people begin to understand what foldable technology is, what it can do, and perhaps most importantly, why they might want one.

The shift from “Does a phone fold?” to “Why do I need a foldable?”

The future of foldables should be about letting people decide for themselves why a foldable phone makes sense for the way they live.

For some, it may be about having a larger canvas such as the Galaxy Z Fold8’s 4:3 screen for watching, reading or gaming with the convenience of folding that canvas into a pocketable form factor. For others, it may be about productivity and multitasking on an all-in-one device like the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. It could also be the compactness of a flip phone like the Galaxy Z Flip8, or simply having a device that enables new ways to create content.

We are now witnessing a transition with foldables moving from something people noticed to something people actually consider for themselves.

From curiosity to consideration

Malaysia is a particularly interesting market in this regard.

The latest national data on information and communications technology shows that mobile phone usage among individuals reached 99.6% in 2025, while internet usage reached 98.3%¹. Malaysians are already deeply accustomed to using mobile technology across work, entertainment, communication and everyday life.

When virtually everyone is already carrying a smartphone, it creates an important opportunity for new form factors, and raises the question of whether a different kind of phone can meaningfully improve the way someone uses it.

We have seen this evolution in our own consumer market insights. Samsung’s 2024 post-launch research² across Southeast Asia and Oceania, including 300 Malaysian respondents, found strong purchase interest in the Galaxy Z series among younger consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z³, with foldables being associated with productivity, creativity and photography.

That is a great takeaway – people do not perceive foldables as technological curiosities anymore. They are beginning to really consider what foldables can do for their lives.

With more brands entering the category, that consideration will become even more common.

Competition raises the bar

Foldables make for an unusually complex engineering challenge. Making a screen fold is only the first step. The industry has to continually address durability, weight, hinges, software, displays and the fundamental question of how a changing form should change the experience. All this, while not forgetting to advance key features users value in any smartphone, regardless of its form factor, such as battery capacity and camera capabilities.

While Samsung has been spearheading foldable technology for several years, competition is exactly what I consider essential to push us to learn and improve with every generation of the Z series.

Our first Galaxy Fold weighed 276 grams. Galaxy Z Fold8 now weighs 201 grams, making it Samsung’s lightest fold yet⁴, and it also introduced a new form factor while advancing the display, hinge and internal architecture. With Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra and Flip8, we have also expanded the proposition beyond a single definition of what a foldable should be. One is designed around immersive discovery, another around maximum productivity and content creation, and another around compactness and self-expression.

That progress and the rationale behind the Galaxy Z series happened because consumers told us, directly and indirectly, what would make foldables more useful in everyday life.

The consumer will decide what comes next

This is where I believe competition truly ramps things up for the industry. As more consumers encounter different approaches to foldable design and how it fits their needs, they will become more informed. They will ask better questions.

Is a foldable useful? Does it help me work? Does it fit into my daily routine? Is it durable enough? Does its size and shape actually make a difference? These are some of the questions that will determine the category’s future.

We are already seeing signs of this shift in Malaysia and across our region. Less than a month after the latest Galaxy Z8 series was unveiled at Unpacked, the series recorded strong demand across Southeast Asia and Oceania, with Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra pre-orders growing by approximately 60% compared with the previous generation. Samsung also saw an increase of more than 60% in switchers from other brands to the latest Fold generation.

These figures are encouraging, and I see them as evidence of a broader change in consumer behavior. We were once astounded by the advent of thin, touchscreen smartphones after a long era of tactile numeric keypads. With every big successful change, the world adapted to these inventions – every time, people embraced the new norm.

And now, people are again becoming more comfortable with the idea that a smartphone does not necessarily have to look the way it has looked for the past decade.

A bigger category creates a bigger responsibility

For Samsung, being the pioneer in foldables has never meant that we expect to be the only ones in the conversation. A thriving product category still needs different ideas, different approaches and different perspectives. When more companies challenge established assumptions, engineers have more problems to solve, designers have more possibilities to explore, developers have more reasons to rethink how software should work with hardware.

And in the end, consumers benefit.

After seven generations of Galaxy Z innovation, and now into our eighth generation, we have accumulated years of learning about what people value and what still needs to improve. We will continue to invest, listen, learn and innovate – not because competition has arrived, but because competition gives the entire industry a reason to push further.

It also makes our responsibility greater.

I believe this next chapter will be an exciting one. The foldable story is no longer about proving that a smartphone can fold. It is about discovering what else becomes possible when it does. And I believe we are only beginning to find out.

1. ICT Use and Access by Individuals and Households Survey Report, 2025, by the Department of Statistics Malaysia. ︎
2. The Samsung Consumer Market Insights’ SEAO Galaxy Z Flip6/Fold6 Post-launch survey was conducted from 27 August to 9 September 2024, with a total of 2,424 participants from 8 countries in Southeast Asia & Oceania including Australia (300), Indonesia (303), Malaysia (300), New Zealand (301), Philippines (305), Singapore (307), Thailand (300) and Vietnam (308). ︎
3. Compared to other age groups surveyed. ︎
4. Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models. ︎

Winning a new smartphone is one thing. Getting it ready for everyday life is another.

For some of the 10 lucky grand prize winners of Samsung’s 3-day activation at Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) recently, the excitement continued at the Samsung Experience Store, where they collected their brand-new Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and immediately began setting up their new devices using Smart Switch.

Beyond the excitement of winning, their experience highlights something that matters to anyone considering a new phone: making the switch should be just as straightforward as using the device itself.

With Samsung Smart Switch¹, moving to a new Galaxy device does not have to mean starting from scratch. Users can transfer much of their important content, including contacts, call history, passkeys, passwords, photos, videos and other data from their previous phone, helping them settle into their new device without the hassle of manually moving everything over.

For those coming from another smartphone brand, this convenience can make the decision to switch feel less daunting. Rather than worrying about leaving familiar content behind, users can focus on discovering what their new Galaxy device can do.

And switching to Galaxy does not mean having to rethink how you share moments with friends and family, either.

In a world where group chats, photos and videos are exchanged throughout the day, compatibility with friends’ devices remains an important part of the smartphone experience. Quick Share², which is now open to AirDrop, makes it easy for Galaxy users to share photos, videos and files with compatible devices, including supported Apple devices, helping them stay connected with friends regardless of the smartphone brands they use.

Whether it is sending photos from a recent holiday, sharing a video from a night out or passing along files for a group project, users can continue sharing the moments that matter without making their choice of smartphone a barrier.

As more consumers consider their next smartphone, the conversation is no longer just about what a device can do. It is also about how easily it fits into the way people already live, work and connect with others.

And with the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the best part is what comes next. Built on Samsung’s eight generations of foldable innovation since 2019, it brings together a spacious 8-inch³ main display and multitasking tools that let users work across multiple apps side by side, making it easier to move between tasks without losing their flow. Its 200MP Ultra camera system, enhanced by Samsung’s ProVisual Engine, gives users the flexibility to capture detailed photos and videos, while Gemini Notebook⁴ and Galaxy AI features such as Now Nudge⁵ and Photo Assist⁶ help turn everyday tasks and creative ideas into action.

It is this combination of productivity, powerful imaging and intelligent experiences that makes the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra more than a new phone — it is a new way to get things done, with Samsung continuing to push the boundaries of what a foldable can offer.

1. Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version and connection method. Data transfer from an iOS device to a Galaxy device using the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later and iOS 26.6 or later in regions outside mainland China. ︎
2. The “Share with iOS devices” feature is currently supported first on select flagship models running on One UI 9 and One UI 8.5, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, and Galaxy S26, with support planned to expand to more models in the future. ︎
3. When unfolded. ︎
4. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Terms apply. By subscribing, you agree to terms for Google One, YouTube and offers. Offer ends Aug 1, 2027 at 11:59pm PT. Unless canceled earlier, Google One will charge RM97.99/mo after the trial ends. Cancel anytime. Return of purchased device may result in cancellation of subscription. See full terms at https://one.google.com/offer/terms-and-conditions/SamsungAIPro. ︎
5. Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts available with Samsung Messages and certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages, Google Chat. Split view supported apps may vary. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
6. Photo Assist may require a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Photo Assist may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed. ︎

As more brands enter the foldable smartphone category, Samsung is inviting Malaysians to discover just how far the technology has come. From 9 to 11 October 2026, Samsung will bring its Galaxy Z8 foldable series to Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) MRT station for a three-day takeover, giving commuters and shoppers the opportunity to get up close with its latest foldable innovations and win prizes.

Three days. Three rounds daily. A Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra to be won every round.

Running from 9 to 11 October, the activation will feature three rounds each day, at 10.00am, 12.30pm and 3.00pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in the activation and stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including one Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra in every round, alongside other Samsung merchandise.

Where: Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) MRT station, Lower Concourse

When: 9–11 October 2026

Daily rounds: 10.00am, 12.30pm and 3.00pm

Prizes: One Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra per round, plus other merchandise

How to participate:

• Visit the registration counter at the lower concourse to collect one (1) activation card
• Search for hidden prize cards and pick any one (1)
• Verify the activation card and prize card at the registration counter
• Redeem your prize at the Samsung Experience Store at The Exchange TRX

Since introducing its first foldable smartphone in 2019, Samsung has spent years advancing the category, refining the folding experience and exploring new ways for people to use their smartphones. Across successive generations, the Galaxy Z series has evolved alongside its users, bringing together larger, more versatile and durable displays, enhanced productivity and the convenience of a device that fits into everyday life.

The latest Galaxy Z8 series builds on this experience, with innovations designed to make everyday use more versatile and convenient. Beyond the foldable form factor, features such as Smart Switch¹ make it easier for users to transfer their contacts, photos and other personal data when moving to a Galaxy device just by scanning a QR code – no apps or cables needed – while Quick Share, which is now also open to AirDrop, simplifies sharing photos, videos and files with compatible devices². Together, these features help make the transition to a new smartphone, and staying connected across devices, more straightforward.

The arrival of more brands in the foldable category marks an exciting development for the industry. As awareness grows and more consumers begin exploring this form factor, Samsung sees an opportunity to welcome a wider audience into the world of foldables. More choices mean more opportunities for people to discover what a foldable can bring to their everyday lives.

At TRX MRT station, commuters can experience these possibilities for themselves. The activation brings Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z devices into a familiar, everyday setting, allowing the public to explore the technology up close rather than simply read about it.

1. Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version and connection method. Data transfer from an iOS device to a Galaxy device using the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later and iOS 26.6 or later in regions outside mainland China. ︎
2. The “Share with iOS devices” feature is currently supported first on select flagship models running on One UI 9 and One UI 8.5, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Flip8, and Galaxy S26, with support planned to expand to more models in the future. ︎

A foldable can offer a new way to experience a smartphone, but the real test begins when it becomes your everyday device.

Can it take the kind of photos you expect from a premium smartphone? Will your favorite apps work naturally on a different screen shape? Is a foldable still practical to carry around? And with different form factors now available, how do you know which one fits you?

In the second part of this series, Team Galaxy takes on these questions from a more everyday perspective.

#1 “Can a foldable really have a great camera?”

Foldables have traditionally been associated with their displays and form factors. But as the category matures, consumers increasingly expect the rest of the experience to match the premium price.

Samsung’s answer is to bring flagship-level mobile photography into its foldable portfolio.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra features a 200MP camera, giving users the high-resolution imaging capabilities they expect from a premium Galaxy device — without having to choose between an advanced camera and a foldable form factor.

There’s no need to compromise, as Vivian Liu shares.

#2 “A new screen shape means new app problems, right?”

Changing the physical shape of a smartphone naturally raises questions about the software experience.

What happens to the apps I already use? Will everything work properly? And what about moving all my information from my existing phone?

Samsung has spent years developing the software experience around foldable displays, while working with popular apps to make the transition into the new form factor feel natural. So when you watch your favorite content, there is no letterboxing – no black bars, as Kittie Yiyi points out.

And for consumers switching from another smartphone platform, Smart Switch¹ helps make the move from iOS to a new Galaxy device easier by transferring important data and content.

#3 “Won’t a foldable be bulky and heavy?”

Early foldables had to balance ambitious new engineering with the practical realities of carrying a smartphone every day. That has changed significantly as the technology has matured.

In short, powerful phones like the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra do not have to be bulky. It’s a premium, usable form factor that only weighs 215g.

The Galaxy Z Fold8, Samsung’s thinnest and lightest Fold yet² at only 201g, further demonstrates how eight years of engineering have gone into making the form factor more portable and practical.

And both of these powerful phones are lighter and thinner than Alex HKF’s everyday notebook. The goal is no longer simply to make a phone that folds. It’s to make a foldable that feels natural to carry.

#4 “Should I just upgrade to the next conventional flagship instead?”

Not every consumer needs a foldable. But for those considering a new smartphone, the question is increasingly about what kind of experience they want from their next device. The choice isn’t simply between one phone and another. It’s between different ways of using a smartphone, and often, it also comes back to what conventional bar or slab phones offer.

Ori shows us how the Galaxy S26 Ultra demonstrates that Samsung’s innovation isn’t limited to foldables – from its 200MP camera capabilities and Horizontal Lock experience to Privacy Display and Galaxy AI. It offers a different approach to the conventional smartphone, particularly for consumers who value intelligent, private and versatile mobile experiences.

#5 “A new foldable shape sounds interesting. But how do I know which one is right for me?”

This may ultimately be the biggest change in the category. There isn’t one definition of what a foldable should look like anymore. Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z lineup offers three distinct approaches to the form factor, designed around different needs and lifestyles.

The trendy Galaxy Z Fold8 is built around a more immersive, wider-screen experience. Abdul Qawiy Aro puts it simply: “The Galaxy Z Fold8’s all-new design and larger display deliver a truly immersive viewing experience.”

The powerful Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra takes the large-screen concept further for consumers who want maximum productivity and capability. “Safe to say, productivity just got an upgrade,” says Daryl Tan.

And the expressive Galaxy Z Flip8 brings the foldable experience into a compact, pocket-friendly form factor for everyday convenience.

Watch as Perry Kuan showcases three shapes. Three experiences. Different reasons to fold.

Eight years of progress changes the questions

The evolution of foldables can ultimately be measured by the questions consumers are asking.

Early on, it was simply: “Can a smartphone really fold?”

Then came: “Will it last?”

Today, the questions are more sophisticated: “Which form factor suits me? What can I do with the extra screen? How much more productive can I be? How seamlessly does it fit into my life?”

That evolution matters. Because it shows that foldables have moved beyond being an experiment in smartphone design. They have become another way of thinking about what a smartphone can be. As more of the industry embraces the form factor and brings foldables to a wider audience, Samsung users already have years of experience with that future.

1. Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version and connection method. Data transfer from an iOS device to a Galaxy device using the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later and iOS 26.6 or later in regions outside mainland China. ︎
2. Compared to previous Galaxy Z models. ︎

As foldables enter a new phase of mainstream adoption, consumers are being introduced to a new generation of smartphones — and naturally, a new set of questions.

How visible is the crease? Is a foldable really practical? Is it worth the premium? What happens to the apps I use every day? Is a completely different form factor actually for me?

These questions are probably new to those newly considering a foldable. But to many Samsung users, including Team Galaxy, these considerations are not new, and they reflect how far the category has evolved since Samsung first introduced its foldable vision in 2019.

For this two-part series, creators and influencers from Team Galaxy answer frequently asked questions, drawing on their own experiences with the latest Galaxy Z8 series.

#1 “Is now really the time to get a foldable?”

For consumers considering their first foldable, the growing number of choices can make the decision more complicated.

But there is another consideration beyond simply choosing the newest device: experience matters.

Consumers can choose their first foldable from a brand entering the category for the first time — or from a company that has spent eight years developing, refining and advancing the form factor across generations.

Galaxy Z Fold8 represents the benefit of that accumulated experience, bringing together years of engineering, consumer feedback and product refinement. Your first foldable could be one from a brand making it for the first time. Or, as Anthony Mayii says, “You can get one that has been perfected over 8 years” instead.

#2 “But can you still see the crease?”

The crease has been one of the defining visual characteristics of foldable smartphones since the category began.

Samsung’s answer has been to keep refining the display experience so that the crease becomes less of a distraction and the screen itself becomes more immersive. The latest innovations include Flex Titanium display technology that enables a thinner, lighter display without compromising durability.

With Galaxy Z Fold8’s new 4:3 form factor, the focus is on a more seamless, fully immersive screen experience that makes the most of the device’s larger display.

So, is there a crease? Watch as Monkey Jackson reveals: “I know for a fact that it’s not visible on the Galaxy Z Fold8.”

#3 “Aren’t foldables just a gimmick?”

A phone that folds might have started as a novelty. But the more useful question is what that flexibility enables.

The foldable form factor creates multiple ways to interact with one device. Open it up for a larger screen when you need more space. Use it in a more compact configuration when you want convenience. Multitask across apps, consume content on a larger display or get more done on the move. On the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, “The split screen really helps,” Azizi Musa declares.

The point isn’t simply that the phone folds. It’s that one form factor can adapt to different situations throughout the day. There isn’t just one way to use a foldable — and that’s precisely the point, as Qiwiie demonstrates.

#4 “I can unfold it into a bigger screen. But is it actually worth it?”

More screen only matters if it changes the experience.

The wider display on Galaxy Z Fold8 gives users more room to engage the content they care about — whether that’s streaming a show, browsing, reading, gaming or working. The display is designed around how people naturally interact with content, making the transition from a conventional smartphone display to the unfolded experience feel more meaningful.

Instead of simply giving users more screen, Samsung is focused on making that screen more useful because a bigger display should give you a bigger experience. Take it from Allison Yee herself, who is well-acquainted with the 4:3 ratio.

#5 “Why am I paying a premium for a foldable?”

One way to look at the price of a foldable is as an entirely new category of smartphone. Another is to look at what it combines.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra brings together the capabilities of a premium Galaxy smartphone with the expansive experience of a large-screen device — effectively combining the roles of a flagship smartphone and a productivity-focused larger display in one device.

“I can keep multiple apps on one screen without constantly switching between them. It’s thin, lightweight, and surprisingly easy to carry,” says Tim Tiah.

For someone who wants the convenience of a phone without giving up the space needed for serious work, content or multitasking, like Ahmad Ezzrin Loy, that versatility is part of the value.

Proving the Foldable Experience

The questions surrounding foldables have changed considerably. What once centered on whether a smartphone could fold has evolved into more practical questions about what that flexibility can actually offer.

For Team Galaxy, those differences are experienced rather than theoretical. After eight generations of Galaxy Z innovation, they reflect a category that has moved well beyond its early days – and Samsung is at the lead.

But there’s more to making a foldable an everyday device than the experience of opening and closing it.

Stay tuned for Part Two, where Team Galaxy takes on another set of questions, this time looking at the things that matter once the novelty wears off.

While the two features offer different camera experiences, both draw on expertise spanning foundational technology research, feature development, and user experience design.

As part of “The People Behind the Galaxy Z Series’ Camera Innovations,” Samsung Newsroom sat down with experts from Samsung Research and the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business to discuss the technical challenges and collaboration behind the two features.

A sharply defined subject against a softly blurred background creates a sense of depth long associated with professional camera lenses. Researchers have continued to explore ways to achieve this effect in smartphone video.

With the Galaxy Z series, Portrait Video recreates the distinctive depth and Bokeh¹ of a large-aperture lens². To make this possible, Samsung Research analyzed the optical characteristics of actual camera lenses and developed AI-powered video processing technology, while the MX Business optimized it for the device.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with YoungGeol Kim of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research and Sang-uk Park, responsible for camera development at the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, about how Portrait Video evolved from a research concept into a Galaxy camera feature.

A New Level of Depth in Portrait Video

Q. What is Portrait Video? What has changed with the latest Galaxy Z series?

Park: Portrait Video keeps the main subject in focus while softly blurring the background, creating a cinematic look that makes the subject stand out.

On the Galaxy Z series, the degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background. Small background lights appear as soft, rounded Bokeh, much as they would through a large-aperture lens. This allows users to draw attention to the subject and capture videos with greater depth and atmosphere using just a smartphone, without the need for separate professional equipment.

Users can also shift the focus to a different subject or adjust the blur level after filming.

Q. What inspired the technology behind Portrait Video?

Kim: Photography has been my hobby for 25 years. That passion led me to camera technology research and development and sparked a lasting interest in the unique visual character of lenses.

As smartphone cameras advanced rapidly, photography benefited from a range of new features and improvements in image quality. Video evolved quickly as well, but I saw further potential in recreating the depth and background rendering of professional camera lenses. We proposed the idea during the research stage, just as the MX Business was exploring ways to help users create professional-looking videos more easily — paving the way for joint development.

Q. How did the teams collaborate to turn Portrait Video into a camera feature?

Kim: Existing solutions alone weren’t enough to achieve the natural lens rendering we wanted. At the time, Samsung Research’s technology was still in the research stage, so applying it to a product was not an easy decision. Even so, the MX Business recognized its potential and decided to commercialize it.

From there, full-scale testing and refinement began. We evaluated the technology on actual devices and exchanged feedback, turning it into a camera feature for users.

Park: To prepare the feature for real-world use, we had to shoot countless videos under a wide range of conditions and validate the results. Since the feature is centered on people, experts from both teams even served as models and filmed one another. We focused particularly on how naturally subjects were separated from their backgrounds and whether the blur and Bokeh looked right at different distances.

As we filmed each other, reviewed the results together and continued our discussions, what I remember most is how noticeably the results improved.

Large-Aperture Lens Rendering on Smartphones

Q. What is the key technology that takes Portrait Video to the next level?

Kim: The key is technology that recreates the distinctive look of large-aperture professional camera lenses in smartphone video. We used AI and optical analysis to make this possible.

Simply blurring an image is not enough to reproduce the depth and natural background rendering of a professional camera. Conventional blur softens an image by blending surrounding colors, but a large-aperture lens works differently. The degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background, while bright points of light spread into Bokeh that retain their shape and brightness. The shapes and textures of these out-of-focus areas are known as bokeh.

This requires accounting for both subject-to-background distance and how light spreads through an actual camera lens.

Recreating this effect on a smartphone required two elements. First, we analyzed how light spreads through a real large-aperture lens and the resulting bokeh characteristics, then converted the results into data. We combined this with AI-estimated distance information for the scene, allowing the system to adjust the degree of blur and bokeh size based on the distance between the subject and background.

Q. What technical challenges did the teams face when creating blur and bokeh on smartphones?

Kim: The biggest challenge was naturally rendering complex boundaries between the subject and background, such as hair or eyeglass frames. On smartphones, AI-estimated distance information alone isn’t sufficient to accurately distinguish fine boundaries. Even a small error can blur strands of hair or leave parts of the background sharp, making the subject look unnaturally cut out.

To address this, we combined AI-estimated distance information with boundary information from the original footage, allowing for natural separation between the subject and background even around fine details such as hair.

Park: Maintaining consistent results across different shooting conditions — including weather, lighting, subject movement, and distance — was crucial. We repeatedly filmed under a wide range of conditions and reviewed the results, improving unnatural elements through software optimization and additional AI training data. Building on Samsung Research’s technology, image quality experts from the MX Business also evaluated the results from a user perspective, further refining the feature.

Q. What did it take to make this complex video processing reliable and ready for use on the Galaxy Z series?

Kim: The biggest hurdle was reducing power consumption and heat generation without compromising quality. Video is a rapid sequence of images, so processing 4K video in real time requires significant computation.

That meant we had to prioritize. We preserved the processing essential to image quality while reducing computation in areas where users were unlikely to notice a difference.

As a result, we struck a balance between natural lens rendering and real-time processing, ensuring stable, efficient performance even during extended recording.

More Freedom in Video Creation

Q. What are some tips to help users get the most out of Portrait Video?

Kim: To make bokeh stand out, look for scenes with bright light sources against a relatively dark background. Sunlight sparkling through leaves, Christmas lights, or streetlights at night can spread softly into circular Bokeh, creating a more atmospheric look.

When filming a person, it’s best to avoid strong light from the front. Instead, position the light source behind or to the side of the subject. This can softly illuminate the subject’s hair and contours while making the background Bokeh more prominent. Reflected light or ambient sources like streetlights can help keep the face from getting too dark for a more balanced result.

Q. What reaction would you most like to hear from people who have tried Portrait Video?

Park: I’d like users, creators, and video professionals to be surprised by how easy it is to create cinematic video on a smartphone. I hope the natural blur, Bokeh, and post-capture editing features give them greater freedom to achieve the look and feel they want.

Kim: Ultimately, I hope people feel they no longer need to carry a separate professional camera. We will continue advancing the underlying technologies so they can create cinematic videos with just a smartphone.

Bringing the cinematic shallow depth of field and light rendering of professional camera lenses to smartphone video required extensive testing and collaboration to turn a research concept into a reliable product feature. Developed through the combined expertise of Samsung Research and the MX Business, Portrait Video expands the Galaxy video experience — giving users more ways to realize their creative vision.

1. The shape and texture of blur in out-of-focus areas, often seen when small points of light appear as circular highlights ︎
2. A lens with an aperture that can open wide to let in more light, making it well suited for keeping the subject sharp while softly blurring the background and rendering bokeh highlights. ︎

When shopping for a new phone, you’ve probably read reviews and watched comparison videos in search of the “best” device.

While rankings can be helpful, they can’t answer the most important question: which phone is best for me? That answer depends on personal considerations like how you prefer to work, create and stay connected throughout your day.

Why Does Samsung Offer Multiple Foldable Form Factors?

The best foldable isn’t the same for everyone. That’s exactly why Samsung offers three distinct foldable designs with the new Galaxy Z series.

Whether you want to consolidate with a single mobile device that can power through your to-do list, a screen built for streaming and reading, or looking for something more compact and convenient, Galaxy Z series has options.

Through eight generations of refinement, Samsung understands what users want most from foldables. The new Galaxy Z series is the result of all that experience. Every device delivers in the areas users care about most: displays, durability, portability and performance.

Which Galaxy Z Foldable Is Right for You?

The latest Galaxy Z series offers a range of innovative foldable form factors: the compact Galaxy Z Flip8, the brand-new Galaxy Z Fold8, and the powerful Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.

Deciding which is right for you ultimately depends on what you want from your smartphone experience, and how your phone fits into your life.

Choose Galaxy Z Flip8 if you want:

• Maximum portability from Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Z series device
• An experience built around self-expression and capturing great selfies
• Everyday convenience for quick tasks without opening your phone

Choose Galaxy Z Fold8 if you’re looking for:

• A new foldable shape designed for modern content formats
• An immersive viewing experience for watching, reading and gaming
• Samsung’s lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet

Choose Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra if you prioritize:

• Samsung’s top-of-the-line experience reserved for Ultra devices
• Multitasking on an expansive 8-inch folding main screen¹
• Productivity and flagship performance
• The versatile and capable camera system in the Galaxy Z series

Across the lineup, the durability of the Galaxy Z series is complemented by Galaxy’s latest mobile AI² experiences and software optimized for each form factor, giving you a bespoke experience built around each unique design.

The best phone is the one that fits your life, and Samsung Galaxy’s portfolio is designed to help you find it. From Galaxy Z TriFold³ introduced earlier this year to the latest Galaxy Z series, Samsung is committed to evolving its foldable portfolio to meet a wide range of needs and lifestyles.

1. Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra’s Cover Screen size is 6.5” in the full rectangle and 6.5” accounting for the rounded corners. The Main Screen size is 8.0” in the full rectangle and 8.0” accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole. ︎
2. Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Any Samsung enhanced AI features and all third-party AI features are subject to different terms and may be subject to fees. ︎
3. Not available in Malaysia. ︎

As foldable smartphones move from niche innovation to an increasingly established category, there is an interesting story to be told about what it actually takes to build a phone that folds — and what years of developing the technology have taught Samsung about the future of mobile.

Samsung has been at the center of that evolution, from the first Galaxy Fold in 2019 to the increasingly refined Galaxy Z family today. Along the way, it has learned that successful foldables are not created by solving one engineering challenge. They require continuous learning across hardware, software, AI and, perhaps most importantly, human behavior.

Here are eight areas where Samsung has pushed foldables forward.

1. Making foldables more durable

The visible innovation may be a screen that folds, but making that possible requires solving challenges around durability, materials, display support and hinge engineering – challenges that simply don’t exist on conventional smartphones

Samsung’s new Flex Titanium technology in the Galaxy Z series uses a titanium-based display structure to strengthen the display support, improve durability and reduce crease visibility, while helping enable a thinner device¹.

2. Making the fold feel seamless and effortless

Years of development have shown that the hinge isn’t just a mechanical component – it affects how naturally a device opens, how thin it can be and how comfortable it feels in everyday use.

The latest Galaxy Z series combines refinements to the hinge mechanism, display tension and folding magnets to make unfolding smoother and more natural. On the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, this contributes to a device measuring just 4.1mm when unfolded.

3. Turning bigger screens into new possibilities

Samsung has learned that additional screen real estate needs to enable genuinely different experiences, not simply provide more pixels.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a new 4:3 main display, which is optimized for immersive viewing and gaming, while rotating the device creates a 3:4 ratio suited to reading and browsing. The larger canvas also supports content creation and editing through experiences such as My FanCam².

4. Expanding what a foldable can look like

Consumer behavior has demonstrated that different people want different things from a foldable. Some want a larger workspace; others value compactness, self-expression or quick access.

Samsung now offers three distinct foldable experiences: Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra for productivity, Galaxy Z Fold8 for immersive discovery and Galaxy Z Flip8 for expression and quick interaction. These distinctions show how the form factor can be designed around different lifestyles rather than forcing consumers into just one definition of a foldable.

5. Making hardware and software work as one

A phone that physically changes shape also needs software that can change with it. The experience has to flow naturally between screens, orientations and modes.

Samsung has increasingly designed the software experience around the physical flexibility of the devices, from Multi Window, AI-powered multitasking with Now Nudge³ and Gemini Notebook⁴ on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, to a more capable FlexWindow on the Galaxy Z Flip8, where users can access apps, information and actions without unfolding.

6. Bringing AI into the foldable experience

The next stage of smartphone AI isn’t simply about generating an answer. It is about understanding what the user is doing and helping them move from information to action.

Agentic AI is integrated into the Galaxy Z8 experience, helping users move more naturally between information, apps and actions. On Samsung’s new foldable series, the expanded screens also create a natural canvas for AI-powered productivity, including Gemini Notebook, which can bring together information from different sources and help users organize and work with their thoughts and content in one place. And ultimately, get more done.

7. Removing the barriers to better experiences

Years of real-world use have shown that users prefer the least amount of hassle when it comes to using their devices. Adapting to a new device starts even before the first use, so switching devices itself needs to feel effortless.

The latest generation of the Galaxy Z series brings greater flexibility not just to how consumers use their devices, but how they move into the Galaxy ecosystem. With Smart Switch⁵, users can wirelessly transfer important data such as contacts, photos, messages, apps and settings from their previous devices, including from iOS. With One UI 9 on the latest Galaxy Z series, iOS device users can initiate the transfer simply by scanning a QR code, remove another barrier to switching.

8. Turning a new form factor into a complete ecosystem

Perhaps the central takeaway: every generation creates new questions around engineering, usability and consumer behavior. The experience of answering those questions, generation after generation, becomes an advantage in itself.

The new Flex Titanium display structure, thinner form factors, redesigned display ratios, more capable FlexWindow experiences and deeper agentic AI integration – all of these features, and more, show how the eighth-generation Galaxy Z Series represents the cumulative result of years of iteration and consumer insight.

1. Compared to previous Galaxy Z series models. ︎
2. My FanCam requires a Samsung account login. Video must be 720 x 720 pixels or higher. Results may vary. ︎
3. Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts available with Samsung Messages and certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages, Google Chat. Split view supported apps may vary. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. ︎
4. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Terms apply. By subscribing, you agree to terms for Google One, YouTube and offers. Offer ends Aug 1, 2027 at 11:59pm PT. Unless canceled earlier, Google One will charge RM97.99/mo after the trial ends. Cancel anytime. Return of purchased device may result in cancellation of subscription. See full terms at https://one.google.com/offer/terms-and-conditions/SamsungAIPro. ︎
5. Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or iOS), OS version and connection method. Data transfer from an iOS device to a Galaxy device using the upgraded method is available on devices running Android 17 or later and iOS 26.6 or later in regions outside mainland China ︎