Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Z Flip 8: How Samsung’s two new flips compare

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite resource on Google.

At Samsung Unpacked 2026, Samsung unveiled its new foldable Galaxy phones: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 again Galaxy Z Flip 8. Both are foldable smartphones, but they are more different than you might think. The Z Flip 8 is a flip phone (like from 20 years ago, but with a cover screen), while the Z Fold 8 is a book-style folding phone with a unique passport-sized form factor.

Also: Samsung Galaxy vs. Google Pixel: I’ve used both of these products extensively, and this one is the best

When fully unfolded, the Z Fold 8 looks like a 7.6-inch tablet with a 4:3 aspect ratio, while the flip 8 unfolded looks like a 6.9-inch smartphone with a 16:9 aspect ratio. If you’re thinking of buying a foldable phone, you’re probably wondering how the Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 compare. Let’s break down the main differences.

Details

Both are foldable, but physically different

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a book-style foldable designed for content use, especially since it opens to about the size of an iPad mini. It opens horizontally to a 4:3 display, which is better than the phone’s 16:9 ratio for watching movies, reading books, and multitasking.

When closed, the Z Fold 8 has a 5.5-inch cover display with a standard 16:10 aspect ratio. This makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 look like a normal smartphone when closed, although it is thicker than one.

Also: Samsung launches Galaxy Z Fold 8 deal up to $1,230 before July Unpacked – how to qualify

Don’t be discouraged, though — even when folded, the Z Fold 8 is 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: Go backwards

In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a clamshell foldable phone that folds upright into a compact, square shape that measures just 3 by 3.4 inches. The cover has a screen that displays attractive widgets, instant messages, and shortcuts, giving you a glimpse of your notifications or the time and date without opening your phone.

Also: Light’s new $299 flip phone lacks the T9’s apps and texting, but aims to connect people.

Although the Z Flip 8 has a retro feel to its design (considering the early 2000s retro), there’s nothing old-fashioned about the phone. The latest Z Flip model has an improved rear camera that gives the more expensive Fold 8 a run for its money.

Better camera: better value

With a 50MP wide camera and a 12MP ultra-wide, the Z Flip 8 competes with the Z Fold 8 lineup: both cameras at 50MP. Some of the features on the Z Fold 8 include dual recording, which captures front and rear views from the rear and selfie cameras simultaneously, but the Flip 8 isn’t far behind.

Also: I’ve been a Google phone fanatic for 10 years – here’s my 5-part wish list for the Pixel 11

Samsung makes the most of the Galaxy Z Flip 8’s form factor, with camera models designed for 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.

Author’s choice

The Flip 8’s camera improvements bring it closer to the Fold’s level, though not quite. It starts with $1,900The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is priced as a premium phone designed for media use and productivity. It’s one of the few phones that transition from a smartphone to a tablet, with multitasking features and a large display for entertainment.

The Galaxy Z Flip 8, however, has a comparable, albeit lower, system camera and battery size, but a more accessible price point for the foldable, from $1,200.

Next, the Z Fold 8 is designed for power users, tech enthusiasts who enjoy premium devices, and those who want a tablet that performs well for work and entertainment. The IZ Flip 8 is perfect for everyday users who want a more fun and flexible phone experience than traditional brick-shaped phones.