Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Surprisingly, I Prefer It Folded

Nearly a month after its release, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is proving to be a resounding success for the company, largely due to its innovative form factor and more accessible price point. While I haven’t yet used it as my primary daily driver, a few hours of testing were enough to significantly elevate my perception of foldable phones, potentially forever.

A Shift in Preference

Surprisingly, I’ve found myself consistently preferring the Galaxy ZFold 8 when it’s folded rather than unfolded. This disruptive design quickly became intuitive, offering a natural and comfortable experience.

Despite initial reservations about the unique form factor, the phone quickly felt familiar. The 16:10 cover screen excels at everyday tasks like web browsing and typing, offering a satisfying experience that surpasses many traditional smartphones. However, for media consumption, the larger inner screen is undeniably superior.

Limited Unfolding Use Cases

The key question is: what’s the point of a foldable if you rarely unfold it? With the Z Fold 8, I’ve identified just a few compelling reasons to open the device – primarily showcasing photos and videos to family, late-night TV viewing, and e-book reading. In virtually all other scenarios, I’ve found the folded state to be more enjoyable and practical.

I envision myself daily-driving a standard candy bar phone with a “stumpy” aspect ratio, leveraging the cover screen's efficiency for everyday tasks. While a few niche apps aren’t fully optimized for the shorter aspect ratio, the overall experience is remarkably smooth and intuitive.