Marques Brownlee
Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Honeymoon's Over
Summary
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Marques Brownlee reviews the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 after a week of use, noting its refined design, excellent display, and improved performance, but highlights its high price and some lingering software quirks as drawbacks.
Marques Brownlee reviews the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, noting that his "honeymoon phase" with the device is over after a week, allowing for a more critical assessment. He praises the phone's refined design, particularly its thinner and squarer aspect ratio when folded, and the vibrant, high-refresh-rate AMOLED display. The performance, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, is excellent, and the software offers great multitasking capabilities, especially with the split-screen functionality. However, he points out the steep $1,900 price tag, the compromised camera system compared to flagship slab phones, and the less-than-ideal aspect ratio for some apps and videos. He also touches on the battery life, charging speeds, and the lack of MagSafe compatibility. Despite these cons, he concludes that the Z Fold 8 is a compelling foldable, especially for those who value its unique form factor and multitasking prowess, though the price remains a significant barrier.
Verdict
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a refined foldable with excellent performance and a great display, but its high price and compromises in camera and app support make it a niche device.
Pros
- Refined design, thinner and squarer aspect ratio when folded. 0:36
- Excellent 7.6-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. 1:36
- Great performance from Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. 1:42
- Useful multitasking features and split-screen capabilities. 1:42
- Compact and useful outer screen for quick tasks. 5:15
- 45W wired charging is faster than previous Samsung foldables. 6:55
Cons
- Very expensive at $1,900. 2:02
- Camera system is not flagship-tier; lacks telephoto lens. 10:51
- 4:3 aspect ratio can be awkward for videos and some apps. 4:40
- No built-in magnetic charging like MagSafe. 8:25
- Wireless charging can be finicky due to phone thickness. 10:25
- Some apps are not fully optimized for the foldable display. 8:43
Specs
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 1:42 |
| Main Display Size | 7.6-inch AMOLED | 1:36 |
| Main Display Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 1:36 |
| Outer Display Size | 5.5-inch AMOLED | 3:24 |
| Battery Capacity | 4,800 mAh | 7:20 |
| Wired Charging Speed | 45W | 6:55 |
| Primary Camera | 50MP | 10:51 |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP | 10:51 |
| Folded Orientation | Squarer aspect ratio | 0:36 |
Best for
Not for
Key Points
- 0:24 Initial "honeymoon phase" is over, allowing for a more critical review after a week.
- 0:36 Praises the refined design, including a thinner, squarer aspect ratio when folded and the overall aesthetic.
- 1:36 Highlights the excellent 7.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, noting its brightness and smoothness.
- 1:42 Commends the performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and the useful multitasking features, including split-screen apps.
- 2:02 Identifies drawbacks: high price ($1,900), compromised camera system (no telephoto), and the 4:3 aspect ratio for videos/some apps.
- 5:15 Notes the compact outer screen is useful for quick tasks, but the inner screen is where the phone truly shines for multitasking.
- 6:33 Mentions battery life, charging speed (45W), and the lack of magnetic charging accessories like MagSafe.
- 10:25 Discusses the difficulty with some wireless chargers due to the phone's thickness and lack of magnets.
Worth watching if: If you're considering a foldable phone or interested in the latest flagship tech, this review covers the pros and cons of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, focusing on its design, performance, and practical usability.
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