The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is just a marginal improvement over its predecessor in the clamshell foldable category.
Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 8 alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the significantly pricier Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. The newest clamshell foldable appears quite recognizable, although the company has managed to reduce the body size and incorporate additional AI functionalities onto the cover screen.
Weighing 180 grams and measuring 6.1mm thick when unfolded, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is Samsung’s lightest and thinnest Flip phone to date. It folds down to 13.1mm, with the 4.1-inch FlexWindow and 6.9-inch main display maintaining the same dimensions as last year's model.
Samsung is once again highlighting the cover screen as a key element of the Flip experience. The FlexWindow can display apps, shortcuts, Now Brief cards, and contextual actions, allowing users to access information or execute certain tasks without unfolding the device.
Now Brief has been enhanced with more personalized recommendations, customizable cards, and security notifications. Now Nudge, which was introduced with the Galaxy S26 series, is also featured on the foldable and can detect when a conversation shifts toward planning, suggesting actions such as checking schedules, locating places, or saving locations.
Gemini Intelligence can be activated from the FlexWindow using the side key or voice command. Samsung claims it can now automate tasks across over 40 apps and services, including checking tickets, searching for nearby restaurants, and making reservations. With One UI 9, users can review what AI agents have accomplished on their behalf through the AI Assistant Activity dashboard.
The clamshell device still supports Camcorder mode with a zoom rocker feature. FlipShot and Mirror View features are also available for utilizing the cover screen for selfies and quick appearance checks. A new feature allows the wide and ultra-wide cameras to use Horizontal Lock in Super Steady mode to stabilize video.
Once the AI functionalities are accounted for, the Galaxy Z Flip 8 appears less groundbreaking. It retains the same camera configuration as its predecessor, including a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP selfie camera. The 6.9-inch AMOLED display maintains an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, though peak brightness has increased from 2,600 nits to 3,000 nits. The IP48 water-resistance rating has been carried over from last year.
Performance is expected to improve significantly, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, combined with 12GB of RAM and storage options of either 256GB or 512GB. However, no enhancements have been made to the 4,300mAh battery or charging speeds, which continue to be capped at 25W wired and 15W wireless.
Given that the phone is also more expensive this year, potential buyers will need to evaluate whether the faster processor, sleeker design, and new AI features justify the upgrade.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 starts at $1,199.99 in the US, marking a $100 increase from its predecessor at launch. Pricing is set at €1,299 in Europe and £1,149 in the UK. Preorders are currently available, with general availability commencing on August 7. Samsung will offer the phone in Pink, Graphite, Cream, and Mint, with Mint being an online-exclusive color option.
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The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is just a marginal improvement over its predecessor in the clamshell foldable category.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8 focuses its enhancements on AI and performance, resulting in a price increase of $100 for hardware that is mostly similar to its predecessor.