Breaking the screen of your Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra could set you back $639, so be sure to treat it with care.

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      Samsung's latest announcements provide a clear, and somewhat painful, understanding of just how much prices have increased.

      Shimul Sood / Digital Trends

      Breaking the screen on your foldable device has always been a costly error, but this year, Samsung revealed the actual costs, and they are higher than I expected.

      The company disclosed the official repair prices for the entire Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, and just replacing the inner display could cost more than some budget smartphones worth when brand new. As more consumers are embracing foldable devices, it's crucial to be aware of these revised repair costs before making a purchase.

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      So, what are the actual costs to repair the screens?

      If you are considering or already have a Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, be cautious, as replacing the inner screen could cost up to $639, which is $50 higher than the Fold 7 service price.

      The inner screen on the Fold 8, which is slightly smaller but wider, will cost $579 to replace. On the other hand, fixing a broken Galaxy Z Flip 8 screen will set you back $359, up from $329 for the Flip 7. Replacing the outer screens is much less painful financially.

      If you crack the cover display, it will cost $149 for the Fold 8 Ultra, $139 for the standard Fold 8, and $129 for the Flip 8 (though the pricing progression is odd, especially since the Flip 8 has the smallest cover screen). Replacement costs for the outer screen are about a quarter of what you'd pay for the inner display.

      Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

      Should you opt for Samsung Care+?

      These are the standard prices for out-of-warranty screen repairs for all foldables. However, keep in mind that even the standard warranty (valid for one year from the purchase date) does not cover accidental damage from drops, excessive pressure, or spills; such issues immediately void the warranty.

      Therefore, if you have a history of screen-related mishaps, I highly suggest getting a Samsung Care+ plan for your foldable. With this plan, your out-of-pocket expenses for repairs are significantly reduced to a one-time claim fee of around $29 for screen repairs.

      If you have a Flip 8, you might be fine without insurance. However, owners of the Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra should either handle their device very carefully or consider the monthly or yearly subscriptions for Samsung Care+. It's better to have the insurance and not need it than to need it and not have it.

      For over five years, Shikhar has focused on simplifying advancements in consumer technology and has presented them...

      The Pixel 11 gives me three reasons to switch from my iPhone 17, and I’m worried they might be convincing.

      Google’s latest entry-level flagship makes my iPhone 17 seem much less appealing.

      As someone who reviews smartphones professionally, upgrading each year isn't a choice—it's part of the job. As an iPhone user, it’s a straightforward decision. This year, I anticipated moving from my basic iPhone 17 to Apple’s next base model, the iPhone 18. However, Apple may not even release it this September. Pegatron, one of Apple's suppliers, suggested during an August 12 earnings call that the standard iPhone 18 won’t launch next month (via Deccan Chronicle). Only the Pro, Pro Max, and the rumored foldable "Ultra" are expected, with the base model delayed until early 2027. This delays my plans. But it’s just one factor among many for Apple: the Pixel 11.

      I’ve waited far too long for Pixels to include this ridiculously simple gesture.

      Just implement the double-tap-to-lock gesture already, Google.

      Whenever I switch from any Android phone to a Pixel, there's one small gesture that always frustrates me. From a modern Galaxy device or even one from Xiaomi, I can double-tap an empty area on the home screen to turn the display off. Samsung has offered a double-tap to deactivate the screen since Android 11. Yet on a Pixel, I still have to press the power button.

      To be fair, Google isn't the only one at fault; Motorola's stock Android devices, such as the Razr Fold, also miss this basic feature. However, this might soon change. Android Authority has discovered updated code strings in Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 indicating Google’s long-awaited double-tap-to-sleep feature. Even better, it appears Google has extended it beyond just the lock screen to the home screen, which is precisely where I need it.

      Samsung might focus more on foldables in 2027 with five new reported models.

      The Galaxy Z Fold 8's strong sales have led Samsung to believe that the wide-format design warrants two models of its own next year