I need to stop using the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but I can’t

It’s been nearly two weeks since I first put my SIM in the Galaxy Z Fold 8. I got some hands-on time with the device before picking one up, so I largely knew what to expect. However, what I didn’t anticipate was not wanting to use any other phone afterward. I test over 40 smartphones a year, and I desperately need to move on to other devices, but I’m just having too much fun with the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

If you’re using the Galaxy Z Fold 8, you know the feeling extends beyond the initial honeymoon phase. The phone has flaws, and I can easily point them out. However, the mark of an excellent phone is that I look beyond them.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 isn’t coming out of my pocket any time soon, and one should absolutely be in yours.

I’ve been using foldables ever since the Galaxy Z Fold 2, and I’ve found I greatly prefer clamshell foldables over book-style devices. I appreciate the larger internal display on phones like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 7, but something never clicked for me. Even phones such as the Motorola Razr Fold, which is excellent, still lack that final piece of the puzzle that bridges the gap between relegating it to an expensive enthusiast device and making it a phone worthy of most pockets — even for more casual users.

By comparison, clamshell phones are easier to use, typically cost less, and make more sense to people used to traditional smartphones. I’ve been waiting for that moment with book-style folds, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is it. I loved what Google did with the original Pixel Fold, but I felt the company learned the wrong lessons from its lukewarm reception.

Thankfully, Samsung hasn’t made the same mistakes with its wider foldable. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 sizing is fantastic. It’s light and compact, and even though I have larger hands, I do believe it will be an enjoyable carry for many. It fits well into pockets (even suit jacket pockets), and don’t underestimate the benefits of portability.

Its 5.5-inch cover display feels like the sweet spot, giving me enough versatility and usability so I’m not frustrated and constantly unfolding my phone. I love that it’s not too tall, and while it’s not for everyone, social media, emails, and web pages look excellent on the wider 16:10 aspect ratio.

When unfolded, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers the best of both worlds. With phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, I feel like I’m constantly making compromises. Either the cover screen experience isn’t quite right, or apps don’t feel at home in an almost 1:1 aspect ratio. Even turning the phone doesn’t quite deliver the same landscape experience as the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and I know I’d be annoyed if I had to unfold it and rotate it every time I wanted to use the internal display.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has none of those problems. Web browsing, Google Maps, YouTube, and more all look fantastic and right at home on the inner display. If an app doesn’t look quite right or is a little squished, switch the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to portrait mode for a more traditional experience.

A company can produce the best form factor in the world, but without a solid software experience to match, it’s worthless. Thankfully, Samsung nailed the user experience on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It’s a simple process to set up my favorite app pairs, and One UI 9 remembers any tweaks I made to the layout and spacing. Swapping out one app without closing the entire pair still isn’t as easy as it was on my beloved Microsoft Surface Duo, but the process only takes a couple of clicks, and I love that added versatility.

App continuity is smooth on the Galaxy Z Fold 8. If I’m doing something on the cover display and realize I need more space, I can open the phone and pick up right where I left off — with the app automatically switching to the larger form-factor version. I don’t have to restart the app, which was a downside of older foldables. That’s not a feature exclusive to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but I always appreciate it when it’s running well.

I know plenty of people bemoaned the loss of Flex Mode on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but I didn’t find it mission-critical. However, I do love how fantastic an experience Tent Mode is on the device. Propping up my Galaxy Z Fold 8 is enjoyable for watching YouTube videos, as it’s hard to beat the 16:10 viewing experience on the cover screen.

No smartphone is perfect, but the truly special ones get me to forget their flaws. Potential buyers have correctly pointed out the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s weaknesses. The cameras are limiting, especially if you need a telephoto lens on your foldable. I’ll also be the first to admit that you will notice a step down in image quality from the 50MP primary sensor compared to the 200MP shooter on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, or even the Z Fold 8 Ultra. I can’t get upset with people who expect more for $1,900, but I can also tell you from my own experience with the device that I don’t care.

The speaker placement and sound are frustrating. I don’t know what alternatives Samsung had along the frame to fit the speakers, but either way, the sound coming from them could be better. It’s hollow, with little bass to speak of. I understand the phone is thin, but I’m sure there are ways of producing a deeper, richer sound from smaller speakers. Even still, it’s not something I focus on. I wear a headset, and I don’t let the device’s poor sound ruin the experience. It’s a phone with enough positives to outweigh the negatives.

It’s frustrating to accept compromises on a $1,900 phone, and I understand some buyers holding off. But I’m perfectly content that not every phone has to be for everyone, and the result is glorious with the Galaxy Z Fold 8.