A new category of “wide” foldables is emerging to tackle a longstanding issue. After testing Samsung’s intriguingly named Galaxy Z Fold 8, I’m left wondering why this concept wasn’t realized earlier.
Pre-orders are reportedly exceeding Samsung’s expectations, indicating that many others share this sentiment.
The Foldable Design I’ve Been Waiting For
For years, the tablet functionality of book-style foldables seemed secondary. That’s no longer the case.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 highlights its 7.6-inch internal screen, a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display, with its 4:3 aspect ratio taking center stage.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels much like carrying a Galaxy Tab Mini in your pocket.
This aspect ratio is much closer to a typical 16:9 widescreen format than any other foldable device, except for Huawei’s Pura X Max, which is exclusive to China, and it revolutionizes the viewing experience. Although similar designs have been attempted, such as with the Microsoft Surface Duo and the original Pixel Fold, this one stands out.
When watching videos on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the pronounced black bars (letterboxing) above and below the content often made it feel less engaging. While these bars aren’t entirely eliminated on the Z Fold 8, their significant reduction enhances the immersive experience of TV shows, movies, and YouTube.
