The Z Fold 8 is the new foldable to beat

Key takeaways

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8’s new wide, squatter form factor feels more natural and useful in hand once experienced, breaking away from previous foldable designs.
Software and app compatibility remain current challenges for foldables, but improvements are expected as developers optimize for diverse screen sizes.
The device offers a balanced, versatile experience — functioning as a small phone when closed and a tablet when open — appealing to users looking for both portability and larger screens.
Camera performance on the Fold 8 has caught up with flagship standards, with a preference for telephoto lenses over ultrawide for its utility.
Battery life is promising thanks to new Silicon Carbon tech, although some degradation is anticipated over time.
The foldable market is still niche but growing, with price being a key barrier. The device’s form factor could signal industry standards in the near future, provided costs can come down.

Summary

Introduction and News Highlights

The episode opens with host David Pierce previewing the main topic — the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, a notably intriguing foldable phone of 2026. Before diving into the device, the host covers recent tech news including OpenAI's AI hack, a US import ban on humanoid robots with certain features, and DoorDash's new drone delivery service. These stories highlight innovations and challenges in tech, AI safety, robotics regulation, and logistics.

Deep Dive into the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Design and Usability

Dom Preston discusses his hands-on experience with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, emphasizing its innovative width and shape which breaks away from Samsung’s traditionally similar foldable designs. He describes its surprising comfort and utility, especially noting how the new form factor feels more natural once held and used, both in open and closed states. The discussion covers the device's size, app compatibility, and how its design affects everyday usability, including photography and multitasking.

Screen Experience and Software Compatibility Challenges

The conversation explores the usability of the foldable’s external and internal screens. Preston highlights issues such as Android’s UI pockets and app inconsistencies, which are noticeable on the unique form factor. He discusses the impact of these on user experience and anticipates improvements as developers better adapt their apps for foldable screens. The ergonomic benefits of the device’s compactness when closed and their influence on one-handed use and reading also feature prominently.

Form Factor Preferences and Industry Outlook

The hosts reflect on whether the industry is settling on this new size and shape for foldables, viewing it as a promising direction for mass appeal. Preston elaborates on the niche status of foldables — still a small but growing market — and discusses how affordability remains a significant barrier. The conversation touches on the potential for foldables to serve as both phones and mini tablets, aligning with the original vision of mobile devices as versatile tools.

Camera Performance and Battery Life

Initial impressions suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has finally caught up with Samsung’s flagship cameras, with decent performance for a foldable. Preston advocates for a telephoto lens as more essential than ultrawide at this price point, noting the device's satisfactory camera experience. Battery life is praised as robust, thanks in part to new Silicon Carbon batteries that improve energy density and longevity, although some degradation over time is expected.

Conclusion and Industry Implications

The episode concludes with reflections on whether the foldable industry has found its ideal form factor, leaning towards a future where affordability still needs addressing. Preston emphasizes that the foldable's versatility as a device that can operate as both a small phone and a mini tablet makes it compelling, despite current cost barriers. He sees this as a sign of the industry maturing, with promising developments on the horizon.

Show notes

The wide foldable is here, and it's glorious. The Verge's Dominic Preston has been reviewing Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, and joins the show to explain what this shorter, wider device gets right, what it's still missing, and why this looks like the right kind of foldable for most people. (Once the price comes down, anyway.) With a similar foldable iPhone likely coming soon, it's shaping up to be a fun year of foldables.