Priced at RM6,000, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 comes as a premium clamshell foldable phone with a sleeker design and an improved hinge to provide a more convincing folding experience than the previous generation. However, there are no major improvements to the battery or camera system, making it questionable whether the Flip8 is worth owning or just another evolution in the Flip series before Samsung shifts focus to new models like the Ultra, Passport and Trifold as hotly rumored? Here is the full review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8.
Brief Specifications
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8
External Screen – 4.1″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
In – 6.9″ SAMOLED 120Hz
Vision booster
HDR10+
Exynos 2600 processor (2 nm)
1 x 3.80GHz C1-Ultra chip
3 x 3.25GHz C1-Pro
6 x 2.75GHz C1-Pro
Xclipse 960 Graphics Chip
RAM 12GB RAM LPDDR5x
Internal Storage 256/512GB UFS 4.0
Main Camera 50MP F/1.8, OIS (wide angle)
12MP F/2.2 (ultra wide)
10MP F/2.2 Selfie Camera
4300mAh battery
25W wireless
15W wireless
5G SIM/Telephony
NFC Yes
No Audio Jack
Scan System Fingerprint scanner side
Selling Price RM 6,199 (512GB)
RM 5,399 (256GB)
Usage Experience
I do not deny that flip phones are more eye-catching than book-folding models. This compact design is not only easy to use but also provides a more practical usage experience, especially in terms of the camera, whether for taking pictures or making video calls. As an individual who often spends time with video calls, I find that the shape of this phone is more compatible with my daily lifestyle.
This is the third time I have had the opportunity to test a flip phone. The first device I tried was the Vivo X Flip, followed by the OPPO Find N3 and this time it was the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8. Based on my own experience, using the Galaxy Z Flip8 felt more satisfying than my initial attempt. This assessment does not mean that the two previous devices were not good, on the contrary, each brand came with its own approach and strength in shaping the identity of their flip phones.
I admit, at the initial stage it took me time to adapt to the flip-type folding device category. However, with increasing experience, I now understand the practical use and real advantages of this design. The compatibility offered makes the experience of using the Galaxy Z Flip8 feel more mature and convincing than before.
To be honest, this review will not compare the Galaxy Z Flip8 with the performance of the previous model because I myself have never used any Flip from Samsung in depth before. My previous experience was just holding and reviewing its shape without really evaluating daily use.
Therefore, this time's view is more focused on the direct experience with the Galaxy Z Flip8 which gives a clearer picture of the real advantages and disadvantages of this valve-type folding device. If there is a comparison made, it is only based on the observation of the specifications of several previous Flip models to help me understand the features that have changed and the elements that are still maintained.
From a design point of view, I think the Galaxy Z Flip8 has not changed much compared to the previous model. Samsung itself also emphasized that what is brought this time is more of a small improvement, not a comprehensive update. Their main focus is to ensure that use feels more comfortable and provides a more convincing daily experience.
Over the course of almost two weeks of using the Galaxy Z Flip8 as my primary phone, the experience offered feels consistent and convincing. The weight and thickness are not a problem as the body of the device feels light, easy to grip and comfortable to keep in your pocket. The hinge is sturdy, the screen folds look neat and the overall build quality shows good quality.
The opening and closing process also goes smoothly without any issues opening on its own. When closed, the screen is able to fit well without leaving any open space, adding a premium feel to its design. Throughout the period of use, the screen also shows a satisfactory level of durability as it is still free of fine scratches.
However, the inner screen still uses a special plastic material designed to be folded and is indeed softer than regular glass, so it still requires careful care. One thing that is clear is that the crease effect on the screen is still quite visible. Although Samsung has improved the hinge and made the crease more neat, daily experience shows that the crease line is still visible especially when the screen is viewed from a certain angle or when light is reflected. In fact, when the finger touches the middle of the screen, the crease effect can also be clearly felt.
If you think about it logically, this situation occurs because the folding screen needs to accommodate repeated openings and folds. Although the hinge technology and screen material have been greatly improved, the crease effect is still visible because it is part of the design nature of the foldable phone. Based on usage experience, this crease is more appropriate to consider as a natural feature of the foldable device, not a major drawback. It comes as a compromise that must be accepted in daily use, in line with innovations that try to bring a balance between durability and usability.
In terms of screen size and technology, the Galaxy Z Flip8 is basically the same as the Flip7. The difference is that the higher pixel density makes the display slightly sharper. However, for most users, this difference is not so important because Samsung's AMOLED panel is already known for its vivid colors, deep contrast and high brightness. Throughout use, the display feels convincing with a clear display even outdoors and there are no issues with the screen suddenly going dim.
The Galaxy Z Flip8's outer screen comes with a larger size and support for various widgets and mini apps, making it quite useful for simple daily tasks. I can check notifications, reply to short messages, control music or take pictures with the main camera without having to unfold. However, not all apps work fully on the outer screen.
Spotify, for example, can be controlled well to play, pause or skip songs, and the full display looks attractive even though it is slightly obstructed by the two camera circles. However, for full use, I still need to open the main screen. In contrast, Maps shows a rather large black bar, but it is still acceptable because it does not significantly affect its original function.
This situation shows how Samsung seems to have deliberately limited the functions of the outer screen so that it remains a simple display for quick use, not a full replacement for the main screen. From a practical point of view, this external screen does make it easier to access quickly, but for heavy work, multitasking or full app usage, the main screen is still the preferred option.
The layout of the buttons and ports on the Flip8 is practical with everything within easy reach in line with the concept of a flip phone. The power button that also functions as a fingerprint scanner and volume controls on the right side feels responsive, while the charging port and speaker on the bottom are neatly arranged without confusing the user.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 comes with a stereo speaker system. One is located on the bottom near the USB‑C port, while the other is on the top with the call speaker. The sound from the bottom unit is usually louder. However, the compact folding design limits the audio space so the bass and sound balance are less than ideal. Even so, the sound direction is still clear and the listening experience feels wider than using just one speaker.
When I played the song Purnama by Undercover Dream Club ft. Leaism, the delicate guitar riffs sounded very clear and remained clean even when the volume was pushed to the maximum. The lead vocals were presented with a natural warmth that made the performance feel alive and close. The bottom speaker delivers a moderate bass thump that's enough to move the beat, while the top speaker adds a layer of detail to the highs. When the two come together, the stereo effect feels wider, especially when the phone is held horizontally.
The bass may lack punch for modern rock music, but the clear highs and strong vocals make Purnama's song still enjoyable to listen to. Overall, the Galaxy Z Flip8 is more suitable for indie pop or ballads as the balance of highs and mids provides a satisfying listening experience.
The Galaxy Z Flip8's SIM slot is located on the left side with support for one physical nano SIM and up to two eSIM profiles. Users can choose to use a combination of one nano SIM with one eSIM or use two eSIMs simultaneously, depending on their needs. The device does not support the use of two physical SIM cards at the same time. In terms of durability, the Galaxy Z Flip8 comes with an IP48 rating, which offers basic protection against dust and can withstand immersion in water up to 1.5-meters for 30 minutes.
Hardware and Internal Software
The Galaxy Z Flip8 uses an Exynos 2600 chip based on a 2nm process designed to save power while maintaining performance. The device is also equipped with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is usually enough for most users. For those who record a lot of videos or store media files, the 512GB option offers more comfortable additional space.
The overall experience of using the Galaxy Z Flip8 feels smooth. Fast scrolling, responsive animations, and apps opening without delay make everyday use more satisfying. However, the device tends to heat up suddenly, especially around the outer screen after the One UI update. This is especially noticeable when making video calls, playing games for several sessions, or multitasking.
Oppo Find X9 Ultra – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy
Xiaomi 17T Pro – Dimensity 9500
Honor Magic8 Pro – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Vivo X300 Pro – Dimensity 9500
Apple iPhone 17 Pro – A19 Pro
Antutu 3D
Score Device
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 2,463,934
Vivo X300 Ultra 3,522,379
Oppo Find X9 Ultra 4,120,640
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 3,136,285
Xiaomi 17T Pro 3,530,586
Honor Magic8 Pro 3,424,247
Vivo X300 Pro 3,507,869
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 2,634,345
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Single Device Core
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 1923 5091
Vivo X300 Ultra 3449 9547
Oppo Find X9 Ultra 3505 10277
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 3651 10819
Xiaomi 17T Pro 3158 9766
Honor Magic8 Pro 3587 9853
Vivo X300 Pro 3507 10469
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 3560 8835
3DMark Wildlife Extreme
Chip Score
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 4099
Vivo X300 Ultra 6204
Oppo Find X9 Ultra 7391
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 7375
Xiaomi 17T Pro 6939
Honor Magic8 Pro 7659
Vivo X300 Pro 7075
Apple iPhone 17 Pro 5873
The Exynos 2600 chip is basically designed to improve energy efficiency. However, in real-world use, it still generates high heat when faced with heavy workloads. This sudden heat raises questions about the new chip's ability to manage performance and heat in a balanced way in a compact foldable design.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 is among the first devices to come with One UI 9 based on Android 17, making it a pioneer in the next-generation software experience. More convincingly, Samsung also promises up to seven years of support for system and security updates. This move not only solidifies the Flip8's position as a premium phone but also assures users that their device will remain relevant.
The experience of using this software feels mature because it is not only convenient, but also strikes a balance between performance and privacy. The interface looks neat with uniform icons and color palettes. Quick Settings are easy to customize according to daily needs, while the music player on the lock screen features animations and fresh colors that make the music listening experience more enjoyable.
The new FlexWindow provides a more useful experience as I can access Quick Settings, organize apps and widgets, and use AI like Gemini Live. The Now Brief and Nudge features help me manage my emails, messages, and calendar more organized. Taskbar+ also makes multitasking easier because I can open two apps at the same time with a single tap. This feature is especially useful when used on a foldable screen.
In terms of security, Privacy Dashboard 2.0 displays when the camera, microphone, or location are being used. The anti-theft lock system will automatically lock the device if the PIN is entered incorrectly several times. I myself did not dare to try it because I have seen examples on the internet that show that when the device is locked, users need to go to a service center to reset the phone.
I also had the opportunity to try Video Call Effects which offers options such as Face Smoothening to soften the appearance, Color Tone to adjust skin tone, Auto Framing so that the face is always in the center, and Custom Background during video calls. All of these features make communication feel more personal and friendly. All of these functions can be accessed when making a video call via the settings in the notification panel or modified in the specific settings. In my opinion, they are easy to use.
Even more interestingly, I also tried the AI Create function. By just typing a simple command, I can change the background of the picture, add objects, or give it a new style without having to be skilled at manual editing. Not to mention the FanCam function that can track the subject in the video and then adjust the frame automatically. It works like a keyframe that always ensures accurate focus, but the end result still requires some compromise because sharpness and detail will be reduced.
Camera and Image Quality
Basically, the Galaxy Z Flip8 does not bring major changes in terms of camera hardware because IA still maintains the same configuration as the previous generation with a 50 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10 MP selfie camera. The only significant difference comes through the AI-based camera software that provides more convenience, especially for creative purposes.
For example, the FlexCam function allows recording to be done hands-free by folding the phone at a certain angle, while the ProVisual Engine technology improves image processing to produce more natural skin tones, sharper details, and a neater bokeh effect. This technology is specifically used in the Beauty Camera mode. Next, Super Steady Video adds recording stability with Horizontal Lock support that makes videos more stable even when recorded in an unstable position, a feature that Samsung previously popularized on the Galaxy S26 series. Dual Preview allows subjects to see themselves on the cover screen while taking pictures, while Stereo Bokeh Portrait uses AI to create a more natural depth effect.
Throughout my experience using this device, its performance shows a balance between technical capabilities and everyday usability. At 1x and 4x focal lengths with 50MP resolution, the image results are satisfactory as colors look natural, sharpness is clear and details are consistent. However, when I tried to zoom beyond 4x, the image quality began to decline significantly. Sharpness decreases and details are increasingly lost, especially in 12MP mode. From there, I found that using 50MP is the most suitable option to ensure stable results.
Nighttime recordings are also mediocre. The camera has not yet managed to control the lighting well. When lighting conditions are poor, noise easily appears and affects the overall quality. Although usable, the image quality is clearly limited when the light is insufficient.
In portrait mode, my experience was mixed between satisfaction and a few shortcomings. Subject recognition was sometimes inconsistent, but edge separation still looked neat without any noticeable flaws. Skin tones looked natural without any excessive beautification, while the background blur or bokeh effect produced was quite beautiful and pleasing. However, the focus distance options were quite limited so that the usable recording angles were not many.
In terms of overall performance, there was a slight lag after the picture was taken due to post-processing. Autofocus worked well, especially at 50MP resolution with 1x and 4x focal lengths. However, I noticed that the outer screen quickly got hot when the camera was used for too long and this situation can affect the comfort of daily use.
Battery Life
Throughout use, I found the Galaxy Z Flip8's battery life to be consistent despite varying levels of use. With a modest 4300mAh capacity, this phone gives a clear picture of how it performs in real-life routines.
In one session after a full charge, the phone lasted for 16 hours 33 minutes with SOT 5 hours 29 minutes, leaving 4% battery remaining. The dominant application was WhatsApp, followed by video calls and the camera. In another session, usage reached 14 hours 11 minutes with 6% remaining, while heavier usage for 9 hours brought the remaining to 11%. A casual session of 4 hours 35 minutes left 38% remaining with an expected endurance of more than a day. The overall pattern shows that messaging and social media applications, especially WhatsApp, as well as video calls are the main contributors to battery consumption.
What I can conclude is that the 4300mAh battery on the Galaxy Z Flip8 is able to last between 9 to 16 hours depending on usage patterns. With an average of around 5 hours of SOT, this performance can be considered satisfactory for a premium foldable phone. Despite the modest battery capacity, it is still able to handle daily use especially when usage is more controlled.
What's In the Box of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?
Here are the contents included with the unit:
1 × Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8.
1 × USB-C to USB-C cable.
1 × User manual.
1 × SIM pin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Galaxy Z Flip8 comes as a solid continuation but not a complete revolution. It retains many features from previous generations, making the current price increase difficult to accept for Flip7 or Flip6 users. The increased price makes its value less convincing, especially for Flip7 users who have already had a similar experience.
Even so, the Galaxy Flip8 still offers a premium design, a good display, a long-lasting battery, a good camera, and fast performance that ensures smooth daily use. However, users may have to be patient with the occasional heating issue that appears during heavy or continuous use. In short, the Flip8 is a quality foldable phone for new buyers, but for existing users, the Flip7 or Flip6 are more than enough without having to upgrade first.
What is more interesting is the question of the direction of the flip phone segment. If it is true that the Flip8 is the last generation, then it marks the end of an era that once created a unique phenomenon in the smartphone world. The presence of the Fold8 with a wider screen concept seems to signal that Samsung wants to shift its focus to a more user-friendly folding format. At the same time, competitors such as Vivo, Honor, and Motorola have never officially offered a folding device in the local market. Huawei has also been increasingly isolated in this segment lately. Oppo is seen withdrawing from this segment after an experiment with the Find N3, thus making Samsung's dominance almost absolute in this segment.
All that can be said here is that the Galaxy Z Flip8 is not just a phone, but a symbol of an industry transition phase. Whether it is the last generation or not, the Galaxy Z Flip8 will be remembered as the curtain fall on the compact folding segment that was once iconic. If it is true that it ends here, then it is a mature point, closing the chapter in style before the smartphone world moves towards a new, larger folding form.
Pros
Premium and stylish design.
Clear and quality display.
Fast performance for daily use.
Battery lasts all day.
Satisfactory camera.
Cons
Quite a high price.
There are hot issues when used for a long time/heavy.
Normal audio only.
A small improvement over Flip7/Flip6.
