Today, smartphones with foldable screens are no longer a novelty. For those with the means, there are numerous brands—such as Google, Huawei, Oppo, Samsung, and even Apple—offering their own foldable devices.
However, when considering which company has invested the most money, time, and expertise into developing this category of devices, few can rival Samsung, which introduced its first foldable series as early as 2019.
The Samsung Galaxy Fold launched in mid-2019, showcasing a device that could unfold from a 4.6-inch external display to reveal a 7.3-inch internal screen. It utilized the "Infinity Flex Display"—one of the first foldable screen panels introduced to the consumer device industry.
Alongside the Galaxy Fold, Samsung introduced new software features such as "App Continuity," allowing users to seamlessly transition an app from the Cover Screen to the Infinity Flex display without restarting it, and "Multi Active Window," which enables the simultaneous use of two applications.
With the second generation of foldable devices, Samsung introduced the "Galaxy Z" branding to signify that its foldable smartphones belonged to a distinct category of their own. This series also marked the debut of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung’s modern take on the classic flip phone that was once immensely popular.
This second generation featured the use of Ultra Thin Glass (UTG)—Samsung's first generation of "foldable glass"—replacing the polycarbonate panel used in the previous generation. The external Cover Display also features a larger 6.2-inch size, setting the design standard for future Samsung Galaxy Z Fold devices.
Software updates introduced "Flex Mode" for the first time, allowing Samsung's foldable devices—specifically the Z Fold2 and Z Flip—to be used in more versatile ways, such as in a semi-upright position.
While the performance of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and the unique appeal of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip are undeniable, existing users have faced concerns regarding physical durability—specifically the screen's resilience and the device's resistance to water and dust. Dust and debris posed a particularly serious problem; particles trapped between the large screen or within the hinge mechanism when folded could quickly damage the display.
To address this, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 feature an "Armor Aluminum" frame—the same material used in Samsung's flagship smartphones. This frame significantly enhances the physical durability of Samsung's foldables, making them more resilient against accidental drops. Additionally, this marks the first Samsung Galaxy Z series to offer IPX8 water resistance.
The displays on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 are noticeably brighter and more visually impressive than those of previous models. Despite utilizing the same Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel technology as their predecessors, they deliver superior color reproduction, brightness, and viewing angles when watching videos on the larger internal screen. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 did not show significant design differences compared to their predecessors; however, a notable improvement was felt in the hinge, which was easier to open and less stiff than on earlier models.
Meanwhile, the Z Fold4 was slightly shorter and featured a wider Cover Screen; by reducing the display bezels, Samsung managed to maintain a similar design while making the device more comfortable to hold and use.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 was also the first smartphone to launch with the Android 12L operating system, featuring a "desktop-like" layout for the internal display that made it easier for users to utilize various applications on the large screen.
Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 introduced the FlexCam feature, simplifying photo and video capture using the selfie camera, as well as QuickShot, which allowed photos and videos to be recorded via the Flex Window display while the device was folded.
Once again, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 did not show significant differences compared to its predecessor; however, Samsung updated the hinge mechanism to the new Flex Hinge, resolving the issue where the display could not fold "perfectly" flat—eliminating the gap between the folded halves.
The internal display interface was also updated, particularly the "desktop" feature, which now allows users to utilize different applications more easily. The Flex Window on the Z Flip5 model also arrived with expanded widget support.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 showcased significant design differences, combining the previous model's Flex Hinge with a boxier overall design; this gave the device a more "serious" and premium aesthetic compared to earlier models. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 was also their first foldable smartphone to feature an IP48 water and dust resistance rating, alongside enhanced physical durability provided by the new Armor Aluminum frame.
Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 introduced various new AI features from Samsung, leveraging the multi-display capabilities and the Flex Window for a range of productivity and leisure purposes.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 series represent the most significant changes in terms of design and capabilities for Samsung's foldable devices.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, in particular, features a much thinner design than previous models—measuring 8.9mm when folded—and houses the same 200MP camera module found on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, cementing its status as a true flagship device. The device also appears to have minimized the visible crease and the prominent hinge bump. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 features a 4.1-inch "Flex Window" screen that spans the entire rear panel, maximizing not only widget size but also the range of applications usable without unfolding the device.
In 2026, Samsung is set to introduce a new device to this series: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. It arrives with a passport-sized form factor, paving the way for the launch of a larger variant, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is positioned as a more compact device tailored for casual use, whereas the Z Fold8 Ultra targets users seeking all-in-one productivity performance, complete with enhanced versions of signature foldable features like Flex Mode and Multi Active Window.
The Z Fold8 Ultra model introduces a new hinge—dubbed the "Armor Flexhinge"—which utilizes titanium to ensure greater durability while allowing the display to open effortlessly.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra are the first foldables to support "Gemini Notebook" AI technology—a rebranding of the AI assistant technology previously known as NotebookLM.
Gemini Notebook aggregates notes, images, and recordings into a single workspace, transforming them into meeting summaries, documents, or audio recaps for quick and easy comprehension. With the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra specifically,
With the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra specifically, you can utilize the expansive inner screen to drag and drop the documents and files needed to quickly summarize your daily tasks, while watching Gemini Notebook perform the process in real-time.
The Android Quick Share feature on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra also enables fast and seamless wireless file sharing with other devices. This functionality is not limited to Android devices alone; with the latest Samsung devices, this sharing feature extends to Microsoft Windows computers as well as Apple iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
If you wish to switch to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 series, you can easily do so using the Samsung Smart Switch device transfer app.
With the latest OneUI 9.0, you no longer need to download the Smart Switch app to switch to a Samsung device. You simply need to scan the displayed QR code using your old device (Android or iOS), and the app on the new Samsung device will complete the transfer for you without requiring any further action.
Looking at the development history of Samsung’s foldable device series, it is evident that—beyond advancements in folding technology, screen glass, and display hinges—the company also prioritizes software and device features to ensure the best possible overall user experience.
While numerous other smartphone brands have introduced their own foldable devices this year, Samsung remains the only brand to date offering such a wide variety of models, features, and user experiences tailored to each specific device.
