The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was a landmark release: it showed that Samsung’s foldable flagship could be as thin and light as regular phones, while making relatively few sacrifices. But the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 still has more to do.
It’s not enough to get the rumored wide-screen model or ensure a mandatory chip upgrade. I want to see Samsung rethink how it handles foldables down to the basics of software — if the company can do that, it’ll win my heart in 2026.
Tablet software and multitasking
Give me more than the bigger apps
If a version of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is going to have a wide aspect ratio, I want to see Samsung make good use of it. That is, rather than running yet another program side-by-side ( Galaxy Z TriFold) or to have a little more breathing room.
That means a near-honest-to-good tablet experience Galaxy Taband not just the DeX option on the device. Apps that make better use of available space would help, but I’d also like to see tablet-like windows and other touches that make the Z Fold 8 feel like a computer in my pocket.
Yes, Samsung should avoid following the example of others. Take, for example, how Apple updated iPadOS 26 — even on the iPad mini, you can juggle windows and otherwise do real work using just the touchscreen. Samsung already has some advantages in this area, but I would really like to see the Z Fold 8 behave like a small computer.
A more curved, rounded design
My hands will thank you, Samsung
I don’t expect the design of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to be radically different the case is leakingbut I still hope that Samsung will round the edges in the new models. As slim as the Z Fold 7 is, those squared-off corners were an ergonomic nightmare in the palm of my hand.
The more curved design will make the Z Fold 8 easier to hold for long periods of time, even helping it fit into tight pockets. The Galaxy S26 Ultra it is a marked improvement over its predecessor for that reason alone. A foldable phone has considerations that can make these changes more difficult (mainly thickness), but the Z Fold 7 was a more dramatic affair – which is certainly possible.
I won’t be heartbroken if the Z Fold 8 is as straight-edged as before, but it will represent a missed opportunity.
Better battery life
Silicon carbon, where are you?
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a healthy battery life, but its 4,400mAh battery capacity is the same as previous years. This is a real problem Motorola Razr Fold it has a massive 6000 mAh silicon-carbon battery, and more exotic devices like the Honor Magic V6 have bigger power packs.
Rumor has it that Samsung will increase the capacities to 4,800 mAh for the large Z Fold 8 and 5,000 mAh for the ‘traditional’ Z Fold 8. These are meaningful improvements on their own, but I’d like to see the brand finally take a chance on silicon-carbon and provide class leadership even with faster de-risking.
I’m not expecting Qi2 support (though it may be in the works) or other charging improvements. However, I want a phone that will easily last me through a very long day, no matter what I’m doing. The Z Fold is a workhorse, and I want the battery life to reflect that.
More camera improvements
Go beyond recycled sensors
Yes, Samsung has improved the cameras with the Galaxy Z Fold 7: the 200MP main sensor is versatile, and the internal display’s camera is finally good enough for meetings and selfies. If nothing changes with the Z Fold 8, it will still offer solid photo chops for the foldable.
But Samsung can and should do better. Those sensors are still recycled from other phones, which doesn’t cut it at a time when some rivals (like Chinese-made Honor and Vivo in particular) are ruthless. I want a Z Fold 8 that takes great photos, not just for the foldable.
The form factor limits what is possible. The Z Fold 7’s big camera bump exists for a reason. But I’d like to see Samsung finally treat the Z Fold as a mid-year release from the Galaxy S line.
A return to S Pen support
One can dream
Samsung has cut S Pen support from the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in the name of a slimmer profile. Whether that’s the case or not, if you’re a stylus lover, it’s painful — your foldable device is no longer your favorite notepad.
I don’t expect Samsung to make this change with the Z Fold 8, and I certainly don’t expect an S26 Ultra-style slot. But even though I use it occasionally, I’d like to see the S Pen come back.
The Z Fold is often regarded as a do-it-all device, and this entry should include it. I would never buy an S26 Ultra for recording or sketching. If Motorola and others can manage it, so can Samsung.
