Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip8 is the lightest and slimmest flip phone yet, but it costs $100 more than last year's model and Wired gave it a 7 out of 10.
Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip8 is the smallest folding phone of its kind, and it costs $100 more than the model before it. Wired reviewed it and scored it 7 out of 10. The verdict: a good pick for people who want a compact phone, and no reason to upgrade if you own last year's Z Flip7.
The changes from the Flip7 are small. The Flip8 is about half a millimeter slimmer and 8 grams lighter, which makes it the slimmest and lightest phone in its category. The hinge is improved, so the crease in the screen is slightly less noticeable and the phone is a little easier to open. It also has a newer processor. The screens are the same as last year's.
The list price is $1,200 for 256 GB of storage. Amazon and Best Buy were showing it for $1,050. Moving up to 512 GB costs an extra $200. The phone comes in pink, graphite, cream and mint.
The reviewer found performance excellent, with no stutters or lag. It uses the same top-end Qualcomm chip as Samsung's two larger folding phones. It can get warm during more than an hour of demanding gaming, which may slow it down a bit. The speakers are loud and clear, and call quality is solid. The main 50-megapixel camera is good for most people, though some grain appears in low light.
Samsung also added some AI tools. My FanCam picks one person in a group video and reframes the shot around them. Horizon Lock keeps video level while you move.
The phone suits anyone who wants something that slips into a small bag or pocket without feeling like a brick. It is also a lower-risk way to try a folding phone. It has a water resistance rating of IP48, but fine dust and dirt can still cause damage. Serious photographers can find better cameras on other Android phones for the same money or less.
The Galaxy Z Flip8 suits fans of tiny phones, but at $1,200 list, Flip7 owners can skip it.
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