Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The foldable smartphone industry has officially entered a new phase. South Korean tech giant Samsung has completely revamped the design of the Galaxy Z Fold8, introducing a wider and shorter body that creates a unique passport-like screen ratio. This bold move is seen as a breath of fresh air and a turning point for the foldable segment, which has long been stuck in conventional book-style and clamshell designs.
Consumer response has been overwhelmingly positive. Samsung reports a staggering 30% increase in pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra compared to the Galaxy Z Fold7. In fact, the total pre-orders for Samsung's latest trio of foldable phones reached 1.44 million units, surpassing the previous record of 1.38 million set by the Galaxy Note 10 in 2019.
This achievement is particularly remarkable given that the smartphone industry is currently facing a global memory chip shortage, causing component prices to soar. As a result, vendors including Samsung have had to increase their product prices.
Design and Display Innovations
At a price point starting from Rp 28,499,000 (256 GB), the Galaxy Z Fold8 boasts a new design with a 4:3 aspect ratio reminiscent of a passport. It features a 5.5-inch cover display and a 7.6-inch main display, weighing only 201 grams. The dual titanium layer and aluminum body enhance its durability.
This redesign offers an optimal experience for enjoying various forms of visual media, whether it's watching movies and TV shows, gaming, or reading e-books and digital comics. The 5.5-inch cover screen with a 10:16 ratio fits comfortably in hand, making it ideal for quick app navigation and social media scrolling.
When a larger display is needed, users can simply unfold the device to access the spacious 7.6-inch screen. This expansive display not only mimics the feel of reading a physical book or watching content in a more immersive manner, but also supports productivity with a split-screen feature that allows up to three apps to run simultaneously.
Durability and Performance
Addressing concerns regarding the durability of foldable phones, Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Z Fold8 with extra protection. The screen panel is reinforced with a double titanium layer to absorb shocks, while the body is clad in Armor Aluminum and protected by Corning Gorilla Glass to minimize the risk of accidental damage.
The experience of opening and closing the screen is now smoother and sturdier, thanks to a new magnet system and a wider bezel gap designed to effectively mask the crease on the main display. The lightweight design and compact form factor also make it convenient for vlogging and selfies, serving as a natural tripod for photography.
Battery Life and Processing Power
Battery life has also seen an enhancement, with the capacity increasing from 4,400 mAh to 4,800 mAh, providing up to 20 hours of daily usage. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, which is not only fast but also energy-efficient.
This custom chipset is touted as the fastest for Android flagship models, boasting a 21% improvement in NPU performance, 15% in GPU, and 16% in CPU compared to its predecessor. The combination of this efficient chipset with the larger battery allows the Galaxy Z Fold8 to maintain a slim profile.
Camera Capabilities
The Galaxy Z Fold8 features a dual-camera setup, with both lenses at 50 MP (wide and ultrawide). While the telephoto lens has been omitted for a more compact design, the ultrawide camera has seen significant improvement, enhancing image sharpness and quality, especially in low-light conditions.
For content creators and vloggers, the new 'Dual-Screen Capture' feature allows subjects to see a real-time preview on the cover screen, making it easier to capture the perfect shot. Additionally, the 'My FanCam' feature intelligently identifies individuals in group videos, ensuring they remain the focus as the background is adjusted for social media sharing.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is a compelling choice for those prioritizing an innovative design and robust battery life. While the absence of optical zoom may be a drawback, the overall performance and new features make it a worthy investment for many users.
Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/tech/20260810040608-37-757767/review-samsung-galaxy-z-fold8-desain-baru-harga-rp-28-juta-worth-it
