Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs. Z Flip 7: Is the new flip phone worth the upgrade?

Kerry Wan/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.Samsung didn't make a huge upgrade to the Galaxy Z Flip 8 this year, especially when compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 7. There were no major updates, no reinventing the wheel. Instead, Samsung upgraded key components to elevate its flip phone's performance and reliability, rather than flashy upgrades.Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked 2026: New foldables, smartwatches, and smart glassesThe decision to upgrade to a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 can be an enticing prospect. Your choice will largely depend on whether you prioritize performance, refinement, or value for money -- especially if you're coming from or considering the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Specifications FeatureSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 8Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7Starting price$1,200$1,100Storage12GB of RAM: 256GB, 512GB12GB of RAM: 256GB, 512GBDisplay6.9-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 400ppi, 120Hz refresh rate6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 397ppi, 120Hz refresh rateResolution1,080 by 2,5201,080 by 2,520Cover4.1-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 948 by 1,0484.1-inch Super AMOLED, 948 by 1,048ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyExynos 2500Battery4,300mAh4,300mAhMain camera50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10x digital zoom, 4K 60fps video50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10x digital zoom, 4K 60fps videoSelfie camera10MP10MPFinishesGraphite and Cream. Pink and Mint (online options)Blue Shadow, Jet Black, Coral Red, MintZ Flip 8: It's what's inside that mattersThe latest Samsung Galaxy flip phone features an upgraded processor, moving to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, a considerable upgrade from last year's Exynos 2500. This new chip makes the Z Flip 8 30% faster on CPU tasks than the Z Flip 7 and 25% faster on GPU tasks, such as graphics. Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs. Moto Razr Ultra: I've spent time with both, here's what I preferThe upgraded processor also boosts the phone's AI performance, improving its ability to run AI tasks and processes, multitask, game, and edit videos and photos. Much of the sameThe new Galaxy Z Flip 8 features nearly identical hardware to the Z Flip 7, though it is slightly lighter and slimmer. Samsung reduced the thickness of the Flip 8 to 6.1mm, down from 6.5mm, and its weight to 180g from 188g.Also: How to preorder everything announced at Samsung Unpacked: Galaxy Z Flip 8, Z Fold 8, and moreThere are more similarities than differences between the Z Flip 8 and the Z Flip 7. Both phones feature a 6.9-inch AMOLED main display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a 4.1-inch cover display, a 4,300mAh battery, a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide camera, 25W wired charging, 12GB of RAM, the same storage options, and IP48 water- and dust-resistance.Is the new camera better?The camera hardware on the new Galaxy Z Flip 8 is the same as the Z Flip 7. Samsung has added software improvements that boost photo quality, but don't expect to get dramatically improved images.Also: The best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra cases of 2026: Expert recommendedThe new software improvements announced during Samsung Unpacked include better AI image processing, improved Photo Assist, enhanced image stabilization with the Super Steady Horizontal Lock, and smarter editing features. The more powerful Snapdragon processor means that you can expect content editing and the features above to run pretty smoothly.The biggest visible differenceOne of the flashiest updates coming with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a more useful FlexWindow. When the phone is closed, the Z Flip 8's cover screen now offers easier app access, improved widgets, a layout that better matches the main display, and better access to features, so you have fewer reasons to open the phone. Writer's choiceIf you were hoping to see the new Galaxy Z Flip 8 feature a larger battery, a new telephoto camera, or faster charging, Samsung has likely left you disappointed this year. If you already have a Galaxy Z Flip 7, it probably isn't worth upgrading just yet. Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Z Flip 8: I compared both models, and here's the one to buyIf you have a phone that's more than a few years old, however, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a good purchase for the fastest processor with the latest AI features, a slimmer form factor, and an improved cover screen. If you already have the Z Flip 7 or are considering getting it instead of the latest phone, you can likely find it discounted by $200-$300, especially when compared to the Z Flip 8, which is $100 more expensive at list price.Featured reviews