Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Z Flip 8: I compared both models, and here's the one to buy

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.With Samsung Unpacked 2026 underway, we're being introduced to the newest Galaxy foldable phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8. These are both folding smartphones, but they're more different than you'd think. The Z Flip 8 is a flip phone (like the ones you'd find around 20 years ago, but with a cover screen), whereas the Z Fold 8 is a book-style foldable phone. Also: Samsung Galaxy vs. Google Pixel: I've used both brands extensively, and this one's betterWhen fully spread out, the Z Fold 8 looks like a 7.6-inch tablet with a 4:3 aspect ratio, while the unfolded Flip 8 looks like a 6.9-inch smartphone with a 16:9 aspect ratio. If you're considering buying a foldable phone, you're probably wondering how the Z Fold 8 and the Z Flip 8 compare. Let's break down the key differences. Specifications FeatureSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 8Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8Starting price$1,900$1,200Storage12GB of RAM: 256GB, 512GB | 16GB of RAM: 1TB12GB of RAM: 256GB, 512GBDisplay7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 403ppi, 120Hz refresh rate6.9-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 400ppi, 120Hz refresh rateResolution1,848 by 2,4481,080 by 2,520Cover5.5-inch FHD Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1,248 by 1,9724.1-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED, 948 by 1,048ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for GalaxyBattery4,800mAh4,300mAhMain camera50MP Wide, 50MP Ultrawide, 10x digital zoom, 8K 30fps video50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10x digital zoom, 4K 60fps videoSelfie camera10MP, 10MP Cover10MPFinishesGraphite and Cream. Lavender and Pistachio (online options)Graphite and Cream. Pink and Mint (online options)Both foldables, but physically different The front-facing screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Adam Doud / ZDNETThe Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a book-style foldable designed for content consumption, especially since it unfolds to almost the size of an iPad mini. It opens horizontally into a 4:3 display, which is better than a phone's 16:9 ratio for watching movies, reading books, and side-by-side multitasking.When closed, the Z Fold 8 has a 5.5-inch cover display that has a more conventional 16:10 ratio. This makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 look like a typical smartphone when closed, albeit slightly thicker than one. Also: Samsung unveils Galaxy Z Fold 8 deal for up to $1,230 off ahead of July Unpacked - how to qualifyDon't get discouraged, however -- even when it's folded, the Z Fold 8 is only 9.7mm thick, 1.75mm thicker than the standard iPhone 17, and 0.95mm thinner than the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. Z Flip 8: Going retro Kerry Wan/ZDNETIn comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a clamshell foldable phone that folds vertically to a compact, square shape measuring only 3 inches by 3.4 inches. The cover has a screen that shows glanceable widgets, quick messages, and shortcuts, giving you a glimpse of your notifications or the time and date without unfolding your phone.Also: Light's new $299 flip phone has no apps and T9 texting, but aims to connect peopleThough the Z Flip 8 has a retro feel in its design (if you consider the early 2000s retro), there's nothing old-fashioned about the phone. The latest Z Flip model features an upgraded rear camera that gives the more expensive Fold 8 a run for its money. Better camera: better value Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Ultra, and Flip Kerry Wan/ZDNETWith a 50MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide camera, the Z Flip 8 rivals the array on the Z Fold 8: both cameras at 50MP. Some of the features on the Z Fold 8 include dual recording, which captures the front and back perspectives from both rear and selfie cameras simultaneously, but the Flip 8 doesn't lag too far behind.Also: I've been a Google phone diehard for 10 years - here's my 5-part wishlist for Pixel 11Samsung makes the most of the Galaxy Z Flip 8's form factor, with camera modes tailored to its shape. You can use FlexCam hands-free shooting, FlipShot mirror selfies, and Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker on the Flip 8, making it a compelling option over the Fold 8 in the camera department.ZDNET's verdict: It's all about the bottom line Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe improvements to the Flip 8's camera bring it closer to the Fold's level, though not quite. Starting at $1,900, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is priced as a premium phone built for media consuption and productivity. It's one of the few phones that transitions from a smartphone to a tablet, with multitasking features for work and a large display for entertainment.The Galaxy Z Flip 8, however, has a comparable, albeit inferior, camera array and battery size, but a much more accessible price point for a foldable, starting at $1,200.In turn, the Z Fold 8 is designed for power users, tech enthusiasts who enjoy premium devices, and those looking for a tablet that performs well for work and entertainment. The Z Flip 8 is best for everyday users looking for a more fun and versatile phone experience than traditional brick-shaped phones. Featured reviews