The best pocket eReader isn't an Xteink X4—it's the Galaxy Z Fold 8

Published Aug 25, 2026, 9:45 AM EDT Jon is a seasoned journalist who has written definitive coverage of consumer tech at publications like Engadget, Android Authority, and BetaKit. He's an expert on making tech accessible ranging from mobile and PCs to emerging platforms like wearables. When he's not writing, he's going on adventures with ihis family and is an avid photographer. Pocket eReaders (aka a "purse Kindle") like the Xteink X4 have gone viral for good reason: there's an allure to having your favorite eBooks on hand in an extremely easy-to-carry form. To me, however, Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the ideal pocket eReader. Small eReaders are helpful digital detox tools that keep you engrossed in your favorite novel, not social media doomscrolling. While the Z Fold 8 is definitely expensive for an eReader—and has the temptation of mobile apps—the design is so well-suited to the purpose that I want to use it as my only reading device. Here's why you should consider one, and why it might even save you money in the long run. The compact size makes it a great digital paperback You don't need two devices, either Many Galaxy Z Fold 8 reviews liken its wide design to a passport, but I also see it as a wonderful, modern-day paperback. When the phone is closed, reading on its 5.5-inch cover screen feels more like thumbing through a book than staring at a phone. My eBooks simply get more room to breathe, even though the device is still small enough to be used one-handed in a store queue. It's clearly larger than pocket eReaders like Xteink's, so it doesn't win in absolute size. However, it's small enough that it fits into spaces where some conventional phones don't: shallow pockets, back pockets, even small handbags. And since I don't need another device, there's less overall bulk. I almost don't notice the Z Fold 8 in my pocket. I'll be honest: I'm also forgetful. Having to carry a separate pocket eReader increases the chances that I'll forget to take it along. The Z Fold 8 is the compact device I'm guaranteed to have with me when I'm hurrying out the door. It's a superb big-screen eReader, too Comics and manga get the space they need Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 used as a pocket eReader.Credit: Jon Fingas / How-To Geek Of course, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 also has a not-so-secret weapon: it transforms into a 7.6-inch, 4:3 ratio tablet when unfolded. As many reading apps are optimized for that shape, it's just right for reading eBooks in either a two-page layout or one large page. I effectively get a mid-sized color eReader for 'free' with my cutting-edge smartphone, making it more of a bargain than $1,900 would suggest. That, in turn, makes it an outstanding device for reading comic books, graphic novels, and manga. While I would appreciate a larger screen to see more details, I love the portability — I can comfortably read Black Panther anywhere I am. You can still do this reasonably well with narrower foldables like the Z Fold 8 Ultra, but the extra width in portrait mode is valuable. Consolidation is once again important. If I'm flying, I don't have to find space in my carry-on, pass one more device through security, or find a spare outlet at the hotel. The Z Fold 8 is my dream device for a business trip or vacation. The power of Android makes it unbeatable Read any book you want, and more Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 used as a pocket eReader.Credit: Jon Fingas / How-To Geek I completely understand if you'd rather get a conventional eReader to minimize distractions, or even an Android-powered device like a Boox Palma. An ePaper display is gentler on the eyes and makes video impractical. To me, though, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is an exceptional eReader precisely because it marries a book-friendly design with the power of unfettered Android. I can read eBooks in virtually any format without worrying about conversions or file transfers. I can't read Libby books from my library on an Xteink reader without resorting to unofficial firmware, and many high-end eReaders won't recognize books from competing shops. The wide design also makes the Z Fold 8 incredible for understanding and sharing books. If I'm reading The Only Woman in the Room and want to learn the true story of Hedy Lamarr, I can look her up on the web while the book is still on screen. I can easily take notes (if not handwritten) or write a review, for that matter. Yes, that requires discipline. And my phone lasts a day in typical use, whereas an eReader can go weeks between charges. But there's no point to owning an eReader if I can't read a hot new book on it, and in my case, the flexibility of Android far outweighs the hassles. Unless I'm going on a camping trip where I'll be without power for days, I'll take the Z Fold 8. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 8/10 Display Dynamic AMOLED 2X RAM 12GB