4 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Upgrades Fans Want After a Year

JAKARTA — Loyal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 users are now beginning to look forward to its successor. After a year of using the foldable as a daily phone, the day-to-day experience offers a real-world perspective on what consumers actually need for the next generation, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Using a foldable device does offer high flexibility, but there are technical gaps that still keep its performance from surpassing non-foldable models, especially in the camera department. As a daily user, the difference in photo quality between the Z Fold 7 and the S26 Ultra series is very noticeable.

The 200MP camera on the S26 Ultra is far superior, not to mention the dual telephoto lens support that the current Fold series still does not have.

My biggest hope is that Samsung will truly equip the Fold 8 lineup with camera specifications on par with the Ultra series, especially if rumors about a “Fold 8 Ultra” variant turn out to be true. Without a significant camera upgrade, this premium-priced device risks being seen as an incomplete product that cannot meet users’ photography expectations.

Battery and Display Improvements

Battery life is another important concern. The Z Fold 7, which carries a 4,400mAh battery, often needs to be charged in the middle of the day just to last until night.

Based on leaks circulating, an increase to 4,800mAh on the Z Fold 8 would be a much-anticipated breath of fresh air, although that figure still lags behind several Chinese phone brands that have started using silicon-carbon batteries above 7,000mAh.

Beyond the battery, the privacy display feature now available on the S26 Ultra is also expected to make its way to Fold 8 users. This feature is crucial for data security, especially when accessing banking apps or entering passwords in public spaces. The ability to activate the feature automatically through app settings would be a software update that greatly helps productivity.

One Thing Samsung Should Avoid

Although many features are expected to arrive, there is one thing Samsung should avoid: bringing back integrated S Pen storage inside the device body. Experience with the Z Fold 7 shows that a thin design is key to comfortable daily use.

Trying to fit an S Pen slot into the body would only make the phone feel thicker and lose the ergonomics Samsung has worked hard to achieve.

Admittedly, the wide, tablet-like display invites the desire to use a stylus, but the downside of a thicker body is not worth it for most users. Keeping the Z Fold 8 slim is far more valuable than forcing accessory integration that actually reduces grip comfort.

Overall, Samsung’s future challenge lies in cost efficiency. Rising RAM and internal storage prices could push the retail price higher. However, with design optimization and the right component choices, consumers hope Samsung can deliver its most competitive — and most affordable — Fold series yet.