Of the three Galaxy Z folding phones Samsung released in 2026, the Z Flip8 feels the least splashy. Compared with an all-new form factor in the Galaxy Z Fold8 or the flagship-grade camera in the Fold8 Ultra, a new chipset under the hood and an ever-so-slightly lighter build don’t give you much to show off to your friends. In fact, other than a few new colors, most people won’t be able to see a difference between this model and last year’s Z Flip7.
But the flip phone is a fashion statement and has been the most popular foldable phone form factor. (For now, at least.) It is the gateway drug to appreciating and buying bigger, more expensive, and more experimental foldables. So, in a two-horse race between Samsung’s Z Flip series and Motorola’s cheaper Razr phones, any change is meaningful. And while you can’t see the difference, you may feel it: That new processor is the same one you’ll find in Samsung’s other top phones.
So, while Motorola made bigger, more interesting changes to the Razr line, I still think the Flip8 is the folding-display flip phone to beat. Thanks to its best-in-class power, it is the best take on this retro-futuristic form factor that you can buy right now.
A Processor That Adds ‘Snap’ to Your Flip
The biggest improvement and the best argument for the Flip8 is its performance. Equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite Gen 5 processor—the same processor inside Samsung’s flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra—you’re getting faster, smoother performance than the Motorola Razr Ultra, which features an older version of the chipset.
For the first time, the Flip8 has the same processor as Samsung’s other elite phones.
Though it isn’t the most consequential change, Samsung using the latest Qualcomm processor is a big step up for the Flip. Last year’s Samsung Flip7 featured an Exynos 2500 chip, which was fine but also didn’t deliver the same performance as the brand’s top phones. By making the switch, Samsung has elevated the Flip to keep pace with the best of the best, which will satisfy tech heads looking for the best specs and the expectations of every upgrader looking at the Flip’s $1,200 price tag.
In real-world testing, the Galaxy Z Flip8 performed proficiently, seamlessly toggling between a double-digit number of open apps, delivering instant Google Gemini AI interactions, and running AAA games such as Grid: Legends and Red Dead Redemption. Its speed and all-around fluidity were the same as in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 I tested before switching to the Flip8. That didn’t surprise me, as both phones have the same chip, coupled with 12 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.
The Flip8’s 4,300-milliampere-hour battery easily got me through a typical day of work, web browsing, and listening to music on my commute. I always had enough battery to cover an after-work outing or some late-night gaming without topping off. And the phone’s wired and wireless charging was plenty fast, though not quite as speedy as juicing up the Motorola Razr Ultra, whose support for 68-watt wired and 30-watt wireless charging put it ahead in sheer velocity.
A Camera That Falls Short for Pros, But Should Fine for Everyone Else
The Flip8’s dual camera did a stellar job capturing memories. Its 50-megapixel (MP) high-resolution primary lens captured beautiful images and video in any scenario and lighting. The bendable form factor, combined with the generously sized cover screen, makes it easy to grab selfies with the primary camera.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Camera Samples
The secondary 12-megapixel ultra-wide snapper feels a bit underwhelming for a phone of this caliber. Even compared with the Fold8 and Fold8 Ultra, there’s a noticeable drop-off in performance, regardless of the scene.
Top-tier phones can produce better-quality 12-megapixel stills by combining the data of multiple pixels in their sharper sensors into one, as well as shoot photos in higher native resolution. This might sound nerdy, but having more pixels at my disposal with the Z Fold8 gave me the luxury of getting instantly shareable, detailed photos by cropping into the full-resolution image files.
Predictably, Samsung’s custom UI 9 interface is tailor-made to make the most of its unique form factor. Whether I used it fully unfolded, partially collapsed at 90 degrees to multitask or capture video while holding it like an old-school camcorder, or relied solely on its external display, the Flip8 was up to the task.
As much as I wish Samsung upgraded the Z Flip8’s secondary camera sensor, this isn’t a deal breaker as long as you aren’t looking to shoot highly detailed landscapes or use your phone for professional photography.
Software Support for The Long Haul
The flip phone form factor enables some fun tricks, like standing up your phone half-open to set up a photo.
Samsung has long been the premier Android smartphone brand outside of Google itself, and that has always come with some benefits. The Flip8 runs Android 17—the recently released, most up-to-date version of the platform—out of the box. It’s one of only a handful of phones that can do so right now. The Razr Ultra, by comparison, is months away from supporting Android 17.
More importantly, Samsung has committed to maintaining the Flip8 with timely Android updates for the next seven years. That’s as long as a third-party Android phone gets, and it ensures that you won’t need to upgrade your phone until you’re ready for something new.
Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?
The Z Flip8 is a new phone, but it looks identical to its predecessors (unless you buy it in a new color like Cream or Pink.)
Despite a really strong challenge from Motorola this year, I still think the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 is the best flip-style smartphone of the year. Its elegant design, superb ergonomics, and high-end processor make the flip form factor feel like a strong alternative to the other folding phone form factors, rather than a budget-conscious alternative that leads with style at the expense of substance.
Without a notable feature or hook, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that you run out and buy the Flip8 if you already have a Samsung Z Flip phone. The difference between this year’s model and the cheaper (and now discontinued) Z Flip7 isn’t noticeable enough to justify a big spend. But if you’re a first-time foldable user, this is a good place to start.
Stefan is an award-winning consumer technology editor with over a decade of experience in reviewing gadgets, particularly smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, desktop and laptop computers across multiple form factors and platforms, as well as accessories for them. He also covers televisions and audio equipment, including headphones, earbuds, wireless speakers, and soundbars. Since joining Hearst in 2015, Stefan has contributed to BestProducts, Popular Mechanics, and numerous other publications. Prior to his current role, he served as the US Editor for GSMArena.com.
Mike Epstein is a Senior Commerce Editor at Hearst Enthusiast Group, producing reviews for buying guides Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products. Prior to joining Hearst, he was a video game and technology critic for over 10 years, with bylines at IGN, Gamespot, Variety, Lifehacker, Kotaku, GamesRadar, Flavorwire and Digital Trends, among others. Now, he’s a jack of all trades, helping reviewers share everything they know about all kinds of technical gear, from snowblowers, to running shoes and bicycles, and every kind of gadget imaginable.
