You flip open the Galaxy Z Fold 8, hoping for a bigger screen to stream your favorite content. But the setup still feels much like before. Black bars line your videos, and subtitles crowd the bottom. While Samsung changed the shape, the boost for video watching is barely noticeable.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a broader form compared to earlier models. At first, it seems like a way to fix the video problem foldables have had. But the new look didn’t actually add more usable space. The video display area is almost identical to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and even matches the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
Most users watch 4:3 content, such as YouTube clips or classic TV. That’s when those black bars return, just as before. They still take up screen space, making the experience feel cramped.
The new model fits into a slightly smaller form when folded, making it a bit easier to carry. Still, the video experience remains unchanged. In fact, subtitles have less room, and the screen feels tighter rather than roomier.
Samsung didn’t make the situation worse — they just left it the same. While the Fold 8 arranges its space better than the Fold 7, it’s not enough to label it an improvement. Watching video feels like using an iPad Mini for streaming: functional but not better than before.
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra are open. Samsung claims improvements in performance and design. But if you were hoping for a foldable that finally solves the video problem, this may not be the model you were waiting for.