The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is at its best when there’s friction

Key Points:

• Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 8 introduces a redesigned 4-inch cover screen that now supports running full Android apps, allowing users to browse social media, watch videos, and use various apps without opening the phone.
• The phone’s hardware changes are minor compared to its predecessor, with slight reductions in thickness and weight, the same camera setup, and a similar battery capacity, but it lacks the tougher titanium display stack found in Samsung’s Z Fold 8 models.
• Performance is generally smooth with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (US) or Exynos 2600 (UK), and battery life is reliable, though charging speeds remain modest; the device retains an IP48 rating, making it water-resistant but still vulnerable to dust.
• The Z Flip 8 is priced at $1,199.99, a $100 increase over the Z Flip 7, and the software improvements, particularly for the cover screen, may soon be available on older models, making an upgrade less compelling for current owners.
• Users must agree to multiple mandatory and optional terms from Google and Samsung before using the device, reflecting the increasing complexity of privacy and service agreements associated with modern smartphones.