Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: A Brilliant Device That Raises Questions

Jeanne Whalen, drawing on her experience at CBS News, offers a nuanced review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 after three weeks of use. Despite acknowledging the phone’s brilliance as the best foldable she’s tested, she expresses doubts about the need for a foldable device in her daily routine.

A Transformative Device, But…

Switching from a compact iPhone 17 Pro, Whalen found the initial appeal of the Fold 8’s book-style design – combining a phone and tablet – clear. However, she observed that most of her typical phone usage – messaging, quick searches, notifications – didn’t significantly benefit from the larger screen. Opening the phone for these simple tasks often felt cumbersome rather than convenient.

Social Media Challenges and Distraction

Whalen noted issues with social media apps like Instagram, citing black bars and awkwardly positioned interface elements due to the Fold 8’s shorter proportions. Furthermore, she found the immersive display itself could be detrimental, increasing the temptation to get distracted.

Moments of Brilliance

Despite these reservations, the reviewer highlighted moments where the larger screen truly shone – reading newsletters, longer articles, and displaying photos beautifully. Gaming also proved to be a compelling use case, showcasing the Fold 8’s potential as a mini-tablet alternative.