Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 vs Galaxy Z Flip 7: Should you upgrade?

1. Design and Display

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 was already a relatively compact phone, measuring 13.7mm thick and weighing 188 grams. For the Flip 8, Samsung managed to trim those numbers down further. The new model weighs 180 grams and measures 6.1mm when unfolded, compared to the Flip 7’s 6.5mm.

It is a modest reduction, but in the foldable space, small changes in weight and thickness can make a device more comfortable to hold and carry in a pocket. Samsung also says improvements to the hinge mechanism and the Armor Aluminum frame for better overall durability.

The displays, however, remain unchanged. Both phones feature a 4.1-inch Super AMOLED cover screen, which Samsung calls the FlexWindow, and a 6.9-inch internal display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. If you liked the large outer screen on the Flip 7, you will get the exact same viewing experience on the Flip 8.

2. Performance and Software

The internal hardware sees a standard year-over-year update. The Flip 7 runs on a 3nm Exynos 2500, while the Flip 8 moves to a 2nm Exynos 2600 (or the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, depending on your region). Both devices come standard with 12GB of RAM.

The main focus for the Flip 8 is how it uses that new processor for software. The Flip 7 introduced features like Gemini Live and the Now Brief widget on the cover screen, and the Flip 8 builds on this out of the box with Android 17 and One UI 9. The aim is to make the cover screen more functional without needing to open the phone, allowing you to trigger specific app actions via voice or a dedicated side key.

The Flip 8 also introduces the AI Assistant Activity Dashboard, which lets users see exactly what these background tasks are doing and manage their permissions for better transparency. However, this won’t be exclusive to the new model, as the Flip 7 will also receive the dashboard when it gets updated to One UI 9.

3. Cameras

If you were looking for new camera hardware, the Flip 8 doesn’t offer it. It uses the same 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 10MP front-facing camera as the Flip 7.

The software experience is also largely similar, as both phones feature the ProVisual Engine for improved portrait shots and the Camcorder Grip mode that offers zoom controls when the phone is folded at a 90-degree angle.

The main addition to the Flip 8 is a new stabilization feature called Super Steady with Horizontal Lock. It is designed to keep your video level and suppress motion tilt, making recording on the go a bit easier and more stable.

4. Battery and Pricing

Battery capacity remains identical across both generations. The Flip 7 featured a 4,300mAh battery, which provided solid daily usage, and the Flip 8 keeps that same capacity. Both phones also support 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.

The most significant change for buyers might be the cost. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 started at $1,099 for the 256GB model. The Galaxy Z Flip 8 raises the entry price by $100, starting at $1,199, with the 512GB version priced at $1,399.

5. Verdict

The Galaxy Z Flip 8 is a straightforward, iterative update. It takes the foundation of the Flip 7, slims it down slightly, and adds a newer processor alongside some helpful software tools. However, the $100 price increase makes it a tougher sell for anyone looking for an accessible foldable.

If you currently own a Galaxy Z Flip 7, there is very little reason to upgrade. The hardware is too similar to justify the cost. But if you’re upgrading from a Flip 5 or an older slab phone, the Flip 8 represents the most polished, refined clamshell foldable Samsung has ever built. You just have to be willing to pay the premium for it.

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