The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a major step forward for Samsung; it’s the lightest and arguably thinnest foldable phone on the planet. That’s a dramatic upgrade over last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which looked dated compared to rival devices.
Here’s the thing, though. We’re now at the point where the Galaxy Z Fold and other foldable phones are arguably thin enough; they are now a hair thicker than conventional smartphones. If we no longer need thinner phones, here’s what I’d like Samsung to do next with the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
What should Samsung offer on the Galaxy Z Fold 8? 35 votes An improved IP rating 3 % Tougher, glass-like folding screen 9 % Bigger battery and faster charging 71 % Better secondary cameras 11 % Other (leave a comment) 6 %
Improve the IP rating
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Samsung’s recent foldable phones offer IP48 ratings, meaning they can withstand immersion in fresh water but can’t withstand dust. In other words, you still have to baby the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to some extent. That’s a shame when you’re paying $1,800.
It’s high time that Samsung adopted an IP58 or IP68 rating for proper dust resistance on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, as it would make for a far more durable device. Samsung wouldn’t be the first foldable maker to offer both water and dust resistance, either. The vivo X Fold 5 and HONOR Magic V5 have IP58/59 ratings, while the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is tipped to arrive with an IP68 rating for the first time in a foldable.
Foldable screens that look and feel more like glass
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
One of my pet peeves with all foldable phones is that the folding screens are still fragile and feel like soft plastic. Of course, these screens are plastic, albeit with an underlying layer of ultra-thin glass. Nevertheless, it still annoys me after all this time.
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