Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 to Feature Larger Battery and S Pen Support
Samsung’s next generation foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, is expected to launch with a significantly increased battery capacity and the return of S Pen stylus compatibility, addressing key customer requests.
The upcoming device will reportedly house a battery exceeding 5,000 mAh, a roughly 13% increase from the 4,400 mAh battery found in the Galaxy Z Fold 3, 4, 5, and 7. This upgrade is particularly notable as Samsung’s foldable battery capacity has remained stagnant for several years, lagging behind competitors in the foldable market. Improved battery life is often cited as a critical factor for consumer adoption of foldable technology.
In addition to the battery boost, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is slated to bring back support for the S Pen, a feature removed from last year’s model to achieve a slimmer profile. Samsung will also reportedly employ a “laser-drilling metal plate technology” – similar to that rumored for Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone – to minimize the visibility of the device’s display crease, a common concern among foldable phone users. You can learn more about the challenges of foldable screen technology on The Verge.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is anticipated to be released between July and August of next year. Samsung has seen increased success with its foldable line, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 receiving positive reviews and strong sales figures.
Samsung officials have indicated they are continuing to refine the design and features of the Z Fold 8 based on customer feedback and market trends.
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 is reportedly set for another big upgrade cycle, with the device set to both get an overdue battery upgrade while also bringing back S Pen support.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was Samsung’s first hit foldable in a few years, largely thanks to the device actually being an upgrade over prior generations, and playing a huge game of catch-up with the rest of the industry. The device received high praise from both critics and customers alike, and Samsung has repeatedly touted its success.
A report out of Korea from Dealsite (via @Jukanlosreve) reveals Samsung’s potential plans for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and it sounds impactful as well.
The report claims that Samsung has three big upgrades in store, starting with the battery.
Since 2021’s Galaxy Z Fold 3, every book-style foldable Samsung has released has had a 4,400 mAh battery. That capacity is less than most slab smartphones, and is also way behind that of other foldable makers. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has respectable battery life, it’s been clear that we’re overdue for an upgrade. Apparently, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will house a 5,000 mAh battery, an upgrade of roughly 13%. The report says the battery would be “over 5,000 mAh,” so it could potentially be even larger.
Beyond that, Galaxy Z Fold 8 is also reportedly bringing back the S Pen.
Samsung’s popular stylus was removed from last year’s model for the sake of making the device thinner, but not without customer backlash. There are no further details on how Samsung intends to revive this feature, but hopefully this turns out to be true. Notably, reports from earlier this year suggested Samsung wouldn’t bring back the S Pen.
Finally, the report also mentions that Samsung will use a “laser-drilling metal plate technology” to reduce the display crease. Apple is said to be using similar tech in its foldable iPhone. Again, the details of how this works are not mentioned, but with the display crease still being a point of friction among some users, it’s something we’re always keen to see improvements on.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is expected to launch around July-August of next year.
More on Samsung:
Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
