Evolution of Foldable Smartphones – From the First Galaxy Fold to the Galaxy Z8 Series

Foldable smartphones have come a long way since they first entered the mainstream. What was once seen as an experimental smartphone concept has gradually evolved into a more practical category, offering consumers new ways to work, create, communicate and enjoy entertainment.

Samsung has been one of the key companies driving this evolution, beginning with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019 and continuing with its latest Galaxy Z8 series.

Over the years, Samsung has learned that creating a successful foldable is not simply about making a smartphone screen bend. It involves improvements across hardware, hinge technology, software, artificial intelligence and, importantly, understanding how people actually use their devices.

Here are eight ways Samsung has helped shape the evolution of foldable smartphones.

1. Improving Foldable Durability

One of the biggest challenges of building a foldable smartphone is durability. Unlike conventional smartphones, foldables need flexible displays, specialised support structures and sophisticated hinge mechanisms that can withstand repeated opening and closing.

Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z series introduces Flex Titanium technology, which uses a titanium-based display structure designed to strengthen display support, improve durability and reduce the visibility of the crease.

These developments demonstrate how Samsung has continued to refine the fundamental technology behind foldable displays with every generation.

2. Making the Folding Experience More Natural

A foldable smartphone needs more than a flexible screen. The hinge plays a major role in determining how naturally the device opens, how thin it can become and how comfortable it feels in everyday use.

The latest Galaxy Z series combines refinements to the hinge mechanism, display tension and folding magnets to create a smoother unfolding experience.

On the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, these engineering improvements contribute to a remarkably thin design measuring just 4.1mm when unfolded.

3. Making Bigger Screens More Useful

Samsung has also discovered that a larger display needs to offer more than simply extra screen space.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a new 4:3 main display, designed for immersive viewing and gaming. When rotated, the screen becomes a 3:4 ratio, making it suitable for activities such as reading and browsing.

The larger canvas can also support content creation and editing, including experiences such as My FanCam.

This demonstrates how Samsung is looking at the foldable display as a completely different canvas rather than simply a bigger smartphone screen.

4. Creating Different Foldable Experiences

Not everyone wants the same type of foldable phone. Some users prioritise productivity and a larger workspace, while others prefer portability, style and quick access to information.

Samsung has responded by developing different foldable experiences across its latest range.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra focuses on productivity and premium performance, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is designed around immersive discovery and multitasking, while the Galaxy Z Flip8 offers a compact design focused on self-expression and quick interaction.

This approach gives consumers more choices based on their individual lifestyles.

5. Connecting Hardware and Software

A smartphone that physically changes shape also requires software that can adapt to those changes.

Samsung has increasingly developed its software experience around the flexibility of Galaxy Z devices. On the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, features such as Multi Window, Now Nudge and Gemini Notebook are designed to make better use of the larger display.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip8 features a more capable FlexWindow, allowing users to access apps, information and actions without necessarily having to unfold the phone.

The result is a closer relationship between the physical design of the device and the software experience.

6. Bringing AI Into Foldable Smartphones

Artificial intelligence is becoming another important part of Samsung’s foldable strategy.

Rather than simply providing answers to questions, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z experience introduces agentic AI, designed to help users move more naturally between information, applications and actions.

The larger displays of the Fold series also provide a useful canvas for AI-powered productivity. For example, Gemini Notebook can bring information from different sources together, helping users organise ideas, thoughts and content in one place.

For users who work, create and multitask on their smartphones, AI can make the larger foldable format even more useful.

7. Making the Switch to Galaxy Easier

Innovation is not only about the device itself. Samsung has also focused on reducing the barriers involved in moving to a new smartphone.

With Smart Switch, users can wirelessly transfer important information such as contacts, photos, messages, applications and settings from previous devices, including iPhones.

With One UI 9 on the latest Galaxy Z series, iOS users can initiate the transfer process simply by scanning a QR code, making the transition into the Galaxy ecosystem more straightforward.

8. Building a Complete Foldable Ecosystem

Perhaps the biggest lesson from Samsung’s foldable journey is that every generation brings new opportunities to improve.

The latest Galaxy Z8 series combines years of engineering development and consumer feedback through features such as the Flex Titanium display structure, thinner designs, redesigned display ratios, improved FlexWindow capabilities and deeper AI integration.

Rather than being defined by one particular innovation, today’s foldables represent the cumulative result of years of development.

Galaxy Z8 Series Malaysia Pricing and Promotion

For Malaysian consumers, the latest Galaxy Z8 series is available with several storage options. From 14 August to 4 October 2026, customers can save up to RM1,909.90 when purchasing selected Galaxy Z8 models.

The promotion includes up to RM800 rebate, a RM500 rebate with selected participating banks, and up to RM400 Samsung Rewards Point Booster. Selected purchases also come with a 12-month iQIYI Premium VIP subscription worth RM209.90.

The Future of Foldables

Samsung’s journey from the first Galaxy Fold to the latest Galaxy Z8 generation shows how foldable smartphones have evolved beyond being a novelty.

Today, the focus is on making foldables thinner, more durable and easier to use while combining flexible hardware with intelligent software and AI.

The Galaxy Z8 series represents another step in that journey, showing how years of experimentation, engineering and consumer insight can transform an entirely new smartphone form factor into a more mature and versatile mobile experience.

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