The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has only been in Spanish stores for a short time, but it has already become one of the stars of the brand's catalog. The new book-style foldable phone went on sale on August 7th in Spain and, in just a few weeks, has begun to shake up the high-end mobile phone market with a format different from traditional smartphones.
Priced around €1.500 depending on the retailer, the device has taken center stage in Samsung's product lineup. However, beyond the cost, what's really drawing attention is the impact it's having on foldable phone sales in Spain and the specific user profile it targets with its passport-sized design.
A sales start well above the previous generation
According to data provided to EFE by David Alonso, Vice President of Samsung Spain , the arrival of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has given a significant boost to the foldable category. The company estimates that total sales of its new foldables in Spain have grown by around 30% compared to the previous generation , a significant jump considering that less than a month has passed since its launch.
This increase in revenue translates, according to figures shared by the brand, into approximately 20% growth in the volume of foldable units sold compared to last year's models. Although Samsung is currently avoiding providing absolute numbers of devices sold, the manufacturer assures that the initial results for the Fold 8 are exceeding their pre-launch projections.
Within Samsung's new family of foldable phones for 2026, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is capturing a significant share of the market. In this short period, the device has already accounted for over 35% of sales in the newly launched foldable range in the Spanish market, positioning itself as one of the preferred options for those looking for a phone that opens like a book.
Looking at the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and its larger sibling, the Fold 8 Ultra, the effect is even more striking. Combined sales of both models have grown by 58% compared to the previous generation of Samsung book-style foldables, reinforcing the idea that the public is beginning to view these formats with somewhat less skepticism than a few years ago.
Before the arrival of this new generation, foldable phones accounted for just over 15% of Samsung's high-end sales in Spain. The company expects that percentage to continue rising throughout the year, as the foldable category is growing faster than the brand as a whole and the premium smartphone market itself.
Passport format: a gap between productivity and leisure
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 arrives with a very specific objective: to fill a gap that neither the traditional Fold nor the Flip had fully addressed . Until now, the larger Fold was clearly focused on those who prioritize productivity and multitasking, while the Flip series emphasized design, social media, and the "pocket-sized" mobile experience of folding vertically.
In this case, Samsung has opted for a passport format that aims to offer a middle ground. The device features a 7,6-inch square internal screen , very close in proportion to that of a small tablet, but in a more compact body than the Fold 8 Ultra. The result is a device that feels less bulky in the hand and pocket, while still maintaining a generous surface for viewing content.
The company is clearly gearing this model towards the consumption of audiovisual content : series, movies, streaming platforms, reading ebooks or comics, as well as games that take full advantage of the large screen. This multimedia focus doesn't preclude its use for work or daily tasks, but the emphasis is less on "replacing a tablet" and more on offering a comfortable entertainment experience on the go.
Another important aspect is the device's weight and overall size. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is lighter and slightly smaller than its Ultra sibling, making it easier to use for extended periods and a bit more discreet to carry around. This balance between dimensions and screen size is one of the reasons why some analysts have identified it as one of the most disruptive foldable phones of 2026 within Samsung's lineup.
The design, in any case, still follows the logic of a book-style foldable device: an external screen for quick, everyday use, and a flexible internal panel that opens when you want to use all the space. The difference lies in that square, "passport-sized" format, which slightly alters how apps, videos, and documents are viewed compared to other, more elongated models.
Bubbles in the protective film and the warranty
One of the biggest concerns for users considering buying a foldable phone is the durability of the internal screen, especially regarding the protective film covering the flexible panel. In the case of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, some customers have reported the appearance of the familiar "bubbles" on this surface layer over time or under certain usage conditions.
Samsung, through its executive in Spain, downplays this phenomenon . David Alonso maintains that the presence of bubbles does not imply a structural failure of the flexible AMOLED screen, but rather the natural wear and tear of the protective film or the entry of dust and dirt between that layer and the panel, something that can happen depending on the environment in which the device is used.
The company also emphasizes that this protective film can be replaced at authorized service centers. The replacement is covered under warranty, meaning that, provided the standard coverage conditions are met, the user will not have to pay for the replacement when the film deteriorates or develops bubbles.
It's worth noting that, as with other foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8's internal panel is still covered by a layer of plastic , which is more delicate than the tempered glass typically found on most conventional phones. This means you need to protect the screen from fingernails, sharp objects, or abrasive particles that could scratch or mark the surface.
The outer screen, intended for everyday use with the phone closed, does incorporate Gorilla Glass Ceramic-style scratch protection, a feature now standard in Samsung's high-end range. This doesn't mean it's indestructible, but it does offer greater resistance to daily wear and tear when used as a regular smartphone for checking messages, social media, or browsing the internet.
Samsung, dominates the foldable market in Spain
Beyond the initial success of the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the data shared by the company paints a very favorable picture for Samsung within the foldable segment in Spain. The South Korean firm points out that it was one of the first to make a firm commitment to this type of device, with the launch of the first Galaxy Fold in 2019.
Since then, and taking as a reference point the period up to the end of the first quarter of 2026 , Samsung estimates that its foldable models represent around 93% of all foldable smartphones sold in Spain . In other words, almost the entire market has likely used one of the formats introduced by the brand during this time.
This dominance is supported by both book-style models, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra, and clamshell foldables from the Flip series. However, the latest sales figures reinforce the idea that book-style formats are also beginning to gain traction among users who not only prioritize the eye-catching design but also seek a device that combines a large screen with a degree of versatility.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 fits into this strategy as an option designed for those who want to make the leap to foldable phones without going for the size of the Ultra model, but without sacrificing a polished multimedia experience. Its positive reception during its first weeks on the Spanish market suggests that this "middle ground" could have appeal among those who value a large screen but also don't want to carry an excessively bulky device.
Looking ahead to the coming months, all indications suggest that Samsung will continue to use the Fold 8 as a benchmark to gauge the pulse of the European market. If the growth trend continues and the percentage of foldable phones in the high-end segment keeps rising, it wouldn't be surprising if the brand ends up allocating even more resources to this category, adjusting designs and prices as the target audience expands.
The current context reveals a scenario in which the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has become a key piece of Samsung's strategy in Spain: it has boosted sales, opened up a space for a passport format focused on content, and reinforced the company's role as the main benchmark in foldable mobiles within the national market, while waiting to see how the competition evolves and to what extent the end user ends up embracing this type of design as a real alternative to traditional smartphones.