Eight and out. Why it's the right time for Samsung to fold the Z Flip range
Android Police 2026-07-10 11:59:25
Context: Samsung is considering ending its Galaxy Z Flip range with the upcoming release of the Galaxy Z Flip 8, a decision that the author believes would be justified given the incremental updates in recent models and the lack of innovation in the compact foldable phone space. The Galaxy Z Flip series has been a successful line for Samsung, offering a blend of convenience and performance, but the author suggests that the company may be reaching the end of its development cycle for this type of phone. If Samsung does discontinue the Z Flip range, it would likely focus on its larger folding phones, such as the Z Fold series, to compete with Apple's expected release of a large folding iPhone in 2027.
Key Facts
- The author, Andy Boxall, is a seasoned technology journalist with over 15 years of experience in the mobile industry, and has reviewed numerous smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices.
- The Galaxy Z Flip 5, released prior to the Z Flip 6 and Z Flip 7, brought significant advancements to the cover screen, making the line a wonderful blend of convenience and performance.
- The author has not felt the need to trade in their Z Flip 5 after using the Z Flip 6 or Z Flip 7, suggesting that the incremental updates have not been substantial enough to warrant an upgrade.
- Motorola has three different compact foldable phones in its 2026 range, including the Razr (2026), also known as the Razr 70, which the author recently reviewed and found to be practically indistinguishable from its predecessor.
- The author believes that if Samsung ends the Z Flip range, it would hand over control of the compact foldable phone space to Motorola, but notes that Motorola's recent releases have been lacking in innovation, with the Razr (2026) being a "lazy release" made to ensure buyers had a 2026 model to purchase.