How Was the Fold8's Golden Ratio 4:3 Design Created? "Comfort Is the Core Value"

"Comfort in Every Moment of Use"
Form Factors Diversified to Meet User Needs
‘Fold8’ Inspired by Passport Usability and Proportions

Samsung Electronics has highlighted "comfort" as the core value of the 8th generation Galaxy Z series. This value goes beyond numerical elements such as thickness and weight; it encompasses the entire experience of using the product, from the moment the device is unfolded, to how it feels in the hand, and even the way one interacts with the screen.

Ilhwan Lee, Vice President and Head of Design Team for the MX Division at Samsung Electronics, introduced the core values of Galaxy design, as well as the 8th generation foldable phone and watch designs on the 23rd (local time) at Billingsgate in London, UK. Provided by Samsung Electronics

Ilhwan Lee, Vice President and Head of the Design Team for the MX Division at Samsung Electronics, stated on the 23rd (local time) at Billingsgate in London, UK, "Every straight line, curve, and material has its own purpose, and every Samsung product begins with a clear intention." He added, "We have continuously asked ourselves what discomforts people might feel and how we can make the experience more comfortable, which has allowed us to enhance the level of perfection of Galaxy foldables."

He continued, "As technology advances, design should become not just about shaping the exterior, but about designing every moment the product is used," emphasizing, "The Galaxy Z8 series has been designed so that every moment—from opening the device, to holding it in your hand, and throughout use—feels even more comfortable and natural."

For each product, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is specialized for productivity and multitasking, while the Fold8 prioritizes an immersive media experience in line with its new 4:3 aspect ratio form factor. The Galaxy Z Flip8 is optimized for portability. Lee explained, "As the needs and usage patterns of foldable phone users diversify, a single form factor cannot meet everyone's expectations, which is why, based on experience from the past seven generations, we added the Galaxy Z Fold8 to create the most complete lineup."

Model draft image of Galaxy Z Fold8 introduced at the Galaxy Design Briefing held on the 23rd (local time) at Billingsgate, London, UK. Photo by Kyungjo Noh

He noted that the greatest inspiration for the Fold8 came from passports people carry when traveling. "To determine the size and proportions of the Fold8, we made and tested more than 500 mockups and explored various objects familiar in daily life," Lee explained. "We focused particularly on a size that fits snugly into the inside pocket of a jacket, usability that allows you to easily flip pages with one hand, and ergonomic proportions that enable you to see all the necessary information at a glance."

Regarding the Fold8 Ultra, which boasts the thinnest profile ever among foldable phones at just 4.1 mm, he said the goal was not simply to achieve a slim measurement. "We introduced what we call 'emotive slim,' where we refined the side frame and overall silhouette so users would feel it is thinner and more comfortable in hand," said Lee. "We also designed a gentle angle on the side frame where your fingers naturally rest during opening and closing, to ensure a smooth sensation each time."

He added, "We adjusted the curvature of the outer silhouette so that, even when closed, the device offers a comfortable grip and appears slimmer visually, and designed the camera to feel like an integral part of the product."

On the 23rd (local time), an exploded view of the 8th generation Galaxy Z series colors, materials, and finishes was introduced at the Galaxy Design Briefing held at Billingsgate in London, UK. Photo by Kyungjo Noh

Colors were carefully chosen in consideration of each product’s characteristics and target consumers to reflect users’ lifestyles and sensibilities. The Fold8 Ultra features a mature yet modern Violet Shadow as its signature color; the Fold8 is characterized by a calm Lavender; and the Flip8 stands out in lively Pink. Cream and Graphite are available across the entire lineup, providing versatile options that suit a wide range of preferences.

Lee also mentioned the Galaxy Watch, emphasizing that comfort during wear is key to its usability. "This watch series design builds on existing concepts while refining core details," he said. "We improved the overall completeness by seamlessly connecting the display, bezel, and body into a unified cushion design." He added, "Button shape and spacing have been adjusted so that users can easily differentiate buttons by touch alone, and the band is made of high-performance silicone so it remains comfortable even during extended wear." Regarding the band, he explained, "We verified comfort by using wrist data from over 100 million users and running more than 10,000 simulation tests."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.