With the Galaxy Z Fold 7 setting a high bar for foldable camera performance, attention has swiftly turned to its successor. New leaks now provide the first concrete look at the imaging hardware Samsung is preparing for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, suggesting a significant, multi-pronged upgrade strategy aimed at closing the gap with its flagship S-series phones.
A Dual-Camera Upgrade Strategy Emerges
According to a report from the reliable Dutch outlet GalaxyClub, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, internally codenamed "Q8," is poised for notable improvements in two of its five cameras. While the headline-grabbing 200-megapixel main sensor from the Z Fold 7 is expected to remain unchanged—a sensible move given its already top-tier resolution—the real story lies in the supporting lenses. The most substantial leap is tipped for the ultrawide camera, which is reportedly jumping from a 12-megapixel sensor to a much more potent 50-megapixel unit. This would align the foldable with the ultrawide camera found on the current Galaxy S25 Ultra, promising a dramatic increase in detail for wide-angle shots and macro photography.
Rumored Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. Z Fold 7 Camera Specifications
| Camera Module | Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Current) | Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Rumored) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 200 MP | 200 MP | Expected to be the same sensor. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12 MP | 50 MP | Major upgrade; could match Galaxy S25 Ultra. |
| Telephoto Camera | 10 MP (3x optical) | 12 MP (3x optical) | Minor resolution increase. |
| Inner Selfie Camera | 10 MP | 10 MP | Unchanged. |
| Cover Selfie Camera | 10 MP | 10 MP | Unchanged. |
Refining the Zoom Experience
The telephoto lens is also in line for an upgrade, albeit a more modest one. The rumor suggests the Z Fold 8 will feature a 12-megapixel 3x optical zoom camera, replacing the 10-megapixel sensor in the Z Fold 7. This incremental boost in resolution should contribute to slightly sharper zoomed images. However, some enthusiasts may be disappointed that Samsung isn't leveraging a higher-resolution 50-megapixel sensor for the telephoto lens, a feature that enables superior hybrid zoom and more flexible cropping in other flagship devices.
The Cameras Expected to Stay the Same
The leak indicates that several other cameras will carry over from the previous generation. The powerful 200-megapixel main shooter will be retained, as will both the 10-megapixel front-facing camera on the inner display and the 10-megapixel cover screen selfie camera. This decision likely reflects the engineering and cost challenges of integrating more advanced sensors into the unique form factors of a foldable phone's displays. It means that for selfies, the Z Fold 8 may still lag behind even the standard Galaxy S25, which uses a 12-megapixel front camera.
A Second Foldable Enters the Picture
Intriguingly, the report also mentions a second Samsung foldable device codenamed "H8," speculated to be a wider model or a potential Fan Edition. This device is said to share the same 50-megapixel ultrawide camera with the main Z Fold 8, suggesting Samsung plans to propagate this key upgrade across its foldable lineup. The presence of such a high-end sensor in a potentially more affordable model complicates the theory of it being a simple "FE" device and hints at a more diversified foldable strategy from Samsung in 2026.
Reported Device Codename Details
- Q8: The internal codename for the main Galaxy Z Fold 8 model.
- H8: The internal codename for a second, distinct Samsung foldable device expected in 2026. It is rumored to share the 50MP ultrawide camera with the Z Fold 8. Speculation suggests it could be a wider "wide Fold" model or another variant.
Balancing Innovation with Practicality
The rumored camera specifications paint a picture of a calculated and pragmatic upgrade path. By significantly boosting the ultrawide and modestly improving the telephoto, Samsung addresses key photographic weaknesses without triggering a major cost increase that could push the phone's price well beyond the USD 2,000 mark. This approach allows the company to reserve its most advanced camera technologies, like a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto, for the S26 Ultra, maintaining a clear differentiation between its top-tier slab and foldable flagships.
The Broader Context for a 2026 Launch
These camera leaks arrive amidst other rumors pointing to a comprehensive overhaul for the Z Fold 8. Expected upgrades reportedly include a larger battery, faster charging, bigger displays with a reduced crease, and the possible return of integrated stylus support. When combined with the camera improvements, it suggests the Z Fold 8 could be a substantial, multi-faceted evolution over its highly successful predecessor. With Apple's first foldable iPhone also rumored for the 2026 timeframe, Samsung appears to be fortifying its best foldable with meaningful upgrades across the board to maintain its competitive edge.