As Samsung's flagship foldable series continues to mature, attention is turning to its next iteration. New leaks suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 8, expected in mid-2026, will focus on significant camera enhancements, particularly for its secondary lenses, aiming to close the imaging gap with the company's top-tier Ultra smartphones.
The Core Camera Configuration Takes Shape
According to reports from Dutch outlet GalaxyClub, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 (codenamed Q8) will retain the formidable 200-megapixel primary sensor introduced with its predecessor. This suggests Samsung is confident in the high-resolution sensor's performance for detailed stills and pixel-binning in low light. The front-facing cameras, however, are rumored to remain a point of contention. Both the cover screen and inner display are said to keep 10-megapixel selfie cameras, a specification that has been phased out of the standard Galaxy S series, potentially leaving the foldable feeling dated in the video call and selfie department.
Reported Galaxy Z Fold 8 Camera Specifications (vs. Z Fold 7):
| Camera Module | Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Current) | Galaxy Z Fold 8 (Rumored) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Camera | 200 MP | 200 MP | Expected to be the same sensor. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12 MP | 50 MP | Major upgrade; said to be the S25 Ultra's sensor. |
| Telephoto Camera | 10 MP (3x Optical Zoom) | 12 MP (3x Optical Zoom) | Sensor resolution upgrade; may match S26 Ultra telephoto. |
| Cover Display Selfie | 10 MP | 10 MP | Unchanged; lower resolution than current S-series. |
| Inner Display Selfie | 10 MP | 10 MP | Unchanged; under-display camera not mentioned. |
A Major Leap for the Ultrawide Lens
The most substantial upgrade appears to be reserved for the ultrawide-angle camera. The leak indicates Samsung plans to replace the current 12-megapixel sensor with the 50-megapixel unit found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. This would represent a massive leap in resolution and, presumably, detail capture for wide-angle shots and could significantly improve low-light performance for this lens. If true, it marks a strategic move to elevate the Fold series' photographic versatility to match Samsung's very best.
Refinements to the Telephoto Zoom
While the optical zoom factor is expected to stay at 3x, the telephoto sensor itself is reportedly getting an upgrade. The spec is tipped to move from 10 megapixels to 12 megapixels. This sensor is believed to be the same one destined for the Galaxy S26 Ultra's telephoto array. The modest resolution bump, combined with potential sensor improvements, should offer clearer zoomed images with better color and dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting conditions where previous foldable zooms have sometimes struggled.
The Broader Foldable Strategy and Mysterious "H8"
The report also hints at Samsung's expanding foldable portfolio. It mentions a separate device, codenamed "H8," which is also listed as featuring a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. This has sparked speculation about a potential Galaxy Z Fold Fan Edition or another derivative model, suggesting Samsung is testing different configurations and price points for its book-style foldables. This aligns with an industry trend of using a flagship model to establish a high bar, followed by more accessible variants to capture a wider audience.
Key Context from the Leaks:
- Source: Information originates from GalaxyClub, citing supply chain sources.
- Launch Timeline: The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is not expected to launch until July 2026 or later.
- Mystery Device: A separate device codenamed "H8" with a 50MP ultrawide camera was also mentioned, potentially indicating a Fan Edition or other variant.
- Strategic Shift: The upgrades focus on secondary cameras, aiming to narrow the imaging gap between the Fold series and the Galaxy S Ultra lineup.
What These Leaks Mean for the 2026 Foldable Market
With an expected launch not before July 2026, Samsung has ample time to refine the Galaxy Z Fold 8's final specifications. However, the consistent theme from these early leaks is clear: Samsung is methodically addressing historical camera compromises in its foldables. By focusing on the ultrawide and telephoto modules—areas where slab-style flagships have traditionally held an advantage—Samsung signals that its foldables are evolving from innovative form factors into complete, no-compromise flagship devices. The planned upgrades, particularly the high-resolution ultrawide, suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will be positioned not just as the best folding phone, but as a true contender for the title of best camera phone overall when it arrives next summer.