Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 Set New South Korean Pre-order Record
The Z8 foldable series surpasses the long-standing benchmark set by the Galaxy Note 10 in 2019.
Samsung’s latest foldable lineup has achieved a historic milestone in its home market, signaling a decisive shift in consumer preference toward flexible screens. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and Galaxy Z Flip 8 have set a new domestic pre-order record in South Korea, totaling 1.44 million units.
This surge in demand eclipses the previous record of 1.38 million units, a benchmark held by the Galaxy Note 10 series since 2019. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 served as the primary engine of this growth, accounting for approximately 70% of the total pre-orders. According to The Korea Times, the pre-order window in Korea ran from July 28 to August 4.
A Strategic Pivot in Design
The record-breaking performance follows a significant shift in Samsung's foldable strategy. With the Z8 series, the company introduced a new 'Ultra' model and modified the standard Fold 8 to feature a wider, more passport-like form factor. This design change includes a 4:3 screen aspect ratio, which Samsung implemented to improve both portability and the overall video playback experience.
This hardware evolution is part of a broader effort to transition users away from traditional "bar-type" smartphones. The growth is evident when compared to previous launches: the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Fold 7 reached 1.04 million pre-orders, while the Galaxy S26 range totaled 1.35 million units. By surpassing both the previous foldable generation and the most recent S-series flagship, Samsung has demonstrated a growing appetite for its premium foldable technology.
Mainstreaming the Foldable
Breaking a record that stood for seven years—particularly one set by the highly successful Note series—suggests that foldables are no longer a niche enthusiast product. In Samsung's primary market, these devices are moving toward mainstream preference. This validation likely justifies the company's aggressive investment in diverse form factors and the introduction of higher-tier models like the Ultra.
What to Watch
As the Z8 series moves from pre-order to general availability, the industry will be watching to see if this domestic momentum translates into similar growth in global markets. While the South Korean data provides a strong indicator of consumer sentiment, the long-term success of the 4:3 aspect ratio and the new Ultra model will depend on how international users respond to the revised ergonomics and pricing.