The facts are clear. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 leaves no doubt that the wider format fold is an impressive new step in the foldable space when it’s open or closed.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 flexes a 5.5-inch 10:16 cover screen. The square shape allows users to view content comfortably in both portrait and landscape mode. Even folded, the device measures just 9.7mm thick.

The Fold 8 unfolded transforms into a wide format 7.6-inch mini tablet for a desktop-like experience to multitask or view content. The added anti-reflective coating works great to diffuse harsh overhead lighting. Unfolded, the Fold 8 is 4.5mm thin and super light at 201g.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 sports the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 CPU for fast and efficient performance. And the new Flex Titanium display structure adds stronger durability as the Fold 8 Ultra. The new hinge helps snap open the device confidently, but loses the flex mode option found in the Fold 8 Ultra.

Rounding out the device are dual 50MP cameras, Dual Recording, and the My FanCam—an AI tool that automatically tracks subjects and reframes footage for social-ready videos. The wide and ultrawide do well for quick snapshots but can be muddled when capturing detailed scenery. The 4K and 8K video quality is exceptional and can capture motion as well as the flagship competition.

The 4,800mAh silicon-carbon battery is mighty for all-day battery use and offers up to 26 hours of video playback. Traveling with the device outdoors using 5G, video, and maps had little impact on battery life. Map functionality was mixed with the compass unable to pinpoint line-of-sight correctly when walking to multiple points of interest.

While its formation was inspired purely by the competition, the Fold 8 holds its own as an exceptionally competent device. It’s entirely formidable as a complete phone experience when closed and extremely comfortable as a tablet when opened. Should there be any question that a foldable be less than the sum of its parts, this device leaves none.