A month-long evaluation of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 highlighted the significant role its external screen played in daily use. Measuring 5.5 inches with a 16:10 aspect ratio, the external display offers a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate through LTPO technology, which adjusts the screen's performance based on content. This screen is highly readable in different lighting conditions, with a peak brightness of 2870 cd/m²—making it visible even in direct sunlight—and a minimum brightness of 1.01 cd/m² for low-light environments. The reviewer found that the wider screen made typing more comfortable and allowed for full-screen viewing of photos, reminiscent of using a BlackBerry. However, using the device with one hand was sometimes difficult, and reaching the far edges required some flexibility. The external screen's size also had drawbacks, such as the keyboard taking up significant space and vertical videos not fully benefiting from the wider proportions. Taking photos required some adjustment, as the user’s index finger could sometimes appear in the frame. Fortunately, AI editing tools, such as the "magic eraser," helped reduce these issues. The internal screen, which is much larger, proved useful for tasks like viewing poorly designed websites, watching movies on public transport, or running multiple apps at once. Samsung improved the phone's design, reducing the visible crease in the screen, along with its weight (201 grams) and thickness (4.5 mm when open). The device features a 4800 mAh battery, a low-power Qualcomm processor, and well-optimized software. However, there were some compromises, including the lack of a telephoto lens in the dual 50 Mpx rear camera setup, the internal screen’s protective film being prone to scratches, and the placement of the biometric sensor on the side. The USB-C port's location might also inconvenience users of certain wireless controllers, and the speakers were not evenly balanced. The removal of Flex Mode—where the phone could be partially opened on a table—was another point of criticism, as it made video calls on a surface less intuitive. Despite the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s impressive large internal screen, the reviewer found that returning to a regular phone made them miss features they hadn’t expected. The device’s design sparked a reconsideration of the industry’s push toward elongated phones, many of which cost over 1000 euros. The Fold 8 demonstrated that a slightly wider form factor could be just as useful, prompting other manufacturers to explore similar ideas. For example, Huawei is developing a wider model with the Pura X View, while Apple is taking a different route with the iPhone Duo, which uses a passport-style format and focuses on software experience and versatility, such as using the phone as a mini-computer or tent. These approaches challenge the traditional large vertical rectangle that has dominated the market. While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 excels technically with its large screen and folding design, the most memorable feature for the reviewer was its external display. It made them long for a shorter and wider phone instead of a traditional foldable smartphone. The external screen’s usability and comfort stood out, suggesting that future foldable devices might benefit from rethinking the balance between width and foldability.