Samsung Electronics sold 1.44 million preorders for the Galaxy Z Fold8 in domestic markets, the highest ever for a Galaxy device. The new foldable phone features a thin passport-style design, weighing 201 grams, and is gaining significant traction among younger consumers and iPhone users in South Korea and Japan.
Samsung Electronics has finally captured the elusive demographic it has chased for years. The Koreajoongangdaily reports it is drawing crowds and winning over Apple loyalists, particularly younger female consumers in their teens through 30s.
Passport-Style Design Drives Record Domestic Preorders
Domestic preorders reached 1.44 million units for the device, setting a new record for any Galaxy hardware release. According to Samsung’s customer data, half of all preorder buyers fell into the teen, 20s, or 30s age brackets. Within that younger cohort, purchases by women more than doubled compared to the previous model.
The device breaks away from bulky mobile predecessors through a slim layout inspired by a passport. At 201 grams, it stands as the lightest foldable Samsung has ever manufactured. At the Samsung Store Hongdae in Mapo District, western Seoul, shoppers gravitating toward the display cited the physical build above all else.
“I was going to switch to an iPhone this time, but after actually trying the Z Fold8, I changed my mind because it’s light and the photos have a nice aesthetic.”
Jeong Seo-hee, 22-year-old consumer via Koreajoongangdaily
Social media feeds quickly filled with unboxing reviews and commentary from former iPhone users making the leap. Observers on Instagram and other platforms posted remarks declaring that the iPhone feels like a dad phone now
alongside emotional farewells from long-term Apple users.
Breaking Into Apple Strongholds in Japan
The momentum extends beyond South Korea into neighboring Japan, a market historically dominated by Apple where iPhones maintain a nearly 52 percent market share and Samsung traditionally sits in third place.
Following its August 7 launch, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 temporarily sold out on Samsung’s online store in the country. Reservations to test the hardware at the flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo, reached full capacity as local buyers converted from casual interest to actual purchases.
Galaxy is still a minor player in Japan, but there is a growing perception that Samsung has an advantage over Apple when it comes to foldables,
IT engineer Leo Yasumura noted in a video interview cited by Koreajoongangdaily.
Durability Testing Exposes Hinge Vulnerabilities
While consumer enthusiasm remains high, teardown analysis reveals mechanical vulnerabilities inherent to the foldable form factor. A detailed examination conducted by TechRadar shows that iFixit opened up the hardware to test its resistance against foreign debris.
The device carries an ingress protection rating of IP48, signifying protection against water but limited defense against fine particulates. When subjected to a light sprinkling of sand featuring particles measuring 0.16mm—well below the 1mm threshold covered by the official rating—the hinge started making truly awful crunching and grinding noises, and the phone stopped opening normally
according to the teardown report.
While internal seals protected batteries and main electronic boards, the complex mechanical folding mechanism remained exposed to friction from dust and sand. Analysts note that upcoming competitors, including Apple’s anticipated entry into the folding market, will have to engineer solutions for the same fundamental physical limitations.
Market Positioning and Pricing Structure
Samsung’s broader foldable lineup spans multiple tiers to capture varying segments of the luxury market. Alongside the standard model, the company released the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
Cumulative global sales for the device have already surpassed 5 million units. Business analysts suggest the hardware marks a turning point for a brand that previously struggled to generate emotional attachment among trend-conscious buyers.
“Stimulating the feeling of ‘I want that’ is the starting point of sales, and that has been an area where Samsung Electronics has faced difficulties. This time, by becoming a first mover with a new form factor, it has appealed to consumers with a strong desire to differentiate themselves.”
Kim Dae-jong, professor of business administration at Sejong University via Koreajoongangdaily
With upcoming hardware releases expected across the industry later in the year, the durability of this design shift will depend on how well the hardware withstands everyday wear beyond initial aesthetic appeal.
