Samsung has just broken a sales record that had remained untouched for nearly seven years. The company announced that the Galaxy Z8 series, which includes the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, has set a new all-time domestic preorder record in South Korea. According to Samsung, 1.44 million units of the new foldables were preordered in the company's home market, surpassing the previous record of 1.38 million set by the Galaxy Note 10 series back in 2019.
This is a significant milestone for Samsung's foldable lineup. It shows that foldable smartphones have finally moved from a niche experiment to a mainstream choice among Korean consumers. The Galaxy Z8 series did what no Galaxy flagship family has accomplished in over half a decade, and it did so with ease, beating the Galaxy Note 10's long-standing record by nearly 60,000 units.
A record that stood since 2019
To understand the magnitude of this achievement, it helps to look back at the Galaxy Note 10 era. In August 2019, Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus, and the pair quickly became a sensation in South Korea. The Note series had always been popular among power users, but the 2019 iteration took things to a new level. The sleek design, powerful specs, and the beloved S Pen made the Note 10 series an instant hit. Samsung reported 1.38 million preorders in Korea, a figure that at the time seemed almost unbeatable.
For years, no Galaxy flagship family managed to surpass that number. Not the Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, or S24 series, and not the subsequent Galaxy Note 20 series. Even as Samsung continued to refine its flagship smartphones, the company could not top the Note 10's preorder figure. The Galaxy S26 range, for example, launched recently and reached 1.35 million preorders, which was close but still short of the Note 10's record. The previous foldable generation, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7, recorded 1.04 million preorders. That was a solid showing, but it was nowhere near the record.
Now, with the Galaxy Z8 series, Samsung has finally broken through. The 1.44 million preorder figure is not just a new record; it is a statement that foldables are no longer a side project but a core pillar of Samsung's smartphone business.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 drove the surge
One of the most interesting details from Samsung's announcement is the sales breakdown within the Z8 series. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 accounted for roughly 70% of all preorders. That is a notable shift, as historically, the Flip series has often outsold the Fold series in many markets. The Galaxy Z Flip's clamshell design made it more accessible and pocketable, appealing to a broader audience. The Fold, on the other hand, was typically seen as a productivity-focused device with a larger price tag.
So why did the Z Fold 8 dominate this time? Samsung says the new Fold introduces a fresh form factor for the manufacturer. It features a wider design and a 4:3 folding screen, which makes it ideal for video playback. The aspect ratio is closer to a traditional tablet, offering a more immersive viewing experience compared to the narrower displays of earlier Fold models. Additionally, the compact design and improved ergonomics make it easier to hold and use as a daily driver.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 also benefits from being positioned at a relatively more accessible price point. The base model starts at $1,899.99, which is still expensive but lower than the previous Fold's launch price. Combined with trade-in offers that can bring the price down significantly, the Z Fold 8 has become a more enticing option for those who want a book-style foldable without paying an astronomical premium.
The Fold 8 Ultra adds a premium option
In addition to the standard Z Fold 8, Samsung also released the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. This is the most expensive device in the lineup, with an MSRP of $2,099.99. It comes with a larger 5,000mAh battery, faster 45W charging, and the same camera system found on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. While the Ultra likely represents a smaller share of sales, it helps Samsung capture the ultra-premium segment of the market.
Samsung revealed that Cream and Graphite were the most popular color choices for the Z Fold 8, while Fold 8 Ultra buyers preferred Graphite and Violet Shadow. For the Flip 8, Pink and Cream were the top shades. These color preferences are interesting from a marketing perspective, as they suggest that buyers are leaning toward more neutral, professional tones for the larger foldable, while the Flip continues to attract those who want a more playful, fashion-forward device.
Preorder incentives and market context
Samsung's preorder success in Korea did not happen in a vacuum. The company has been aggressive with trade-in promotions and preorder bonuses. In Korea, carriers and Samsung's own online store typically offer generous discounts, free storage upgrades, and other perks to encourage early adoption. For the Galaxy Z8 series, Samsung also introduced a savings program for international buyers. Until August 7, customers who preorder one of the new foldables can get up to $1,200 in savings with an eligible trade-in, or a $200 credit without a trade-in.
These incentives are clearly working. The Z8 series has managed to outperform not only the previous foldable generation but also the Galaxy S26 series, which is Samsung's flagship slab phone lineup. That is remarkable because the S26 range has traditionally been the company's best-seller. The fact that a foldable series can beat the S26 in preorders signals a shift in consumer preferences.
It also highlights the growing maturity of foldable display technology. Early foldables were plagued by concerns over durability, screen creases, and high repair costs. Over the years, Samsung has addressed many of these issues with improved hinges, stronger display panels, and better water resistance. The Galaxy Z8 series benefits from these refinements, making foldables a more practical choice for mainstream users.
The broader foldable market
Samsung is not the only player in the foldable market, but it remains the dominant force. According to industry data, Samsung has consistently held the largest share of global foldable shipments since the launch of the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. However, competition has intensified. Chinese manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo have introduced their own foldable devices, often with cutting-edge hardware and lower prices. In some markets, Samsung's lead has narrowed, but in South Korea, the company's home turf, it still commands overwhelming loyalty.
The 1.44 million preorder figure also comes at a time when the global smartphone market has been relatively flat. Many consumers are holding onto their devices for longer, and innovation has slowed in the traditional slab phone segment. Foldables represent one of the few areas where there is meaningful new technology to entice buyers. Samsung's ability to set a new preorder record with the Z8 series suggests that the foldable category has significant momentum.
Looking at the broader timeline, Samsung has gone from selling a few hundred thousand foldables in the first generation to breaking a domestic preorder record with the eighth generation. This is a trajectory that few other product categories in the smartphone industry have matched. The pace of improvement from the Galaxy Fold to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been rapid, with each generation bringing a thinner design, a more durable hinge, a better camera, and a more refined software experience.
What the record means for Samsung
For Samsung, this preorder record is more than just a bragging right. It validates the company's long-term bet on foldable technology. When Samsung unveiled the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, many critics were skeptical. The device had a fragile screen, a bulky design, and a very high price. Some even wondered if foldables were a gimmick that would never catch on. But Samsung persisted, and the Galaxy Z series has evolved into a compelling product line.
The success of the Z8 series also gives Samsung a stronger competitive position going into the second half of the year. Apple has yet to release a foldable iPhone, and although rumors persist, the earliest possible launch is likely still a year or more away. That gives Samsung a window of opportunity to solidify its leadership in the foldable segment and attract users who are eager to try a new form factor.
In addition, the record preorder performance could have a positive impact on Samsung's overall financial results. Foldables carry higher profit margins than traditional smartphones, so a strong sales performance in this category can boost the company's bottom line. The fact that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 accounted for 70% of preorders means that the average selling price of the Z8 series is likely very high, which is good news for Samsung's revenue.
International outlook
While the Korean preorder record is a major achievement, Samsung's foldable success is not limited to its home market. The Galaxy Z8 series is also available for preorder in many other countries, and the company will be hoping for equally strong results internationally. The global foldable market has been growing steadily, and Samsung is well-positioned to capture that growth.
Of course, international demand may not match Korea's enthusiasm. Samsung is an iconic brand in South Korea, and local consumers are often quick to embrace new technology. In other regions, foldables have been slower to gain traction, partly due to higher prices and lingering concerns about durability. Samsung's aggressive trade-in offers and promotional credits are designed to overcome those barriers.
One interesting aspect of the Z8 series is the fact that Samsung has expanded its lineup to include three devices: the Flip 8, the Fold 8, and the Fold 8 Ultra. This gives consumers more choice and allows Samsung to cater to different budgets and use cases. The Flip 8 is the most affordable and pocketable option, while the Fold 8 offers a large-screen experience without breaking the bank, and the Fold 8 Ultra is for those who want the absolute best specifications.
Each of these devices has its own appeal. The Flip 8, with its 4,300mAh battery and improved FlexWindow, is ideal for people who want a compact phone that can still perform like a flagship. The Fold 8, with its new form factor and 45W charging, is a great option for media lovers and multitaskers. The Fold 8 Ultra, with its massive battery and S26 Ultra cameras, is the ultimate productivity tool.
The colors people chose
Color choices often reveal a lot about consumer preferences, and the Z8 series is no exception. For the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Cream and Graphite were the most popular colors. Cream has a warm, premium feel, while Graphite offers a classic, understated look. Both colors are relatively safe choices that appeal to professional users. For the Fold 8 Ultra, Graphite and Violet Shadow were the top picks. Violet Shadow adds a touch of color without being too flashy, appealing to those who want a device that stands out subtly.
The Galaxy Z Flip 8, meanwhile, saw Pink and Cream as the most popular shades. Pink has long been a favorite for the Flip series, as it gives the device a fashionable, accessories-like vibe. Cream, on the other hand, offers a more neutral alternative. The fact that pink remains popular suggests that the Flip series continues to attract a style-conscious audience.
Samsung's emphasis on color and design is part of a broader strategy to differentiate its foldables from traditional smartphones. The company has been working with various designers and materials to create devices that are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The Z8 series, with its slim profile and premium finishes, is a direct result of that approach.
As of now, Samsung has closed preorders in Korea, but customers in other regions still have until August 7 to reserve their units. With the domestic record already shattered, Samsung will be watching to see whether its international preorder numbers can follow suit. If the global response matches the enthusiasm shown in Korea, the Galaxy Z8 series could go down as one of the most successful foldable launches in Samsung's history.
Source: Android Authority News