SEOUL — Samsung Electronics’ next-generation foldable lineup, the Galaxy Z8 series, has set a new record for pre-orders, driving high demand that could leave some post-launch buyers waiting until September to receive their devices.
According to Samsung Electronics on Thursday, customers who pre-ordered the Galaxy Z Fold8 but have not yet received their units are scheduled to get them sequentially by August 31. The influx of orders exceeded the initial pre-order stock, leading to temporary supply constraints.
The shortage is particularly acute for the Galaxy Z Fold8 512GB model. During the pre-order promotion, Samsung offered a free storage upgrade (Double Storage benefit). Because most pre-order customers initially opted for the 256GB base tier, demand heavily shifted to the 512GB variant, straining inventory. Consequently, consumers purchasing the 512GB Z Fold8 after the official August 7 launch date are expected to receive their shipments starting in September. The 256GB model, however, is anticipated to ship sooner.
Record-Breaking Pre-Order Figures
The Galaxy Z8 lineup—comprising the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8—achieved a record 1.44 million pre-order units during its seven-day pre-sale period from July 28 to August 3. This marks the highest pre-order volume for any Galaxy smartphone to date.
High Demand for Fold: Approximately 7 out of 10 pre-order customers selected the Galaxy Z Fold8.
Broader Demographic Reach: Half of the customers who pre-ordered via Samsung.com were aged 10 to 39. Notably, young female buyers (ages 10–39) purchasing the Z Fold8 or Z Fold8 Ultra more than doubled compared to the previous Galaxy Z Fold7 generation.
Popular Color Choices:
Z Fold8 Ultra: Graphite, Violet Shadow
Z Fold8: Cream, Graphite
Z Flip8: Pink, Cream
The newly introduced "New Galaxy AI Subscription Club" also contributed to strong sales. The service guarantees up to a 50% trade-in value after one year when returning a 512GB model. Roughly half of the unlocked pre-order customers on Samsung.com opted into the plan.
Key Features Across the Lineup
Samsung differentiated the lineup to suit distinct user needs:
Galaxy Z Fold8: Features a passport-style 4:3 aspect ratio. It equips a 193.2 mm main screen when unfolded and a 10:16 ratio, 138.4 mm cover screen when folded, optimized for reading, video, and social media.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: Tailored for high productivity with a 203.1 mm display, enhanced multitasking capabilities, a 200-megapixel primary camera, and a 5,000 mAh battery.
Galaxy Z Flip8: Focuses on portability, coming in as the thinnest and lightest in the Flip series at 180 grams and 6.1 mm in thickness. It also introduces a new "Mirror View" feature designed for quick cosmetic checks.
Promotions and Global Rollout
Samsung will offer customers purchasing the Z8 series this month a 10% discount coupon for the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9, a 30% discount coupon for accessories, a 6-month Google AI Pro subscription, and a 3-month Welaaa audio platform subscription.
Following its initial release in South Korea, the Galaxy Z8 series will roll out sequentially across more than 100 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Japan.
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