No more tricks: Galaxy Z Flip 8 finally unlocks the external display

The July 22 Unpacked event is drawing closer, and more rumors about the new foldable smartphones are surfacing. We have spoken extensively about the Z Fold 8 (Wide) and Z Fold 8 Ultra models, while the clamshell foldable seems to hold fewer surprises compared to its bigger siblings.

In reality, it seems that Samsung has focused on improving the experience rather than overturning things, and among the novelties of Galaxy Z Flip 8 there could also be greater freedom in using the external display.

Galaxy Z Flip 8 identical on the outside, but the external display could get the turning point we were waiting for

The current Galaxy Z Flip 7 introduced the external display in the FlexWindow format: the dimensions of the Super AMOLED panel have grown more generous (4.1″), with a surface occupying the entire upper portion of the chassis and the same fluidity as the internal display (120 Hz).

The true turning point is the possibility of running apps without opening the smartphone. However, here lies the limitation: the device supports only a few optimized apps, but to really take advantage of any software it is necessary to use the Good Lock MultiStar module.

So while a step forward has been made on one hand, the process appears clunky and not very intuitive for less experienced users. A native system would be needed to freely use the external display of the clamshell foldable.

The solution should arrive with the imminent Galaxy Z Flip 8: according to the latest leaks both displays can be used without interruption, just as with the Galaxy Z Fold family models. The external panel should therefore work exactly like the internal one, offering the same functionalities and access to the same apps.

This software-side shift could be a winning move, even given the few hardware and aesthetic changes. Images of the entire foldables lineup have emerged , and the new Z Flip 8 seems identical to its predecessor. The technical spec also does not appear to present major changes (for now it is based on leaks), with the only addition of the Exynos 2600.

Presumed technical specifications

• Dimensions and weight: 166.8 x 75.4 x 6.6 mm (open), 85.4 x 75.4 x 13.2 mm (closed), 180 grams
• Colors: Graphite, Cream, Pink
• IP48 certification
• External display: 4.1″ HD+ Super AMOLED (1048 x 948 pixels) with 120 Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection
• Internal display: 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Full HD+ (2,640 x 1,080 pixels) in 21:9 with LTPO 120 Hz refresh rate and up to 2,600 nits brightness
• Security: side-mounted fingerprint reader
• Liquid cooling with vapor chamber
• SoC: Samsung Exynos 2600, 2 nm Samsung Foundry
• CPU: Deca-core
  • 1 x 3.8 GHz – ARM C1-Ultra
  • 3 x 3.25 GHz – ARM C1-Pro
  • 6 x 2.75 GHz – ARM C1-Pro
• GPU: Xclipse 960
• RAM: 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM
• Storage: 256/512 GB UFS 4.0 non-expandable
• Battery: 4,300 mAh
• Charging: 25W, wireless (?)
• Camera: 50 + 12 MP (f/1.8-2.2) with OIS and 123° ultra-wide
• Selfie camera: 10 MP (f/2.2)
• Connectivity and others: Dual SIM 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS, Stereo speakers, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, Galaxy AI
• Operating system: Android 17 with One UI 9