Samsung may be planning to downgrade a key hardware component in next year's Galaxy Z Fold 8. From the looks of it, the titanium used in the Galaxy Z Fold 7 will not be retained in the next Fold.
According to a new report from Korean news outlet The Elec, Samsung could be opting for a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) backplate on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 instead of the titanium used in the latest Z Fold 7.
The report suggests that Samsung is evaluating alternatives to titanium due to rising costs and limited supply. For those unaware, Samsung previously used CFRP in several generations of foldables from the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to the Galaxy Z Fold 6. This could potentially help the company reduce production costs and avoid supply chain issues.
While titanium undoubtedly offers a more premium feel and greater durability, it is more expensive. In comparison, CFRP is lighter, more affordable and easier to mass-produce. However, CFRP is slightly less durable in terms of withstanding impact and flex.
This potential downgrade is not the first thing Samsung has made in recent foldable design. For example, with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the company dropped S Pen support. Additionally, reports also suggest that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra could also ditch the S Pen.
The Elec also reports that Samsung is exploring other materials for future foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 8, including glass-reinforced plastics and even standard glass. However, no final decisions have apparently been made.
It'd be a shame to roll back the hardware upgrades that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 got since the foldable is touted to withstand a total of 500,000 folds, up from 200,000 on the Fold 6.
Moreover, Apple's first foldable iPhone is also expected to launch in 2026 with the brand. So, it will be interesting to see how the two devices fare against each other. Not to mention that we will also be getting the possibly slimmer and more durable Pixel 10 Pro Fold next month.
A lot of competition for Samsung in other words. Only time will tell how next year's Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 fares against them all.
