Galaxy Z Fold Sales Surge 45 Percent Across Europe
Samsung Electronics announced that combined European sales for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra jumped 45 percent compared to the Galaxy Z Fold7 during the first nine weeks following their August 7, 2026 launch. Alongside the hardware sales, online interest climbed rapidly. Google searches for Samsung foldable smartphones surged over 260 percent across major European markets in September, peaking between September 6 and 12 with a 460 percent increase over the previous comparable period.
The lineup includes the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip8, all integrated with Galaxy AI capabilities such as the Now Brief tool and Gemini Intelligence. Samsung is actively designing the Galaxy Z Fold9 with a targeted open thickness of 3.9 millimeters and a closed profile of 7.9 millimeters, a drastic reduction from the current 9.7-millimeter depth.
Under-Display Cameras Return to Rival Apple
To compete directly with Apple’s iPhone Duo, Samsung may bring back the under-display selfie camera for the Galaxy Z Fold9, as NapiDroid reported. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 through Fold6 featured an under-display sensor, but Samsung reverted to a traditional punch-hole cutout with the Fold7 and maintained that design for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra. The company previously dropped the under-display technology because users wanted higher image quality rather than hidden placement, citing washed colors and low resolution.
Apple adopted an under-display camera for the iPhone Duo despite similar visual compromises, prompting Samsung to reevaluate the hardware. While testers agree under-display image quality still lags behind traditional punch-hole cameras, leaks indicate Samsung is willing to try the technology again to match its chief competitor. Whether these slimmed-down dimensions and hidden camera specifications apply to the standard Fold9 or a Z Fold9 Ultra remains unconfirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick is the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold9 expected to be?
Leaks suggest the Galaxy Z Fold9 will measure 3.9 millimeters when unfolded and 7.9 millimeters when folded, according to NapiDroid. This compares to the 9.7-millimeter thickness of current models.
Why did Samsung abandon under-display cameras in previous models?
Samsung dropped the technology after the Galaxy Z Fold6 because users preferred the superior image quality of traditional punch-hole cameras over the hidden sensor’s limitations.
How much did European sales grow for the Galaxy Z Fold8 series?
Combined European sales for the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra increased by 45 percent over the Galaxy Z Fold7 during their first nine weeks on the market.
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