The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is rapidly reshaping the consumer landscape of the foldable phone market. According to Samsung Electronics, the new product has broken away from the existing demand centered on middle-aged and older men, expanding its customer base to the 10-30 generation and female customers, achieving meaningful results in the global market.

Pre-order volumes both domestically and internationally increased by more than 30% compared to the previous model, making the trend of foldable phones establishing themselves as mainstream smartphones more distinct. According to Counterpoint Research analysis, global pre-order volumes for the Galaxy Z8 series increased by more than 30% compared to its predecessor, with a 39% increase in South Korea and over 20% in Europe. In the U.S. market as well, it surpassed the previous Fold series, which had been the highest-performing to date, by more than 30%. In Japan, some Galaxy Z Fold 8 models sold out at Samsung Electronics' official online store, with initial demand standing out even in the local market where iPhone preference is high.

The key to this change lies in design and usability improvements. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 maintains the advantages of a large screen while applying a thinner and lighter form factor and a wider screen ratio, simultaneously enhancing portability and the content consumption experience. When folded, it can be used like a regular smartphone, and when unfolded, it can be utilized for various purposes such as watching videos, using social media, and web browsing.

The shift in the consumer demographic is also clear. Based on Samsung.com, the 10-30 generation accounted for more than half of domestic pre-orders, with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 being the most chosen model among them. In particular, purchases by female customers in the 10-30 generation more than doubled compared to the previous model, indicating that demand, which had been concentrated among middle-aged and older men, has expanded to the young female demographic.

The industry evaluates that foldable phones are no longer 'special smartphones' for only a select group of consumers, but have entered a full-scale mainstream phase by attracting the interest of younger and female demographics through design and portability improvements. Counterpoint Research also analyzed that the wider screen and improved portability of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are the major factors behind its early success.